Insight Vacations: Northern Lights of Scandinavia - Small Group, Winter
Day 1 - Welcome to Helsinki.
Welcome to Helsinki, with its excellent museums and pretty seaside buildings. This beautiful city is set to be your home for the night. Our stay begins at the grand GLO Hotel Art. Decorated in a distinctive Art Nouveau style, this charming four-star hotel is the ideal place to sit backand relax before your Scandinavian adventure begins. Meet your Travel Director for a drink and mingle with your fellow traveling companions.
Accommodations: GLO Art, Helsinki
Day 2 - The gateway to Lapland
Today you’ll take a flight to Ivalo, a small yet important center in Finnish Lapland, 250km above the Arctic Circle. The Gateway to the North, Ivalo is set on the Ivalo River, where the first Lapland Goldrush took place in the 19th century. You’ll enjoy a dinner at your boutique hotel, Aurora Village, famed for its cabins with a glass roof, offering sweeping views of the night sky. Look out for the dancing northern lights, as you gaze through the glass ceiling from the comfort of your room. Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodations: Aurora Village, Ivalo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3 - Ivalo to Honningsvåg
Today you’ll be heading further north through the winter Lapland landscape. Cross the Finnish–Norwegian border as you make your way to Honningsvåg, the northernmost and smallest city in Norway. Your drive will take you along the mighty Porsangerfjord, the fourth largest fjord in Norway. You will take the subsea Nordkapp Tunnel to the island of Magerøya, to reach your hotel in this small fishing community. Explore the quaint city by taking a stroll along the waterfront before retiring to your hotel and enjoying a delicious dinner.
Accommodations: Scandic Nordkapp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Northern Lights in North Cape Relaxed Start
Enjoy a leisurely day to discover more of Honningsvåg. Take a walk to the 19th century church that survived the destruction of World War 2, a true rarity in Northern Norway. Perhaps take an Optional Experience to learn about king crabs and enjoy a fresh, sea-to-table lunch of this delicacy. Take your chance to visit the northernmost point of Europe, the famous North Cape and sip on bubbles and delight in exquisite caviar with your fellow travelers (weather permitting).
Accommodations: Scandic Nordkapp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - North Cape to Alta
Today’s journey will take you along an ever changing landscape from barren lands through highlands to the shores of the Altafjord. It was in Alta where the world’s first northern lights observatory was built at the end of the 19th century. With increasing tourism the city is going through quick development offering a wide range of activities. Start your adventures with a visit to one of the first ice hotels in the world and enjoy a chilled beverage with your fellow travelers. Your comfortable hotel is located next to the modern and iconic Northern Lights Cathedral in the heart of the city.
Accommodations: Scandic Alta
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Alaskan Huskies in Alta Relaxed Start
You’ll enjoy a leisurely day in Alta to continue with your activities. Maybe you’ll choose to visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alta Museum famous for its prehistoric rock carvings. Later, you’ll visit a working husky farm and get to know the Lyrek family and champion sled dogs. Learn about the Alaskan huskies and the challenges they face competing in the marathon long Arctic dog sled races. Indulge in a delectable oven-baked lunch before meeting the dogs themselves.
Accommodations: Scandic Alta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Norway’s gateway to the Artic
Today you’ll head to Tromsø, northern Norway’s largest city, located on the island of Tromsøya. You’ll be surrounded by snowcapped mountains and ethereal water views. Just a short walk from your hotel, you’ll find a high concentration of old wooden houses and a great array of restaurants.
Accommodations: Clarion The Edge, Tromsø
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Delve into Scandinavian history
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet members of the Indigenous Sámi community of Scandinavia. Delve into the history of Arctic Norway and join a Sámi guide for an immersive journey through their camp, with an invitation to help feed their reindeer herd. You are invited into a lavuu (a traditional Sámi tent) to hear stories of Sámi life and folk songs around the fire, after enjoying a traditional meal with hot drinks.
