COPENHAGEN – OSLO – STOCKHOLM – RIGA – TALLINN – HELSINKI
10 days / 9 nights
DETAILED PROGRAM
DAY 1 / COPENHAGEN (ARRIVAL)
Arrival to Copenhagen.
Transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation.
Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 2 / COPENHAGEN – OSLO
Breakfast at the hotel.
Copenhagen. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city with more than 1000 years of History. Its name means “city of merchants”, and it was founded as a trading post and a fishing centre, as its waters were rich in valuable herring. From the beginning of the 15th century the Danish capital became the capital of the Kalmar Union (between Denmark, Norway and Sweden) and once the union was dissolved, it remained the capital of the Kingdom of Norway and Denmark. The city quickly grew and was heavily fortified. Unfortunately, most of its medieval constructions were destroyed in the two great fires that took place in the 18th century, and the English bombardments during the Napoleonic wars: most of the historical architecture of the city dates back from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Today Copenhagen is major port of the Baltic Sea, a dynamic economical centre and a populous city with more than one million people living in its urban area. The Danish capital is a wonderful destination for art and design lovers, urban shoppers and all those who want to discover the Scandinavian flare which populates its streets and embankments.
Panoramic tour of Copenhagen. We will start our tour at the Amalienborg Castle Square where is located the Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish Royal Family. We will be able to admire the ritual of the changing of the guard. After that, we will proceed to the Gefion Fountain. Built at the end of the 19th century, it depicts the foundation of Zealand island, on which is located Copenhagen. The Norse goddess Gefjun is represented on top of it, driving a group of powerful animals. It was donated by the beer producer Carlsberg on the 50th anniversary of the company foundation. You will be able to ask for a wish here! Just some steps away, you will meet the most known inhabitant of the city: the world-famous seaside sculpture of the Little Mermaid, a character created by the Danish writer Hans-Christian Andersen that renounced to her condition of a mermaid for her love of a human prince. We will the continue towards the colourful Rosenborg Castle Gardens: It is the oldest park of the city, dating back from the early 18th century. It was originally created as the private royal gardens of the King Christian IV, and contains renaissance and baroque gardens, along with many beautiful statues and several buildings of historical interest. After that, we will head to the city centre, where we will have several stops by the different buildings of the Christiansborg Palace ensemble. This has been the centre of the Danish power for 1000 years: the ruins of two former castles previous to the present one have been recently excavated. It was the residence of the Danish Kings and, from the 19th century, of the Danish parliament. Today, it is the home of the three powers of the Danish democracy, the executive (Prime Minister’s Office), legislative (Parliament) and judicial (Supreme Court). We will pursue our discovery of the city centre along the vibrant harbour district of Nyhavn, the Town Hall building, the King´ s New Square, and the longest shopping street in Europe – Strøget. By the end of our tour we will admire the building of Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a first-class sculpture museum, and the exteriors of the famous Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest and most visited amusement parks in the world, with many different attractions, cafes and restaurants, an exciting place for both adults and children.
Lunch in the restaurant.
Transfer to the port.
Ferry to Oslo.
Dinner and night on board.
DAY 3 / OSLO
Breakfast on board.
Oslo. The capital of Norway was founded more than 1000 years ago. As Norway was united to Denmark since the early 15th century for about 400 years and then 100 more to Sweden, Oslo was during all that time a provincial city, which limited its importance. From the 19th century Oslo, then named Christiania, started a rapid development and since 1850 it took over Bergen as the most populous city in Norway. Many of its most prominent buildings were constructed during that time. Oslo is today a major capital, with around one million people in its urban area, and almost 2 million people on its metropolitan area. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, and a major shipping centre. It is located at the mouth of the Oslo Fjord, between sea and forest-covered mountains, and has a really stunning scenery.
Panoramic tour of Oslo. We will start our tour by the most known thoroughfare in Oslo, Karl Johans Gate, a long street that goes from the Central Station to the Royal Palace, and along which are located many of the most prominent city buildings and monuments. We will pass by the Ibsen Museum, dedicated to the famous Norwegian poet and theatre director of the 19th-century, Henrik Ibsen. We will then head towards the Royal Palace, built in the first half of the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of the King of Sweden and Norway. After Norway became fully independent in 1905 it became the permanent residence of the Norwegian kings. It got an extensive renovation after 1991. We will have a stroll on the surrounding gardens and we may have the opportunity to watch the changing of the guard. After that we will move to Aker Brygge, a former industrial and shipyarding area, today a vibrant neighbourhood by the city wharfs were we can admire the picturesque boat harbour, the Oslo City Hall –that hosts the Nobel Price ceremony every year- and the stunning building of the Opera House, undoubtedly the most prominent city landmark, built in 2008 and located by the waters of the Oslo Fjord. We will then go to the historical city centre, known as “Kvadraturen” because of its square-layered patter, where we can admire some original buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, among then the former town hall. Near here is located the majestic Akershus Fortress, which protects the city since the medieval times, after its construction in 1299, and is still today the main commandment centre of the Norwegian army. We stay in the city to walk in the Frogner Park, the largest in Oslo, located in an upmarket neighbourhood, by the manor of the same name. On its centre is situated the Vigeland Sculpture Park, one of the most visited city attractions, featuring the famous sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, whose main theme are the human attitudes and relationships. Among its most known works here are “The Monolith”, “The Wheel of Life”, and “The Angry Boy”. Lunch in the restaurant.
