Explore Finland independently with our self-guided cycling tours

Tour Length 7 days / 6 nights

Average cycling 40 km per day, maximum per day 57 km
Difficulty rating: Generally easy, but with occasional rolling sections

Combine a summer cycling tour with a city break in Turku, the 2011 European Capital of Culture. Turku offers hundreds of arts events, a medieval castle and cathedral, and a dozen of river boats with restaurants and bars. Take your bike from an island to an island using local ferries, follow the beautiful route and stay in atmospheric converted barns, spas and hotels.

The tour is also suitable for beginners with average cycling of 40 km per day, the longest ride is 57 km.

The six nights/seven day tour starts and finishes in Turku. Included in the package is accommodation with breakfast, three dinners, bicycle hire with panniers and helmets, detailed route notes, cycling maps, luggage transportation, and 24 hour emergency service.

Travel to Turku is not included in the price.

You can book extra nights in Turku to enjoy the cultural programme.

The Turku archipelago are one of Finland’s most stunning natural phenomena – 20 000 islands stretching out into the sea from the city in the country’s south-west. Island hopping is made easy, and exciting, by a system of local ferry services, constantly going back and forth acting like bridges.

As well as the fun of the ferries, there are also picturesque harbour villages to visit. The cycling route starts and ends in Turku – the former capital of Finland, a bustling, attractive market town, and also the European Capital of Culture in 2011.

Nauvo

Example itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival: A cultural taster
Turku is a bustling summer city with the River Aura cutting right through its heart. Visit the market square, art museums and stroll unhurriedly by the riverside. For the year 2011 Turku is the European Capital of Culture with many special events to choose from all year around. Enjoy a dinner in one of the many restaurants by the river. Overnight in Turku centre with a bed and breakfast.

Day 2 – Turku-Taivassalo (55 km): Take in the scenery
Your bicycles are brought to the hotel in the morning. Ride from Turku to the nearby old wooden town of Naantali. Soon after Naantali the island-hopping begins, first with a stunning ride across the Merimasku Bridge and then take a break from peddling with a relaxing 45 minute ferry journey. Continue by bike to your overnight hotel. Overnight in Taivassalo with a dinner, bed and breakfast.

Ferry crossing

Day 3 – Taivassalo – Korppoo (57 km): Island hopping
Today is the main island-hopping day with 5 ferry journeys, reaching the very heart of the archipelago. The tiny peaceful island of Iniö is the remotest spot of the trip. Houtskär island has some of the region’s most challenging cycling, but you can rest on the 30 minute ferry ride to the next island! On Korppoo island stay overnight in a wonderful B&B, a former barn converted to a guest house. Overnight on Korpoo, dinner bed and breakfast.

Day 4 – Korppoo – Nauvo (31 km): Local delicacies
Cross over to Nauvo, the main archipelago island. Nauvo village has a small lively harbour for sailing boats and yachts. There is a medieval gray stone church to visit or pop to the islanders market by the harbour. The locals are proud of their cuisine: there is fish, delicious potatoes and even liquers made from island’s herbs. There is possibility to do a longer route if desired. Overnight on Nauvo island, a dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 5 – Nauvo – Naantali (54 km): History and Moomins
Take the ferry north from Nauvo back to the mainland and continue by bike via Rymättylä to Naantali, a small idyllic seaside town with cobbled streets and old wooden houses around a beautiful boat harbour. There is an old convent church with regular concerts, or you can pop in the Moominworld to get some souvenirs. Overnight in a spa hotel in Naantali, with plenty of local restaurants to choose from for a dinner.

Day 6 – Naantali – Turku (14 km)
Free time in Naantali or in Turku according to your preference. Short ride back to Turku. Return your bicycles. Time to relax with a drink, do a bit of shopping and maybe enjoy the nightlife in Turku. Overnight in Turku centre, bed and breakfast.

Day 7 – Departure or a cultural break
You can book extra nights in Turku, book tickets to concerts, plays or circus, or just potter around the city that comes alive in the summer.

Package prices

from £784 per person sharing a twin room when 2 persons travelling together
from £1151 per person for a single traveler

What is included in the price?

• 6 night accommodation with breakfast
• 3 dinners
• 7 or 21-speed bicycle with panniers, km counter, repair kit, pump, helmet
• All necessary island ferry fees
• Cycling road map (1 for up to 2 persons)
• Detailed route notes indicating suggested route and ferry timings
• 24 hour emergency phone service
• Luggage transportation between hotels

Flights are not included in the package, please ask for a quote with flights.

