Helsinki

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.

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.

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.

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 one hour of free time to browse for souvenirs and local products.

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.

Your captain will be waiting at the end of the pier to welcome you on this exciting tour. Don a special all-in-one warm waterproof outfit and flotation device and get ready to board your RIB to begin the fast ride through the Finnish archipelago.

Experience the scenic archipelago at speeds of up to 40 knots, travelling over the waves and past islands, both large and small, with their typical Finnish summer homes. You can almost smell the delicious aroma of Finnish-style sausages as you land on one of the rocky islands. Your snack will be washed down with a cool, Finnish beer (soft drinks are also available). All too soon, it’s time to speed back to the city, passing the new High-Tech Centre, before arriving next to your ship.

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.

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. Your chef will tell you about the typical Finnish seasonal smoked delicacies and their preparation and then you’ll have the opportunity to sample these from your own Finnish tasting plate. As a final touch, enjoy a typical Finnish dessert and cheese accompanied by tea or coffee.

Perfect for the young, and young at heart, this very special tour takes you to the western region of Helsinki to Santa’s Summerhouse.

Most people have heard of Santa Claus, and know that he lives on the chilly Arctic Circle, however many people don’t know what Santa does in the summer time.

This tour gives you a unique opportunity to visit Santa’s home and learn about Finnish ways in the beautiful surroundings of Santa’s summerhouse, set in the midst of the forest.

Enjoy a scenic drive though the city of Helsinki en route to a secret forest location. Upon arrival you will be greeted by one of Santa’s helpers, who will act as your guide during your special visit. Enjoy the beautiful forest and lake scenery and learn about the Finnish flora and fauna. A nature trail leads you through the forest to a summerhouse with a difference. Here you will meet Santa in person as he invites you into his secret summer hideaway.

In Santa’s home you’ll find many traditional Finnish items, including a real smoke sauna and you’ll learn all about Finnish life in the country whilst enjoying some delicious refreshments.

Following your Santa experience, you’ll head back to city life in Helsinki via the coastal road. En route, you’ll see the archipelago, pass by University Village and the Garden City before returning to the ship.

Enjoy a panoramic drive along Mannerheim Street, the main street of Helsinki, passing Parliament, the National Museum, Finlandia Hall, the New Opera House and the Olympic Stadium.

Leaving the city behind you’ll head to the north west of Helsinki to Järvenpää. Here you will follow in the footsteps of Sibelius by visiting Ainola, the home of Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) the world famous composer. Explore, with your guide, the fully furnished house and enjoy a little free time to wander in the garden where the grave of the composer and his wife Aino are located.

Your next stop is at the summer school concert house of the Sibelius Academy, Aino Hall. Here you will enjoy a 30 minute recital including the music of Sibelius and other famous composers, performed by young, talented students of the Academy.

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.

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.

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.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic transfer passing Market Square, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the Finnish Ice Breaker fleet, docked for the summer.

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.

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.