2010
SUMMER FINLAND TOURS
Tour
1. Fascinating Cities and Lakes by Train
Tour Southern Finland's major cities by train and stay at hotels nestled in a beautiful natural setting near water, providing a taste of the enchanting Finnish landscape at its most typical. The highlight of the tour is a scenic cruise on a blue lake.
Helsinki is a city of contrasts, a high-tech metropolis by the sea with proximity to peaceful and quiet natural surroundings. Guided excursions are arranged to the pristine evergreen forests, and the best way to sense the beautiful archipelago scenery is to take a sightseeing cruise. The city offers a wide selection of museums, exhibitions, culture and shopping. Highlights include architectural gems of various styles and the Suomenlinna sea fortress, built on six islands off the city shore.
Hämeenlinna, the birthplace of Finland’s greatest composer Jean Sibelius, is a small lakeside town. Its main landmark is the Häme Castle, dating back to the end of the 13th century.
Tampere, a city of blue lakes and green parks, had an important role in the early stages of industrialisation in Finland. It grew by the surging rapids on a neck of land between two large lakes and is the largest city in the Thousand Lakes area, yet with a small town feel. Many of the old red-brick factory buildings today house interesting galleries and exhibitions.
The river is the heart of Turku and in summer the riverbanks are pulsing with life. Finland’s first capital is home to some of the country’s most remarkable medieval landmarks, the Cathedral and the Castle. Also worth a visit is the unique open-air crafts museum at Luostarinmäki, which contains original timber houses and workshops offering an insight into work and life in the early 19th century.
Departures:
Sundays, Mondays, Tuesday & Wednesdays, May 30 - August 11
Duration:
8 days / 7 nights
Prices
per Person in USD in Shared Twin Room - Land only.
In shared twin room $1366
Single supplement $ 569
Extra bed adult $ 493
Child 4 - 12 years in extra bed sharing the room with two adults $ 228
Tour
Includes:
· accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with bath or shower
· 7 breakfasts
· 2nd class train tickets with seat reservations; Helsinki to Hämeenlinna, Tampere to Turku and Turku to Helsinki
·boat ticket from Aulanko to Hotel Rosendahl in Tampere
· Helsinki Card for 48 hours
· service charges and taxes on included items
NOTE!
This is a non-escorted tour
Day
1: Arrive Helsinki
Day 2: Helsinki
Day 3: Helsinki - Hämeenlinna (108 km, train)
Day 4: Hämeenlinna - Tampere ( 8 hours, boat)
Day 5: Tampere
Day 6: Tampere - Turku (170 km, train)
Day 7:
Turku - Helsinki (194 km, train)
Day 8: Depart Helsinki
Day
1: A city by the Sea
Transfer on your own to your hotel, situated by the sea slightly out of the centre and only a few steps from the nearest tram stop. You receive your travel documents at the hotel reception. Included is a 48-hour Helsinki card along with a booklet that contains details of the bonuses it offers. The card is an all-in-one public transportation and admission ticket, an easy way to discover Helsinki on your own. Overnight at Sokos Hotel Torni
Day
2: Discovering the Capital City
Full day to explore Helsinki. With the Helsinki Card included, city tours are available free or at a discounted price. Overnight at Sokos Hotel Torni.
Day
3: Cozy Lakeside Town
Travel by train to Hämeenlinna. Transfer on your own to your lakeside hotel, just minutes by car from the centre. Take advantage of the hotels wide choice of leisure activities or just stroll in the surrounding forest park. Overnight at Hotel Rantasipi Aulanko
Day
4: Scenic Lake Cruise
Depart by boat from hotel pier for a lake cruise to Tampere. On the way, visit the famous sculptor Emil Wikström's former home and studio, now a museum exhibiting a wide selection of the artist’s works and those of his grandson, who was known as Finland’s most celebrated political cartoonist. Entrance fee is not included. Disembark in the evening at the pier of your hotel in Tampere. It is a short walk from pier to hotel. Overnight at Scandic Hotel Rosendahl
Day
5: Tampere, City with an Industrial Heritage
Take a break in the hotel’s surroundings, a peaceful pine forest park, and enjoy spectacular views from an old red-brick observation tower situated on top of the impressive Pyynikki Ridge. The city’s sights, museums, shopping and nightlife are within a ten-minute bus ride.
Overnight at Scandic Hotel Rosendahl
Day
6: Medieval Landmarks
Travel by train to Turku. Your hotel is located in the very heart of the city near the Market Square and with all the sights within easy reach.
Overnight at Sokos Hotel Hamburger Börs
Day
7: Back to Helsinki
Return by train to Helsinki.
Overnight at the centrally located hotel Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, only a few steps from the railway station and the airport shuttle bus terminal
Day
8: Goodbye to Finland
Transfer on your own to Helsinki-Vantaa airport
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