Silja Symphony © Tallink Silja

Prices from £284 per person

Scheduled flights from/ to London Heathrow, two nights’ accommodation in high quality hotels and an overnight cruise – all this from just £284 per person. Fantastic value for this four day / three night expedition!

Stockholm

Stockholm is a picturesque city built on fourteen islands and you are never far from water. Stockholm is also a city of contrasts. Those who are attracted to history and medieval surroundings will find Gamla Stan – Stockholm’s old town – irresistible. Those who seek sleek Scandinavian style will be drawn to Södermalm’s chic design shops, bars and restaurants.

Helsinki

Helsinki also comes with its fair share of history and style and is an ideal short break destination – friendly, lively and welcoming. It is easy to explore on foot as everything is within easy reach – it is a beautiful city on a human scale. It is a city of bustling, colourful market squares and halls, of outdoor summer concerts and sports events, of seaside parks, of excellent cafes and restaurants catering for every taste and budget, and cutting-edge art in fine museums.

In fact, there is no shortage of things to do and see in either capital, and the sea route connecting them is plied by two of the most luxurious cruise ships sailing on the Baltic, the sister ships Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony.

At the heart of each of Silja’s flagships is the 460 ft (142 m) long glass-roofed Promenade, watched over on both sides from cabin windows. Lined by restaurants, bars, shops and boutiques, the Promenade is just like a elegant high street at sea. Cabins are available in several classes, from comfortable cabins for 2-4 people, to deluxe Commodore Class cabins. Most of the cabins have a window, with either a view over the Promenade or a sea view. See here the cabin descriptions.

Read what Daily Express said about this trip.

Package prices

View departure dates and detailed package prices for 1.1.2010-31.03.2011 here (pdf)

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Stockholm Arlanda & scheduled flight from Helsinki to London Heathrow
• One night in a four star seaside hotel incl. breakfast in Stockholm
• One night in a four star hotel incl. breakfast in Helsinki
• Cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki on m/s Silja Serenade or Symphony in chosen cabin category incl. breakfast
• Departure taxes and fees

Please note that transfers are not included in the price. Additional nights in Stockholm and/or Helsinki available on request.

Departures from airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh are also available. Please ask for a quote.

Optional extras

Pre-booked dinner on the ferry
We advise to make a table reservation in advance, especially during the high season. You also receive a discount on meal prices if you pay for your meal coupons in advance. More information and prices can be found here (pdf).

Royal Canal Tour in Stockholm
This is one hour canal cruise along the Djurgarden and shows us several of the city’s important royal landmarks. Departures are every hour between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
Price: £17.00 per person

Historical Canal Tour in Stockholm
Welcome aboard a journey through Stockholm´s history! In addition to its narrow canals and leafy shorelines, you will discover the history of the city and many of its famous buildings. This tour includes a round trip of Kungsholmen, Langholmen and Reimersholme. This canal cruise lasts one hour and there are several departures daily.
Price: £17.00 per person

Panorama Stockholm
This 90 minute coach sightseeing tour will show you the main sights of Stockholm, and includes a stop at Fjallgatan to appreciate the views. There are several daily departures.
Price: £26.00 per person

One Day Stockholm Card
Stockholm – convenient and easy. This one day Stockholm Card offers you free admission to more than 75 museums and attractions plus free travel on local transportation and other bonus offers.
Price: £39.00 per person

One Day Helsinki Card
This one day Helsinki Card offers you free admission to more than 40 attractions and free travel on local transportation and other bonus offers. Free audio city tour worth £19 included.
Price: £33.00 per person

Sightseeing tour in Helsinki
This is 1 hour 45 min coach tour departs conveniently from Silja terminal immediately after arriving in Helsinki. Tour takes in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, and includes entrance to the Temppeliaukio Church and stop at the Sibelius Monument.
Price: £25.00 per person

Sea Life
Sea Life wants to offer visitors an adventurous learning experience and wake the desire to protect seas and animals. Sea Life offers the possibility to experience the wonders of underwater miracles by creating as natural as possible living environments for the creatures of the exhibition. Visitors will have a unique experience with over 40 exiting and interesting aquariums.
Price: £15.00 per person

Saimaa scenery

Prices from £784 per person
Period: June to August 2010

Route: Helsinki – Kotka – Lappeenranta – Savonlinna – Puumala – (Lappeenranta) – (Kotka) – Helsinki

Langinkoski and the Imperial Fishing Lodge are without doubt the most widely known destinations of the summer cruises. Czar Alexander III, being fond of fishing and simple life, found here the beauty of the surrounding nature and the river rich in salmon. In many books about Russian Czars there is a photo showing Empress Dagmar, her son and the captain of the imperial yacht Tsaverna peeling potatoes on the kitchen stairs of the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. Today Kotka offers many more sights, among them Kotka Maretarium and Sapokka Water Park.