Accommodations: Clarion The Edge, Tromsø
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - A merry finale in Oslo
In the morning, take a flight from Tromsø to Oslo, a modern city located on the shores of the Oslofjord. Surrounded by forested mountains, city dwellers and visitors alike have easy access to nature all year round. On your orientation see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichman Library in the contemporary Bjørvika district. Join your fellow travelers at a local restaurant to make a toast to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, over a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Accommodations: Thon Europa, Oslo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10 - Farewell Oslo
It’s time to say farewell to your fellow travelers. Your trip ends after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
Oslo
Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. The city displays a mixture of several architectural styles. A full range of activities includes art galleries, museums, restaurants, theaters and nightclubs. Other points of interest include Royal Palace; Frogner Park, known for its famous Vigeland sculptures; Holmenkollen, where international skiing events take place; imposing Åkershus Castle; and Bygdøy Peninsula, home to some of Oslo’s most important museums. Many attractions can be explored on foot. Oslo's City Hall ranks as the most distinctive part of Oslo’s waterfront. The art portrays the country's different historical and domestic phases. Munch Museum, which is dedicated to the life work of Norway’s famous painter, contains more than 5,000 drawings and paintings. National Gallery has the nation’s largest collection of Norwegian art and some of Munch’s best-known works. Åkershus Fortress & Castle, transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 17th century, houses Norway’s Resistance Museum.
Excursions
Oslo City Tour - 4 hours
Oslo City Tour - 4 hours
Drive through the center of Oslo, passing all of the main sights and highlights, including the Royal Palace and the Nobel Institute. View the City Hall, inaugurated in 1950 at Oslo's 900-year jubilee. Akershus Fortress, sitting boldly on the waterfront is today partly a museum and a military area.
Pass the Parliament Building before entering Karl Johan Street, named after the Swedish-Norwegian king in the early part of the 19th century. The oldest part of Oslo University, dating back to 1813, lines this street. It is famous for its interior decoration by the painter Edvard Munch.
You will also pass through attractive villa areas on the way to Vigeland Park. This enormous open-space was laid out in the first half of the 20th century by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Over a period of 30 years, he created his own world of human beings and animals from stone, iron and bronze. There are about 200 statue groups in all, which describe the course of human life from birth to death. The monolith, a 56-foot high granite block carved with 121 figures stands as the unequivocal centerpiece of this well-planned park.
On the Bygdøy Peninsula you will visit the Viking Ship Museum. It houses three authentic longboats dating from the Viking Age, around AD 900-1000, which were excavated from the mudbanks along Oslo fjord. The museum also holds a large collection of items found on board the ships, such as household goods, tools, jewelry and clothing.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
4 hours. |
| Start / End: |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Viking Ship Museum. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Oslo Chocolate delights tour in Freialand – 3 hours
Oslo Chocolate delights tour in Freialand – 3 hours
On Rodeløkka in Oslo is the Freia chocolate factory, here they produce chocolate since 1889. We take a look at the chocolate production. We will see modern technology that, in combination with tradition and skilled workers, produces "Norway's best chocolate".
The tour to the includes a history lesson on Freia, cocoa and chocolate, a chance to make your own milk chocolate, a visit to the factory canteen which has 12 paintings by Edvard Munch on the wall, and a view of the production facilities.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Freialand chocolate Factory
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours
Oslo Bicycle tour – 3 Hours
Discover an alternative Oslo, full of street art, hip cafés, surprising waterfalls, great food and award winning coffee.
During this approximately 3-hour bike tour, you will ride the path along the Akerselva River, with a stop at the heart of Oslo’s food scene, the indoor food market “Mathallen”. Mathallen is closed on Mondays.
Be amazed by rushing waterfalls in the middle of the city, just blocks from the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.
And an absolute must is a stop at the modern Opera and the exciting urban development around it, including a stop at Oslo's newest urban beach.
| Basis |
Private tour |
| Duration |
3 hours |
| Start / End |
Bicycle rental shop. |
| Vehicle |
None |
| Inclusions |
Bicycle and Helmet. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances |
None |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy/Medium. Guests must be in good health and be comfortable riding a bicycle with hand brakes. The tour includes about 2½ hours of cycling, all at a leisurely pace. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours
Oslo Explorer tour – 5 Hours
We start with Vulkan - The area is a fusion of culture and creative industry with schools, hotels, food hall, restaurants and exciting tenants. It is the diversity and composition of the players that make Vulkan exciting.
