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Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1514469
Tailor Made Finland: Helsinki & Lapland
Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Visit Helsinki, Finland’s cosmopolitan capital, and then venture north to Finnish Lapland to enjoy a wide array of activities that capture the wonder of the region, as you drive sled dogs and ride by horse-drawn sleigh, go snowshoeing and snowmobiling, sample local culinary treats and enjoy some of the best opportunities anywhere in the world to behold the spectacular northern lights.
7 nights from $15,610 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Finland: Helsinki & Lapland
Day 1 Arrival Helsinki
Arrive in Helsinki, capital of Finland, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel, viewing the Market Square, Esplanadi Park and other top city sights en route. Once settled in, enjoy an evening at leisure.
After breakfast, set out with your private vehicle and guide to Porvoo, the second-oldest town in all of Finland. Officially founded by Sweden in 1346, Porvoo has been an active center of trade since the Middle Ages, and many of its inhabitants still speak Swedish as their first language. While here, you have the chance to learn about the area’s colorful history at the Porvoo Historical Museum. After a visit to the medieval cathedral, you may wander into the small handicraft shops offering pottery, rugs and handmade shawls.
Fly north to Rovaniemi, in the heart of the region of Lapland. Begin your adventure here with a visit to a local reindeer farm located just outside town. Meet reindeer herders who tell you about their way of life, keeping warm with hot drinks and snacks as you listen to their tales. Next, set out on a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy white landscape. Stop for a traditional lunch savoring three courses of Lappish food made with authentic Arctic ingredients. This evening, soothe your body and mind in a traditional Finnish sauna, followed by stargazing from the comfort of a Jacuzzi, perhaps being favored with your first look at the northern lights. You may also opt for a dip into the ice waters of Lake Sieri. Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure.
Start your day with a visit to a local husky farm to enjoy the eager dogs and meet the mushers, who share tips with you on how to drive a dog sled. Then, take control yourself and embark on a thrilling husky dog-sled ride, taking in the natural splendors of Lapland as you go. This evening, set out on an Arctic safari by snowmobile through the stunning natural Fell Lapland countryside, speeding across the sparkling snow and watching the skies for the northern lights.
This morning, transfer to Saariselka and settle into your hotel. Enjoy time for lunch at your leisure. Tonight, set out on snowshoes with your private guide on a hunt for the spectacular aurora borealis, which may at any time light up the sparkling Arctic sky.
Today embark on an excursion by snowmobile, traveling through remote forests, past beautiful Nordic scenery until arriving at a small lake. Here, bait your hook to try and catch a perch or whitefish, from a hole in the ice-covered lake, just as the locals do. Warm yourself around a fire to enjoy a meal of soup, rye bread, warm berry juice and cookies, before returning to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure, free to enjoy your final night in Finnish Lapland.
Fly to Helsinki and transfer to your hotel situated in the city center. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in this fascinating, cosmopolitan Nordic city.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Saariselka is located in norther Finland, the village is a popular tourist destination with so many activities to offer its guests. The village alone has 350 inhabitants and belongs to the Inari municipality, which has one of the largest Sami communities in Finland. Saariselka is also home to Magnetic Hill, which was an important part of history to the Finns during WWII. One of the experiences most favorited in the area is the light showings of the norther lights, also known as the aurora borealis. Enjoy plenty of activities in the village, such as skiing, dog sledding and don’t forget to visit the reindeer farms.
Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa. As a result of the war of 1808-1809, Sweden was forced to cede Finland to Russia. In 1812 Tsar Alexander declared Helsinki the capital of autonomous Finland. In 1917 the city was to become the capital of the independent Republic of Finland. In safeguarding its historical heritage, Helsinki has again and again been forced to reassess the past. Cultural influences from both East and West have molded the life of the city, which has nevertheless preserved an outlook on life that is inherently Finnish. Over the years the city has spread, and its population multiplied, yet nature is still close at hand - the sea and islands are dominant features of the landscape.
