Helsinki Extension:
Glacial Lakes, Ancient Forests, and City Lights
Extension Summary
The perfect introduction to Finland. On this three-day extension, you will discover Helsinki’s striking Nordic architecture, vibrant waterfront and renowned Design District before experiencing the deeply rooted Finnish ritual of sauna at Löyly, the city’s celebrated seaside spa on the Baltic. Venture to Nuuksio National Park, a vast landscape of glacial lakes and ancient forest just outside the city. The journey ends in medieval Porvoo, Finland’s second-oldest city – a storybook contrast to Helsinki’s modern design.
Local hosts: Founded in 1993, Viada DMC is a Helsinki-based travel company with more than 30 years of local expertise. They deliver thoughtfully designed, tailor-made experiences across Finland.
Extension Details
Availability: Pre- and post-expedition on all Helsinki gateway voyages
Duration: 3 Nights / 2 Days
Gateway: Helsinki
Cost: £1,540 GBP per person (double occupancy) | £2,156 GBP per person (solo supplement)
Capacity: 12-14 Guests
Tour Inclusions: Two breakfasts (days 2 and 3), two lunches (campfire lunch at Nuuksio; lunch in Porvoo); two dinners, and two nights’ hotel accommodations.
Getting Around: Guests will travel in a premium, high-roof, climate-controlled Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with spacious, comfortable seating.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive in Helsinki
Helsinki is one of Europe’s most design‑forward capital cities. Upon arrival, transfer from Helsinki Airport to your centrally located hotel before continuing to the waterfront.
This afternoon introduces one of Finland’s most deeply rooted traditions: sauna culture. At Löyly, a celebrated public sauna on the Baltic Sea, experience a ritual central to Finnish identity and daily life.
Following your sauna experience, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant where seasonal Nordic ingredients are served in a relaxed setting.
Today’s Highlights
- Transfer from Helsinki Airport to city‑center hotel
- Waterfront sauna experience at Löyly
- Dinner at a restaurant nearby
Day 2 | Nuuksio National Park: Forests, Bogs and Lakes
Travel just beyond the city to Nuuksio National Park, approximately one hour from central Helsinki. Often called “Helsinki’s lungs,” Nuuksio is a protected landscape of glacial lakes, ancient forest, rocky outcrops, and silent bogs.
A guided three-hour nature walk introduces the park’s ecology and wildlife, including the the opportunity to spot the Siberian flying squirrel, white‑tailed deer, and more than 100 bird species. The experience reflects the Finnish principle of everyman’s right—the freedom to roam responsibly in the quiet of nature.
For lunch, enjoy a traditional campfire meal prepared over an open fire in the forest—one of Finland’s most authentic outdoor traditions. Return to Helsinki for a dinner showcasing modern Finnish cuisine, defined by northern growing seasons, pristine ingredients, and a longstanding foraging tradition.
Today’s Highlights
- Scenic transfer to Nuuksio National Park
- Guided nature walk led by a local expert (approximately three hours)
- Traditional Finnish campfire lunch
- Dinner featuring contemporary Finnish cuisine
Day 3 | Helsinki to Porvoo: Design, History, and the Finnish Coast
Begin the day with a guided orientation of Helsinki. Visit Senate Square and the white Helsinki Cathedral, browse the Old Market Hall along the waterfront, and explore the city’s Design District. The tour also includes Temppeliaukio Church, an architectural landmark carved directly into solid bedrock.
Continue east to Porvoo, Finland’s second-oldest city, set along the Porvoonjoki River. Among Scandinavia’s most intact medieval towns, Porvoo is known for its red riverside warehouses and cobblestoned Old Town streets dating to the 13th century. Enjoy lunch in town, followed by a guided walk through the Old City, including the medieval Porvoo Cathedral, with free time to browse independent boutiques and artisan chocolate shops. In the afternoon, transfer with luggage to our expedition hotel, located at the Helsinki Airport, where your Arctic expedition officially begins at the welcome desk.
For post-expedition extensions, you will proceed with your onward travel plans.
Today’s Highlights
- Helsinki guided city and walking tour
- Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) visit
- Transfer to Porvoo and guided Old Town walk
- Lunch and free time in Porvoo
