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on Request from June 20 - August 31, 2008
Per Person In Shared Twin	$ 653.00
Single Room Supplement	$ 517.00

Experience a cross-section of Finland’s varied landscapes, sights and culture from the capital Helsinki on the southern coast all the way up to Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. The route takes you along the coastline of western Finland, a region noted for old seafaring and shipbuilding traditions, spectacular coastal scenery and attractive wood-built small towns. You’ll pass the plains of Ostrobothnia and come into contact with the coastal culture of Finland’s Swedish-speaking population.

We have suggested some points of interest to give you ideas what to see and experience along the journey, but there are many more attractions worth a visit. The choice is yours. 

Day 1: Helsinki
Arrive Helsinki. Finland’s capital offers a wide variety of things to experience ranging from an array of architectural gems, art, design and cultural offerings to great shopping facilities. Sightseeing opportunities range from a tour on a pub tram to boat cruises through the islands lying off the city shoreline. Proximity to the sea and forest gives Helsinki its distinctive ambience. Your hotel is a newly built establishment with one of the most central locations beautifully decorated in a bright modern Scandinavian style. (O)

Day 2: Helsinki – Turku, 175 km
To get the most out of the rural heritage landscapes in the stretch between the modern metropolis Helsinki and the historic town of Turku, leave the main roads and head for the quiet byways. This is where the King’s Road tourist route winds through fascinating small towns, charming villages and scenic countryside. The historic road, which once linked the Kingdom of Sweden with the Russian Empire, offers a wealth of cultural heritage sites worth a visit, including the Mustio Manor, the Fiskars Ironworks Village and the ruins of the Raasepori Castle. As the oldest city and the former capital of Finland, Turku is home to the most remarkable medieval landmarks of the country, including the Castle and the Cathedral. Aboa Vetus Museum shows the history of Turku and remains of early settlements. The wooden workshop houses of the Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum tell tales about the trades and city life of days gone by. (B,O)

Day 3: Turku – Tampere 157 km
Head for Tampere, situated on a narrow isthmus between two large lakes. Enjoy the lake scenery from top of an observation tower or from aboard a sightseeing boat. Tampere’s industrial heritage is reflected in the architecture of the city center, and the culture of the working class is also displayed in a number of museums. Your hotel has a beautiful lakeside location in the heart of the scenic Pyynikki ridge area, only five minutes from the city center. (B,O)

Day 4: Tampere – Vaasa 242 km
The road passes vast green plains and small rural towns. For families with children it may be worth making the detour to Ahtari Zoo, home to 65 species of animal, most of which inhabit the coniferous zone. Seinajoki is home to some remarkable buildings designed by Alvar Aalto, considered by many to be one of the most important architects of the 20th century. Vaasa offers many attractions for the whole family, including sightseeing cruises to the fantastic archipelago off the city shoreline. (B,O)

Day 5: Vaasa – Kokkola, 150 km
Running from island to island, the scenic route known as the Seven Bridges Archipelago Road takes in spectacular coastal scenery and attractive small towns. You can get insight into the region’s tar-making and seafaring traditions and wonder at the skillfully constructed wooden houses. The northernmost point of the route, Kokkola, has one of Finland’s most expansive areas of wooden buildings. (B,O)

Day 6: Kokkola – Oulu, 198 km
Continuing up north along the coastline, you pass Kalajoki, known for its sandy beaches, and Raahe with a well-preserved wooden town area. Oulu is today recognized for its excellence in state-of-the-art technology. Tietomaa Science Center is an attraction for the whole family and the number of parks offer opportunities for leisurely walks. Cycling is also an excellent way to explore the city. (B,O)

Day 7: Oulu – Rovaniemi, 207 km
Head for Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland’s capital town. On the Arctic Circle you can meet Santa Claus in his Workshop Village every day of the year. The wonderful natural surroundings, fells and rivers, provide opportunities for a variety of activities including river cruises, white-water rafting and visits to reindeer farms. Overnight at Clarion Hotel Santa Claus, offering modern facilities and well-equipped spacious rooms. (B,O)

Day 8: Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for home.

B=Breakfast, O=Overnight                           fitstb14