Finland is a captivating destination with stunning landscapes and a welcoming and unique culture. Begin your trip in beautiful Helsinki where you can enjoy the best of both worlds- the perfect combination of outdoors and urban, laidback and exciting. Next, visit the picturesque seaside town of Mariehamn before journeying to the land of forests, fika and vibrant cities- Sweden! Enjoy the charm and history of these Scandinavian countries on your trip of a lifetime.
Welcome to Finland! Upon arrival to the airport, make your way through immigration and customs before making your own way to your Helsinki accommodations. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy in this Northern paradise.
Trains from Helsinki Airport are the best way to access the city and your hotel can be reached by a short taxi journey or a short walk and tramride.
The Finnish capital of Helsinki (Helsingfors) is known for its great mixture of neo-classical buildings, orthodox style churches, chic bars and the restaurant scene. Alvar Aalto, a world renowned Finnish architect and designer has contributed to much of the functionalistic architecture in Helsinki that is loved and hated by so many. The lifestyle in the second-most northern capital city in the world is full of contrasts and activities in the form of hundreds of events and friendly people. Helsinki’s identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly together with high-tech achievements, while old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends. The city center has many beautiful parks, and the nearby forests offer an ideal setting for peaceful and quiet walks. Helsinki’s rhythm is laid back,yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of both the number and quality of restaurants and nightclubs.
Experience an entertaining and easy-going orientation to the major attractions of Helsinki on bike. Today you will meet the local people, explore market places, all the while learning the history of this nation through the beautiful & unique architectural mix that only Helsinki can offer. As you cycle through the city, you will also have time to hop off for sightseeing and shopping. Quiet green spaces are also not forgotten, that is what Helsinki is all about! (This service is on a private basis.)
This morning, you will make use of Finland's excellent transportation system and board a bus to Porvoo for today's adventure!
Porvoo is a popular destination for a day trip and most famous for its charming Old Town that dates back to the Middle Ages. Beautiful manors, museums, churches and handicraft boutiques characterize Porvoo. Enjoy exploring this beautiful town for 2 hours accompanied with a knowledgeable guide.
Following your tour, you will catch the return bus back to Helsinki. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure! (This service is on a group basis.)
Today you will make your way back to Helsinki Airport for a quick 55 minute flight to Mariehamm, the capital of the Åland Islands, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty.
Mariehamn Airport has taxis available to make your way the quick 3km into central Mariehamn and your accommodations. Relax and unwind before your afternoon activity!
Join in on an exciting 2 hour kayaking tour through the breathtaking islands and islets of the archipelago. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, this tour is suitable for all skill levels. Your knowledgeable guides will customize the route based on the group’s abilities and the day’s weather conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience! (This service is on a group basis.)
Get ready to experience all Mariehamn, the capital of Åland, has to offer! After meeting up with your guide, you will all go and pick up the rental bikes. You’ll then follow a route through the picturesque countryside and breathtaking coastlines. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop, take in the sights, and learn about Åland's culture and history from your local guide. Once you reach Järsö, you’ll have the chance to relax and unwind at the Stickstugan Cafe.
Afterwards, you will continue to the Järsö nature trail, or swim in the sea. After enjoying yourself in Järsö, you’ll cycle back towards Mariehamn. If you'd like, your guide can also arrange a picnic along the way, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful outdoor setting. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of the Åland Islands on this 3 hour ultimate cycling adventure! (This service is on a group basis.)
Enjoy today at your leisure! A perfect day may begin with a walk to the Maritime Museum (open year round) and the Tall Ship Pommern (open May-September) to learn about Åland's deep connection to the sea.
Delve deeper into the Maritime Quarter to learn about traditional boat building, local crafts, and see the boat houses and fisherman's church.
Last but not least, be sure to take advantage of your accommodation's sauna to end your day the Nordic way!
This afternoon, you will depart Finland on a ferry crossing to Sweden. The ferry port is a short walk from Mariehamn, so easy to access.
Welcome to Stockholm! Upon arrival to the port, you will make use of the excellent public transportation system and head to your accommodations.
Experience an evening on the water during this exciting culinary journey out towards Vaxholm. Restaurateurs Maria Svensson and Jesper Taube offer a seaside culinary journey, on the 1931 built S/S Stockholm. The restaurateurs have extensive experience within the restaurant industry and promise a fantastic food experience! Enjoy delicious bites as the Stockholm archipelago glides slowly past. They use fresh produce delivered every morning and cook as per order on board. The cruise offers a à la carte menu, served in the beautiful dining room. (This service is on a group basis.)
