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HOLIDAYS TO FINLAND
IMAGES OF WESTERN FINLAND
10 days from £880 pp
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Map of tour
Come and discover the Finland we know and love: its western archipelago with innumerable rocks and skerries; its lattice of lakes and forests, capitals ancient and modern. For many years our most popular tour of Finland, particularly for first time visitors.
Your first stop will be Turku on Finland’s coast where the River Aura runs into the sea – a bustling harbour today and former capital. Then to Tampere, Finland’s second city, which lies at the junction of two great lake systems linked by short rapids. From there by lake steamer to Hameenlinna, birthplace of the composer Sibelius.
Finally, the capital itself, an architectual blend of East and West, of old and new, often known as the ‘Daughter of the Baltic’. In the summer months, Helsinki comes to life and there is a wealth of things to see and do (see 'Helsinki Excursions).
DAY 1 UK - TURKU Fly to Finland’s ancient capital, Turku, via Helsinki, for 3 nights at the Plaza Hotel.
DAY 2 TURKU Explore Turku at your leisure. Focal point is the Market Square, fronted by the Swedish Theatre, University and Orthodox Church. The 13th century castle is well worth a visit or take a trip out along the archipelago.
DAY 3 TURKU Day of leisure with plenty of time to explore: Naantali, a charming little town, with wooden clapboard houses, overlooking the lake to Moomin Land, is a must.
DAY 4 TURKU - TAMPERE A 2-hour rail journey to Tampere for 2 nights at the Hotel Ilves overlooking the Tammerkoski Rapids in the centre of town.
DAY 5 TAMPERE Day at leisure to explore the city and its surroundings: the spectacular scenery of Pyynikinharju Ridge, crowned with fir and pine forest, is right in its heart. Architectural contrasts are provided by the modernistic Kaleva Church and the neo-Byzantine style of the Russian Orthodox Church.
DAY 6 TAMPERE - HAMEENLINNA Your traditional steamer* for Hameenlinna leaves from the quay close by the hotel for a day long cruise through some of Finland’s most beautiful lakeland scenery. On arrival, check in at the Hotel Vaakuna overlooking Lake Vanajavesi.
DAY 7 HAMEENLINNA A day to explore Sibelius’ birthplace – there is a museum dedicated to his memory. Hame Castle is worth a visit and has been meticulously restored.
DAY 8 HAMEENLINNA - HELSINKI A short train ride to Helsinki for 2 nights at Hotel Marski.
DAY 9 HELSINKI A city dominated by Senate Square the neo-classical masterpiece at its centre; time to explore the squares, markets and boulevards which make this “The Daughter of the Baltic”.
DAY 10 HELSINKI - UK Morning at leisure before afternoon return flight to UK.
* Lake steamers operate Wednesdays to Saturdays 3 Jun to 16 August. At other times this day’s travel is by rail.
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