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20 Day itinerary in Finland, Europe

A Journey Across 12 Latitudes

Embark on a captivating journey across the Baltic region, visiting enchanted forests, historic towns, and vibrant cities. This eco-conscious tour emphasizes sustainable practices and local culture, combining adventure with environmental responsibility. From the Arctic beauty of Rovaniemi to the arch... Read More

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EdvinasDovile

By Edvinas and Dovile

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Rovaniemi

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Cultural

Visit markets

Historic & cultural landmarks

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Revel in Rovaniemi's Arctic charms and Northern lights

2

Wander the baroque splendor of Rundale Palace

3

Stroll through the historic streets of Tallinn

4

Bicycle through historic Helsinki with a local guide

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Welcome to the Arctic Circle!

Arrive at Rovaniemi Airport. Upon bag collection, our driver welcomes you on a private transfer to your centrally-located hotel to get settled and acclimate.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Arctic Light Hotel
Day 2

place Rovaniemi a la carte

Enjoy this day as you wish. You can take the city bus to Santa Claus Village, located in the Arctic Circle Marker.


Additionally, we have a few optional tours you can enjoy:

09:30-12:30 Wellness from Finnish Nature

Get familiar with the Finns special relationship with nature that shows in the local way of life. Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle as an experienced nature guide leads you to the world of berry picking and wild water fishing. The forests provide food, peace, and protection. They are a safe haven to take time to linger and connect with the present moment. Depending on the season you will be finding cloudberries, blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries, and crowberries, as well as a variety of edible mushrooms. After stocking up with

Lappish superfoods, relax by a campfire while your guide prepares traditional Finnish pancakes, topped with freshly picked berries. Try fishing using a simple rod and hook, a technique beloved by locals. Take the time to breathe and enjoy the soothing silence of the surrounding nature.


12:00-14:00 Forest Walk with a Husky

Take the huskies for an afternoon walk and make friends with the furry sled dogs. Hiking with the huskies is another great way to get to know Lappish nature and these enthusiastic Arctic animals. Upon arrival at the husky kennel, you will be welcomed by eager, but friendly, barking as these dogs are keen to get going! Your guide will share his knowledge of the life of the sled dogs and give instructions on how to handle them. You will get to know your dog by name and the tricks he or she is capable of. The hike itself is on easy terrain, and you will be spotting various Arctic shrubs, berries, bird,s and perhaps even animals inhabiting the forests. After the hike, it’s time to take the furry friends back to their home before rewarding yourself with some snacks and drinks around the campfire.


18:30-20:30 Summer Biking Experience with E-Bikes

Hop on a bike and see Rovaniemi City, Ounasvaara hillside, and the beautiful riverside. Start the day with your local guide who will introduce you to the secrets of electric biking. Even though the fatbikes can look bulky, they are great fun to ride and surprisingly agile, giving you a feeling of almost floating even on rugged terrain. After the introduction, our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the best routes, sharing local insights and natural highlights along the way. Whether you’re after a peaceful ride through nature or an exhilarating off-road experience, the wide tires of the fatbike ensure stability and comfort on all surfaces. Adventure, fresh air, and stunning views await!


19:00-22:00 Summer Night at the River

Travel through serene landscapes in a steady catamaran boat and experience the summer of the Arctic Circle. Reaching the shores of Kotisaari, you will step into the world of this tiny river island, where you will prepare together with your guide Lappish snacks. Experience the warmth of the open fire, surrounded by tranquil nature, on an island forgotten by time. Even if the sky is cloudy and the reddish-yellow color of the sun cannot be seen, the summer bright night in the Arctic is an amazing experience.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Arctic Light Hotel
Day 3

place Lapland’s Beauty & Sleeper Train to Helsinki

Enjoy a day of walks, hikes, and experiences as you like. We offer an optional tour as well:


13:00-15:30 Riverboat Cruise to a Reindeer Farm

Get inspired by the Arctic lifestyle on a riverboat cruise and meet the reindeer on a farm visit. Travel through serene landscapes in a long wooden riverboat and experience the summer of the Arctic Circle. Continuing the journey, the boat will take you to the reindeer farm located by the river Ounasjoki. At the farm, you will become familiar with reindeer herding and hear more about reindeer life, learn how to use reindeer lasso ‘suopunki’ and while in Lapland - cross the Arctic Circle. Enjoy the Lappish hospitality in a hot cup of coffee and some traditional Finnish pastries before heading back to Rovaniemi city.


Evning Transfer to Rovaniemi Railway Station to board the sleeper service to Helsinki. Dining car is coupled for this service and offers full meals and drinks for purchase. Overnight on the train in a twin bunk cabin with ensuite toilet and shower.

Day 4

place Welcome to Helsinki!

