Finland's Lakes & Forests
10 Days
from
$3,960
to
$6,020
per person*
Highlights:
Finland
(Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Jyväskylä, Lahti, Lappeenranta)
Trip Start/End:
Helsinki
/
Helsinki
A fully private tour, this is an excellent way to explore the lesser known cities of this beautiful country while having the freedom to do it your way. With a perfect mix of urban bustle and rural wilderness, this tour will take you on an adventure through the back country. Start your journey in cosmopolitan Helsinki, where you can take in the culture, art and cuisine of this Scandinavian capital.
From here, move on to Turku, a small city bursting with history and a great nightlife. Explore the city with the aid of your own personal guide as you walk through the colorful streets.
Next, travel to Tampere, the largest inland city in Scandinavia, and into the heart of the Lake Country of Finland. While in Tampere, you can explore the cobblestone streets and leafy parks full of sculptures. Continue on to Jyvaskyla, and view some prime examples of the work of Alvar Aalto, one of the most famous architects in Finland. Hop on a lake cruise for your transfer down to Lahti, a modern transportation hub that is half lake country town, half Helsinki satellite.
Finally, continue on to Lappeenrantaa, a slow paced town with great local specialties and lots of Russian influence. Finish your incredible journey back in Helsinki and spend an evening in the cafes and restaurants before your flight home.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Helsinki
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Welcome Package - Welcome Package
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Scandic Simonkentta (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Helsinki
| - Private - Walking City Tour (3hrs) - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Scandic Simonkentta (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Helsinki
| - Private - Poorvoo (6hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Scandic Simonkentta (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Helsinki - Turku
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Helsinki - Turku [2 hrs] - 2nd class
- Lunch (not included)
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
- Private - 1/2 d City Sightseeing Tour (3hrs) - Vehicle/Guide
| Hotel Radisson Blu Marina Palace (4*)
Standard (Tue-Thu) (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Turku - Tampere
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Turku - Tampere [2 hrs] - Ticket
- Lunch (not included)
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
- Private - 1/2 d City Sightseeing (3 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver - weekend
| Holiday Inn Tampere (4*)
Standard (Mon-Thu) (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Tampere - Jyväskylä
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Tampere - Jyväskylä [2 hrs] - 2nd Class Ticket
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Hotel Sokos Alexandra (3*)
Standard (Tue-Thu) (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Jyväskylä - Lahti
| - Transfer - Private - Port - Vehicle/Driver
- Boat - Jyväskylä - Lahti [Lake Cruise (with Lunch)] - Boat
- Lunch (not included)
- Transfer - Private - Port - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Hotel Sokos Suerahuone (3*)
Standard ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Lahti - Lappeenranta
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Lahti - Lappeenranta [1.5 hrs] - 2nd class
- Lunch (not included)
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - Cultural Walking Tour (4 hrs) - Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Sokos Lappee (4*) (B) (Standard (Tue-Thu)) |
- Day 9
- Lappeenranta - Helsinki
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Lappeenranta - Helsinki [2.5 hrs] - 2nd class
- Lunch (not included)
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Scandic Simonkentta (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Helsinki
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Helsinki
Scandic Simonkentta Hotel
Day 1: Helsinki
Airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver.
A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Accommodation: Scandic Simonkentta (4*) Scandic Simonkentta Hotel (4*) has a central location, a short walk from popular Helsinki attractions, great shopping and fabulous restaurants. The hotel boasts 360 comfortable rooms, some of them with balconies to enjoy scenic views. The onsite restaurant serves tasty Californian-style cuisine. Enjoy the fitness centre and then unwind in the sauna.
Helsinki Lutheran Chathedral
Day 2: Helsinki
Meet your guide for a private Helsinki sightseeing tour and explore several neo-classical buildings by Carl Ludvig Engel. He was kept in Helsinki by a unique assignment, as he was elected to plan a new city centre all on his own. The city became low and wide at the time when most buildings had only two or three floors. The central point of his city plan is the Senate Square, surrounded by the Government Palace, the main building of the University, and the enormous Cathedral, which was finished in 1852, twelve years after C. L. Engel's death. Engel's neo-classical plan of the city centre has later given Helsinki the epithet: The White City of The North. Furthermore visit the harbour area and Market Place before taking a short stroll through Sibelius Park. Between 2pm– 5pm visit the Suomenlina Maritime Fortess with waterbuses and English speaking guide.
