Finland by Train

Flight or train to Helsinki upon request.

Individual arrival in Helsinki. Welcome and transfer to the hotel, located in the city center, not far from the train station.

Helsinki, known as the world design capital, is an elegant Nordic metropolis. The city is built on the rocky shores of the Baltic Sea and offers a wonderful blend of urban life and nature. Elegant national romanticism adorns its stoic buildings, and the radiant summers give residents every reason to enjoy the outdoors: lakes, islands, parks, design galleries, terraces, saunas, and ice cream: even though it’s the northernmost country in the European Union, Finland consumes more ice cream than any other member state!

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Helsinki

Today’s goal is to discover Helsinki from a local’s point of view: our French-speaking guide will take you to explore the city on the public tram, an icon of the city. Explore highlights such as the emblematic Senate Square with its cathedral, the bustling waterfront with the market square, Esplanade park, and the highly coveted Temppeliaukio Church, a unique temple carved into rock. Enjoy a traditional coffee break in a historic café and visit the Design District along Bulevardi avenue.

The afternoon is free to explore the Oodi national library, a public space that locals are very proud of. This masterpiece of modern architecture is a palace of books and a favorite meeting spot for the people of Helsinki: there’s plenty of space to read, work, learn, have a drink with city views, or join a workshop.

Continue your visit to the Helsinki City Museum to learn more about the city’s urban development and future projects. Escape the main tourist spots by taking the tram to discover Kallio, a once-sleepy working-class neighborhood that has recently become more upscale.

The Design Museum, Amos Rex Art Museum, Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum, the island of Suomenlinna with its UNESCO World Heritage fortress, the sauna and pool by the water, the ice cream cart in the park, shopping for Nordic dishware or clothing, riding the tram to watch the world go by.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Helsinki (BB)

What do locals do in summer? They swim, hike, or go to Tallinn for a day trip (fun fact: 75% of Finns have visited Estonia!).

Lake Kuusijarvi, located in the Helsinki metropolitan area and accessible by train and bus, offers the chance to swim in the lake and enjoy a sauna—try the world-famous traditional Finnish sauna, or a more archaic smoke sauna. The surrounding hiking trails are perfect for an extended outing, with opportunities to pick blueberries and mushrooms along the way.

Nuuksio National Park, situated in the Espoo region, is easily reached by train or bus. It’s a wonderful escape into the wilderness, with forest and lakeside trails, picnicking, and a visitor center providing information about the nature.

Optional: If you’d like to stay with your guide and discover a new country, you’ll definitely want to spend a day in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. A two-hour high-speed ferry crossing offers breathtaking views and lets you travel to a medieval time capsule in the world’s most digital country, the birthplace of internet calls, e-citizenship, and online voting. You’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Tallinn and have plenty of time to discover the city’s trendy spots.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Helsinki (BB)

Departure from Helsinki’s historic train station, one of the most beautiful in the world. Built in Art Nouveau style, it’s worth exploring before you board the modern train to Tampere, Finland’s second largest city, to experience a different and understated atmosphere. This comfortable two-hour journey offers views of the Hämeenlinna fortress.

Upon arrival in Tampere, drop your luggage at the hotel near the station and begin to explore this exciting city with your English-speaking guide. Tampere, also nicknamed the Manchester of the North for its brick architecture and industrial heritage, is known as the sauna capital of the world.

During your walking tour of Tampere, admire the Tammerkoski rapids, the Art Nouveau buildings and visit the iconic food market, with the largest market hall in the Nordic countries. It’s a great spot to sample traditional local dishes.

Afternoon at leisure. Continue to explore the city at Werstas, the Finnish Labour Museum, managed by Finlayson, a famous interior design brand. While Nokia was founded in Tampere due to a river by the same name, there is also a town called Nokia just a short train ride away—you can take a very local excursion in your free late afternoon, or stay in Tampere and stroll along the lakes.

Tampere is also home to several public saunas (our favorite is the 108-year-old public sauna in Pispala), and there is even a sauna-restaurant, which is what we suggest for your night.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Tampere (BB).

You’ve already explored the two largest cities in Finland, so naturally the third is on today’s itinerary. Turku, or Åbo in Swedish, is the former capital of Finland and a relaxing port city. You’ll get there by taking the morning train from Tampere.

Upon arrival, discover the appeal of Turku with the elegant Aura River quays, the historic cathedral, and the impressive Turku Castle. On Luostari hill, learn about Turku’s past as you stroll through the well-preserved wooden district, now a museum. Turku Cathedral, located on Unikankare hill, is the national sanctuary and considered Finland’s most valuable historical monument.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Turku (BB).

Day at leisure for personal discovery. Turku is already one of the most sustainable cities in Europe, with environmentally friendly and unique modes of transportation actively used by locals: Föri, a free electric ferry highly popular for over a hundred years, carries the people of Turku across the river, and Funi, a funicular that takes you up to Kakolanmäki Hill.

Water plays a key role in Finnish identity, whether it’s glacial lakes, fast-flowing rivers, island-studded seas, or the winter snow cover. The Finnish Archipelago is like a 40,000-piece puzzle, half of which is close to Turku.

A boat excursion lets you cross the island-dotted seas and stop at Nauvo, an idyllic harbor with a beach, restaurants, and a stone church. Rent a bike to explore the Nauvo section of the famous Archipelago Trail. The flat terrain is ideal for a leisurely ride that lets you soak up the views.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Turku (BB).

Take the Pendolino, Intercity trains from Turku to Helsinki, Finland’s first high-speed rail line. It’s a scenic journey that travels through forests, meadows, farmland, and lakes.

After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, choose to stay in the city or visit the local farm. A local bus regularly connects to Porvoo, the prettiest small town in Finland with its beautifully preserved wooden houses. Return to Helsinki for your last evening in Finland.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Helsinki (BB).

Depending on your departure, enjoy a free morning/day in Helsinki. Private transfer to the airport.. (BB).

Extra night, flight or return train from Helsinki available upon request.