Mathallen Oslo is inspired by the great European food courts. Here you’ll find specialty shops, cafés and great places to eat. The food court will also put on a number of food-related activities like conferences, courses, fairs and competitions. Mathallen Oslo is the place to go for everyone who appreciates high quality food and bevergages and something unique. There will be time for light lunch at Mathallen during the tour.
On the east side of the river Akerselva, behind the old industrial buildings, lies Grünerløkka. Here you will discover numerous little cafés, restaurants and bars. Grünerløkka is also a popular shopping district, with original design shops and many vintage and second-hand stores.
During the tour we will have an outside visit to the Opera House. Officially opened in April 2008, the Oslo Opera House was designed by the acclaimed Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. The Opera House, which took five years to complete, sits on the bank of the Bjørvika district, near the stock exchange and the central station.
A visit to Oslo is not complete without a brief wal through Vigeland´s Sculpture Park .The sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and wrought iron. It was installed mainly in the period 1940-1949, but is nevertheless a result of over 40 years of work. It is located in a beuatiful park and natural setting in the city.
Edvard Munch was one of Modernism's most significant artists and the other great Norgwian artist. The New Edvard Munch Museum will open at the end of 2020.
| Basis |
Private tour |
| Duration |
5 hours |
| Start / End |
City center Hotel, address or Pier. |
| Vehicle |
1st Class. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances |
Edvard Munch Museum when it opens at the end 2020 |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours
Oslo Food Tour– 2,5 hours
Are you ready for a walking tour in beautiful surroundings?
You will be taken to the real alternative side of Oslo and experience underground culture like never before and, at the same time having the opportunity to get a taste of Oslo's culinary highlights.
Your guides will take you to a variety of different locations where you will be able to taste a variety of Norwegian treats - from typical Norwegian cured delicacies, amazing waffles with brown cheese and special Oslo soda to Norwegian hot dog.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: Approx. 2,5 hours (2h Food Tour + transfers).
Start / End: City center Hotel, address or pier.
Vehicle: 1st Class
Guide: English-speaking.
Entrances: None.
Meals: Food tastings equivalent to a full meal.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Short walking required.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours
Oslo Street Art walk Tour - 3 hours
Over the last ten years, urban artists of international standing and local art enthusiasts have turned the streets of Oslo into one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant art scenes.
Join our experienced guides and discover some of the best examples of street art and graffiti in Oslo - from large-scale murals to tiny sculptures, and everything in-between.
The tour starts with a transfer to Rodeløkka kolonihager, Norway's oldest allotment gardens, and ends in downtown Grünerløkka in the heart of alternative Oslo. It covers historical artworks in the district as well as those produced as part of the annual Løkka-lykke street art festival, which takes place each summer in the last week of June.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours.
Start / End: City center Hotel, address, or pier.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: None.
Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Alta
The Rock carvings at Alta, dating from circa 4200 BC to 500 BC, are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. In additon, the Komsa culture was named after the Komsa mountain in Alta municipality, where the first archeological remains were discovered.
In World War II, the German battleship Tirpitz used Altafjord as a harbor, and was damaged here by attacking allied warplanes.
Altasaken in 1979 made headlines for weeks, as many people (especially environmentalists) demonstrated and used civil disobedience to prevent the building of a dam in order to produce hydropower. The dam was built, however, and the river still offers good salmon fishing.
Honningsvag
The world's northernmost village, Honningsvag, the gateway to the North Cape, is a completely modern fishing harbor set in a land of forests, fjord waters, and crashing waterfalls, everything bathed in summer by the eerie light of the midnight sun. Only the chapel withstood the German destruction of 1944. It's some 50 miles nearer to the North Pole than Hammerfest, on the Alta-Hammerfest bus route.
Helsinki
Often referred to as "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat city is known for impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Grand Senate Square, dominated by exquisite Tuomio Church and onion domes of Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, is an example of neo-Classical, Empire-style impressive architecture. Visit the lively harborfront market and Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church), which was created in the 60's from man-made and natural materials. Finland’s musical heritage comes alive in great Finlandia Hall, designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland’s beloved composer, Jean Sibelius, is remembered by a beautiful monument on Helsinki’s outskirts. Helsinki has good museums displaying everything from art to architectural design. Open-air Museum - the small wooded island of Seurasaari - has a collection of vernacular buildings assembled from all over Finland which provide insight into how country folk lived until recently. Suomenlinna Fortress is the largest in the world and often called Gibraltar of the North.
