Baltic and Scandinavian influences combine in the Finnish capital of Helsinki. Summer sunshine brings the seaside city’s cafe culture to life, with locals watching the world go by over coffee served in stylish surroundings. Design features prominently in the city (already declared the World Design Capital 2012), with art nouveau, neoclassical and functionalist architecture among the styles you’ll see as you explore by tram or on foot. Free-of-charge city bikes and excellent outdoor restaurants are other draws in the summer, when Helsinki has the buzz of a busy
cruise ship destination.
Speaking of life on the water, you should also consider taking the ferry from Market Square to see the impressive 18th century maritime fortress at Suomenlinna, a unesco World Heritage Site. Finland is of course known for its love of saunas and many hotels have their own guest facilities. This is true of the Radisson Blu Plaza, which also benefits from a terrific location close to Kaisaniemi Park and is excellent value all round.
PRICES & DATES
Price is based on 2 people sharing a room and includes return economy class flights with Blue1, all airport taxes and 2 nights at Radisson Blu Plaza inc. breakfast.
Departures every day all year round in 2012.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Fly to Helsinki with Blue1 scheduled flight. Self transfer to the city centre (journey time approximately 30 mins) and check in to your hotel.
Day 2
After Breakfast, free time to explore this exciting city at leisure.
Also known as the Daughter of the Baltics, Helsinki is a refreshing, stylish and a lively city, holding strong cultural influences from both East and West. The city is ideal to explore by foot, admire the striking modern designs in contrast to the neo-classical architecture that characterizes this exciting city.
There are a wide range of activities and excursions you can enjoy whilst visiting Helsinki. The shopping is excellent, there are some exclusive Finnish designers such as Marimekko, Pentik, Iittala and Arabia. The 'church in the rock' Tempelliaukio is a must as well as a stroll down the elegant Esplanade to the colourful Market Square from where you can see the golden minarets of the Orthodox Uspensky Cathedral, which gives Helsinki a distinct eastern flavour.
The perfect peace of the waterfront merges immediately with important buildings such as the pearly white Lutheran cathedral almost side by side to the golden cupolas of the Greek orthodox cathedral. Just a few meters away are the President's palace and the main Market Place.
Day 3
Late afternoon make own way to Helsinki airport for the return flight home.
Hotel, Activity and Local Information
The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is housed in a premise of rich tradition where old and new architecture meet harmoniously. The foundation stone of the building was laid in 1917 and today various parts of it are protected by the Helsinki City Museum, including some beautiful painted glass windows. Located in the heart of Helsinki, the hotel is close to the central railway station, bus station, underground terminal and tram stops. Buses to the airport depart from a bus terminal just 200 metres from the hotel. The hotel is conveniently located next to the Grand Casino Helsinki, the Finnish National Theatre and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Free Broadband including wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel. Guests have access to the sauna and the small fitness room.