On the way to the canal you will sail past Virolahti. The last Russian Czar Nikolai II, the son and follower of Alexander III, liked to spend his summer holidays here. Cruising along the Saimaa Canal will remind of not only the imperial summers, but also of the times of tar steams and rafting. The locks will take you to Lappeenranta, the lively capital of South Karelia with its unadulterated Karelian dialect.

Kristina Brahe sails through the Saimaa Archipelago and the unique scenery of the Lake Saimaa, where characteristic features are seals, sour milk, fish pie and the smell of a lakeshore sauna. On your way back you will have a short stop at Puumala, which was chosen the most beautiful municipality in the Lake Saimaa District a couple of years ago.

The m/s Kristina Brahe is the largest passenger vessel operating in the Saimaa Canal. Her compact size makes her ideal for cruising Finland’s lake district and the archipelago sea. In addition to provideing everything you need for a journey, the expedition-style vessel offers an intimate, old world atmosphere that inspires a refreshing sense of congeniality. Although cabins of the vessel are small, most have full facilities. the ship is registered under the Finnish flag and the crew is Finnish.

Programme daily

Tuesday
Flight to Helsinki, Finland. Check into your hotel.

Wednesday
Cruise departure from Helsinki 10.30
Visit to Kotka 5 pm – 8.30 pm

Thursday
Mälkiä Lock 8 am
Visit to Lappeenranta 9 am – 10.45 am
Arrival at Savonlinna 6.15 pm

Friday
Departure from Savonlinna 11 am
Visit to Puumala 2.45 pm – 3.30 pm
Visit to Lappeenranta 7.30 pm – 8.15 pm

Saturday
Visit to Kotka 9 am – 9.30 am
Arrival in Helsinki 4 pm
Check into you hotel

Sunday
Flight back to the UK

Package prices

View departure times and detailed package prices here (pdf)

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled return flight from London Heathrow airport to Helsinki
• Two nights in a minimum of three stars hotel in Helsinki with breakfast
• 4 day (3 nights) cruise on m/s Kristina Brahe in chosen cabin class according to itinerary
• Full board (3 x breakfast, 4 x lunch and 3 x dinner) during the cruise
• Onboard entertainment and shore excursions

Price for one person includes accommodation in a single room and accommodating one cabin.

Please note that transfers and the shore excursion to Olavinlinna (extra charge 25 Euros) are not included in the price.

Although our prices include flights from the UK, we are able to sell this cruise on its own i.e. without flights. Please ask for a quote.

Departures from airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh are also available. Please ask for a quote.

Shore excursions included in the price

Kotka
Kotka in the Era of the Czars and Catherine the Great (Wednesday), approx. 3 hours
The reigns of Catherine the Great, Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia are closely associated with the history of the Kotka region. On this tour, the guide will tell you about various events in Kotka during the Russian reign. You will visit the Imperial Fishing Lodge situated at Langinkoski approx. 5 kilometers from the centre of Kotka, built for Alexander III and his family in 1889. On the way back to the town centre, the tour runs beside the historic Kotka Redoubt, which currently houses a herb garden.

Parks at their best can be admired in the centre of Kotka and the Sapokka Water Park, which has won more prizes than any other park area in Finland. The Kotkansaari fortress community during the era of Catherine the Great and the Greek-Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas will be presented at Sapokanlahti, close to the location of the Ruotsinsalmi Naval Battle. The tour is completed by a visit to the Maritime Centre Vellamo, which is an architectural masterpiece in the old port of Kotka.

Lappeenranta
Saimaa Canal Museum and Sightseeing in Lappeenranta (Thursday), approx. 2.5 hours
The Saimaa Canal Museum is located in Lappeenranta, near the Mälkiä lock. The museum forms part of the Canal Museums Directorate (set up in 1980 and maintained by the National Board of Navigation) which includes six regional canal museums. The museum is managed by the Inland Waterways District. The museum is housed in the former official residence of the canal’s senior district manager. The building dates from 1845; the small display in the porch of the museum reveals the different wall layers of the building. Outside, the visitor can admire the beautifully restored courtyard. The permanent exhibition focuses on the many interesting facets of the history of the Saimaa Canal. An entire section is devoted to the construction of the canal, from the 17th century Pontus Canal to the present-day Saimaa Canal. On display is a pantograph, dating from 1844, which was used in the construction. You can also watch a video which illustrates the building process of the present Saimaa Canal over the period of 1963-68.

