Founded in 1550, Helsinki sprang to life as a trading post to compete with Tallinn and today is the capital city of Finland. It is an international metropolis with a surprisingly small-town feel.

During your half-day tour your local, knowledgeable guide will take you to see the city’s highlights such as the Rock Church, famous for its unique UFO shape and excellent acoustics. This church is literally dug out of solid rock and its roof is fashioned out of 22km of copper strips. Drive by the Mannerheim Boulevard and see The National Opera House, Finlandia House by Alvar Aalto, National Museum, Central Train Station, Senate Square and Art Museum. You will also stop by Sibelius Park and see the abstract monument to the composer Jean Sibelius that sparked a lot of controversy with its unveiling in 1967.

Also on your itinerary is a visit to two 19th century churches, the Helsinki Cathedral with its stately columns, and the red-bricked Uspenski Cathedral. Throughout the tour your guide will share stories and fascinating facts about Helsinki as well as the future of the country and its people.

Not to worry, you will also be provided short breaks to shop the local bazaars for some souvenirs and to try some tasty Finnish food.

Book this tour now for a great introduction to the amazing history, culture and cuisine of Helsinki.

Discover the beauty and magic of Finland’s Nuuksio Reindeer Park and have the privilege to see reindeer in their natural habitat.

Your journey begins with your tour local guide taking you around the beautiful city of Finland’s southern capital, Helsinki. The knowledgeable guide will share with you the city’s history and you will be provided stops along the way to take photos in beautiful landmark places such as the Sibelius Monument, created by Eila Hiltunen dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and the Senate Square, where you can appreciate Carl Ludvig Engel’s incredible architecture.

After lunch (at your own expense and choice), you will continue your journey to Espoo, Finland’s second-largest city and municipality. This city, located in the southern part of Finland, along the Gulf shore, is known for its first inhabitants arriving 9,000 years ago.

The excitement will build as your journey continues to the highlight of your day when you get to explore the wildlife of Finland at the Nuuski Reindeer Park. Have the opportunity to be face to face with the beautiful and majestic reindeer, feed them and experience the traditions of the Sami people, indigenous people of northern Europe, while enjoying a cup of tea, coffee, or juice.

Be returned to the pier area and your ship in Helsinki on completion of this beautiful day experiencing the natural side of Finland.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is famous for the Nordic Jugendstil/Modern architecture of the early 20th century. Being a part of the Russian Empire for more than a hundred years, Helsinki is a multi-religious city with two dominant buildings of Lutheran and Orthodox cathedrals in the city center.

Finnish composer Sibelius is world-known, as well as the legendary architect Eliel Saarinen, whose son, Eero Saarinen constructed the St. Louis Arch and several airports in the USA.

After meeting your local, friendly and knowledgeable guide and driver, you will make your way to the city center. You will be shown the most charming parts of this area such as the embassy quarter, Rock Church, Sibelius Monument, and more. See both main cathedrals and the main railway station, which is a unique piece of architecture on its own.

View the main street of the city and visit Senate Square. Learn how Helsinki was founded on the oldest square of the city center, Kauppatori, the Market Square. Walk along the Esplanade, which serves as the main boulevard of the city center and a favorite place for locals to come for an evening walk.

Re-board your comfortable transportation and drive to the old merchant town of Porvoo, located only 30 miles away, to discover the enchanting Finnish countryside.

Admire Mother Nature’s magnificence and explore the small, cozy and very authentic old merchant town of Porvoo. View the historic red colored storehouses along the riverbank, see the early 1800’s Town Hall and walk the historic streets of Old Town.

Your guide will advise you about places to visit on your own, such as restaurants, museums, and interesting sites, and show you the location where you’ll meet for your return to the port.