PORVOO BY BUS

Price £   pp

With its signature ochre clapboard wooden buildings lining the river bank Porvoo is exquisitly unique. The town layout dates from the Middle Ages and the narrow streets, little yards and low profile houses are interspersed with craft workshops and boutiques selling things you might want to buy, rather than tourist trash. Highlights also include the medieval cathedral and Runeberg’s home. Leaves by bus from Esplanaden. Mon, Wed, Fri at 13:00.

PORVOO CRUISE

Price £   pp

The M/S Runeberg is a traditional high funnelled steamer built in 1912, which cruises in the summer months from the President’s Quay in Helsinki to Porvoo. The charm of Porvoo is outlined on the left and the Runeberg itself along with its charted course through the Helsinki archipelago and along the coast makes a visit there that much more memorable, that much more romantic. Ask for availability.

JET OFF TO ESTONIA

Price £   pp

Recently christened Tallinski because of its popularity with the Finns, Estonia’s medieval capital is just over an hour away by high-speed catamaran leaving from the main harbour. One of Europe’s best preserved historical cities you’ll find a profusion of shops, bars and restaurants lining the cobbled streets of the old Town with prices to die for. Our arrangement includes your return ticket to Estonia and a guided tour of the city.  See our 'Brief Encounter Tallinn' tour for more on Tallin.

JEAN SIBELIUS TOUR

Price £   pp

At the turn of the 19th century a number of artists took themselves off from the then flesh spots and drinking dens of Helsinki and settled alongside the shores of Lake Tuusala. Foremost amongst them was Sibelius and his home, Aniola, is today preserved as it was when he lived there. Before getting there the tour stops at Hvittrask, the former studio of a trio of well known architects and a superb example of Finland’s art nouveau architecture. Sun at 13:00.

LAKES AND FORESTS

Price £   pp

Finns (even the townies) have a natural love and reverence for their countryside often referred to as ‘the land of lakes and forests’ and it’s not hard to understand why. The Nuuksio Park is about an hour from Helsinki and home to moose, deer and birds galore. The undergrowth is littered with berries and mushrooms, not rubbish, and a walk along the forest paths is guaranteed to make you fall in love with the place. Included in the tour is a picnic snack with coffee brewed on an open fire and a chance to take a dip in the clean, clear waters of the lakes. Tue, Thu, Sat at 13:00.