Accommodation: Scandic Simonkentta (4*) 
Poorvoo
Day 3: Helsinki
Meet your guide for a tour of the picturesque town of Porvoo. It is the second oldest town in Finland, situated about 50 km from Helsinki. Historical Porvoo is a charming little town with well-preserved wooden houses. The tour includes the Porvoo Old Church, Town Hall Square, the home museum of Finnish national poet J. L. Runeberg, delightful little shops and craftspersons' workshops. Lunch is served in a atmospheric restaurant in the old town.
Accommodation: Scandic Simonkentta (4*) 
Aura River Turku
Hotel Radisson Blue Marina Palace
Day 4: Helsinki - Turku
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Take the train to Turku from Helsinki.
Meet your driver for a train station transfer.
Turku has great city charm, possessing the status of the oldest city of Finland and the European Capital of Culture 2011. This beautiful medieval city situated on the Aura riverbanks is the stepping stone to one of the most magnificent archipelagos in the world. Experience urban city life by taking a walk along the River Aura from the cathedral to the castle, Turku’s two main landmarks. The lively riverbanks are the places to see and be seen, so come and have a look on the locals habits. The historical side of the city can be experienced on Luostarinmäki Hill, in the old quarter of Turku.Today Luostarinmäki houses the Handicrafts Museum with over 30 workshops from different fields of craftsmanship. During the summer season craftsmen can be seen at work there every day. In 1984 the museum was awarded the Golden Apple prize.
Accommodation: Hotel Radisson Blu Marina Palace (4*) Hotel Radisson Blu Marina Palace (4*) is located along the banks of the Aura River in the heart of the city. This hotel in central Turku is within a 15-minute walk from bus and train stations and is located nine kilometres from Turku Airport. The hotel offers 184 baroque-style rooms, featuring premier amenities, such as air conditioning, free high-speed, wireless Internet access and well-equipped rooms. Savour the flavours of Italy and some of the best steaks in Turku at the hotel's restaurants and lounge. Enjoy cocktails and the view from the outdoor terrace. Hotel guests can enjoy the luxurious private Finnish sauna that features a Turkish steam sauna.
Tampere
Holiday Inn Tampere
Day 5: Turku - Tampere
Meet your driver for a train station transfer.
Take a train from Turku to Tampere. The train ride takes around 2 hours.
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Take a half day to go on a private city sightseeing tour with your own vehicle, guide and driver.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Tampere (4*) Holiday Inn Tampere (4*) offers a very central location next to Tampere Hall and the Tampere University. The hotel features 135 non-smoking rooms with comfortable, cosy interiors. Enjoy international delicacies along with local specialties as well as a delicious breakfast buffet at the Brasserie Opera restaurant. Unwind in one of the two hotel saunas, the sauna cabinet or luxurious whirlpool.
Hotel Sokos Alexandra (3*)
Day 6: Tampere - Jyväskylä
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Receive your train tickets to Jyvaskyla today.
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Accommodation: Hotel Sokos Alexandra (3*) Sokos Hotel Alexandra (3*) is centrally located in Jyväskylä, opposite the travel centre, and a few minutes' walk away from Jyväskylä Paviljonki. The refurbished hotel features modern rooms, good meeting facilities and an inviting restaurant world. The dynamic university and congress town and its activities offer much to see and experience.
Day 7: Jyväskylä - Lahti
Meet your driver for a private port transfer.
Board a boat for a Lake Cruise from Jyvaskyla to Lahti today, with lunch.
Meet your driver for a private port transfer.
Accommodation: Hotel Sokos Suerahuone (3*) Sokos Hotel is a 3 star, traditional and comfortable hotel in the centre of Lahti. Hotel guests will enjoy the modern amentities that they are ofered, as well as the chic restaurant.
Lappeenranta
Sokos Hotel Lappee
Day 8: Lahti - Lappeenranta
Meet your driver for a private train station.
Receive your train tickets for your trip to Lappeenrantaa today.
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Meet your guide for a half day private tour. Stroll around the city and visit some of the most important museum in the city. South Karelia Art Museum has functioned since 1965 and it's located to Lappeenranta fortress. Cavalry Museum displays the history of the Finnish cavalry. This museum is located in the oldest building in Lappeenranta fortress. The paintings tell the history of the Hakkapeliittas (the Finnish cavalry). The museum will show you old uniforms, guns and photos. In Lotta Museum visitors are able to see items that have belonged to Lottas, members of the Lotta Swärd organization. Lotta Swärd was women's voluntary national defence organization. In this museum, you can explore Lottas' work equipment, photographs and books. Entrance fees to South Karelia Art , Calvarly and Lotta Museum are included in the tour cost.
