100% customisable travel idea
Urban Strolls, Lakes and Archipelagos In the south, sunny Finland with the kids
Finland - Helsinki - Lake District
100% customisable travel idea
Finland - Helsinki - Lake District
100% customisable for you
On arrival, private transfer and check in for two nights in the capital’s centre. Your charming hotel is housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building where the decor has preserved the character of the past while embracing a contemporary and cosy atmosphere. Soft, filtered lighting highlights the exposed stone in the old cellars where excellent breakfasts are served.
On your itinerary - A private tour of Helsinki by bike. The Finnish capital is known for its warm and lively atmosphere. To fully experience it, nothing beats cycling. With a local who knows their city inside out, the whole family explores the parks and port districts, the streets and the main avenues. This provides the chance to talk about history and heritage without too much formality.
Optional - A private tour of Suomenlinna Island.
Pick up your rental car, then head to Turku, the oldest city in Finland, along the King’s Road, which once linked the Kingdom of Sweden to the Russian Empire. Take the opportunity to veer off the main road and pass through charming wooden villages. On arrival on site, settle in for two nights at a remarkable hotel, known for its architecture and history, as it is a former 19th-century prison. The building has retained many original features, including its massive walls, vaulted corridors and some prison details. Together, these create a unique atmosphere that is both intriguing and surprisingly welcoming. This is a unique place that captivates both children and adults.
Already arranged - your tickets for Turku’s medieval castle. Much more than a monument, this is a time machine where every room, every stone, and every vaulted corridor whispers the secrets of kings, dukes and forgotten prisoners. Built in the 13th century, this castle was first an impenetrable fortress, then became a sumptuous Renaissance palace. Its walls have witnessed conspiracies, royal balls, forbidden love stories and political dramas. Today, it opens its doors for an immersive experience, with historical recreations, fascinating exhibitions and captivating atmospheres. Admire the beautifully restored ducal apartments, walk through the banquet halls with their majestic ceilings, and enter the underground passages and cells that once held troubled souls. Children, meanwhile, marvel at the magical trail of the northern elves.
Things to see and do - Visit the cathedral; experience the immersive journey offered by Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova - a unique museum that combines an underground archaeological site with a contemporary art space; spend time at Turku Art Museum; whet your appetite at the covered market; stroll along the lively Aura riverside quays; head to the port and set off on a cruise to the myriad islands that make up the Finnish archipelago.
Optional - Theme park: The world of the Moomins.
Drive to the village of Porvoo.
Planned along the way - a visit to Nuuksio Reindeer Park. Meeting these iconic animals of the Great North is a memorable experience. This reindeer farm, set in the heart of the national park, has a family feel and lets you learn more about herding, Finnish traditions and culture - and perhaps even feed the animals with lichen. All of this, of course, comes with a campfire and a guide.
On arrival in Porvoo, settle in for the night at the entrance to the old town. The hotel occupies an elegant Art Nouveau building dating from 1912 and stands out for its intimate atmosphere and its contemporary sauna beneath the roof. The room features a sleek Scandinavian design - natural materials, tailor-made furniture, and an atmosphere that is both contemporary and rustic.
After a delicious breakfast - awarded among the best in Finland - we set out to discover the charms of the country’s second oldest city, founded nearly 800 years ago. Pretty red houses line the banks of the Porvoo River. Once a trading centre, these houses were used to store goods such as exotic products brought from distant countries. The historic centre, built on a hill, is picturesque with its colourful wooden facades, cobbled streets and historic cafes. The city’s interior design boutiques have forged its reputation. Soon, it is time to get behind the wheel and head to Taipalsaari. Along the way, rural landscapes pass by outside the window. The closer you get to the region of the famous Lake Saimaa, the more present nature becomes. As soon as you arrive, you set down your bags for two nights in a cottage in the heart of the forest. Spacious and comfortable, it also embraces Scandinavian design. Natural materials here and there take on warm tones. Guests enjoy the shared space - kitchen, trade fair with fireplace - where a relaxing atmosphere prevails. On site, there is also a sauna to help tired travelling families recharge after a day of exploring.
On your itinerary - Yacht cruise on Lake Saimaa and the Taipalsaari archipelago. The whole family sets off along the water, aboard a small private yacht, to explore Lake Saimaa (or at least a part of it, as it stretches over nearly 4,400 km² or 1,700 square miles), its vast forests and its many islands. The turquoise colour of the lake blends naturally with the vast stretches of forest, and very quickly, a feeling of deep serenity washes over everyone. Sailing through the Taipalsaari archipelago has also been planned.
Drive to Oravi, then settle in for three nights a stone’s throw away from the tiny village, in one of the 17 wooden villas scattered through the forest, lakeside. Wood is ever-present here, creating a warm atmosphere in each one. The fireplaces invite you to relax, soothed by the crackling of the fire. They are the departure point for outdoor adventures in Linnansaari National Park: lake safaris, fishing, hiking, and more. The property’s restaurant serves authentic cuisine that showcases local ingredients - fish caught in the lake, elk meat, artisanal bread, and more.
Already arranged - Your return tickets for the Oravi-Linnansaari boat crossing. Linnansaari National Park, a protected gem in the heart of the lake region, includes lush islands and rocky islets - havens for playful seals and majestic ospreys.
Optional - Linnansaari National Park by kayak; a family fishing excursion.
On your itinerary - Cruise to encounter the Saimaa ringed seal. The Great Lakes region is a blue-tinged labyrinth of islands, rivers and canals, interspersed with forests and isthmuses that stretch for hundreds of kilometres or miles through landscapes of extraordinary beauty. This is the largest lake district in Europe, seen as one of the foundations of the national soul. Aboard a boat, you set out to discover the region’s rich wildlife, including the 310 Saimaa ringed seals. Confined to the lake, this extremely rare species of freshwater seal, now critically endangered, has adapted to its inland waters since the end of the Ice Age. Children and parents alike marvel as they watch it move through its magnificent natural habitat.
Drive to Helsinki Airport and return the rental car. International return flight.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
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