Finland » Cruises » Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun– Finland –11 days / 10 nights, Helsinki - Turku - Rauma - Hämeenlinna - Tampere - Jyväskylä - Mikkeli - Lappeenranta - Porvoo - HelsinkiIn summer, the Midnight Sun in Finland offers almost 24 hours daylight to enjoy historic places of natural beauty and the wide range of cultural festivals. The self-drive tour offers you the freedom to discover the southwestern countryside and the Lakeland on your own. We have suggested some points of interest and highlights to experience along the route. The lakes and forests offer great opportunities for lovely boat cruises and leisurely walks.
| Operation | May 1 - September 9, 2012 |
| Departure | Daily on request May 1 - September 9, 2012 |
| Price | $1,095 per person in double room $1,860 single room $725 extra bed in a double room, adult |
| Included | 10 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with bath/ shower Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily Taxes & service charges |
| Not Included | International airfare & Airport taxes Car rental, entrance fees or any other services Fuel charges Personal insurance / personal items $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | This is a non - escorted tour. Your accommodations are booked and confirmed. Please request our favorable car rental rates with Avis Scandinavia. |
| Tour Options | Additional nights in Helsinki St. Petersburg Art & Ballet Silja Line Cruise, Helsinki - Stockholm Tallink cruise Helsinki - Tallinn St. Peter Line cruise, Helsinki - Tallinn - St. Petersburg, visa free! |
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Day 1 HELSINKI Individual arrival in Helsinki - Vantaa Airport. Transfer on your own to your hotel. Check-in and time at leisure. Overnight at Cumulus Airport Hotel.
Day 2 HELSINKI - TURKU (B) To get the most out of the rural heritage landscapes in the stretch between the modern metropolis of Helsinki and the historic town of Turku, leave the main roads and head for the quiet byways. This is where the King's Road tourist route winds through fascinating small towns, charming villages and scenic countryside. The historic road, which once linked the Kingdom of Sweden with the Russian Empire, offers a wealth of cultural heritage sites worth a visit, including the ruins of the Raasepori Castle, the Mustio Manor and Fiskars Ironworks. As the oldest city and the former capital of Finland, Turku is home to the most remarkable medieval landmarks of the country, including the Castle and the Cathedral. Aboa Vetus Museum shows the history of Turku and remains of early settlements. The wooden workshop houses of the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum tell tales about the trades and city life of days gone by. Overnight at Cumulus Hotel Turku.
Driving distance: 175 km
Day 3 TURKU - RAUMA (B) A lovely drive through Naantali with its charming wooden houses. The coastal town of Rauma is home to the biggest complete area of old wooden buildings that has been preserved in the Nordic countries. Enjoy a walk in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and step inside a lace shop to see a demonstration of lace - making, a 200 year old tradition in Rauma.
Driving distance: 95 km
Day 4 RAUMA - HÄMEENLINNA (Aulanko) (B) Finland's oldest inland town, Hämeenlinna, boasts a 700-year-old brick castle, which is one of Finland's medieval fortifications. Other attractions include the birthplace and childhood home of the worldfamous composer Jean Sibelius and the lovely Aulanko Park. Overnight at Rantasipi Aulanko Hotel, in spectacular setting near Hämeenlinna.
Driving distance: 190 km
Day 5 HÄMEENLINNA (B) Take a leisurely walk to enjoy the magnificent Aulanko Park and climb up the old observation tower for stunning views of the Finnish forest and lake landscape at its most genuine. Overnight at Rantasipi Aulanko Hotel.
Day 6 HÄMEENLINNA - TAMPERE (B) Interesting places of visit on the Hämeenlinna - Tampere route include the medieval stone church in Hattula, the Iittala Glass Museum and factory shop, and the Visavuori home museum in Valkeakoski. With an industrial heritage, Tampere has an array of museums that show the culture of the working class such as Amuri Museum of Worker's Housing. Vapriikki museum centre is located in an old industrial complex by the Tammerkoski Rapids and Sara Hildén Art Museum houses a fine collection of modern art. Overnight at Cumulus Hotel in Tampere.
Driving distance: 75 km
Day 7 TAMPERE - JYVASKYLÄ (B) On the Tampere-Jyväskylä route it is worth making the detour to Mänttä. Gösta Serlachius Museum of Fine Arts at Mänttä is home to an outstanding private art collection. The old wooden church at Petäjävesi with a history dating back over 250 years is a fine example of vernacular architectural tradition. Jyväskylä Region is renowned for buildings designed by the internationally acclaimed Alvar Aalto. Overnight at Rantasipi Laajavuori in Jyväskylä.
Driving distance: 175 km
Day 8 JYVASKYLÄ - MIKKELI (B) In Mikkeli the Kenkävero handicrafts center, earlier the largest wooden vicarage in Finland, is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture and gardens. Overnight at Cumulus Hotel Mikkeli.
Driving distance: 115 km
Day 9 MIKKELI - LAPEENRANTA (B) The route from Mikkeli via Puumala and Imatra to Lappeenranta passes through some of the most spectacular lake scenery in Finland. In the historical fortress area of Lappeenranta there are workshops of local artists and craftsmen. Wolkoff House museum from the 19th century portrays the life of a Russian trading family. The orthodox church bears witness to the eastern influences on the Karelian culture. Overnight at Cumulus Hotel Lappeenranta.
Driving distance: 180 km
Day 10: LAPEENRANTA - HELSINKI (B) From Lappeenranta it is possible to continue back to Helsinki via Kotka, a town with maritime heritage, and visit the imperial fishing lodge built on the banks of the Langinkoski Rapids. Another option is to drive via Kouvola and then turn off to Jaala to visit the unique Verla Mill Museum and Village. Other points of interest along the journey include the old ironworks village in Ruotsinpyhtää dotted with red 18th - century workers' houses, and the idyllic old quarter of Porvoo with its narrow cobblestone lanes and handicraft boutiques. Helsinki offers a wide variety of things to experience ranging from art, design and an array of architectural gems to great shopping facilities and cultural offerings. Proximity to the sea and forest gives Helsinki its distinctive ambience. Overnight at Cumulus Hotel Kaisaniemi in Helsinki.
Driving distance: 220 km
Day 11 DEPARTURE Check out after breakfast. Departure for home.