Departure dates in 2012

We have nine fixed departure dates for the 2012 program starting in June and ending in August:
June 3rd, 10th, 24th
July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th
August 5th, 6th

Notes on the accommodation

• All our chosen overnight properties have private bathrooms.
• At Naantali Spa we use economy rooms, but with full access to all the spa facilities.
• We have combined a city centre location at the start and end of the tour (which is the easiest part of the region to arrive and depart), with some beautiful natural locations in the archipelago, and a stay in the old town of Naantali where you can choose a restaurant for dinner from a range in the harbour area. A perfect combination of all that is best in the area.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in your holiday cost. It is strongly recommended that insurance be taken out to protect you and your group against many unforeseen insurable events.

The beautiful winter view from the hotel terrace

Travel period 10.01.2012 – 15.04.2012
6 days (5 nights)

Hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo, Finland, is a unique attraction offering relaxation and wellbeing as well as culture and heritage. This is both relaxing and romantic winter break for two in winter wonderland!

The hotel building mirrors the nature that surrounds it, and nestles on the shores of Lake Lammasjärvi in Eastern Finland close to the Russian border. This is a region of great tradition and folklore. This is a place where Finland’s great epic Kalevala still survives.

The hotel restaurant overlooks the lake, and offers meals made with local ingredients from the Kainuu region. On the menu are many local delicacies like fish soup, wild boar filet and smoked reindeer, and also a good selection of vegetarian dishes. There is a special wellbeing-menu for those aiming to eat healthily.

The hotel works closely with local companies and guides promoting responsible travel in the taiga region.

Day to day

Day 1: Arrival to Taiga
Arrival to Kajaani airport is followed by about 1.5 hour transfer to the Hotel Kalevala. Settle in your Kalevala accommodation, and enjoy a dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2: Husky safari
After the breakfast a transfer even closer to the Russian border for a full day husky safari. You will get proper outdoor clothing for the trip so you don’t have to worry about getting cold. The day starts with a visit to a husky farm where you will learn the basics of driving the dog teams. This is followed by a 15 mile drive in the wilderness with two persons in a sleigh. Lunch will be served by an open fire. The evening closes with sauna and half board dinner.

Day 3: Snowmobiling
After breakfast it is time to get your thermal overalls and get ready for a 4-5 hour snowmobile safari along the Taiga forest. Ride about 30 miles in a beautiful snow covered forest with professional guides. Stop for a lunch and tea break by an open fire. Couples can either ride together or hire an extra snowmobile for riding solo. Evening sauna with jacuzzi warms you up for the half board dinner.

Day 4: Relaxing and romancing
This is a day for pampering and wellbeing. First you will try the traditional Finnish bone setting. This method is based on very old tradition of Finnish folk medicine and is very efficient in treating various forms of physical problems. In the afternoon you will enjoy Romance (Rose-Geranium) bath for two. You can also book little extra luxuries like peat or infra red sauna or a salt room treatment. Finish the relaxing day with a Wellness Dinner: Radish in a honey sauce, nettle pancakes, grilled white fish with berry sauce and lingonberry mousse.

Day 5: Day for you two
This is a day for optional activities. You can pamper yourself with wellbeing treatments, book extra activities or explore local attractions. Click here to see a list of extra activities.

The Winter War Museum reminds of the closeness to the Russian border. Many battles took place on Kuhmo soil during the war, and the village was bombed several times. The Petola nature centre tells of local predators brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. The centre provides an insight to the life of these species. The Kalevala information centre Juminkeko is a masterpiece of modern wood architecture, and presents Finnish history and folklore with multimedia shows and exhibitions. It also has one of the largest collections of editions of Kalevala.

Kuhmo is world famous for its chamber music festival, and there are concerts and other events around the year at the local arts centre Kuhmo-talo. It promotes the spiritual development of people through arts and science.

Relax with an evening sauna with jacuzzi before the half board dinner. You could order another wellness menu: green salad with herb oil a la Kalevala, grilled salmon with artichoke potatoes and morel sauce, chocolate beetroot cake with vanilla ice cream (extra charge £11/person).

Day 6: Back home
After breakfast transfer back to the airport and a flight back home refreshed and relaxed.