After visiting the Museum, we will make a short, guided sightseeing tour in Lappeenranta. Embarking the ship and continue cruise to Savonlinna.

Optional extras

Savonlinna: Olavinlinna Tour (Friday), approx. 1.5 hours
The tour goes from the harbour along the oldest street in Savonlinna, Linnankatu Street, to Olavinlinna castle. Linnankatu Street has played an important role in the history of Olavinlinna Castle and in the history of Savonlinna. Olavinlinna castle, the medieval fortress standing in the middle of the swiftly-flowing straits of Kyrönsalmi is one of the best-known historical attractions in Finland. The castle was founded in 1475 by a Danish-born knight, Erik Axelsson Tott, to defend the kingdom of Sweden against attacks from Russia.

During its eventful history, Olavinlinna has witnessed a good many battles, and intriguing tales about the castle have lived on until the present day. The first opera performances were staged in the castle as early as 1912, and today the castle provides the venue for the Opera Festival as well as other popular events. After the guided tour in the castle return to the harbour. Olavinlinna excursion is for extra charge 25 eur / person for the passengers on Savonlinna-Helsinki-route.

We reserve the right for changes.

The Finnish archipelago - Nauvo

Prices from £559 per person
Period: June – August 2010

Route: Helsinki – Jussarö – Tammisaari – Jurmo – Utö – Kökar – Nauvo – Helsinki

The ship sails to the west from Helsinki and the first stop is on the Island of Jussarö, where the first lighthouse was built in 1811. Iron ore was excavated here in 1954-1967 and afterwards the Armed Forces took the control of the island. It was opened to the public only in the summer of 2005.

The cruise continues making zigzags through the archipelago to reach the idyllic town of Tammisaari, which received city rights already in 1546. The well-preserved historical town has parks with oaks which are several hundred years old and the skilful merge of old traditions with the present day – this is Tammisaari at its best.

Next you will cruise out to the open sea and arrive at the Island of Jurmo, famous for its moraine fields. What a mighty sight! Seven kilometres of stone fields reaching to the sea and continuing for a couple of miles under the water. Here, at the southernmost part of Salpausselkä, the sea stretches as far as the eye can see.

In the afternoon you will arrive at the Island of Utö, which is situated at Finland’s southernmost point and known for its fort and pilots. The third day of the cruise will take you to Åland’s Kökar. During the middle ages there was a Franciscan monastery on its main island. Hansa ships might have needed help, thus the Gray Friars settled in. The present church was built on the same place where the monastery stood earlier.

You will cross Kihti and arrive at Nauvo to discover a traditional village with grey stone church, handicraft and coffee shops and an exhibition of ships’ models. Nauvo has also a popular guest marina. On the next morning you will sail back to Helsinki taking home lots of memories of this unique archipelago.

Example of a cruise itinerary:

SUN: Departure from Helsinki 9:00
Island of Jussarö 14:30-16:30
Arrival at Tammisaari 18:15

MON: Departure from Tammisaari 3:00
Island of Jurmo 10:00-13:30
Arrival at island of Utö 15:00

TUE: Departure from Utö 5:30
Island of Kökar 8:00-12:00
Nauvo 16:00-19:00

WED: Arrival in Helsinki 8:00

Package prices

View departure times and detailed package prices here (pdf)

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled return flight from London Heathrow airport to Helsinki
• One night in a city centre hotel in Helsinki with breakfast
• 4 day (3 nights) cruise on m/s Kristina Brahe in chosen cabin class according to itinerary
• Full board (3 x breakfast, 3 x lunch and 3 x dinner) during the cruise
• Onboard entertainment and shore excursions

Price for one person includes accommodation in a single room and accommodating one cabin. Please note that transfers are not included in the price.

Although our prices include flights from the UK, we are able to sell this cruise on its own i.e. without flights. Please ask for a quote.

Departures from airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh are also available. Please ask for a quote.

Shore excursions included in the price

Jussarö: Walking Tour approx. 1 hour
Enjoy the guided tour on the island which is famous for its lighthouse and iron ore. This island was opened to tourism in summer 2005. Before that it was controlled by the Finnish Armed Forces.

Tammisaari: Walking Tour approx. 1 hour
Tammisaari is a green town in the archipelago, situated on the southernmost point of Finland. The atmosphere of the town is idyllic and peaceful, yet it offers rich cultural choice and good services. During the walking tour you will visit eg. the wooden old town.

