Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki

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. Proximity to the sea and forest gives Helsinki its distinctive ambience.

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, leave the main roads and head for the quiet byways. This is where the King's Road 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 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 Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum tell tales about the trades and city life of days gone by.

Day 3: Turku - Urjala, 104 km

Head for Tampere, driving through green farming lands, and stop in the Nuutajärvi Glass Village. Finland's oldest glassworks is today a producer of world-renowned Finnish art glass. The Glass Museum shows the history of glass and glassmaking in Finland. While you are there not only can you see glassblowers at work, you will also have the opportunity to try glassblowing.

Day 4: Urjala - Tampere, 53 km

Continue the leisurely drive to Tampere. With an industrial heritage, Tampere has an array of museums that show the culture of the working class such as Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing. Vapriikki museum centre is located in an old industrial complex by the Tammerkoski Rapids and Sara HildŽn Art Museum houses a fine collection of modern art.

Day 5: Tampere - Jyväskylä, 175 km

On the Tampere-Jyväskylä route it is worth making the detour to Mänttä. Gösta Serlachius Museum of Fine Arts at Mänttä is home to an outstanding private art collection. The old wooden church at Petäjävesi, with a history dating back over 250 years, is a fine example of vernacular architectural tradition. Jyväskylä Region is renowned for buildings designed by the internationally acclaimed Alvar Aalto. Overnight at Hotel Yöpuu, a small and cosy hotel with a personal touch in the heart of Jyväskylä.

Day 6: Jyväskylä - Mikkeli, 115 km

In Mikkeli the Kenkävero handicrafts center, earlier the largest wooden vicarage in Finland, is well worth a visit. Overnight in the charming atmosphere of Tertti Manor, a family-run farm and manor hotel with a beautiful main building that has been preserved the way it was in 1894. The fascinating gardens around the house invite for a leisurely stroll.

Day 7: Mikkeli - Punkaharju, 140 km

Head for Punkaharju, noted for its magnificent ridge area. The medieval Castle in Savonlinna, home to the famous summer Opera festival, and the world's largest wooden church in Kerimäki are places of interest near to Punkaharju.

Day 8: Punkaharju - Lappeenranta, 125 km

In the historical fortress area of Lappeenranta there are workshops of local artists and craftsmen. Wolkoff House museum from the 19th century portrays the life of a Russian trading family. The orthodox church bears witness to the eastern influences on the Karelian culture

Day 9: Lappeenranta - Helsinki, 220 km

From Lappeenranta it is possible to continue back to Helsinki via Kotka, a town with maritime heritage. Visit the imperial fishing lodge built on the banks of the Langinkoski Rapids. Another option is to drive via Kouvola and then turn off to Jaala to visit the unique Verla Mill Museum and Village. Other points of interest along the journey include the old ironworks village in Ruotsinpyhtää dotted with red 18th-century workers' houses, and the idyllic old quarter of Porvoo with its narrow cobblestone lanes and handicrafts boutiques.
Return to Helsinki and enjoy another night in this exciting city.

Day 10: Depart for home or extend your stay in Scandinavia!

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