Seasons:

Season I 10.01.-31.01.2012 & 01.04.-15.04.2012
Season II 01.02.-31.03.2012

Prices:

10.01.-31.01.2012 & 01.04.-15.04.2012
From London Heathrow: £1299/adult (two sharing)
From Manchester: £1369/adult (two sharing)

01.02.-31.03.2012
From London Heathrow: £1354/adult (two sharing)
From Manchester: £1419/adult (two sharing)

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Kajaani airport
• Transfer from/to airport Kajaani
• 5 overnights in Hotel Kalevala (double rooms), with own toilet and shower
• Half board
• Evening sauna with jacuzzi
• Full day husky safari with picnic
• 4-5 hours snowmobile safari with outdoor lunch
• Day for wellbeing (traditional Finnish bonesetting, Romance bath for 2, wellbeing dinner)
• Free use of kick-sledges, Playstation and Nintendo Wii games, DVD movies, wireless internet, library, 2 fireplaces, board games and karaoke

Please ask price for:

• Additional days
• Activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow mobile tour
• Package without flights
• Stop-over in Helsinki

Explore the wilderness by driving your own husky team

8 days (7 nights)

Enjoy the winter holiday with a difference in Finnish Lapland, just below the Arctic Circle. Explore Finland’s wilderness by driving your own husky team, an experience you will never forget! A treat for dog lovers!

Proper winters and warm summers shape nature in Taivalkoski, where the husky holiday takes place. The snow falls in October and lasts until May. The accommodation is in Saija Lodge that is situated in the middle of the beautiful, relaxing landscape. The lodge is built from wood in traditional Finnish style, and offers a cosy restaurant serving local specialities. The name “Saija” comes from the Sami language, and means “the quiet place”. The calm surroundings by Lake Jokijärvi help you to relax and enjoy the wonderful countryside around the lodge.

Day to day

Sunday: Arrival to Saija
Flight to Kuusamo airport and transfer to Saija. After checking in to your room, you can enjoy some real homemade Finnish food..

Monday: Learn to drive huskies
After breakfast there is an introductory meeting about Saija and the coming week. You’ll get your safari equipment and meet the dogs. After an introduction to the sled-dog world and the winter gear that you will need during the tour, there is a test drive of about 13 kilometres. Everyone leads his or her own dog team of 4-6 dogs.

Tuesday: Through the winter landscape
Tuesdays drive is about 25 – 35 kilometres long. The route takes you through the beautiful forest and marsh scenery, over frozen lakes and along the river. Lunch is enjoyed around an open fire and you’ll return to spend the night in Saija.

Wednesday and Thursday: Overnight husky safari
The two-day safari will take you through the magical winter scenery. We stay overnight in the simple but cosy wilderness cabin, Harjajärvi. The cabin has a sauna, but no shower, indoor toilet or electricity. You will look after your own dog team, and help prepare the meals together. Breakfast and dinner are served in the hut, the lunch at an open fire in the wilderness.

Friday and Saturday: Free days for independent activities
You can book an additional snowmobile tour, go skiing or snowshoeing around the area. An experienced instructor will join you on the snow mobile tour to make sure that you can enjoy the ride to the full. There are approximately 15 miles of marked and well-maintained ski tracks leaving from the front door of the hotel. If you feel adventurous, you can also try skiing or snowshoeing off the tracks.

Sunday: Day of departure
Transfer back to Kuusamo airport after breakfast.

Prices:

From London Heathrow: £1584/adult (two sharing)
From Manchester: £1674/adult (two sharing)

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Kuusamo airport
• Collective transfer from/to airport Kuusamo
• 6 overnights in Saija (double rooms), with own toilet, shower and sauna
• 1 night in a wilderness cabin without electricity or running water
• From 08.01.2012 includes 1 night in an igloo (depending on weather conditions)
• Full board during the whole week
• Training, 1 daytrip, 1 overnight trip, daily different trails
• Own 4-6 dog team per person
• Experienced English-speaking wilderness guide
• Winter boots, overalls and gloves
• Group size: 2 – 6 persons

Please ask price for:

• Additional days
• Activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow mobile tour
• Package without flights
• Single supplement
• Stop-over in Helsinki

Inari offers excellent hiking possibilities with vast scenery

Lapland invites you to a unique weekend break this summer. Stay on the shore of the huge Lake Inari, tailor-make your trip according to your interests: learn about local culture, go fishing or on a quad bike safari, cruise on the lake, hire a boat or a canoe, enjoy Lappish restaurant and shop local crafts. Be active or just relax. Finland’s Lapland is magical all year round.

