Itinerary
- Day 1
Helsinki to Turku
You'll arrive in Helsinki and drive through the Nyland and Salo countryside toward Turku, Finland's oldest city. The route takes you past rural landscapes before reaching this riverside town on the Aurajoki River. Once there, you can walk the cobbled streets, check out the medieval castle, and see the wooden houses scattered throughout. The 13th-century cathedral stands as a centerpiece, and the whole city has this interesting mix of old medieval architecture and contemporary feel since it was European Capital of Culture back in 2011. The archipelago islands at the river's mouth create a nice backdrop for exploring.
Included Activities
- Drive through Nyland and Salo countryside to Turku
Landmarks/POIs Turku Cathedral Turku Castle Aurajoki River - Day 2
Turku to Tampere
From Turku, you'll head to Tampere, Finland's third largest city positioned between several lakes. The red-brick industrial buildings line the Tammerkoski River and tell the story of Finnish manufacturing history. There's an optional boat trip available if you want to get out into the countryside. Tampere earned its nickname as the sauna capital with over 20 public saunas throughout the city. Spending time here gives you a real sense of how industrial development shaped this part of Finland.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive to Tampere
Optional Activities
- Boat trip into the idyllic countryside
- Stroll through the city
Landmarks/POIs Tammerkoski River - Day 3
Tampere to Kokkola
After Tampere, you'll head back to the coast and reach Kokkola, a charming coastal town on the Gulf of Bothnia. The old town has wooden houses worth walking through, and you can explore the offshore archipelago. The area's shipbuilding heritage is still visible, and Kokkola maintains Finland's third largest harbor. There's an old school building from 1696 to check out, which is actually the only remaining secular wooden house in Finland and one of Scandinavia's oldest structures. The town offers a quieter coastal experience compared to larger cities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive to Kokkola
Optional Activities
- Visit the old school building from 1696 (historical museum)
- Day 4
Kokkola to Oulu
Continue further north along the coast to Oulu, a university town with a lively city center. The market square has numerous stalls and there's a market hall to explore. Pikisaari island nearby features artist studios if you want to see local creative work. The Turkansaari open-air museum gives context to local history and culture. Oulu is preparing for its 2026 designation as European Capital of Culture, so there's energy and development happening. The city shifted from its historical focus on wood tar and salmon to become a center for IT and wellness industries.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive to Oulu
Optional Activities
- Explore the market square and market hall
- Visit Pikisaari island with artist studios and apartments
- Explore the Turkansaari open-air museum
- Cycling tours on the excellent network of cycle paths
Landmarks/POIs Pikisaari Island Turkansaari Open-Air Museum - Day 5
Oulu to Kuopio
Leave the coast and drive inland along the Oulu River through Finland's lake district. You'll pass by Lake Oulu, Kentiömäki, Kajaani, and Iisalmi before arriving in Kuopio, which sits right in the middle of Lake Kallavesi. Head to the Puijo observation tower for panoramic views across the water. The 1902 market hall is worth a visit, and there's the cathedral church and city museum to explore. The setting in the lake region really gives Kuopio its character as the regional capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive to Kuopio through the Finnish lake district
Optional Activities
- Enjoy the panorama from Puijo observation tower
- Stroll through the market hall built in 1902
- Shop for regional Finnish products
- Visit the cathedral church
- Visit Kuopio House with the city museum
Landmarks/POIs Puijo Observation Tower Lake Kallavesi - Day 6
Kuopio to Kouvola
Travel through the Finnish Lake District toward Kouvola, passing by more than 450 lakes throughout the region. Kouvola is nature-focused, so check out the Mustila Arboretum, one of Northern Europe's most important forest parks. The Kouvola Art Museum offers something cultural in the area. Nearby Repovesi National Park has a rhododendron valley that transforms into a sea of flowers come June if you're timing your trip right. The whole area emphasizes outdoor activities and natural landscapes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive through the Finnish Lake District to Kouvola
Optional Activities
- Visit the Mustila Arboretum
- Explore Repovesi National Park
- Visit the Kouvola Art Museum
- Visit the wood and cardboard factory (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in nearby Verlas
Landmarks/POIs Mustila Arboretum Repovesi National Park Kouvola Art Museum Verlas Wood and Cardboard Factory - Day 7
Kouvola to Helsinki
Drive back to Helsinki via Kotka and Porvoo along the coast, or take the train through Lahti if you prefer. Helsinki is one of Europe's fastest growing cities with innovative design and a dynamic food scene to explore. Walk around Senate Square and see the majestic cathedral, then visit the Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral nearby. There are modern art museums to spend time at, and you can take a boat out to Suomenlinna sea fortress. The city has vibrant boutiques, cafés, and restaurants scattered throughout to experience the local culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive to Helsinki via Kotka and Porvoo (or train alternative via Lahti)
Optional Activities
- Walk through the city center with Senate Square ensemble
- Visit the National Cathedral
- Visit the National Library
- Visit the Presidential Palace
- Visit the Uspenski Cathedral
- Visit Amos Rex art museum
- Visit Kiasma art museum
- Visit the Suomenlinna sea fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Landmarks/POIs Senate Square Helsinki Cathedral National Library of Finland Presidential Palace Uspenski Cathedral Amos Rex Kiasma Art Museum Suomenlinna Sea Fortress - Day 8
Departure from Helsinki
This morning there's breakfast provided before your individual departure from Helsinki. Pack up and head out whenever works for your travel plans.
- Meals
- Breakfast
