Treasures of Finland's West Coast 2010
8 days / 7 nights, Helsinki (Espoo) - Turku - Pori - Vaasa - Kokkola - Tampere - Helsinki | Finland's western coast offers diverse scenery, ranging from an amazing archipelago and coastline to verdant countryside with vast open fields further inland together with settlements concentrated along riverbanks. Picturesque seascapes, the shimmering sea and sunny sandy beaches contribute their own aspect to the variety of landscapes in the region. The colourful Ostrobothnian culture impresses in both culinary and handicraft traditions combining influences of both past and present. Attractive town districts with skillfully constructed wooden houses, centuries of tar - making and seafaring heritage, and strong traditions of Finland's Swedish - speaking population give this region its special character unlike anywhere else in Finland.
| Departure | Daily, June 1st to August 31st, 2010 |
| Price | $ 745 per person in double room $ 1,325 single room $ 670 per person in triple room $ 265 extra bed for child 4 - 13 yrs sharing room with adults |
| Included | 7 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 | Helsinki (Espoo) ‐Turku‐Pori‐Vaasa‐Kokkola‐Tampere‐Helsinki. This is a non - escorted tour. The accommodations have been booked and confirmed. |
| Tour Options | Additional nights in Helsinki Silja Line Cruise, Helsinki-Stockholm Silja Line Turku - Stockholm |
Day 1 HELSINKI Arrive Helsinki and transfer on your own to Radisson SAS Hotel Espoo, situated only 9 km from Helsinki city centre. The hotel has a peaceful location at waterfront close to beautiful natural surroundings.
Radisson SAS Hotel Espoo
Day 2 HELSINKI - TURKU (B) Driving distance:175 km 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.
Ramada Hotel Turku
Day 3 TURKU - RAUMA - PORI (B) Driving distance: 160 km The history of Rauma goes back to the 15th century when Fransiscan monks constructed a monastery on the site. Old Rauma with its wooden architecture is one of the five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Finland. Bobbin lace making, a handicraft originally brought to the town by seamen, still flourishes here. Pori is famous for its sandy beaches and Europe's largest Jazz Festival, held in July. It is worth taking a scenic archipelago road to the island of Reposaari, situated 32 km from the centre of Pori. It is like a small town of its own with many wooden houses.
Scandic Hotel Pori
Day 4 PORI - VAASA (B) Driving distance: 191 km Heading for the north, pass by small coastal towns with typical wooden houses. Off the coast of Vaasa lies an amazing archipelago, which is easy to explore by car or by taking a sightseeing cruise. Korsholm island is home to an interesting open-air museum and a craftsmen's village.
Radisson SAS Hotel Vaasa
Day 5 VAASA - KOKKOLA (B) Driving distance: 150 km Running from island to island, the scenic route known as the “Seven Bridges Archipelago Road” takes in spectacular coastal scenery and attractive small towns. The northernmost point of the route, Kokkola, has a charming district of wooden buildings. Overnight at Sokos Hotel Kaarle in the heart of Kokkola.
Sokos Hotel Kaarle
Day 6 KOKKOLA - TAMPERE (B) Driving distance: 324 km Head to the south and drive past Lappajärvi, a lake formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. Pass by small rural towns and villages, vast open fields and farms. The industrial heritage of Tampere, the largest city of the Finnish Lakeland, is reflected in the architecture of the city centre. The lake scenery can be viewed from top of an observation tower or from aboard a sightseeing boat. Overnight in Tampere at Scandic Hotel Rosendahl, which has a beautiful lakeside location in the heart of the scenic Pyynikki ridge area.
Scandic Hotel Rosendahl
Day 7 TAMPERE - HELSINKI (B) Driving distance: 176km On the way to Helsinki, it is worth visiting Iittala Glass Centre where you can see glass blowing and purchase Finnish design products. Overnight at Radisson SAS Hotel Seaside in Helsinki.
Radisson SAS Hotel Seaside
Day 8 DEPARTURE Check out after breakfast. Depart for home.