Finnish Tour
Finnish Heritage Tour July 19-Aug 02, 2008
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Depart North America this evening on your overnight flight to Finland.
DAY 01 Saturday Helsinki/Svartå Manor (D)
Meet at Helsinki Airport. You are met by your Tour Director. Transfer to our hotel in Svartå. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Welcome dinner. 2 nights.
DAY 02 Sunday (BD)
This morning, travel to Hanko, departure point for countless thousands of Finns preparing to make their journey to a new life in North America. Visit the Emigrant's Monument before returning to our hotel.
DAY 03 Monday Turku (BD)
This morning, we travel to Turku. Enjoy a locally-guided tour, of the former capital of Finland. Visit the cathedral and market square. In the afternoon, we make a visit to the Genealogical Center and receive valuable information about tracing our family roots. 1 night.
DAY 04 Tuesday Jyväskylä (BD)
Travel inland to the Iittala crystal factory for a chance to see where these famous glass pieces are made. We arrive in Jyväskylä, later this afternoon, in the heart of the Lakeland region. 1 night.
DAY 05 Wednesday Seinäjoki (BD)
We travel through the countryside and into Ostrobothnia. The region is known for its distinctive farms dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, a testimony to the skill of local master builders. Seinäjoki is home to a number of buildings designed by architect Alvar Aalto. 2 nights.
DAY 06 Thursday Vaasa Excursion (BL)
This morning, we see the rich countryside and visit small towns such as Isokyrö and Ylistaro and the bustling seaside town of Vaasa. On the way back to Seinäjoki, watch for old windmills. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
DAY 07 Friday Kokkola (BD)
Our journey today takes us up the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia to Kokkola, a pretty town founded by King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden in 1620. We see the town sights including some of its wonderful museums. Learn of its unique connection with the Crimean War. 1 night.
DAY 08 Saturday Rovaniemi (BD)
We continue north through Raahe, the prosperous small city of Oulu and into Lapland. Keep an eye out for reindeer! We arrive in Rovaniemi just south of the Arctic Circle. 2 nights.
DAY 09 Sunday Rovaniemi (B)
Today, we tour the Arktikum, northern museum. Later, we visit Santa's Post Office to say hello to the very famous elf himself and allow time to pick up some traditional Lapland souvenirs.
DAY 10 Monday Kuhmo (BD)
We depart southward through Posio and the resort area of Kuusamo. Near Suomussalmi, we visit the Winter War Monument before arriving at our hotel in Kuhmo. 1 night.
DAY 11 Tuesday Koli (BLD)
This morning, we tour the Kalevala Village. Travelling through the Karelian countryside, we arrive at our hotel in Koli, overlooking picturesque Lake Pielinen. 1 night.
DAY 12 Wednesday Imatra (BD)
A morning departure brings us to Savonlinna, home to the famous opera festival - held in the medieval castle every summer. We have a guided tour of the historical castle and make a visit to the world's largest wooden church at Kerimäki before continuing to our accommodations in Imatra. 1 night.
DAY 13 Thursday Helsinki (B)
We travel the King's Road and visit Porvoo before arriving in the stylish metropolis of Helsinki. 2 nights.
DAY 14 Friday Helsinki (BD)
After breakfast, we take you on an orientation tour. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or to relax in one of the many parks. . Farewell Dinner.
DAY 15 Saturday Helsinki (B)
After a leisurely morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home to North America.
(B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner)
Tour Includes:
- Transportation by private motorcoach throughout
- Fourteen nights first class hotel accommodation and hotel taxes
- 11 Dinners; 14 full buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches
- Admissions and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Fully escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luggage handling of one suitcase per person
- Airfare (listed separately)
- Passport fees
- Airport departure taxes
- Meals other than those indicated
- Admissions and excursions other than those indicated
- Laundry, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature
PRICE: Per person in Canadian dollars
Double: CAD$3598.00 (approx. USD$3600)
Single: CAD$4498.00 (approx USD$4500)
Triple accommodation and youth rates are available on request.
Pre and Post tour hotel accommodation can be made - please enquire.
AIRFARES * airfares are available upon request. We try to use Finnair when possible.
* please note: prices are in Canadian dollars. If charging to a credit card, your bank will convert into U.S. dollars