Among the most striking features of the Helsinki architecture are the largish areas built in a uniform style. The city thus has whole blocks and even districts representing Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, National Romantic, functional or modern architecture. The oldest area in Helsinki that has been preserved intact is the Senate Square. Reminiscent of St. Petersburg in its neoclassical style.
In the 1970s Helsinki acquired some important new public buildings - e.g. the Finlandia Hall, the City Theatre, the new National Opera, the official residence of the Finnish President and the Temppeliaukio Church - which are now important landmarks on the Helsinki street scene.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts. Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays.
| Basis: | Private tour. |
| Duration: | City center Hotel or address. |
| Start/End: | 3 hours. |
| Vehicle: | 01st Class. |
| Guide: | English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: | Temppeliaukio Rock Church. |
| Meals: | None. |
| Difficulty: | Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: | Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Suomenlinna Fortress tour – 3 Hours
Built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki's harbour, this fortress is an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time. Suomenlinna, until 1918 Viapori (Finnish), or Sveaborg (Swedish), was an inhabited sea fortress built on six islands and which now forms part of the city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland.
Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular with tourists and locals. The guided walking tour takes you through the historic Susisaari and Kustaanmiekka areas and provides information on the colourful past of the fortress. The tour introduces, for example, the Great Courtyard and the dry dock, which once was one of the largest in the world.
The tour includes a return ferry service to / from Suomenlina Maritime Fortress, a guided tour with an official Suomenlina guide and an entrance to Suomenlinna Museum. You will meet the guide at Suomenlina Maritime Fortress, after disembarking the ferry. Depending on your accommodation in Helsinki, city transfers to and from the ferry port may need to be considered.
| Basis: | Private tour. |
| Duration: | 3 hours. |
| Start/End: | Helsinki Harbour. |
| Vehicle: | 01st Class. |
| Guide: | English speaking Soumenlinna Guide. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: | Suomenlinna Museum. |
| Meals: | None. |
| Difficulty: | Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: | Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours
Porvoo is Finland's second oldest town and the most picturesque one. In other words, a beautiful area full of history. The town of Porvoo was granted town status in the 14th century and is one of the treasures of traditional Finnish architecture.
The original town plan from the Middle Ages, features the low, small houses, picturesque yards and narrow streets and forms a historically unique wooden town environment.
The symbols of Porvoo – the red warehouses on the riverbanks – tell tall tales of seafaring and trading. The guest marina and ferry dock at Jokiranta are humming with life, especially during the summer months.
The bridge at Aleksanterinkatu, completed in autumn 2004, and the newly restored Jokiranta area now encourage locals to take an evening walk and enjoy the latest improvements to the downtown area. Flower beds, fountains, cafés and sundecks have turned the shore into an attractive gathering place. The Market Square is the heart of the city, surrounded by City Hall, the bus station, specialty boutiques and services. The range of products at the marketplace varies by season.
| Basis: | Private tour. |
| Start/End: | City center Hotel, Cruise Pier or address. |
| Duration: | 5 hours. |
| Vehicle: | 01st Class. |
| Guide: | English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: | None. |
| Meals: | None. |
| Difficulty: | Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: | Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours
This tour allows you to see the best of Helsinki and also learn more about the past and present of its Jewish citizens.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorable venue for concerts.
A visit to the local Synagogue is made during the tour. You will be able to see its rooms located in the local Jewish Community Center.
The center of the Helsinki is majestic with its classical style Senate Square. It offers a view to the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki University, National Library and the Government Palace. The statue to the Russian czar Alexander II is located in the middle of the square.
Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church and Helsinki Synagogue cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays. In the event of religious services. Tour order may be adjusted based on Rock Church and the opening hours of Helsinki Synagogue.
| Basis | Private |
| Start / End | City center Hotel or address. |
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Vehicle | 01st Class. |
| Guide | English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances | Temppeliaukio Rock Church & Synagogue. |
| Meals | None |
| Difficulty | Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes | Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours
On this private, RIB-boat trip, you’ll see and experience the Helsinki archipelago and visit an island suiting your interests. During this fast and furious trip, you’ll see the main Helsinki attractions, such as the main market place, Kaivopuisto Park and the ice breakers. We will also land on an island of your choice – be it a remote islet or Suomenlinna fortress island! This tour is for 1-10 persons and our professional captain can tailor or extend it according to your interests.
