2007 SUMMER FINLAND TOURS

Treasures of the West Coast
Self-Drive Tour

Finland’s western coast offers diverse scenery, ranging from an amazing archipelago and coastline to verdant countryside with vast open fields further inland together with settlements concentrated along riverbanks. Picturesque seascapes, the shimmering sea and sunny sandy beaches contribute their own aspect to the variety of landscapes in the region.

The colourful Ostrobothnian culture impresses in both culinary and handicraft traditions combining influences of both past and present. Attractive town districts with skilfully constructed wooden houses, centuries of tar-making and seafaring heritage, and strong traditions of Finland’s Swedish-speaking population give this region its special character unlike anywhere else in Finland.

Tour Price Per Person: (land only, for air-inclusive rates please call)
In shared twin room $ 876 incl. cat. A. car Fiat Punto/stick with unl. Km, CDW and VAT tax.
Single $1635 incl. car on own (if 3rd pax in single, call for quote)
Extra bed per person for adult $ 400
Extra bed per person for child under 13 years $ 110
Optional car upgrades: Add Cat. B. (Renault Clio or sim.) $28 p.p. double, C. (Renault Megane or sim.) $74 p.p. and G./Automatic (Volvo S40 or sim.) $305 p.p. - If single person in car multiply car upgrades by 2. Other car upgrade options are available incl. Minivans, please call/e-mail for a quote.

Not included in the Tour Price:
Tour price does not include airport fee of EUR34.77 ($46), entrance fees or any meals except breakfast.

Route:
Helsinki (Espoo) -Turku-Pori-Vaasa-Kokkola-Tampere-Helsinki

Duration:
8 days / 7 nights

Available daily on request during summer season.

Day 1
Helsinki
Arrive Helsinki and transfer on your own to Radisson SAS Hotel Espoo, situated only 9 km from Helsinki city centre. The hotel has a peaceful location at waterfront close to beautiful natural surroundings.

Day 2
Helsinki - Turku, 175 km (110 miles)
To get the most out of the rural heritage landscapes in the stretch between the modern metropolis of Helsinki and the historic town of Turku, head for the quiet byways and follow the King’s Road tourist route, a historic road which once linked the Kingdom of Sweden with the Russian Empire.  As the oldest city and the former capital of Finland, Turku is home to the most remarkable medieval landmarks of the country, including the Castle and the Cathedral. The wooden workshop houses of the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum tell tales about the trades and city life of days gone by. Overnight at Park Hotel in Turku, a small and cozy hotel with a unique ambiance, each room having been decorated in its own personal way. The hotel has a peaceful location by the side of an idyllic park only a few minutes walk from the Market Square.

Day 3
Turku - Rauma - Pori, 160 km (100 miles)
The history of Rauma goes back to the 15th century when Franciscan monks constructed a monastery on the site. Old Rauma with its wooden architecture is one of the five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Finland. Bobbin lace making, a handicraft originally brought to the town by seamen, still flourishes here. Pori is famous for its sandy beaches and Europe’s largest Jazz Festival, held in July.  It is worth taking a scenic archipelago road to the island of Reposaari, situated 32 km from the centre of Pori. It is like a small town of its own with many wooden houses. Overnight at Scandic Hotel Pori.

Day 4
Pori - Vaasa, 191 km (120 miles)
Heading for the north, pass by small coastal towns with typical wooden houses. Off the coast of Vaasa lies an amazing archipelago, which is easy to explore by car or by taking a sightseeing cruise. Korsholm island is home to an interesting open-air museum and a craftsmen’s village. Overnight at Radisson SAS Hotel Vaasa.

Day 5
Vaasa - Kokkola, 150 km (94 miles)
Running from island to island, the scenic route known as the “Seven Bridges Archipelago Road” takes in spectacular coastal scenery and attractive small towns. The northernmost point of the route, Kokkola, has a charming district of wooden buildings. Overnight at Sokos Hotel Kaarle in the heart of Kokkola.

Day 6
Kokkola - Tampere, 324 km (203 miles)
Head to the south and drive past Lappajärvi, a lake formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago. Pass by small rural towns and villages, vast open fields and farms. The industrial heritage of Tampere, the largest city of the Finnish Lakeland, is reflected in the architecture of the city centre. The lake scenery can be viewed from top of an observation tower or from aboard a sightseeing boat. Overnight in Tampere at Scandic Hotel Rosendahl, which has a beautiful lakeside location in the heart of the scenic Pyynikki ridge area.

Day 7
Tampere - Helsinki, 176 km (110 miles)
On the way to Helsinki, it is worth visiting Iittala Glass Centre where you can see glass blowing and purchase Finnish design products. Overnight at Radisson SAS Hotel Seaside in Helsinki.

Day 8
Depart for home.

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