Fabulous Finland

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Helsinki, Finland.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to your hotel. Flights should arrive by 3:30pm. Take some time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. This evening, join your Tour Manager and traveling companions for dinner at a local restaurant. Meal: D

Begin learning about this capital city during the included tour. Known as the ‘Daughter of the Baltic Sea’, Helsinki has an interesting history and is an architectural delight. The local guide will bring the colorful history to life as the main squares, monuments, and buildings are showcased. See the iconic White Lutheran cathedral, a landmark of the city, in Senate Square. Market Square bustles with locals shopping for fresh food. Pass the National Gallery, National Theater and National Opera house, all representing the cultural life of the city. Visit the ‘Rock Church’ which is built into two-billion-year-old bedrock. This amazing architectural feat is a testament to how man and nature can successfully co-exist. Return to the hotel at the end of the tour for the remainder of the day at leisure. Meal: B

Today’s excursion starts with a short walk to the ferry for a ride to Suomenlinna Island, off the coast of Helsinki. The island remains home to 850 inhabitants, buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and is of historical importance from when Finland was under Swedish and Russian rule. During a visit to the Island Museum, learn how the 250-year-old fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, had a major role in the wars against these two countries. An audio-visual presentation details the construction of the fortress and exhibits in the museum detail its history. After the museum visit, a stop is included at the local island brewery for you to sample some of the Finnish brews. Return to Helsinki by ferry for a bit of free time before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: B, D

Take a step back in time during the visit to picturesque Porvoo, Finland’s second-oldest city. Meander through the cobblestone lanes of its wooden Old Town with a local guide as you hear about the history of this city that has maintained its character from the Middle Ages. See the red warehouses, reminiscent of the former trading days, that still line the medieval harbor. Today they are a symbol of the city and one of the most photographed landscapes in the country. See for yourself why many sculptors and artists were drawn to the charms of Porvoo and enjoy some free time to experience the galleries, shops and cafés. Continue to Malmgarden for a visit of its Manor house. Belonging to the Creutz family for over 400 years, its current resident, Count Johan Creutz, is focusing on modernizing the estate. Your host will show you around the manor and the organic farm and eco-brewery that now exist on the grounds. Sample the beer or cider made onsite before returning to Helsinki for the remainder of the day at leisure. Meal: B

Leaving the capital, return to the airport for the flight to Rovaniemi and the start of your adventure in Lapland. Upon arrival, the coach will be waiting to take you on a brief panoramic orientation tour and to a secret location to begin your immersion into the local culture. Gather in a cozy Lappish teepee or other unique ‘structure’ and meet the Sharman who will cast magic spells as you sip reindeer milk to discover its strengthening powers. At the conclusion of the ceremony, receive an official “Crossing the Arctic Circle” certificate. Next, it’s time to meet their most famous resident – Santa Claus! No visit to Lapland is complete without visiting Santa Claus Village! Visit his base of operations in the Arctic Circle and meet the man himself. You’ll also have time to do some shopping and deliver your own presents from the Arctic Circle next Christmas! Continue to the hotel for check-in and an included dinner. Meals: B, D

Today’s experience is all about the local inhabitants: reindeer. Begin the day with an Arctic reindeer safari. Meet the herder and learn how they raise and treat the animals. Sit back and relax as you depart on a sleigh ride, pulled by reindeer, through the pristine winter wonderland. After the safari, enjoy lunch by an open fire in a traditional Finnish cottage. This afternoon, learn about the ‘secret of the antler’ during a workshop presentation. The antlers, shed yearly by the animals, are made into a variety of decorative items by skillful artisans, who aim to preserve this handicraft tradition. You’ll have a demonstration, then create your own souvenir from this raw material exclusive to Lapland. Return to the hotel for free time and dinner on your own. This evening, venture out with the local guide on a hunt for the Northern Lights. The coach will travel to various spots during the trip to provide the best opportunity to see this amazing phenomenon. Meals: B, L

The final adventure in Lapland is a visit to the Arktikum Museum which showcases the history, natural habitats, customs and cultures, past and present, of the people living north of the Arctic Circle. Continue to the Rovaniemi airport for the flight to Helsinki and your final night in Finland. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. Meals: B, D

Depart the hotel on a transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of the Finnish people, culture and sites of the country. Meal: B