Helsinki

Travel along the coastal road past Embassy Park and the colourful open-air market to Senate Square for a short stop. With your guide visit Senate Square and view the magnificent Lutheran Cathedral and enjoy some free time at Market Square. Then, from Mannerheim Street, see the Parliament House, the National Museum and Finlandia Hall, which is Finland’s concert and convention centre designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto. Another architectural highlight is the new Contemporary Art Museum, Kiasma, designed by the American architect, Steven Holl.

It’s then time for your tasting experience. You are welcomed by the chef of the restaurant with a fresh, sparkling drink made from blackcurrant leaf together with the restaurant’s speciality, Sapas. Sapas is an authentically Finnish hors d’oeuvre, handmade according to Finnish culinary traditions. The chef will tell you the secrets behind the restaurant and how they prepare these unique dishes.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The order of sites may vary.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a 1½-hour-long narrated cruise through the beautiful island-studded sea surrounding Helsinki. Begin by passing the old Yacht Club, a landmark of the city and view the diplomats’ area, located on a peninsula jutting into the sea. Continuing out to sea, you’ll cruise by the old Suomenlinna Fortress, built during Swedish rule to defend Helsinki from the Russians; today it serves as an outdoor museum. As you glide through the Finnish Archipelago, enjoy views of cottages, villas and waterfront saunas.

A stop will also be made at the open-air market, where you’ll have approximately 1 hour of free time to browse for souvenirs and local products.

Essential information

A coach will take you on the short journey from the pier to the landing area to board your sightseeing boat. Return to the ship will also be by coach. Operation of this tour is weather dependent. Numbers are strictly limited and early booking is recommended. There are a few steps to negotiate when embarking/disembarking the sightseeing boat. Refreshments can be purchased on board. If the Market Square is closed, an alternative shopping venue will be visited. The order of sites may vary.

The village of Fiskars has a long and flourishing history which has been well preserved. Today, the village is a beautiful blend of historic buildings mixed with modern arts, crafts and design shops.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the lush and beautiful countryside as you travel to the ironworks village of Fiskars. In 1649, Peter Thorwöste was granted permission by Queen Christina of Sweden to manufacture cast iron and forged products, with the exception of cannons. In the 1980’s operations began to move away from Fiskars to streamline production and make use of more modern facilities. Looking to keep the traditions of the village and buildings alive, a search for new inhabitants began, so that craftsmen, designers and artists could fill the old, vacant buildings. This ‘Living Ironworks Village’ is now a huge success which showcases high quality Finnish art and design.

With your guide, explore and meet the local residents, including the blacksmith, a pottery maker and admire the skilful art of glassblowing. Enjoy some free time for shopping or simply stroll along the tree-lined streets browsing the various boutiques and galleries.

Before leaving, relax beside the river and sample a slice of seasonal fruit pie served with tea or coffee.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour includes approximately 2½ hours of walking over flat ground.

Once onboard your 4 stop transfer, you’ll be given a map of Helsinki, so you can plan your free time.

Your first stop, is on the waterfront at Market Square. Enjoy an hour of free time to explore the thriving market, selling everything from local produce to unique arts and crafts. Visit the neo-classical Senate Square, only a short walk away, with its elegant public buildings and imposing Lutheran Cathedral.

In the heart of the city centre you may choose to do a spot of retail therapy or visit the famous Temppeliaukio Church. ‘The Rock Church’, as it is more commonly known is an architectural masterpiece, the interior was excavated and built into the rock and the ceiling clad in copper.

At Sibelius Park, view the magnificent Sibelius Monument dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, which caused some controversy when it was first unveiled; the 600 hollow steel pipes in a wave-like pattern capture the spirit of Sibelius’s music. Enjoy some time to make your own mind up about this piece of abstract art.

Your final stop is at the Olympic Stadium, where you’ll need your camera at the ready to capture the beautiful views over Töölö Bay.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. A tour assistant will be on hand to provide practical information about where and when to meet for the onward transportation. Please note that the assistant is not a tour guide. A map of Helsinki will be provided. No entrance fees are included in the tour price. There is a 5 minute uphill walk to reach ‘The Rock Church’ from the drop off point.

Regular tram traffic began in Helsinki in 1891 and the first carriages were open sided and pulled by horses. In 1901 electric powered trams took over and through the years the city has seen different styles of tram in all weird and wonderful colours.

After a short transfer to Helsinki’s central Railway station, you’ll continue your city tour on a unique vintage tram from the 1960's. Sit back and admire the scenery as you travel along Mannerheimintie where most of the cities important sights are located. During your panoramic tram ride you’ll pass by the Finlandia Hall, the National Museum and Parliament House to name but a few.