Private car transfer to your centrally located hotel and time to acclimate. Breakfast on arrival. Explore Helsinki taking advantage of the Helsinki Card (24-hour validity). Check out the Helsinki City Museum.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Klaus K Hotel
Day 5

place Discover Helsinki's highlights

This day is for you to visit Helsinki’s Design District with its galleries and cafes. We recommend the Design Museum, Sinebrychoff Art Museum, and Kiasma. Explore Oodi Library, dubbed as Helsinki’s Living Room, as well as the city’s beautiful parks and coastline. Take the streetcar to Sibelius Park, or perhaps visit Alvar Aalto’s residence and studio.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Klaus K Hotel
Day 6

place Side trip to Porvoo or Tampere

Today, explore more of Helsinki, or perhaps venture out into the great outdoors of Nuuksio National Park or Sipoo National Park, both within greater Helsinki. You can also reach Porvoo, Finland’s idyllic small town, or take the train to Tampere, the quintessential inland city with its post-industrial flair.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Klaus K Hotel
Day 7

place Ferry to Tallinn, Estonia

In the morning, our taxi driver takes you to the ferry terminal for a lunchtime Gulf of Finland crossing to Tallinn, complete with views and breakfast on board. Upon calling at the port of Tallinn, our driver will take you to your Old Town hotel for accommodation and first impressions of the Estonian capital and its beautifully preserved Old Town, including the stunning Dome Church and scenic viewpoints.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Rixwell Collection Savoy Boutique Hotel
Day 8

place Explore Tallinn

Spend this day walking and taking the streetcar in Tallinn’s Western Neighborhoods, starting with stylish Rotermann Quarter, then weaving into Kadriorg Park with its landmark baroque palace and Estonian Art Museum. Walk along the bedrock cliff to find the Japanese Garden, followed by the Singing Revolution festival grounds, and enjoy a coastal breeze while exploring Pirita Olympic Harbor. Explore the vibrant Kopli area with the grocery market, Telliskivi creative city, Kalamaja wooden architecture, and the sprawling Port Noblessner, with the impressive Maritime Museum and inviting cafe terraces.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Rixwell Collection Savoy Boutique Hotel
Day 9

place Lahemaa National Park (200 km)

Get your car delivered to your hotel in the morning. Enjoy a road trip to Lahemaa National Park, Estonia’s prime spot of outstanding natural beauty. Hike the Viru bog, explore the fishing villages of Kasmu (rocky shore and captain’s museum), Vosu (good beach), Altja (fishing traditions), as well as the wilderness of Oandu area with trails, Sagadi Manor, and Palmse Manor, learning about the local distilling traditions. On the way back, you may stop at the Jagala Waterfall.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Rixwell Collection Savoy Boutique Hotel
Day 10

place Road trip to Muhu via Matsalu

Get set for your first day of long-distance road-tripping across the Baltic. Your first stop is Rummu quarry with the submerged prison. In Haapsalu, enjoy a historic walk and lunch, and then stop at Matsalu National Park visitor center - the area is a high point for birding. Take the ferry to Muhu, a picturesque fishing island of the Baltic Sea. Get settled in a traditional guesthouse, enjoy a walk in the surrounding nature, a sauna, and optionally - dinner.

Day 11

place Saaremaa Island

Today, explore Saaremaa, or Ultima Thule - Estonia's largest island, where rugged Nordic nature mixes with the rich cultural heritage of medieval crusades. In Angla, visit the windmill hill, and continue to Karja to see the medieval church (more stone churches in Kaarma and Valjala for the curious). In Panga, admire the horizon from an abrupt cliff, and spend time in the island's capital, Kuressaare, famous for its castle and lively main street. Time permitting, visit a local farm or brewery.

Day 12

place Travel to Latvia

Continue your road trip towards Latvia, retaking the ferry back to the mainland and passing Parnu. Consider the short Tuhu and Tolkuse hiking trails that offer a nice respite from driving. Over in Latvia, check out the town of Limbazi with its stunning silver museum, and arrive in Ungurmuiza for a two-night stay in Latvia's oldest wooden manor from the 18th century, with preserved wall paintings and a beautiful park of bicentennial oaks. Visit the Manor Museum and savor dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Ungurmuiža
Day 13

place Gauja National Park

Spend the whole day exploring Latvia's crown jewel of nature - Gauja National Park, spanning on both sides of the meandering namesake river. In Cesis, wander in the picturesque old town and castle ruins and find a local dinner spot. Continue to Ligatne, exploring its appealing nature trails along the river, rock exposures, and caves. The historic center showcases the legacy of a paper mill with outstanding examples of stunning wooden architecture. Visit to the Turaida Museum Reserve with its red-brick castle and sculpture park. In Gauja Valley,

visit Gutmanis cave and Sigulda castle ruins. Head to Riga and get settled in Riga's Hanseatic Old Town for your first acquaintance with the area's largest city.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Konventa Seta Hotel Keystone Collection
Day 14

