Nordic Queens: An Enchanting Escape to Finland

Welcome to the vibrant city of Helsinki! Take a taxi from 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 for a welcome cocktail and to get to know each other better.

Later this evening, we'll have dinner at the hotel's Version Eatery & Garden. 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, we'll drive to Porvoo for a guided tour of its charming Old Town, famous for its wooden houses and cobblestone streets. Explore the rich history and unique architecture, then browse local shops for souvenirs.

Lunch is at Bistro Sinne, known for delightful Finnish cuisine. In the afternoon, stop at Ivana Helsinki's Showroom for a private meeting with co-founder Ms. Pirjo Suhonen. Enjoy sparkling wine, fresh fruits, and chocolates while learning about the brand's blend of styles.

Return to Helsinki to relax at the hotel. In the evening, we'll have a hands-on Finnish cooking class at the Martha Association Kitchen, where we'll prepare a three-course dinner and learn about Finnish cuisine and culture. After dinner, we'll return to the hotel for a restful night.

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 who 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 we’ll explore the story of a pioneering fashion and lifestyle brand shaped by Armi Ratia's vision and timeless patterns crafted by Finnish female artists. Here, we'll learn how Marimekko’s global success was boosted by Jacqueline Kennedy, who appeared in a Marimekko dress on the cover of a famous 1960 magazine.

To cap off our day, we'll share a dinner experience like no other at the Näsinneula Restaurant, perched atop the observation tower at 124 meters, you'll enjoy exquisite cuisine with panoramic city views, a unique feast for the senses.

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 for forestry students, this station has measured ecosystem-atmosphere interactions since 1995. We’ll take a guided tour to learn about the station's research on carbon balance and fine particle formation. Bring weatherproof clothing and suitable footwear for the tour.

We’ll continue our journey to the tiny Art Town of Mänttä-Vilppula. A 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 experience combines Finnish sauna culture with art, nature, and architecture. Awarded Travel Industry Innovation of the Year in Finland 2022, the Art Sauna offers an unforgettable journey. We end 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 to 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.

After breakfast, we'll start driving 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. 

For those not continuing on the optional trip extension to Estonia, it’s time to bid farewell to Finland and the friendships we have made over the week. We will drop you at the airport in by 1:30 pm latest, so please make sure you book a return flight home in the late afternoon from 4 pm onwards or stay in Helsinki an extra night. (We can help with arrangements).

For those joining the Estonia trip extension, we'll head to the ferry to Tallinn!

We will stop for some free time and lunch in the heart of Helsinki then onward to the ferry. In the afternoon, at the Helsinki harbor, we’ll board the Silja Line fast ferry for a 2-hour journey to Tallinn, Estonia. 

In Tallinn, we'll transfer to the Boutique Hotel Telegraaf to check in. We'll 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. Next up is a private tour of the trendy Telliskivi district. 

For lunch, we'll enjoy local soup and cake with tea or coffee. After this, we'll have a cozy private meeting and a fun leather workshop with the talented designer Stella Soomlais. 

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. 

After breakfast, we will catch the 10:30 am ferry to Helsinki, arriving at 12:30 pm—perfect for those with afternoon flights. The ferry ride includes access to the business lounge, where you can enjoy a buffet and drinks as you relax on the journey.