Excursions
Helsinki City tour – 3 Hours
Helsinki City tour – 3 Hours
Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa. As a result of the war of 1808-1809, Sweden was forced to cede Finland to Russia. In 1812 Tsar Alexander declared Helsinki the capital of autonomous Finland. In 1917 the city was to become the capital of the independent Republic of Finland. In safeguarding its historical heritage, Helsinki has again and again been forced to reassess the past. Cultural influences from both East and West have molded the life of the city, which has nevertheless preserved an outlook on life that is inherently Finnish. Over the years the city has spread, and its population multiplied, yet nature is still close at hand - the sea and islands are dominant features of the landscape.
Among the most striking features of the Helsinki architecture are the largish areas built in a uniform style. The city thus has whole blocks and even districts representing Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, National Romantic, functional or modern architecture. The oldest area in Helsinki that has been preserved intact is the Senate Square. Reminiscent of St. Petersburg in its neoclassical style.
In the 1970s Helsinki acquired some important new public buildings - e.g. the Finlandia Hall, the City Theatre, the new National Opera, the official residence of the Finnish President and the Temppeliaukio Church - which are now important landmarks on the Helsinki street scene.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts. Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Start/End: |
3 hours. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Temppeliaukio Rock Church. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Suomenlinna Fortress tour – 3 Hours
Helsinki Suomenlinna Fortress tour – 3 Hours
Built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki's harbour, this fortress is an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time. Suomenlinna, until 1918 Viapori (Finnish), or Sveaborg (Swedish), was an inhabited sea fortress built on six islands and which now forms part of the city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland.
Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular with tourists and locals. The guided walking tour takes you through the historic Susisaari and Kustaanmiekka areas and provides information on the colourful past of the fortress. The tour introduces, for example, the Great Courtyard and the dry dock, which once was one of the largest in the world.
The tour includes a return ferry service to / from Suomenlina Maritime Fortress, a guided tour with an official Suomenlina guide and an entrance to Suomenlinna Museum. You will meet the guide at Suomenlina Maritime Fortress, after disembarking the ferry. Depending on your accommodation in Helsinki, city transfers to and from the ferry port may need to be considered.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
3 hours. |
| Start/End: |
Helsinki Harbour. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English speaking Soumenlinna Guide. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Suomenlinna Museum. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours
Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours
Porvoo is Finland's second oldest town and the most picturesque one. In other words, a beautiful area full of history. The town of Porvoo was granted town status in the 14th century and is one of the treasures of traditional Finnish architecture.
The original town plan from the Middle Ages, features the low, small houses, picturesque yards and narrow streets and forms a historically unique wooden town environment.
The symbols of Porvoo – the red warehouses on the riverbanks – tell tall tales of seafaring and trading. The guest marina and ferry dock at Jokiranta are humming with life, especially during the summer months.
The bridge at Aleksanterinkatu, completed in autumn 2004, and the newly restored Jokiranta area now encourage locals to take an evening walk and enjoy the latest improvements to the downtown area. Flower beds, fountains, cafés and sundecks have turned the shore into an attractive gathering place. The Market Square is the heart of the city, surrounded by City Hall, the bus station, specialty boutiques and services. The range of products at the marketplace varies by season.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Start/End: |
City center Hotel, Cruise Pier or address. |
| Duration: |
5 hours. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
None. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours
Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours
This tour allows you to see the best of Helsinki and also learn more about the past and present of its Jewish citizens.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorable venue for concerts.
A visit to the local Synagogue is made during the tour. You will be able to see its rooms located in the local Jewish Community Center.
The center of the Helsinki is majestic with its classical style Senate Square. It offers a view to the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki University, National Library and the Government Palace. The statue to the Russian czar Alexander II is located in the middle of the square.
Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church and Helsinki Synagogue cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays. In the event of religious services. Tour order may be adjusted based on Rock Church and the opening hours of Helsinki Synagogue.
| Basis |
Private |
| Start / End |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Duration |
4 hours |
| Vehicle |
01st Class. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances |
Temppeliaukio Rock Church & Synagogue. |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours
Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours
On this private, RIB-boat trip, you’ll see and experience the Helsinki archipelago and visit an island suiting your interests. During this fast and furious trip, you’ll see the main Helsinki attractions, such as the main market place, Kaivopuisto Park and the ice breakers. We will also land on an island of your choice – be it a remote islet or Suomenlinna fortress island! This tour is for 1-10 persons and our professional captain can tailor or extend it according to your interests.
Experience the beauty of Helsinki from the seaside and enjoy the convenience of the fast RIB-boat with a professional captain and guide. Welcome aboard!
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking
Entrances: None
Meals: None
Notes: All passengers are provided with life jackets
Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours
Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours
Helsinki offers you a unique and fascinating journey through the centuries and across cultures through its buildings and architecture. The city’s architecture is typified by Nordic minimalism and refinement, and with its modernism, functionalism it also encompasses the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe.
For many Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is synonymous with Finland with architecture and with design.
After qualifying as an architect from Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921, Aalto set up his first architectural practice in Jyväskylä. His early works followed the tenets of Nordic Classicism, the predominant style at that time.
During the tour, pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts.
The Senate Square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
The Central Railway Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1909 and the station was opened in 1919. The station is mostly clad in Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues holding the spherical lamps, lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance.
The City Hall was designed by C.L. Engel as a hotel in 1833, the building has been the City Hall since the 1930s. The Helsinki coat-of-arms can be seen on the tympanum.
| Basis |
Private tour |
| Start / End |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Duration |
6 hours |
| Vehicle |
01st Class. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrance |
Temppeliaukio Rock church & the Alvaro Aalto Studio & House tour (shared tour). |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours
Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours
Experience the best of the Finnish cuisine on this food walking tour. You will stroll around the streets of Helsinki´s center, getting a taste of the most traditional as well as fashionable flavors the city has to offer.
The tour includes the visit of some of the main gastronomical areas and spots of the Finnish capital, such as the Old Market Hall and the Market Square and also some bakeries and special food stores. You may taste some local bread, cheese, chocolate, fish, pastry, seasonal berry treat and famous Finnish salt licorice: salmiakki!
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours walking tour.
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: The servings are equivalent to a light lunch/big snack. Veggie options available.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. This tour is offered everyday from May to September and on Mon-Sat during the rest of the year.
Helsinki Canoe and Hike in Nuuksio National Park and visit to Reindeer Park - 6 hours
Helsinki Canoe and Hike in Nuuksio National Park and visit to Reindeer Park - 6 hours
Our tour starts driving towards Nuuksio area in the district of Espoo. Our first stop will be at Nuuksio reindeer park, where will get to experience a touch of northern magic in Finland's southernmost reindeer park in Nuuksio. We will feed and learn about these characteristic animals.
In this tour you will explore the area of Nuuksio Hawk Nest, in Nuuksio National Park.
Once we get to the national park, our guide will provide you the necessary equipment and introduce to you the basics of canoeing, an old Indian way of moving along the waterways of wild nature. This first part of the tour will take place on The Hawk Lake which is only a very small lake, so the paddling distance is not long. Canoes are stable and fit two people each.
After canoeing we will go on a guided hike following the marked trails of Nuuksio National Park. The length of the guided hike is about 5km, and the pace is easy. This tour is more about enjoying the Finnish nature than covering long distance.
After the activities you will get a sandwich and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while resting after having explored the forest like a true Finn!
On our way back,
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 6 hours (3 hours canoeing & hiking, 1 hour visit to the Reinder park and time for transfers).
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking canoeing instructor and guide.
Entrances: None.
Meals: Water bottle and snack (sandwich).
Difficulty: Grade Moderate. Canoeing at leisure pace, walking required over uneven surfaces. No experience required, but you should be able to swim. No previous paddling or hiking experience required. The canoes are stable and easy to paddle.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Kids from 6 years are welcome. Canoeing equipment will be provided. Please bring: Hat, Sun Cream, Sunglasses, Waterproof Clothes, Spare Clothes, Swimming Suit, Towel.