Jurmo: A Gem in the Finnish Archipelago approx. 2 hours
The Island of Jurmo in the outer archipelago is the largest of a number of islands which belong to the magnificent Salpausselkä ridge, one of the biggest territorial moraines in Northern Europe stretching from Karelia in the east to the Hanko area in southwest Finland. This 5 km long barren island, with an unusual plant life, is mentioned in a document as early as 1270. No trees grow on Jurmo, save a small number of planted pines and few birches and alders in a marsh. Jurmo is now part of the South western Archipelago National Park.

Utö: The oldest Lighthouse Point in Finland approx. 1,5 hours
The most southern inhabited island in Finland lies far away from the mainland. The rugged nature, spectacular landscape and inhabited village community are part of the uniqueness of this island. From there you can view the Baltic Sea. The island has a pilot station, a defence fort and the oldest place for the lighthouse in Finland. The new lighthouse was rebuilt in 1814. The lighthouse chapel is its speciality. The island has some historical memorials and a harbour. The museum of local history and culture tells about the life of lighthouse guards, pilots and soldiers.

Kökar: Finland’s Southernmost Commune approx. 3 hours
Kökar is the unique archipelago community, where the sea is always close at hand. The rocks are barren and there is practically no forest. It is indeed a magnificent sea-washed and wind-swept island. Kökar has a rich and colourfull history. The first inhabitants were sealers who settled at Otterböte approx. 100 B.C. During the 15th century a Fransiscan monastery was founded on Hamnö. This place became a spiritual and cultural centre of the entire archipelago. Kökar’s museum of local history and culture gives a wonderful insight into times gone by. Kökar today is a vital archipelago community. Shipping, tourism and the commune employ most of the inhabitants. At Karlby harbour you will have some free time.

Nauvo: Walking Tour approx. 1hour
This idyllic archipelago village is a very popular place to visit, especially with private boats. The Finnish archipelago is a desirable place for summer houses and Nauvo is one of the favourite areas. You will have a guided tour in the village, visit the grey stone church and see a small exhibition of ships’ models. There are also handicraft shops with unique products made in the archipelago.

We reserve the right for changes.

View both cities from the sea

Prices from £414 per person
Friday to Monday

Helsinki is a vibrant city, offering a multitude of cultural, scenic and gastronomic pleasures. It is a city bustling with colourful market squares and halls, with seaside parks, excellent cafes and restaurants catering for every taste and budget, and with cutting-edge art galleries and museums.

Tallinn’s Old Town is included in Unesco’s World Heritage List and it remains a mesmerizing jumble of medieval walls, turrets, spires and winding, cobbled streets. The city can be easily explored on foot, and this is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of its lively squares and lanes.

In fact, there’s no shortage of things to do in either city, and we provide you with the option to extend your stay in one or both cities.

You will first fly to Helsinki and explore this compact city for two days. On Sunday you will take a boat to Tallinn and check in your four star hotel located in the city centre of Tallinn. On Monday you will return to Helsinki and take a direct flight to the UK.

Package prices

Three night package from London Heathrow:
1.1.-18.6.2010, 17.8.-29.12.2010: from £414 /sharing, from £524 /single
19.6.-16.8.2010: from £444 /sharing, from £574 /single

Three night package from Manchester:
1.1.-18.6.2010, 17.8.-29.12.2010: from £454 /sharing, from £564 /single
19.6.-16.8.2010: from £479 /sharing, from £614 /single

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled return flight from London Heathrow or Manchester to Helsinki
• Two nights in a city centre hotel in Helsinki including buffet breakfast
• One night in a city centre hotel in Tallinn including buffet breakfast
• Return journey on a ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn
• Departure taxes, fees and service charges are included

Please note that transfers in Helsinki or Tallinn are not included in the price.

Optional extras

One Day Helsinki Card

This one day Helsinki Card offers you free admission to more than 40 attractions andfree travel on local transportation and other bonus offers. Free audio city tour worth £19 included.
Price: £33.00 per person

Sightseeing tour in Helsinki

This is 1 hour 45 min coach tour departs conveniently from Silja terminal immediately after arriving in Helsinki. Tour takes in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, and includes entrance to the Temppeliaukio Church and stop at the Sibelius Monument.
Price: £25.00 per person

Sea Life

Sea Life wants to offer visitors an adventurous learning experience and wake the desire to protect seas and animals. Sea Life offers the possibility to experience the wonders of underwater miracles by creating as natural as possible living environments for the creatures of the exhibition. Visitors will have a unique experience with over 40 exiting and interesting aquariums.
Price: £15.00 per person