place Riga’s Hanseatic Legacy

Enjoy a self-guided cultural walking tour of Riga's Old Town, once a bustling Hanseatic port. Explore the Town Hall Square and the House of Blackheads, St. Peter's Church, the Dome Cathedral, and the Castle of Riga. Get lost in the cobblestoned streets and airy squares. Head to Riga Central Market and the old ghetto area, and enjoy a leisurely cruise on Riga Canal and River Daugava. Don’t miss the stunning Art Nouveau architecture.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Konventa Seta Hotel Keystone Collection
Day 15

place Road trip to Lithuania

Head South to Zemgale Region - the land of the former Grand Duchy of Courland. Visit Rundale Palace. Over in Lithuania, stop at the Hill of Crosses and continue via the towns of Telsiai (scenic lakeside) and Plunge (Oginski park with a local library housed in a historic clock tower building). Arrive at Zemaitija National Park and get settled in Plateliai, a picturesque village on the shores of Lake Plateliai.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Vila RUNA
Day 16

place A whole day to explore Zemaitija National Park

Explore Zemaitija National Park around Lake Plateliai. We suggest the 24-kilometer paved and dedicated circular bike route. Visit the Shrovetide mask exhibition, Berzoras wooden church, and the village of Plateliai. The Cold War Museum is a unique spot located in the former missile launch site. Enjoy a leisurely evening by the lake.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Vila RUNA
Day 17

place Plateliai to Kaunas on backroads

Morning walk in Seire bog. Take the scenic back roads to Kaunas, stopping in Varniai to admire its churches and lake Lukstas. Via the rolling hills of Pagramantis, reach the Nemunas River and enjoy a beautiful drive along its right bank, stopping at castles (Panemune, Raudone), hillforts (Veliona, Seredzius), and villages (Vilkija). Upon arriving in Kaunas, stop at the 9th Fort Holocaust Memorial and observe its panorama from Aleksotas Hill. Check in to your centrally-located hotel and enjoy an evening stroll along Laisves Avenue.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Viešbutis KAUNAS
Day 18

place Kaunas to Vilnius via the Lakes of Trakai

Explore Kaunas’s highlights, including Kiemo Galerija, Devils' Museum, Ciurlionis Art Museum, Zaliakalnis Hill with its funicular and the church of Resurrection, as well as the Old Town with the House of Thunder and Kaunas Castle Site. Head to Pazaislis Monastery to discover the baroque ensemble of the camaldolese monks and continue to Trakai National Park, famous for its red-brick island castle. Explore the Karaite culture, walk across the picturesque wooden town, visit the castle, and maybe embark on a sailboat cruise on Lake Galve. In the evening, arrive in Vilnius, drop off your car, and get settled in the historic Old Town. Perhaps climb atop the Hill of Three Crosses for a bird's eye view of this baroque city.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Shakespeare Boutique Hotel Vilnius
Day 19

place Vilnius

Explore Vilnius, visiting the highlights of the Old Town (Cathedral Square, Pilies Street, Vilnius University, Jewish Ghetto, Gates of Dawn, St. Anne's Church) and glimpsing into the Uzupis Artist Republic. In the afternoon, we recommend visiting the KGB Museum, the Modern Art Museum or exploring the scenic surroundings.

Accommodation:

  • 4* Hotel: Shakespeare Boutique Hotel Vilnius
Day 20

place Depart from Vilnius

Farewell as you leave Vilnius for your onward journey. Private transfer to Vilnius airport.

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Arctic Light Hotel
  • Klaus K Hotel
  • Rixwell Collection Savoy Boutique Hotel
  • Ungurmuiža
  • Konventa Seta Hotel Keystone Collection
  • Vila RUNA
  • Viešbutis KAUNAS
  • Shakespeare Boutique Hotel Vilnius

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Private transfers in Rovaniemi (airport-hotel & hotel - railway station)
  • Sleeper train Rovaniemi - Helsinki, ensuite cabin
  • Taxi transfers in Helsinki (railway station - hotel & hotel - ferry)
  • Ferry Helsinki - Tallinn with lunch and cabin or lounge
  • Private transfer in Tallinn (ferry - hotel)
  • Car rental CDAR (compact, automatic, 0 excess)
  • Private transfer in Vilnius (hotel-airport)

Activities expand_less

  • As per itinerary

Extras expand_less

  • Personalised Raodbook
  • 24/7 local assistance

Not Included expand_less

  • Meals and Drinks
  • Personal Expenses
  • Optional Activities
  • Airfare
  • Tips & Gratuities

About Edvinas

TEAM LEAD

+1 Local experts

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Expertise: 

Cycling

Kayaking

Hiking

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Purposeful Travel

Nature & Wildlife

Water & Coastline

Food & Culinary

An Eastern/Northern European native: born in Latvia, raised in Lithuania, family roots from Estonia, Sweden, Belarus.Tour guide for 15 years and travel expert for 20 years, finding hidden gems and local experiences to share with travelers like you

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