Your final destination is the stunning neo-classical Senate Square. Time permitting, you may wish to remain in the city to enjoy a spot of shopping or alternatively a coach transfer will take you back to the ship.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach, vintage tram and on foot. Passengers must be able to negotiate the steps of the coach. There is approximately 10 minutes of walking over flat ground included.

The city’s focal point, Senate Square, with fine 19th century neo-classical buildings and the impressive Lutheran Cathedral of St Nicholas will be your first stop. Along the way, you’ll see the Uspenski Cathedral and the North Harbour where the icebreaker fleet is stationed.

Next, it’s on to The Rock Church (Temppeliaukio), a unique creation carved out of solid rock and topped with a copper dome. This truly is a striking example of modern Finnish architecture. En route you’ll see the Presidential Palace, the colourful Market Square and the beautiful Kaivopuisto Park, where many of the foreign embassies are situated.

Stop to admire the massive, stainless steel Sibelius Monument dedicated to the musical vision of Jean Sibelius and situated in the beautiful Sibelius Park. View the Olympic Stadium, where the Olympic games were held in 1952. Travel past the new Opera House, Finlandia Hall, the Parliament Building, the National Museum and the Railway Station.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Should you opt to remain in the city for independent sightseeing, you’ll be responsible for your own return to the ship. Please note that the Rock Church may close without prior notice. The tour does involve some walking, with gravel walkways at the Sibelius Monument and steps at Senate Square. The order of sites may vary.Due to parking restrictions at The Rock Church there is a 10 minute uphill walk to the Church from the parking area.

After a short transfer by coach, you’ll arrive at Senate Square, the historical centre of Helsinki. From here, stroll past formidable buildings that make a strong impression on the Helsinki skyline, such as the Railway Station, Sanoma Building, the Finlandia Congress Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

A stop will be made at a waterfront café for some light refreshments.

You’ll continue your walk up to Toolo residential area and through Hesperia Park. Then it’s on to the Rock Church, a unique church blasted into the solid rock.

The walking part of the tour will conclude at the Rock Church, from where you’ll return to the quayside by coach. Alternatively, you may remain in the city for further independent exploration and shopping. You will then be responsible for your own return to the ship.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a total of 2½ hours’ walking involved over mainly paved and gravel surfaces. You are advised that the Rock Church may close without prior notice. The order of sites may vary.

Head for Senate Square, passing the Uspenski Cathedral and the North Harbour where the icebreaker fleet is stationed. Dating from the first half of the 19th century, most of the buildings in Senate Square are in the neo-classical style. The Cathedral lines the north side: the west is flanked by the Helsinki University; the east by the Government building.

Drive along Mannerheim Street, viewing Parliament House, the National Museum, Finlandia Hall, the Contemporary Art Museum and the Olympic Stadium. At Seurasaari, you’ll have a guided tour of the Open-Air Museum, where you can see numerous buildings from the different provinces of Finland. The oldest building is a 1686 wooden church. Enjoy a coffee, tea and pastry in these historic surroundings, before departing the island for a short drive to the Sibelius Park. Have your camera at the ready, to capture the magnificent Sibelius Monument. The monument is made of huge steel pipes by sculptor, Ms. Eila Hiltunen in 1967 as a tribute to the most famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The walking on this tour at the Open-Air Museum is over gravel, grass and includes several inclines. There is approximately 1½ hours’ walking on this tour. The order of sites may vary.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the suburbs of Helsinki and along the coastline of the Archipelago.

Upon arrival at the kayak centre you’ll receive a brief induction on basic kayaking techniques before you paddle off to explore the unique archipelago. With your knowledgeable guide, you’ll discover the numerous islands and diverse birdlife, whilst admiring the stunning scenery and natural beauty of the Finnish archipelago.

Stretch your legs and tuck into a picnic snack on one of the islands, before heading back to the kayak base.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by minibus and kayak. Participants should be competent swimmers and physically fit. There is a weight restriction of 18 stone. Participants must be at least 10 years of age and children under 14 years must ride in a double kayak with an adult. Double kayaks may be available on request.The kayaking will take approximately 2¼ hours. Passengers are advised to wear sports clothing with trainers or sandals, jeans are not recommended. The tour will operate in wet weather conditions, and a basic rain jacket will be provided, you may wish to bring additional wet weather clothing. Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a change of clothing.

Travel to Lohja, a small city outside of Helsinki, where you will have the chance to venture deep underground into the Tytyri Mine.