Combined bus and walking tour in Tallinn

This highly recommended combined bus and walking tour is an excellent way for first-time visitors to get to know Tallinn. Starting from the passenger port and major hotels, the hour-long bus trip takes you through the most interesting sections of the city, past the Kadriorg Palace and the Song Festival Grounds to the Pirita district, all the while providing running commentary on Estonian history and contemporary life. The walking portion of the tour covers the Old Town. You will start on the corner of Toompea and Komandandi Streets and proceed across Toompea hill, stopping at the Parliament Building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Dome Church. You will take in the city from a beautiful viewpoint before heading to the narrow streets of the lower town and finally ending up on the medieval Town Hall Square.
Duration of tour: 2 hr 30 mins. Price: £18.00

Helsinki is a beautiful city on a human scale

Prices from £474 per person

Scheduled flights from London Heathrow, three nights’ accommodation in high quality hotels and an overnight cruise – all this from just £474 per person. Unforgettable long weekend!

Stockholm

Stockholm is a picturesque city built on fourteen islands and you are never far from water. Stockholm is also a city of contrasts. Those who are attracted to history and medieval surroundings will find Gamla Stan – Stockholm’s old town – irresistible. Those who seek sleek Scandinavian style will be drawn to Södermalm’s chic design shops, bars and restaurants.

Tallinn

Tallinn’s Old Town is included in Unesco’s World Heritage List and it remains a mesmerizing jumble of medieval walls, turrets, spires and winding, cobbled streets. The city can be easily explored on foot, and this is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of its lively squares and lanes.

Helsinki

Helsinki also comes with its fair share of history and style and is an ideal short break destination – friendly, lively and welcoming. It is easy to explore on foot as everything is within easy reach – it is a beautiful city on a human scale. It is a city of bustling, colourful market squares and halls, of outdoor summer concerts and sports events, of seaside parks, of excellent cafes and restaurants catering for every taste and budget, and cutting-edge art in fine museums.

Package prices

View the tour timetable and detailed package prices here (pdf)

What is included in the price?

• Scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Stockholm Arlanda & scheduled flight from Helsinki to London Heathrow
• One night in a four star seaside hotel incl. breakfast in Stockholm
• One night in a four star hotel incl. breakfast in Tallinn
• One night in a four star hotel incl. breakfast in Helsinki
• Cruise from Stockholm to Tallinni on SiljaTallink in chosen cabin category incl. breakfast
• Cruise form Tallinn to Helsinki on SiljaTallink vessel
• Departure taxes and fees

Please note that transfers are not included in the price. Additional nights in Stockholm, Tallinn and/or Helsinki available on request.

Departures from airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh are also available. Please ask for a quote.

Optional extras

Pre-booked dinner on the ferry
We advise to make a table reservation in advance, especially during the high season. You also receive a discount on meal prices if you pay for your meal coupons in advance. More information and prices can be found here (pdf).

Royal Canal Tour in Stockholm
This is one hour canal cruise along the Djurgarden and shows us several of the city’s important royal landmarks. Departures are every hour between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
Price: £17.00 per person

Historical Canal Tour in Stockholm
Welcome aboard a journey through Stockholm´s history! In addition to its narrow canals and leafy shorelines, you will discover the history of the city and many of its famous buildings. This tour includes a round trip of Kungsholmen, Langholmen and Reimersholme. This canal cruise lasts one hour and there are several departures daily.
Price: £17.00 per person

Panorama Stockholm
This 90 minute coach sight seeing tour will show you the main sights of Stockholm, and includes a stop at Fjallgatan to appreciate the views. There are several daily departures.
Price: £26.00 per person

One Day Stockholm Card
Stockholm-convenient and easy. This one day Stockholm Card offers you free admission to more than 75 museums and attractions plus free travel on local transportation and other bonus offers.
Price: £39.00 per person

One Day Helsinki Card
This one day Helsinki Card offers you free admission to more than 40 attractions and free travel on local transportation and other bonus offers. Free audio city tour worth £19 included.
Price: £33.00 per person

Sightseeing tour in Helsinki
This is 1 hour 45 min coach tour departs conveniently from Silja terminal immediately after arriving in Helsinki. Tour takes in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, and includes entrance to the Temppeliaukio Church and stop at the Sibelius Monument.
Price: £25.00 per person

Sea Life
Sea Life wants to offer visitors an adventurous learning experience and wake the desire to protect seas and animals. Sea Life offers the possibility to experience the wonders of underwater miracles by creating as natural as possible living environments for the creatures of the exhibition. Visitors will have a unique experience with over 40 exiting and interesting aquariums.
Price: £15.00 per person