Nordic Queens: An Enchanting Escape to Finland

Welcome to the vibrant city of Helsinki! Take a taxi at the airport and transfer to Boutique Hotel U14 on arrival. This stylish hotel in the city's heart will be our base for the next few days.

Later today, we'll meet in the hotel lobby to get to know each other over a welcome cocktail.

We'll have dinner at the hotel's Version Eatery & Garden later this evening. We'll taste Finland's finest cuisine, an ideal introduction to the rich culinary traditions that await. After dinner, we'll retire for the night. 

Our exploration of Helsinki begins in the heart of the city, where neoclassical architecture meets Art Nouveau. The wide, handsome cobblestone streets run through the city center, flanked by plenty of parks and overlooking the beautiful harbor.

We'll walk to the pier for a 20-minute ferry ride to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to 750 residents. This historic fortress, built in 1742, is a must-see in Helsinki!

On our return to the harbor, we'll visit the Sibelius Monument, designed by the female artist Eila Hiltunen. This iconic monument is dedicated to the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Our city tour continues with visits to Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Oodi Central Library, Old Market Hall, Temppeliaukio Church, Seurasaari Island, and Open-Air Museum.

We'll enjoy a late lunch at Kappeli Restaurant, a historic eatery in Esplanade Park. Built in 1867, the restaurant has a Neo-Renaissance style, the walls adorned with paintings by famous artists who traded their work for free lunches. Use your free time after lunch to explore Helsinki, shop, or relax.

In the evening, we’ll have dinner at Olo Restaurant, a Michelin-starred establishment renowned for its exquisite cuisine. The restaurant is just a short walk from our hotel.

After breakfast, our day begins with a scenic drive to the historic town of Porvoo. Once there, we'll take a guided walking tour through the charming streets of Old Porvoo, known for its well-preserved wooden houses and cobblestone streets. We'll explore the town's rich history and distinctive architecture. After the tour, you'll have time to browse the local shops and boutiques, a perfect place to find souvenirs and gifts.

We'll have lunch at Bistro Sinne, known for its delightful Finnish cuisine and cozy atmosphere.

As the day draws to a close, we’ll journey back to Helsinki with a stop at Ivana Helsinki's Showroom. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the world of Ivana Helsinki, a renowned Finnish art, fashion, and cinema brand. Enjoy a private meeting with Ms. Pirjo Suhonen, co-founder of the brand. Sip sparkling wine, savor fresh fruits and enjoy decadent chocolates, while discovering the inspiration behind Ivana Helsinki's unique blend of Slavic melancholy, Scandinavian moods, and American vintage flair.

In Helsinki, you'll have time to relax at the hotel hotel. We'll gather at the Martha Association Kitchen for a hands-on Finnish cooking class in the evening. The Martha Association is a Finnish non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on home economics. Together, we'll prepare and enjoy a three-course dinner as we learn about traditional Finnish cuisine and culture. After dinner, we'll return to the hotel for a restful overnight stay.

We'll check out after breakfast and begin our journey towards Tampere, the biggest inland city in the Nordics.

Our first stop is Hauho village, where we'll visit Iloranta Farm. Here, Mrs. Leena Haavisto, the heart and soul of the farm, will greet us. We'll participate in a hands-on bread-baking session, learning traditional generations-old methods used in Finnish countryside kitchens. After our baking session, we'll enjoy a country lunch, celebrating local flavors and traditions.

We’ll continue our journey to Tampere, checking into the Lapland Hotel Arena, a city retreat infused with Lappish charm. The hotel's cozy atmosphere perfectly balances northern nature and modern comfort.

Tonight, we’ll gather for a special ladies' dinner at the hotel's restaurant Saivo, Here, we’ll indulge in a culinary journey inspired by Lapland's rich gastronomic heritage, all while enjoying Saivo's warm and elegant ambiance. 

After a buffet breakfast featuring Lappish delicacies, our day starts with an inspiring meeting. Mrs. Heli Kurjanen is an extraordinary woman whose innovation has profoundly impacted women worldwide. In the hotel's intimate meeting room, Mrs. Kurjanen will share her incredible journey, from humble beginnings in a small Finnish town to addressing global decision-makers at the UN General Assembly. Her story of empowerment and resilience will surely inspire us all.

Next, we visit Tampere University of Applied Sciences. Here, we'll explore Finnish support services for families, including eye-opening, cutting-edge advancements in robotics in social and health services. 

Afterward, we'll treat our taste buds at Pyynikki Doughnut Cafeteria, home to what many say are the finest doughnuts in Finland. Created from a secret recipe by Mrs. Eva Suoste in the 1980s, these delectable treats offer a taste of tradition atop the Pyynikki observation tower, which boasts panoramic views of Tampere's picturesque landscape.

