Grand tour of Western Finland self drive

From price is based on 2 people sharing a room. Price includes return economy class flights to Helsinki and Rovaniemi-Helsinki flight, all airport taxes, 10 nights accommodation in Sokos and Radisson SAS hotels around Finland in a twin/double room, 10 breakfasts and car hire (group A) for 7 days. From price is based on travel on low season (19 June-18 August). Please contact us for car upgrades. One way fee on car hire is payable locally.

Departures every day from May to September 2010.

Day 1
Fly to Helsinki with a scheduled airline and check in to Hotel Torni for 2 nights.

Day 2
Breakfast and day at leisure to explore Helsinki. Helsinki is a city of surprisingly many facets and faces, where traditional eastern exotica meets contemporary Scandinavian style. Helsinki’s compact size means it is easy to get familiar with, either on a bike, by public transport or simply by going for a stroll. A seaside city and Finland’s busiest port, it spills across a group of beautiful islands, while its modern suburbs spread out into the surrounding countryside.

Day 3
Pick up your rental car after breakfast and head west towards Turku, the oldest city in the country and former capital. Check in to Hotel Hamburger Börs for 2 nights.

As well as the city’s magnificent castle and cathedral, a national shrine, you will find the surrounding countryside dotted with museums and old manor houses, fine farmhouses, and ironworks. Traditional handicrafts thrive, and seaside restaurants serve sumptuous menus of fresh seafood and other local produce.

Day 4
Breakfast and day at leisure. Today you can visit Naantali, a charming seaside town 20 min drive from Turku. Naantali developed round a Birgittine convent founded in 1443. This makes it one of the oldest towns in Finland. Naantali's greatest attractions are its picturesque wooden houses. This family resort plays host to the wonderful Moomins, its sunny atmosphere mixes an enchanting sea and archipelago with rich and varied history.
Day 5
After breakfast head to Tampere and check in to Hotel Ilves for 1 night. Tampere, a bustling university town, spans an isthmus between two big lakes. Spectacular views of these are to be had from the observation towers of Pyynikki ridge and the Näsinneula in Särkänniemi amusement park – one of Finland’s top summer attractions. Tampere is often compared to the industrial towns of Northern England because of the red brick textile and paper mill buildings around the rapids running through the city centre. These days the buildings contain spas, shops, restaurants and cafes, art studios, cinemas, and exhibition space. Tampere also boasts the only Lenin museum outside Russia, and Rajaportin sauna in its quaint Pispala district is the oldest public city sauna still in operation in Finland.

Day 6
Today you will drive to Vaasa, which is the biggest town in the Ostrobothnia area. Check in to Hotel Vaakuna for 1 night.

Vast plains and the sea, countryside traditions, and archipelago islands come together in this area. Finnish and Swedish cultures mingle in small villages and old wooden towns. This region also boasts Finland’s UNES CO World Natural Heritage site, the Kvarken Archipelago (Merenkurkku). This beautiful landscape is a unique example of a land uplift site with land rising up from the sea on average 8 mm every year.

Day 7
Drive to Kokkola along the west coast and check in to Hotel Kaarle for 1 night. Kokkola is a historic city and the provincial centre of Central Ostrobothnia. The best way to explore it is to take Old Kalle’s Town Walk, a route that takes you through Neristan (‘Old town’), Kokkola’s expansive old timber house district, to the K.H.Renlund Art Gallery, the History Museum, and Kieppi Natural History Collection. If you want to experience the delights of the sea, you can take a cruise from Kokkola to the lighthouse island of Tankar and the Seven Bridges archipelago Kokkola-Pietarsaari. Alternatively, why not check out the Mustakari Yacht Club or the Arctic Museum Nanoq.

Day 8
Today you will drive to Oulu. On the way to Oulu you can visit sandy beaches in Kalajoki. Check in to Radisson SAS Oulu for 1 night. Oulu, on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, with its population of 130 000 is the biggest city in the northern Nordic region. It is a university town as well as a lively centre for science, research and high technology. Oulu provides events, entertainment, culture and shopping opportunities for people of all ages. From the picturesque market square you can take a sightseeing cruise in the harbour, or take a trainbus to Nallikari beach and relax at Spa Hotel Oulun Eden.

Day 9
Depart Oulu after breakfast for Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Rovaniemi lies on the Arctic Circle and is the home of Santa Claus.

Upon arrival to Rovaniemi, drop off your car and check in to Hotel Vaakuna for 2 nights.

Day 10
Breakfast at the hotel and day at leisure. Today you can visit Santa Claus in his office at Santa Claus village or take optional excursions such as a riverboat cruise, visit to a reindeer and husky farms.

Day 11
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to Finland and return to airport for flight to Helsinki and onwards to the UK.