This unforgettable summer holiday package gives you an opportunity to visit a reindeer farm, learn about the unique Sámi culture and cruise the magnificent Lake Inari. You can tailor the long weekend according to your own tastes with extra activities, including a boat rental, a quad bike safari, troll fishing on Lake Inari or try your luck with fly fishing in the Juutuanjoki River. You can also find a guide to take you bird watching, or you can rent a bike or a canoe to explore the neighbourhood. Feel relaxed, refreshed and inspired by the beauty of Lapland!

4 day package: Friday – Monday
Period: Mid-June to September 2012

Day 1 Friday: Welcome to Northern Lapland

Arrival at the Ivalo Airport, where a guide meets and greets the guests. Transfer to Hotel Inari, about 30 miles away. Hotel Inari is situated on the shore of Lake Inari close to all activities. The restaurant specialises in Lappish delicacies, like reindeer, local white fish, salmon and cloudberries. Enjoy a dinner at the hotel restaurant and get acquainted with your surroundings.

Day 2 Saturday: Sámi museum and reindeer farm

Guide will pick you up from the hotel, and take you to SIIDA- Sámi museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre. After a short introduction you can tour the exhibition showing how nature and people have adapted to extreme conditions of the Northern environment. There are wonderful photos and videos, dioramas, soundscapes and original artefacts to take you through the seasons and history. In the afternoon you will visit a local reindeer farm, where you can feed the reindeers and learn Lappish lassoing, a traditional herder’s skill. You will also hear stories about herding and Sámi culture, and enjoy a coffee/ tea break in a cosy local hut. In the evening you can enjoy dinner and sauna at the hotel.

Day 3 Sunday: Lake cruise and artisan trail

After breakfast it is time to hit the Inari Artisan Trail with local – both traditional and modern – handicraft studios and shops ranging from jewellery and silver to items made of reindeer bone, wood and wool. You can take this tour independently depending on your timings. In the afternoon, there is a two-hour cruise on the mighty Lake Inari on board of the M/S Inari. The huge Lake Inari is the sixth largest lake in Europe with 3,318 islands. According to a song, the lake is as deep as it is long. You will visit the ancient sacrificial site of Inari Sámis on the island of Ukko (Äijih). Refreshments are served onboard of the ship (not included in the package). Cruise starts at 13.00 daily from June until September, and also at 17.00 in July. Later on, you can take part in optional safaris, hire a rowing boat from the hotel, try fishing, biking, hiking or just relax in the beautiful lake surroundings. Enjoy a farewell dinner of Lappish delicacies in the evening at the hotel restaurant.

Day 4 Monday: Leaving Lapland

After breakfast, there is some spare time in the morning for last minute shopping and sightseeing. In the afternoon, transfer to Ivalo Airport for a flight to Helsinki. Feel free to return and enjoy the magic of Lapland any season!

Prices from London Heathrow:

from £804/person when two persons sharing a room

from £1013/person in a single room

What is included in the price?

• Return Finnair flights from London Heathrow to Ivalo
• Return airport transfers in Ivalo
• 3 night hotel accommodation with half board (breakfast and dinner)
• Visit to Sámi museum Siida, visit to reindeer farm, Lake Inari cruise, village map
• All taxes and fees

Not included: Optional extras in Inari (in pdf format)

Please ask a price for:

Extended stays in Inari and overnight trips to Norway
Departures from other UK airports
Stop-over in Helsinki (from £70/person/night)
Group travel options

Fully equipped log cabins on the Iso-Syöte fell

8 day package: Saturday – Saturday
Period: 06.06.2012 – 31.10.2012 (package is also valid during colourful autumn Ruska season)

Explore the beautiful Lapland region by car and try out various outdoor activities. Stay in a Lappish log cabin, visit a reindeer or a husky farm, go hiking, canoeing and go for a quad bike safari in an ancient forest. Summer holiday in Northern Finland means midsummer nights, unspoilt nature, splendid views over the hills and forests, crystal clear lakes, and plenty of freedom and space to relax.

Finnish summer offers an opportunity to enjoy the best of the bright months. This eight-day summer package to Iso-Syöte area includes flights, car hire, log cabin accommodation and activities. Iso-Syöte resort is located on the top of the most southern fell in Lapland. Hotel and cottages overlook the forest and valley area of the surrounding Syöte National Park with its rugged hills, unique marshes and old spruce forests.

