Nordic Queens: An Enchanting Escape to Finland

Welcome to the vibrant city of Helsinki! Take a taxi from the airport and transfer to Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 on arrival. This stylish hotel in the city's heart will be our home base for the next few days.

Later today, we'll meet on the hotel's rooftop for a cozy welcome cocktail and a chance to get to know each other better. 

This evening, we'll have dinner at the hotel's Harbore. 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 to get a good rest in preparation for the adventures ahead.

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! We'll take a guided walking tour of this beautiful island for an inside look at the local culture.

After hopping on a ferry back to the city, 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 a bit of free time after lunch to explore Helsinki, shop, or relax.

Midafternoon, we'll head over to Ivana Helsinki's atelier and gallery shop to immerse ourselves in the world of Finnish art, fashion, music, and cinema. We'll also enjoy a private meeting with founders Ms. Pirjo Suhonen and Paola Suhonen to learn more about the inspiration behind Ivana Helsinki's unique blend of Slavic melancholy, Scandinavian moods, and American vintage flair.

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 The Sibelius Monument, designed and made by female artist Eila Hiltunen. This must-see monument is dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. 

Afterward, we'll begin a city tour featuring the Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Oodi-Helsinki Central Library, Old Market Hall, and more. 

Our next stop, about an hour away in Porvoo, is a guided tour of its picturesque Old Town, famous for its wooden houses and cobblestone streets. Explore the rich history and unique architecture of this quaint area before we gather for our midday meal.

Lunch is at Bistro Sinne, known for delightful Finnish cuisine. Take some time afterward to peruse the shops in Porvoo and pick up a souvenir or two.

On our way back to Helsinki, we'll stop at Temppelinaukio Church to marvel at its stone-hewn walls, then walk back to the hotel for some relaxation.

Later 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. What a spectacular way to authentically immerse ourselves in this beautiful lifestyle! 

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 enjoy a hands-on bread-baking session, learning traditional methods passed down through generations in Finnish countryside kitchens. After our baking session, we'll indulge in 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 an extraordinary dinner at the hotel's restaurant Saivo. Here, we’ll imbibe in a culinary journey inspired by Lapland's rich gastronomic heritage, all while enjoying Saivo's warm and elegant ambiance. 

After a buffet breakfast of Lappish delicacies, our day begins with an inspiring meeting. Mrs. Heli Kurjanen, an extraordinary woman, will share her remarkable journey from humble origins in a small Finnish town to speaking to global decision-makers at the UN General Assembly. Her story of empowerment and resilience will surely inspire us all.

Next, we're off to the Tampere University of Applied Sciences. Here, we'll explore Finnish support services for families, including eye-opening, cutting-edge robotic advancements 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 to the famous Marimekko store in Tampere, where we'll dive into the history of a pioneering fashion and lifestyle brand founded on Armi Ratia's vision, showcasing timeless designs 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. We'll enjoy exquisite cuisine with panoramic city views, a unique feast for the senses.

After a delicious breakfast spread of local Finnish delicacies, we'll check out and make our way towards our next destination. 

Our journey continues in 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 venture into the world of Finnish wellness. 

Our visit comes to an end with a barbecue dinner prepared over an open fire and in a smoke oven. We'll enjoy this delicious meal lakeside, reflecting on the beautiful day we've just had.

Our home for the next two nights is the Koivulahden Rapukartano, a five-star lakefront retreat, perfect for us to relax amidst our adventures. 

After breakfast, we'll enjoy a scenic 45-minute bus ride to the Hyytiälä Forestry Research Station, proudly operated by the University of Helsinki. Founded in 1910 to support forestry students, it has been a hub of important atmospheric measurements since 1995, providing valuable insights into the forest's role in carbon balance and climate change. 

We'll take a guided walk through the forest; please bring weatherproof clothing and suitable footwear.

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 behind it all, listening to her story as she explains how she's captured the essence of Finnish hospitality in this cozy spot.

Then, we'll return to the town for a local home visit and afternoon coffee, gaining insight into the everyday happenings of 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. This exclusive venue has been reserved especially for us, offering an intimate and memorable dining experience. 

All good things must come to an end. After enjoying one last lakeside breakfast, we'll start driving towards Helsinki. 

We have one last stop this morning 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, each of us will 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've made over the week. 

We'll drop you at the airport by 1:30 pm at the 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'll stop for some free time and lunch in the heart of Helsinki before boarding the Silja Line fast ferry for a 2-hour journey to Tallinn, Estonia. 

On the ferry, we'll have first-class tickets, which will let us board first and enjoy the impressive buffet and open bar. Upon arrival, we'll transfer to the 5-star Hotel Telegraaf to check in. Indulge in a welcome drink and light snacks in the lobby before settling in for our first night in this beautiful city.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a private guided tour of Tallinn's old city, where we will explore its historic sites and vibrant atmosphere. Key stops will include Lower Town, Town Hall Square, Toompea Hill, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and several scenic viewpoints.

Next, we'll visit the trendy Telliskivi district for another private tour, focusing more on the unique culture of this artistic part of town. What used to be an industrial hub has been transformed into a haven for small businesses and creators. 

We'll have lunch at the charming Fotografiska Ground Floor Café in Telliskivi, which offers a wide range of light lunch options, accompanied by tea or coffee. Following that, we'll take part in an engaging leather workshop led by the talented designer Stella Soomlais, where we'll learn about her craft and even take home a handmade souvenir.

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

Tonight, we’ll enjoy local cuisine at the medieval-themed Olde Hansa Restaurant by candlelight, with music from medieval troubadours playing instruments such as the fiddle, bagpipes, and the hurdy-gurdy.

After breakfast, we will catch the 10:30 am ferry back to Helsinki, arriving by 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. 

Once we're back in Helsinki, hail a taxi from the harbor to the airport for your onward travels. We can help arrange, if needed.

Until we meet again!