Historic Towns & Delicious Treats of Southern Finland

Day 1  Helsinki            
Arrive into Helsinki and hop on the train to your hotel in the city centre. This compact and beautiful city is home to a wealth of fascinating feats of modern architecture.          

Day 2  Helsinki to Tampere            
Depart the city and make your way east to the charming town of Porvoo; along the way you could stop off at the Fazer Experience Visitor Centre to taste some of the delicious local chocolate. On arrival, enjoy a walk around the picturesque town centre, wandering amongst the red painted houses lining the river. Have a tasty lunch in one of the town’s famous cafés before making your way north into the Lakelands to Tampere.          

Day 3  Tampere            
Known as the sauna capital of the world, Tampere is located between two of the country’s great lakes and was the home of Finnish industrialisation. Now a centre for arts and culture, the city boasts a wide selection of quirky museums, theatres and art galleries. Enjoy the day exploring the cultural highlights before making your way to Market Hall for some delicious local dining, perhaps finishing the day getting to know the locals in one of the many public saunas.            

Day 4  Tampere to Turku          
Drive south to the medieval coastal town of Turku and its bustling gourmet food scene. With a picturesque river running through the city centre, lined with colourful barges and a selection of restaurants, this photogenic city is easily explored on foot.    

Day 5  Turku Archipelago              
Today take a drive out into the Finnish Archipelago and explore the serenity of rural coastal life. Soak up the views of pretty painted cottages atop forested islets, perhaps even stopping to hire a paddle board or kayak and take to the water for an hour or two before making your way back into the city.      

Day 6  Turku          
For the young and young at heart, a short drive from Turku is Moomin World where you can meet the beloved characters in person and explore their home. Alternatively, spend today exploring the medieval Turku Castle, standing on the banks of the Aura River it is one of the oldest buildings in Finland. For dinner why not try out the newly developed food district built in the unlikely surroundings of an old prison.    

Day 7  Turku to Helsinki      
Take your time making your way along the coast back towards Helsinki. If there is time, stop off in Espoo and pick up a picnic to enjoy after a short walk in Nuuksio National Park. After lunch drop off your car at the airport in time for your onward flight.