Experience the beauty of Helsinki from the seaside and enjoy the convenience of the fast RIB-boat with a professional captain and guide. Welcome aboard!
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking
Entrances: None
Meals: None
Notes: All passengers are provided with life jackets
Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours
Helsinki offers you a unique and fascinating journey through the centuries and across cultures through its buildings and architecture. The city’s architecture is typified by Nordic minimalism and refinement, and with its modernism, functionalism it also encompasses the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe.
For many Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is synonymous with Finland with architecture and with design.
After qualifying as an architect from Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921, Aalto set up his first architectural practice in Jyväskylä. His early works followed the tenets of Nordic Classicism, the predominant style at that time.
During the tour, pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts.
The Senate Square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
The Central Railway Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1909 and the station was opened in 1919. The station is mostly clad in Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues holding the spherical lamps, lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance.
The City Hall was designed by C.L. Engel as a hotel in 1833, the building has been the City Hall since the 1930s. The Helsinki coat-of-arms can be seen on the tympanum.
| Basis | Private tour |
| Start / End | City center Hotel or address. |
| Duration | 6 hours |
| Vehicle | 01st Class. |
| Guide | English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrance | Temppeliaukio Rock church & the Alvaro Aalto Studio & House tour (shared tour). |
| Meals | None |
| Difficulty | Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes | Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours
Experience the best of the Finnish cuisine on this food walking tour. You will stroll around the streets of Helsinki´s center, getting a taste of the most traditional as well as fashionable flavors the city has to offer.
The tour includes the visit of some of the main gastronomical areas and spots of the Finnish capital, such as the Old Market Hall and the Market Square and also some bakeries and special food stores. You may taste some local bread, cheese, chocolate, fish, pastry, seasonal berry treat and famous Finnish salt licorice: salmiakki!
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours walking tour.
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: The servings are equivalent to a light lunch/big snack. Veggie options available.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. This tour is offered everyday from May to September and on Mon-Sat during the rest of the year.
Helsinki Canoe and Hike in Nuuksio National Park and visit to Reindeer Park - 6 hours
Our tour starts driving towards Nuuksio area in the district of Espoo. Our first stop will be at Nuuksio reindeer park, where will get to experience a touch of northern magic in Finland's southernmost reindeer park in Nuuksio. We will feed and learn about these characteristic animals.
In this tour you will explore the area of Nuuksio Hawk Nest, in Nuuksio National Park.
Once we get to the national park, our guide will provide you the necessary equipment and introduce to you the basics of canoeing, an old Indian way of moving along the waterways of wild nature. This first part of the tour will take place on The Hawk Lake which is only a very small lake, so the paddling distance is not long. Canoes are stable and fit two people each.
After canoeing we will go on a guided hike following the marked trails of Nuuksio National Park. The length of the guided hike is about 5km, and the pace is easy. This tour is more about enjoying the Finnish nature than covering long distance.
After the activities you will get a sandwich and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while resting after having explored the forest like a true Finn!
On our way back,
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 6 hours (3 hours canoeing & hiking, 1 hour visit to the Reinder park and time for transfers).
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking canoeing instructor and guide.
Entrances: None.
Meals: Water bottle and snack (sandwich).
Difficulty: Grade Moderate. Canoeing at leisure pace, walking required over uneven surfaces. No experience required, but you should be able to swim. No previous paddling or hiking experience required. The canoes are stable and easy to paddle.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Kids from 6 years are welcome. Canoeing equipment will be provided. Please bring: Hat, Sun Cream, Sunglasses, Waterproof Clothes, Spare Clothes, Swimming Suit, Towel.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.