FASCINATING CITIES & LAKES 2008

BY TRAIN

8 days / 7 nights, Helsinki - Hämeenlinna - Tampere -

Saimaa Lakeland Cruise - Turku - Helsinki

 Available on request: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, from June 01 to Aug 13

 Non-Escorted tour of Southern Finland. Visit Southern Finland’s major cities by train and stay at first-class hotels,

 each nestled in a beautiful natural setting near water, providing a taste of the enchanting Finnish landscape. 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 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 industrialization in Finland. It 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.

 Cities & Lakes - show on Google Maps ™

Day 1 HELSINKI
Transfer on your own to a luxury hotel, situated by the sea slightly out of the centre and only a few steps from the nearest tram stop. Check-in at your hotel. 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.

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel Kalastajatorppa

Day 2 HELSINKI (B)

Discovering the Capital City. With the Helsinki Card, city tours are available at a discounted price. Accommodation: Hilton Hotel Kalastajatorppa

Day 3 HÄMEENLINNA LAKESIDE TOWN (B)
Travel by train to Hämeenlinna. (108 km, train) 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.

Accommodation: Hotel Rantasipi Aulanko

Day 4 TAMPERE - SCENIC LAKE CRUISE (B)
Depart by boat from hotel pier for a lake cruise to Tampere. (8 hours, boat) On the way, visit a famous sculptor’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.
Disembark in the evening at the pier of your hotel in Tampere.

Accommodation: Scandic Hotel Rosendahl

Day 5 TAMPERE - INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE (B)
Tampere, third largest city in Finland, is located between two lakes, Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi. Take a break in the hotel’s surroundings, a peaceful pine forest park  in a beautiful lakeside location right under Pyynikki Ridge. Enjoy spectacular views from an old red-brick observation tower situated on top of the impressive ridge. The city’s sights, museums, shopping and nightlife are within a ten-minute bus ride. Marvel at the beautiful scenery of Pyynikki and Lake Pyhäjärvi.

Accommodation: Scandic Hotel Rosendahl

Day 6 TAMPERE - TURKU (B)

Travel by train to the University of Turku, located on the Aura river in the southwestern corner of Finland. (170 km, train) Founded in the 13th century, Turku is the oldest and fifth largest city in Finland. The Cathedral of Turku was consecrated in 1300, and together with Turku Castle and the Dominican monastery (founded in 1229), the city became the most important location in medieval Finland, and Finland's historical centre.
Your hotel is located in the very heart of the city near the Market Square and with all the sights within easy reach.

Accommodation: Sokos Hotel Hamburger Börs

Day 7 TURKU - HELSINKI (B)

Return by train to Helsinki. (194 km, train) Overnight at the centrally located hotel Holiday Inn City Centre, only a few steps from the railway station and the airport shuttle bus terminal.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn City Centre

Day 8 DEPARTURE HELSINKI (B)
After breakfast, transfer on your own to Helsinki-Vantaa airport.
 

 FTB

 Back to Top

 Departure Dates 2008

 Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays

 from June 01 to Aug 13

 Tour does not operate Thu, Fri, Sat

 Prices in US Dollar

 Fascinating Cities & Lakes, 8 days