During this one week’s holiday, you can enjoy activities offered by Iso-Syöte and drive around the neighbouring villages, towns and countryside. The pure, unspoilt nature all around welcomes you to explore. Since the resort is located in a triangle of three popular tourist areas of Rovaniemi, Oulu and Kuusamo, you can plan your weekly itinerary independently.

Day 1: Settle in your log cabin

Arrival to Oulu airport late afternoon and car pick up. After two hours of drive, arrival to Iso-Syöte. Check into your fully equipped log cabin with a kitchen, a fireplace and a sauna. Evening is spent relaxing, trying out sauna, and enjoying a dinner at the local restaurant.

Day 2: Visit Arctic museum and Santa Claus

Breakfast is served at the Hotel Iso-Syöte restaurant. Sunday is free for your own activities. You can either enjoy the nature of the Syöte National Park and learn more about the area at the visitor centre, or drive to the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is located only two hours’ drive away from Iso-Syöte offering an excellent day out!  Get acquainted with the local culture and history in the Arktikum Museum, or visit the Santa Claus village, open all year round! Rovaniemi also offers excellent possibilities for a river cruise on a sunny summer day. On your way back to Iso-Syöte, you can visit the Ranua Wild Life Park, an hour’s drive from Iso-Syöte.

Day 3: Guided quad bike drive

After breakfast, you will enjoy an exciting 2.5 hour quad bike safari at 10am. On this guided tour, you will drive your own squad bike through the nature, forest and swamps of Iso-Syöte area. What an excellent way to start the day! During the afternoon, it is time to explore the area on your own. We recommend visiting the open air museum in Pudasjärvi, only half an hour’s drive away from Iso-Syöte, together with the village of Taivalkoski, displaying the old village store dating back to 1882.

Day 4: Canoe safari

Tuesday morning begins with a canoe safari to the Lake Naamanka at 10am. This is a perfect, peaceful place to paddle around and learn the basics of canoeing with the help of your local guide. Lakeside offers a great spot for a coffee break by a camp fire. In the afternoon, you can drive to Puolanka to see the highest waterfall in Finland. Enjoy a walk in beautiful surroundings, only an hour’s drive from Iso-Syöte, or go golfing in the nearby golf-course.

Day 5: Visit the Bear’s Trail

Wednesday is a day for your own activities. We recommend driving to the town of Kuusamo, located 1.5 hours from Iso-Syöte. The area of Ruka-Kuusamo invites you to another nature adventure with all it has to offer. The Oulanka National Park is worth a visit for its excellent Karhunkierros hiking trail (Bear’s Trail). This 80 kilometre route with ravines, Arctic fells and primeval forests provides an unforgettable experience. There are several short hikes to choose from with raging rapids, wonderful views and fell sides.

Day 6: Nordic Walking and Design

After breakfast, the morning is free for your own activities. You can take your hired car and visit the Finnish design centre, Pentik in Posio, located an hours’ drive from Iso-Syöte or just relax in the fell surroundings.In the afternoon, it is time for guided Nordic walking! Nordic walking tour takes you around Kellarilampi, through the natural scenery of Syöte area with a coffee and cake stop during the journey.

Day 7:  Meet huskies and reindeers

During your last full day in Iso-Syöte, you can take part in optional safaris; visit a local reindeer farm, try out fishing on the river banks or visit a husky farm. Alternatively you can have your second go on the activities introduced to you during the week, have a final challenge at the Syöte fell or make your way to Ruka area for longer Karhunkierros hiking tour.

Day 8: Returning home

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye! You will drive to Oulu airport, return your hired car and fly back to UK in the afternoon.

Prices from London Heathrow:

from £1119/person, when two persons share a cabin
from £915/person, when three persons share a cabin
from £799/person, when four persons share a cabin

What is included in the price?

• Return flights from London Heathrow to Oulu (or Kuusamo when available)
• Hired car (A class, Nissan Micra or similar), unlimited mileage, insurance and taxes
• One week’s stay in fully equipped Iso-Syöte cottages (living-room, kitchen, sauna, fireplace)
• Breakfast each morning
• Car hire for the whole week (pick up and drop off at the airport)
• Activities: Quad bike safari, canoeing safari, Nordic walking
• Equipment and guidance during safaris
• All taxes and fees

Optional extras:

• C class vehicle (extra cost £75/person)
• Hotel accommodation

Please note:

Driver must be at least 25 years old
Valid driving licence required when picking up the car
Credit card is obligatory to receive the car at the airport