Accommodation: Sokos Lappee (4*) Sokos Hotel Lappee (4*) is situated in the heart of Lappeenranta, near shopping possibilities, restaurants and get-together places. It is also only a walk away from the harbour. The hotel comprises of 209 cosy rooms of which some are air conditioned. The hotel also boasts Italian typed dining restaurant Casanova and a comfortable Bar Café Piccolo. Other amenities include: 5 saunas, a 14-meter pool and a little gym.
Day 9: Lappeenranta - Helsinki
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Receive your tickets for your train ride to Helsinki today.
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.
Accommodation: Scandic Simonkentta (4*) Day 10: Helsinki
Airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Scandic Simonkentta Hotel
Scandic Simonkentta (4*) - Helsinki
Scandic Simonkentta Hotel (4*) has a central location, a short walk from popular Helsinki attractions, great shopping and fabulous restaurants. The hotel boasts 360 comfortable rooms, some of them with balconies to enjoy scenic views. The onsite restaurant serves tasty Californian-style cuisine. Enjoy the fitness centre and then unwind in the sauna.
- Hotel Radisson Blue Marina Palace
Hotel Radisson Blu Marina Palace (4*) - Turku
Hotel Radisson Blu Marina Palace (4*) is located along the banks of the Aura River in the heart of the city. This hotel in central Turku is within a 15-minute walk from bus and train stations and is located nine kilometres from Turku Airport. The hotel offers 184 baroque-style rooms, featuring premier amenities, such as air conditioning, free high-speed, wireless Internet access and well-equipped rooms. Savour the flavours of Italy and some of the best steaks in Turku at the hotel's restaurants and lounge. Enjoy cocktails and the view from the outdoor terrace. Hotel guests can enjoy the luxurious private Finnish sauna that features a Turkish steam sauna.
- Holiday Inn Tampere
Holiday Inn Tampere (4*) - Tampere
Holiday Inn Tampere (4*) offers a very central location next to Tampere Hall and the Tampere University. The hotel features 135 non-smoking rooms with comfortable, cosy interiors. Enjoy international delicacies along with local specialties as well as a delicious breakfast buffet at the Brasserie Opera restaurant. Unwind in one of the two hotel saunas, the sauna cabinet or luxurious whirlpool.
- Hotel Sokos Alexandra (3*)
Hotel Sokos Alexandra (3*) - Jyväskylä
Sokos Hotel Alexandra (3*) is centrally located in Jyväskylä, opposite the travel centre, and a few minutes' walk away from Jyväskylä Paviljonki. The refurbished hotel features modern rooms, good meeting facilities and an inviting restaurant world. The dynamic university and congress town and its activities offer much to see and experience.
Hotel Sokos Suerahuone (3*) - Lahti
Sokos Hotel is a 3 star, traditional and comfortable hotel in the centre of Lahti. Hotel guests will enjoy the modern amentities that they are ofered, as well as the chic restaurant.
Sokos Lappee (4*)
Sokos Hotel Lappee (4*) is situated in the heart of Lappeenranta, near shopping possibilities, restaurants and get-together places. It is also only a walk away from the harbour. The hotel comprises of 209 cosy rooms of which some are air conditioned. The hotel also boasts Italian typed dining restaurant Casanova and a comfortable Bar Café Piccolo. Other amenities include: 5 saunas, a 14-meter pool and a little gym.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Finland
VISA/PASSPORT
Finland is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Finland for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/finland.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Helsinki.
Government: Republic.
Language: There are two official languages: Finnish, mother tongue for 91.6% of the population, and Swedish, first language of 5.5% of the population. There is a small minority in Lapland who speak one of the country’s three Sámi languages, while Karelian dialects still survive in the east of the country. English is taught as the first foreign language.
Religion: 83% Lutheran, and a minority of Protestants, Roman Catholics, Jews and Muslims.
Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 (230) volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard.
Telephone: Country code +358.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
Internet: Free public access is widely available in tourist offices and libraries. Internet cafes are available in large cities only. Most business hotels and even some city centers offer wireless Internet access
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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