DESTINATIONS:
Helsinki, Finland
,
Lappeenranta, Finland
,
Savonlinna, Finland
,
Joensuu, Finland
,
Jyvaskyla, Finland
,
Tampere, Finland
,
Turku, Finland
,
Helsinki, Finland
IMPORTANT NOTE: the indicated itinerary is a travel suggestion.
Day 1 Portugal / Helsinki
Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. Check-in formalities and departure on flight to Helsinki. Arrival and pick up rental car. Accommodation.
Day 2 Helsinki / Saimaa
(220 km) Dedicate the morning to discovering Helsinki. Visit its historic center, Senate Square, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall, the Sibelius Monument and Temppeliaukio Church. Departure heading east. We recommend a stop in Porvoo, a small and idyllic town with a unique riverside and a medieval area of cobbled streets. Continue the route east and pass through the border town of Vaalimaa towards Lappeenranta, the center of the South Karelia region. Accommodation.
Day 3 Saimaa
For this day we recommend taking a 2-hour cruise on Lake Saimaa. You also shouldn't miss the most famous attraction: the sand castle, a giant sandy sculpture located near the port that can be visited from June to August. Return to Lappeenranta. Accommodation.
Day 4 Saimaa / Savonlinna / Joensuu
(300 km) Drive along Lake Saimaa towards Imatra. Saimaa, Finland's largest lake, covers most of the south and east of the country with its labyrinthine waters. From Imatra, continue north passing through Lohikoski and Sulkava towards Savonlinna, home of the famous Opera Festival. We recommend a stop to visit Olavinlinna Castle. From Savonlinna, head north through Kerimäki and Vihtari towards Joensuu. Located on the border with Russia, it's a university town and the lively capital of the North Karelia region. Accommodation.
Day 5 Joensuu / Jyväskylä
(270 km) From Joensuu drive west, passing through Varkaus on the way to Jyväskylä. The city is known for its rich cultural variety and for being the hometown of the world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Accommodation.
Day 6 Jyväskylä / Tampere / Turku
(310 km) Departure to Tampere, situated between Lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi. From Tampere continue to Turku, Finland's oldest city and its former capital. It's interesting to see the castle, the Forum Marinum maritime center, the Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova museums, and the cathedral. Accommodation.
Day 7 Turku / Helsinki
(165 km) Drive west passing through Salo, considered the birthplace of Nokia phones, and continue to Helsinki. Arrival in Helsinki and rest of the afternoon free. Accommodation.
Day 8 Helsinki / Portugal
Return rental car at the airport. Check-in formalities and departure on return flight. Arrival.