Our journey continues with a visit to the iconic Marimekko shop in Tampere, where the legacy of Finnish design comes to life. We’ll discover the captivating story behind Marimekko, a pioneering fashion and lifestyle brand shaped by Armi Ratia's vision and adorned with timeless patterns crafted by Finnish female artists and designers. Here, we'll learn how Marimekko’s global success was boosted by Jacqueline Kennedy, the future first lady of the United States, who appeared in Marimekko’s dress on the cover of a famous magazine in 1960.

To cap off our day, we'll share a dinner experience like no other at the Näsinneula Restaurant, perched atop the rotating observation tower at a breathtaking height of 124 meters. You'll be treated to exquisite cuisine against panoramic city views, a feast for the senses like no other.

We’ll check out after breakfast and take a scenic drive to the Hyytiälä Forestry Research Station, operated by the University of Helsinki. Established in 1910 as a practice area for forestry students, this station has continuously measured ecosystem-atmosphere interactions since 1995. We’ll take a guided walking tour through the forest, learning about the station's research on the forest's carbon balance and the formation of fine particles. Remember to bring weatherproof clothing and suitable footwear for our tour.

We’ll continue our journey to the tiny Art Town of Mänttä-Vilppula. A Serlachius guide will greet us on arrival and introduce us to the community's rich history. Legendary paper magnates, the Serlachiuses, established the town over 150 years ago. We’ll begin our visit with a glass of sparkling wine in the Manor’s wine cellar, a part of the Serlachius family story specially selected by Henry Tikkanen, one of Finland’s top chefs.

We’ll dine at Gösta Restaurant, set in a beautiful lakeside milieu. After lunch, we’ll take a guided art tour at the Manor, exploring the extensive Serlachius art collection, one of the most significant private collections in the Nordic countries.

Later, we'll have a special private evening at the Art Sauna of Serlachius. This unique experience blends Finnish sauna culture with art, nature, and architecture. Recognized as the Travel Industry Innovation of the Year in Finland 2022, the Art Sauna promises an unforgettable journey. We conclude our visit with a barbecue dinner.

After an amazing day, we'll check in at the Koivulahden Rapukartano, our home for the next two nights.

We'll start the day with a buffet breakfast featuring local delicacies. Then, we are off to the Serlachius Headquarters. Here, we'll step back to 1951 during the drama tour "Working for the Company," depicting the job application process and daily working life in the 1950s Finnish paper industry.  

After the tour, we'll drive to Mänttä Mountain, a small hill. We'll enjoy refreshments and a light lunch at the Vuorenmaja ski cottage. Built in 1928, this former ski cottage is now a charming European wine tavern. We'll meet the entrepreneur and listen to her story, capturing the essence of Finnish hospitality.

Then, we'll return to the town for a local home visit and afternoon coffee, gaining insights into everyday life in this small town.

In the evening, we'll head to Karhunpesä, the private lakeside restaurant of Rapukartano, for a traditional Finnish evening and game dinner. Nestled on the banks of a lake, this exclusive venue is reserved for us, offering an intimate and memorable dining experience. After dinner, we'll return to our hotel for an overnight stay, enjoying the tranquility of the Finnish countryside.

We'll start our day with breakfast before heading towards Helsinki. On the way, we will stop at Littala Village, home to Finland's iconic glass brand. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition and glass factory, where we'll learn about the artistry and craftsmanship behind Finnish glassmaking. As a token of appreciation, you'll receive a small Aalto vase, a beautiful piece of Finnish art glass.

Now, it’s time to bid farewell to Finland and the friendships we have made over the week. If you need help, we can arrange your transfer to the airport. Let us know, and our concierge will be more than happy to help! 

If you want to continue the adventure, join us as we take a ferry to Estonia for an exciting trip extension!

At the Helsinki harbor, we’ll board the Silja Line fast ferry for a 2-hour journey to Tallinn, Estonia. You can access the business lounge with its buffet items and drinks for the trip duration. 

In Tallinn, we'll transfer to the Boutique Hotel Telegraaf to check in. Unwind and enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel's restaurant, Tchaikovsky.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take a private guided tour of Tallinn's old city, discovering its rich history and charm. 

The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Explore the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design, look for amazing street art, or visit the Balti Jaama Market or the Estonian Open Air Museum. 

We’ll enjoy local cuisine at the medieval-themed Olde Hansa Restaurant in the evening. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out for a private tour of the trendy Telliskivi district. We’ll begin with lunch, featuring local soup and cake with tea or coffee.

Next, we’ll participate in a private meeting and leather workshop with designer Stella Soomlais. 

After the tour, we’ll return to the harbor for our return trip to Helsinki. The ferry ride back includes business lounge access with a buffet and drinks. We'll reach Helsinki in the late afternoon. If you're planning your travel, please feel free to reach out to our team for assistance in coordinating your plans.