The Land of a Thousand Lakes

Day 1  Helsinki  
Fly to Helsinki and take the train to your hotel in the city centre. This afternoon why not visit Helsinki Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.  

Day 2  Helsinki  
Enjoy a full day exploring the Helsinki Archipelago. Why not hop on a ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, just a 20 minute boat ride away. Here you can discover the 18th Century battlements and rugged coastline at your leisure. In the afternoon, perhaps take a walk on the green island of Vallisaari, known for its birdlife.

Day 3  Helsinki to Lahti  
Head back to the airport to pick up your car and drive north towards the Lakelands. On arrival in Lahti, enjoy lunch aboard one of the restaurant boats moored beside the cobbled square of the town harbour.  

Day 4  Lahti to Jyvaskyla  
Today you’ll take one of the most spectacular drives in Europe, crossing numerous bridges connecting the islands of the second largest lake in Finland, Lake Paijanne. The drive will pass through Paijanne National Park, perhaps stop off en route for a gentle forest walk.

Day 5  Jyvaskyla  
In the heart of the lakes there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature. Hire bikes from the town centre and cycle the eight mile trail around Jyvaskyla Lake, take a boat cruise from the harbour or try your hand at stand up paddle boarding and canoeing on the calm waters.

Day 6  Jyvaskyla to Tampere  
Drive through the stunning Lakeland to Tampere, perhaps stopping off to visit the Serlachius Museum of Art.

Day 7  Tampere  
Once an industrial hub, Tampere is now a bohemian city with a wide choice of museums and galleries. Walk around the repurposed red brick factory buildings and soak up the holiday atmosphere, maybe visit one of the many saunas in the city. When you’re getting hungry, head for the Tampere market hall to enjoy a wide choice of delicious local specialities.

Day 8  Fly home  
Drive to Helsinki and drop off your car at the airport in time for your flight home.