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Finland’s western coast offers diverse scenery, ranging from an amazing archipelago and coastline to verdant countryside with vast open fields further inland together with settlements concentrated along riverbanks. Picturesque seascapes, the shimmering sea and sunny sandy beaches contribute their own aspect to the variety of landscapes in the region. The colorful Ostrobothnian culture impresses in both culinary and handicraft traditions combining influences of both past and present. Attractive town districts with skillfully constructed wooden houses, centuries of tar-making and seafaring heritage, and strong traditions of Finland’s Swedish-speaking population give this region its special character unlike anywhere else in Finland. 

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Arrive Helsinki and transfer on your own to Radisson Sas Hotel Espoo, situated only 9 km from Helsinki city center. The hotel has a peaceful location at waterfront close to beautiful natural surroundings.

Day 2: Helsinki-Turku 175 km
To get the most out of the rural heritage landscapes in the stretch between the modern metropolis of Helsinki and the historic town of Turku, head for the quiet byways and follow the King’s Road tourist route, a historic road which once linked the Kingdom of Sweden with the Russian Empire. 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. 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-Rauma-Pori 160 km
The history of Rauma goes back to the 15th century when Franciscan monks constructed a monastery on the site. Old Rauma with its wooden architecture is one of the five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Finland. Bobbin lace making, a handicraft originally brought to the town by seamen, still flourishes here. Pori is famous for its sandy beaches and Europe’s largest Jazz Festival, held in July. It is worth taking a scenic archipelago road to the island of Reposaari, situated 32 km from the center of Pori. It is like a small town of its own with many wooden houses. (B,O)

Day 4: Pori-Vaasa 191 km
Heading for the north, pass by small coastal towns with typical wooden houses. Off the coast of Vaasa lies an amazing archipelago, which is easy to explore by car or by taking a sightseeing cruise. Korsholm island is home to an interesting open-air museum and a craftsmen’s village. (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. The northernmost point of the route, Kokkola, has a charming district of wooden buildings. (B,O)

Day 6: Kokkola-Tampere 324
Head to the south and drive past Lappajärvi, a lake formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. Pass by small rural towns and villages, vast open fields and farms. The industrial heritage of Tampere, the largest city of the Finnish Lakeland, is reflected in the architecture of the city center. The lake scenery can be viewed from top of an observation tower or from aboard a sightseeing boat. Overnight in Tampere, which has a beautiful lakeside location in the heart of the scenic Pyynikki ridge area. (B,O)

Day 7: Tampere-Helsinki 176 km
On the way to Helsinki, it is worth visiting Iittala Glass Center where you can see glass blowing and purchase Finnish design products. (B,O)

Day 8: Depart for Home

B=Breakfast, O=Overnight      fitstb11