Make your way into Tytyri Hall and enjoy a glass of locally produced apple cider while you watch a short video on the history of the mine and its workers. Now it’s time to put on your hard hats and venture into the cool, damp tunnels of the mine. Along the way your guide will enlighten you with stories of the miner's lives which will bring to life the pictures and drawings and the old machines located inside the tunnels. As you reach the end of your walk you will see a stunning light show at the edge of a 300 foot wide and deep underground pit which showcases the impressive size of this limestone mine. Before you leave you will be given a piece of limestone as a souvenir.

Enjoy a photo stop at the 15th century Church of St Lawrence, before you rejoin your coach and drive through the Finnish landscape to Koivula Manor. You’ll have some free time to sit on the terrace and enjoy refreshments with the beautiful Finnish landscape as your backdrop before driving back to Helsinki.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is not suitable for passengers that suffer from claustrophobia. There is approximately 1 hours’ walking on this tour over uneven ground, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. Warm clothing should be worn as it may be cold inside the mine.

Helsinki boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, and Carl Ludwig’s neo-classical Senate Square is one of the most graceful squares in Europe. Enjoy a panoramic tour of city before heading out to discover Finland’s second oldest town – charming Porvoo.

The City of Porvoo originated as a trading hub for Porvoo Parish inhabitants at the point where the sea meets the Porvoonjoki River. The town was named after the ancient fortress Borgå, the Swedish name for Porvoo, and was granted town rights by Swedish King Magnus Eriksson in 1346. Old Porvoo is one of the treasures of Finland, and the town looks the same as it did during the middle ages.

The town has lovingly-preserved a section of the old part of the city and a guided walk through this area will take you over cobbled streets, past weathered wooden houses, the town hall and the main square.

Enjoy some welcome refreshments at the Haikko Manor House before returning to Helsinki.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.This excursion involves walking over uneven and gravelled ground. The order of sites may vary.

Helsinki is known as ‘Daughter of the Baltic’ or the ‘White City of the North’. Start your city panorama by passing the shipyard along the coastal road, Embassy Park and the colourful open-air market. Stop for a photo at Senate Square to capture the elegant Lutheran Cathedral, then pass Uspenski Cathedral and see the Icebreakers, docked for the summer season.

Traverse the main street of the city, Mannerheim, and pass by the Parliament House, National Museum, Finlandia Hall, the new Helsinki Music Centre and the Contemporary Art Museum. Take a look at the new Opera House and the Olympic Stadium, venue for the Games in 1952.

At Sibelius Park, stop for a short while to see the Sibelius Monument, before heading back.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach. No entrances are included in this excursion. Short photo stops of approximately 5 minutes, as mentioned above, are included. The order of sites may vary.

Sit back and relax as you take a scenic drive from Helsinki to the Finnish archipelago and the Hommanäs Estate. The Estate is located in the rural countryside, dates back to the 18th Century and has been the home of noblemen and the Finnish Partisan leader Tapani Löfving.

As you arrive at the Manor, you will be greeted by the owner, enjoy a welcome drink in the garden before discovering the history of this impressive Manor House, parts of which date back to the 16th Century. You’ll have some free time to explore the grounds and the original ‘smoke sauna’ before making your way inside to the sitting room where you will be served homemade pastries and tea with the sea providing a scenic backdrop.

After your tea, you will have the chance to purchase some of the Estates’ attractively packaged homemade berry juices and jams before you leave the tranquil surroundings to return to Helsinki.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The drive to the Hommanäs Estate is approximately 1 hour.

Only a short drive from the centre of Helsinki is the only all-year-round indoor winter wonderland. Before you can enjoy some winter fun in the middle of summer, you’ll be kitted out with thermal clothing in the dressing hall. The weather forecast is always -5ºC and no wind!

Explore the individual igloos in the snow hotel, where guests can enjoy an overnight stay, admire the ice carvings and have some fun in the snow. During your visit there are several activities to enjoy, tobogganing, kick sledging and snow shoes, there are also the friendly arctic husky dogs to meet. In the middle of this unusual complex is a 300 metre long track, where you’ll hop aboard your sled for a short husky ride passing Christmas trees and winter scenes. In the Ice Bar and Restaurant, sample Finland’s finest vodka or a refreshing soft drink.

Finally, enjoy some free time to shop for Lappish souvenirs at the gift shop before returning to summer time in Helsinki.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is not suitable for passengers with medical problems that could be affected by the extreme cold. Closed shoes or trainers are recommended.