Finnish Explorer
- 14
- £1,799
- Finland
- Travel by rail and sea via Germany, Denmark and Sweden to Finland
- Turku in Southwest Finland with its lively vibe and exciting calendar of events
- Rovaniemi, home of Santa Claus and the gateway to Finnish Lapland
- Finnish capital Helsinki, one of the world’s most liveable cities
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Choose to book a flight home or travel by rail
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard class rail travel including seat reservations
- 12 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private compartment on the sleeper Turku to Rovaniemi
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
- PLEASE NOTE: This tour finishes in Helsinki
Suggested Itinerary
Leave London today aboard a Eurostar service bound for Paris. On arrival in the French capital, it’s an easy walk or metro journey to the Gare de l’Est for your onward journey by high-speed train to Cologne. From here, take a German service to Osnabrück for your overnight stop at the Best Western Hotel Hohenzollern (or similar).
Osnabrück has a significant place in German history as it was where the 1648 Peace of Westphalia was negotiated, bringing the 30 Years’ War to an end. The town hall where the agreement was signed sits on the pretty market square at the centre of the Old Town – which is well-worth exploring.
Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and return to the station for your onward journey north to Hamburg and then on to Copenhagen. You’ll arrive in the early evening and check in at the conveniently located Hotel Absalon (or similar).
Take the opportunity for an evening meal in one of Europe’s gastronomic capitals. There’s a huge range of options here, from the ubiquitous hot dog stands to a choice of 15 restaurants with Michelin stars.
After a leisurely start today, it’s time to return to the station and catch another high-speed service across the Oresund Bridge and into Sweden. Your destination today is Stockholm, the regal capital of Sweden which sits on an archipelago of 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea.
Check in at the Nordic Light Hotel (or similar) and enjoy an evening at leisure here. If you would like to extend your stay in Copenhagen or Stockholm, just let us know and we can tailor-make your holiday.
It’s time to see more of that lovely archipelago this morning as you catch an early morning ferry from Stockholm’s port bound for Finland. Enjoy lovely vistas as you sail past the Alund Islands and into Turku’s own archipelago of over 20,000 islands.
Arrive mid-evening into Turku, disembark and check in for a 2-night stay at the Scandic Julia (or similar).
Turku is Finland’s oldest city and former capital, located on the southwest coast of the country, at the mouth of the Aura River. Turku has been on the map since 1229, but it’s also a very modern, cultural city with plenty going on all year round. In the summer, the city overflows with events and festivals: tango, music, theatre, art, design and more.
The River Aura (Plough in English) is the heart of Turku, with the medieval cobblestone streets of the centre branching off its banks. There are old sailing ships moored here, and you can take cruises out into the archipelago or to nearby Naantali.
Spend another day in Turku. Across on the west bank of the river, attractions include the Turku Castle, Forum Marinum maritime centre and its museum ship fleet (including the full-rigger Suomen Joutsen), as well as the Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House.
After dinner in the evening, it’s time to make your way back to the station for an overnight sleeper service bound for Finnish Lapland.
Arrive in Rovaniemi and check in at the Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus (or similar), for your 3-night stay.
Rovaniemi is capital of Lapland and the gateway to explore this stunning sub-Arctic region. It’s also believed to be the home of Father Christmas, who you can meet in the Santa Village. Why not head out and visit a reindeer farm or take a Lapland safari by snowmobile or husky? Give us a call to add Lapland tours and experiences to your booking.
Spend another morning exploring Rovaniemi. The famous midnight sun is seen between June early June and early July when the sun doesn’t set at all. Until mid August, the night sky remains luminous. During winter, the northern lights are visible on most nights if the sky is clear.
In the afternoon, leave Rovaniemi for your journey back down to Helsinki, stopping off for the night in Oulu, one of the largest and most important cities in Northern Finland. Spend the night in the Radisson Blu Oulu (or similar).
Leave Oulu and take the train for a 6 hour journey to Helsinki. Check in for a 3-night stay at the Solo Sokos Torni Hotel (or similar).
With a history dating back to the mid-16th century, Helsinki has a stunning setting on the Gulf of Finland and has regularly been voted one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Enjoy two full days to explore Helsinki. Recommended attractions here include the 19th century landmark cathedral, Market Square with its colourful stalls, the National Museum of Finland, and imposing Suomenlinna Sea Fortress out in Helsinki’s archipelago.
If you grow weary of sightseeing, head for the leafy Esplanade Park or the distinctive Chapel of Silence at the corner of Narinkkatori Square, where you are always welcome to join locals for a moment of calm.
This morning, it’s time to check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your return flight to the UK (not included). Alternatively, we can look at return travel by rail and ferry. Just let us know.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
This family-run hotel is positioned in the heart of Copenhagen, a short stroll from the railway station, the Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn harbour. The colourful interiors and bedrooms are designed by Designers Guild and there is a also a bar and terrace. Bicycle hire is available from reception.
The Nordic Light is a modern design hotel, located within easy walking distance of Stockholm Central Station and the main shopping street of the city. Bedrooms are equipped with a laptop-sized safe and satellite TV. The luxury beds are by Swedish brand, Hästens. The hotel also offers a restaurant, bar and fitness centre.
The Scandic Julia Hotel is situated in the centre of Turku, within easy walking distance of Turku Cathedral and the Market Square. Guestrooms feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, wooden floors and free Wi-Fi internet access. As well as an on-site restaurant, there is also a bar as well as a 24-hour shop selling drinks, snacks and toiletries. Complimentary bike hire is also available.
Located in central Rovaniemi, the Hotel Santa Claus offers spacious, comfortable bedrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel offers a choice of three restaurants, a terrace for outdoor dining in the summer months, and a concierge desk where you can book trips to the nearby Santa Claus Village and activities such as husky sledding.
Located on the banks of the Oulu River with an overview of the Gulf of Bothnia, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Oulu combines beautiful waterfront views with the convenience of a city centre location. Choose from a wide range of accommodation options with 222 rooms and suites. Wake refreshed and visit Restaurant Toivo for the hotel’s tempting breakfast buffet.
The Hotel Torni has dominated the Helsinki skyline since the 1930s. When the hotel opened, it was the tallest building in the city. Located within easy walking distance of the main station, the hotel offers stylish bedrooms with Wi-Fi internet access, an on-site restaurant and a rooftop bar with stunning city views.