The Swedish capital is built on fourteen different islands connected by 57 bridges– so it’s easy to say that you’re never far from water when you are in Stockholm. Gamla Stan, with its narrow, cobbled alleys and beautiful old houses, is one of the best preserved medieval cities of northern Europe. It’s perfect for a day of café hopping and browsing through the many charming shops that are dotted throughout the old town. Stockholm offers a fantastic selection of museums, such as the open-air museum Skansen, the maritime Vasa Museum, Fotografiska and of course, the ABBA Museum. For those who want to do an excursion outside the city, Drottningholm Palace, residence of the royal family, or picturesque Sigtuna, the oldest town in Sweden are absolute must-visits.
Today, embark on a bike tour of Stockholm! Discover an eclectic mix of modern and historical architecture, extraordinary natural beauty (if you’re lucky, perhaps some wildlife too), grand public squares, winding cobbled alleys, and lively cafes, bars and restaurants. (This service is on a group basis.)
If there is one place in Stockholm that you should visit before going back home, it is the archipelago- thousands of uninhabited small islands, which are among the most unique areas in Europe. After a brief training session in the kayaks, you will set off on a journey of discovery! After working up an appetite, you will have a lovely lunch on a small island. Enjoy taking in the scenic vistas on your 7 hour seaside excursion before heading back to the starting point. (This service is on a group basis.)
In Stockholm, as is always the case in Sweden, nature is never far away. Just beyond the city limits are sprawling lush forests, as well as farming and agricultural land that are inhabited by a vast array of wildlife. Here, moose, deer, foxes, hares and wild boar roam undisturbed. Your Wildlife Safari runs during dusk, which is optimal time to go search for animals! This is the best time to spot the “Kings of the Forest”- moose, who usually roam at sundown to graze and search for water.
Your guide welcomes you on board the small and comfortable minivan before heading out of the city and into one of Stockholm’s most wildlife-rich areas. Once out in nature and before starting the safari proper, get to know your safari companions and enjoy a traditional Swedish midsummer meal at an outdoor camp. Your knowledgeable guide takes this time to explain more about the habitat surrounding you and the animals that inhabit it. You then navigate through rural landscapes characterized by traditional red cottages, classic manor houses, majestic forests and historical rune stones from the Viking age, as you search for wildlife. You will do your exploring by van so you can cover a greater distance and increase your chances of spotting wildlife. You will usually see at least three out of the five animals mentioned, if not all five! Once the sun has set, you will return to the city. (This service is on a group basis.)
You’re in the land of IKEA, Vikings, Swedish meatballs and Pippi Longstocking. But did you also know that it’s the land of trendy cafés, hipster bars, and local designer shops? Well, okay, maybe that’s not the entire country, but it’s true for the island district of Södermalm in Stockholm! It is also home to lots of history (it’s almost as old as the Old Town!). Embark on a walkthrough where the hip meets the historic, as you zigzag through the streets of Södermalm. Listen to stories of a phantom brewery serving the best beers in Sweden, lives of the former working-class and town executions of the past- all in the setting of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy. Often referred to as Söders höjder (the southern heights), Södermalm offers some of the best city views. So you’ll, of course, make an obligatory stop to enjoy the breathtaking views of Stockholm’s Old Town, the Baltic Sea and the city skyline. Your tour comes to a close in the district of SoFo, aka South of Folkungatan. Located in the heart of the island, it’s an ideal spot for lunch, traditional Swedish fika (like a coffee break), a drink or shopping. So take a wander along the buzzing streets of this area, teeming with people, or take a seat amongst the locals at the square Nytorget- perfect for people watching. Whether in a café, hopping in and out of shops or sitting on a bench in the park, you’ll most likely want to stay. (This service is on a private basis.)
Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. Once you have checked out, you will make your own way to the airport in good time to board your departure flight.
We hope you had a wonderful trip and we wish you safe and happy travels home!
Hotel Haven is an elegant and stylish boutique hotel by the South Harbour and the Market Square in Helsinki. Hotel Haven’s 137 comfortable and spacious hotel rooms, its versatile meeting facilities, the bar, the three high-class restaurants and a gym provide unforgettable experiences for any and all tastes.
Hotel Adlon, by Mariehamn’s western harbor, is the hotel closest to the water. Here you can enjoy sea views and being close to the ferry. The sauna and pool area and the nice outdoor terrace are the most popular features of Hotel Adlon. You can sit outdoors with a cool drink in the sun and watch the ferries dock in the harbour. If you sit for a long time, you’ll be treated to the best evening sun views. You will find plenty to eat and drink all year round at the hotel’s pizzeria and sports bar with its pool table. In addition, it is always fun to watch sporting events and top matches with other sports enthusiasts.
Stay at the Most Unique Location in Stockholm The hotel is set directly on Stockholm's scenic waterfront and uses the historic Old Town as its picturesque and telling backdrop. The building's foundation dates back to 1617 — a time when Gustavus Adolphus the Great was the King of Sweden and the world had just invented telescopes and steam turbines.
*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.
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