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Day 1 Helsinki
Arrival in Helsinki. The slogan of the Finnish capital captures it soul -
”Scandinavian attitude with a hint of bittersweet Slavic melancholy”. Helsinki is full of contrasts and its identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West.
Over 450 years of history, several architectural layers and the impact of
different periods can be clearly seen in Helsinki. Finnish design has also made the country’s capital city world famous. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly together with high-tech
achievements, while old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends. A 48 hours' sightseeing pass is included in your package, so that you can get to know this Nordic beauty at your own pace.
Day 2 Helsinki
The Senate Square and its surroundings form a unique and cohesive example of
Neoclassical architecture. The square is dominated by four buildings: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
Helsinki Cathedral is arguably Finland's most famous and photographed building and it celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2002.
Quarried out of the natural bedrock, Temppeliaukio Church is one of Helsinki's
most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock. The church opened in 1969 and due to its excellent acoustics the church is a popular venue for concerts.
The Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. With
its golden cupolas and red-brick facade, the church is one of the clearest symbols of the Russian impact on Finnish history.
Off the coast of Helsinki, Suomenlinna fortress is one of the biggest sea
fortresses in the world. It is included in Unesco’s World Heritage List and is explored on foot. In the summer there are daily guided tours in English and in the winter there are tours in English
at weekends.
Day 3 Helsinki-Lappeenranta (226 km)
After you have picked up your car, or had it delivered to your hotel, we
recommend that you start early to get the most of the time at your first destination Lappeenranta, in the centre of the South Karelia region. This is a city renowned for its natural beaty and its
easy-going hospitable inhabitants, who laugh easily and talk to foreigners! Visit the fortress and go for a drive to the Stone village (Ylämaa Kivikylä). We also recommed a short cruise on Lake Saimaa.
Day 4 Lappeenranta – Savonlinna (158 km)
Lorded over by one of Europe's most dramatic castles, Olavinlinna castle,
Savonlinna is a truly romantic place. The city is set on two islands between Lake Haapavesi and Lake Pihlajavesi, the city hosts a world famous opera festival each summer and is a perfect base for
exploring the heart of the Finnish Lakeland.
Savonlinna is a good base for outdoor sports. Why not discover the area by
kayak? There are numerous opportunities for fishing and trekking. In the winter, the lakes around the city are great for ice skating. At the end of the day and no matter what your activity, we do
recommend a visit to the Finnish sauna for some well-earned relaxation.
Day 5 Savonlinna – Jyväskylä (148 km)
The Jyväskylä Region is bound up with the fascinating, rugged scenery of Lake
Päijänne. Finland’s deepest and longest lake, Lake Päijänne features a number of pretty harbours and unique tourist attractions along its shores – all worth a visit!
The city of Jyväskylä is very proud of its Unesco world heritage sites.
Petäjävesi Old Church is a wonderful example of a beautiful and durable wooden construction. Legend has it that the church was built without permission. Small farmers in the area were not prepared to
wait for approval from Stockholm and erected the cruciform church in 1763 in just 35 days.
In Korpilahti, at the top of Oravivuori, lies Oravivuori triangulation tower, one of Finland’s six points
in the Struve chain, extending from the Black Sea to the Arctic Ocean. This was used in the 19th century to establish the shape of the earth. On this spot, a triangulation tower has been erected to commemorate the importance of the Oravivuori measuring station to the mapping of Finland.
Day 6 Jyväskylä – Tampere - Turku (308 km)
On your way to Turku, stop for a rest in Tampere and enjoy the lovely Tampere
Art Museum with over 7 000 works from approximately 670 artists. The majority of the works is Finnish art from the early 19th century onwards.
Do not miss The Moominvalley of the Tampere Art Museum, devoted to the original
works by writer and artist Tove Jansson. Its unique collection comprises around 2 000 works and is based on the Moomin books, which have been ben translated into nearly 40 languages – so far! The gem of
the collection is a blue five-storey Moomin House that is as exceptional as its residents.
Day 7 Turku
Turku was once the capital of Finland and this is Finland's oldest city. Turku
was named Åbo by the Swedish settlers and its Finnish name Turku is an old Russian word for ”marketplace”. Turku has a renowned university and you will most certainly find what you are looking for if you
are into arts and antiques.
Turku Castle was founded in 1280 and is well worth a visit. This is one of the
oldest buildings in Finland which is still in use. And this national monument is present in many Finns everyday life, since it has become the symbol of Finland's most popular brand of mustard, Turun
sinappi!
The Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum is an open-air museum where you will step
back 200 years in time. Over 30 workshops from different fields of craftmanship display Turku's handicrafts history. Luostarinmäki is the "Old City" of Turku since it is the only unified part
of the city that survived the conflagration of 1827.
The Old Great Square is a must to visit all year around. The Medieval Market is
arranged immediately after Midsummer and five months later, the Christmas atmosphere is felt during the four weekends of Advent, when the Old Great Square becomes a famous Christmas market.
Day 8 Turku-Helsinki (165 km)
You give the car back downtown Helsinki or at Helsinki Vandaa Airport.
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