Visit of Vigeland sculpture park.
Visit of Viking ship museum.
Transfer to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 4 / OSLO – STOCKHOLM
Breakfast on board.
Visit of Oslo Cathedral.
Lunch free.
Transfer to rail station.
Departure to Stockholm by train.
Arrival to Stockholm. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 5 / STOCKHOLM – RIGA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Panoramic tour of Stockholm. Stockholm is an architectural jewel and natural marvel: it is wedged between land and sea on an archipelago of 14 interconnected islands. Its historical center is one of the most beautiful in Europe and one that perfectly blends in with the magical surrounding landscapes.
The historical capital of Sweden, Stockholm was founded in 1250. Its name means “islet of logs,” probably because of its primary location as a wood trading center. The city became a member of the Hanseatic League, something that greatly contributed to its early development, while during the 17th century Sweden took its place as a major European power. Its military and commercial expansion throughout Scandinavia, the whole Baltic region, and Russia multiplied the population of Stockholm, which became a cultural, trading, and political metropolis. All this ended in 1709 at the Battle of Poltava, when Russia defeated the Swedish armies and captured its king. It was a military and economic blow to the country and its capital, and as a result Sweden lost its international status and Stockholm fell into a long period of stagnation. That lasted until the late 19th century, when industrialization arrived and the city flourished again, while today Stockholm is a major economic center and one of the most beautiful, sustainable, and dynamic cities in the world. The city stretches across the Stockholm Archipelago, occupying 14 islands, including the 13th century Old Town, or Gamla Stan, with its beautiful maze of narrow streets and medieval buildings. Further inland Stockholm melts into the lakes, rivers, and forests that surround the city.
Our short bus tour will start at a place called Fjallgatan, an overlook that offers a view of the city and its archipelago. It is located in Stadsgarden, an old port area that was recently restored. Our tour will feature some of the islands that make up the city, and we will enjoy picturesque views of Stockholm and the Baltic Sea. We will pass by the Concert Hall building, where the Nobel Prize award ceremony takes place every year, after which we will head for the elegant Ostermalms district. We will then reach Djurgarden Island, home to the magnificent gardens of the same name and one of the favourite places for the city’s inhabitants to go strolling during the summer. It also houses Skansen, an open-air museum, and the famous Vasa Museum that hosts the Vasa, a warship that sank in 1638. We will end our tour at Gamla Stan in Stockholm’s historical center.
Most of Stockholm’s landmarks are located inside Gamla Stan, the Old Town, so we can easily discover them on foot. It is a real pleasure to stroll along this bunch of narrow and paved streets, discovering the old houses and historical buildings. We will see here the Swedish Parliament and a bit farther the House of the Nobility, or Riddarhuset. The neighbouring islet is home to 13th century Riddarholmen Church, one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm and the burial place of the Swedish kings. Across the bay, known as Riddarfjarden, at the tip of Kungsholmen Island, is imposing Town Hall. Inside its Blue Hall the award ceremony banquet for the Nobel Prize takes place every year. Back at Gamla Stan, we will discover the Royal Palace or Kungliga Slottet, the official residence of the Royal Swedish family. Boasting 608 rooms, it is the largest palace used by an acting royal family anywhere in the world. In front of it is the Royal Opera building, following which we will visit the Cathedral of Stockholm, or Storkyrkan, dedicated to St. Nicholas. It is the oldest building in Stockholm, and a magnificent example of Baltic Gothic, or Brick Gothic style. It also hosts many ceremonies involving the royal family, while across from it is the Stockholm Stock Exchange building, which hosts the Nobel Museum and Library, and the Swedish Academy. After heading down Slottsbacken Street, we will walk towards Stotorget, the main square in the historical center, and the world-renowned colourful facades of its old merchant houses. We will then proceed along elegant Skeppsbron Avenue, while the small island we will then see in front of us hosts most of the city museums.
Lunch in the restaurant.
Transfer to the ferry port.
Ferry to Riga.
Dinner and night on board.
DAY 6 / RIGA
Breakfast on board.
Visit to Riga Central Market. It is the largest market in the Baltic States and one of the biggest markets on the European continent. Inaugurated in 1930, its five pavilions were designed to be zeppelin hangars, though they were eventually converted into the central market. Located in the centre of Riga and constructed in the Art Nouveau style, it was the largest construction project in pre-war Latvia. The main function of the central market has not changed since, as it is still the largest and most popular shopping and trading location in the city. Its pavilions and the market’s open area see farmers from all over the country offering their wares: vegetables, berries, fruits, fish, meat, and dairy products, as well as other agricultural produce—a pleasure for the senses!
Complete panoramic tour of Riga. Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the biggest and the most cosmopolitan of the three Baltic capitals. Situated on the banks of the Daugava, or Dvina River and 10 kilometres from the Baltic Sea, Riga was an important trading post of the Vikings and then again of German merchants. By the 12th century some German missionaries arrived, and soon the Pope declared a crusade against the Baltic tribes in order to convert them to Christianity by force. The Christian army was commanded by Albert Von Buxhoeveden, Archbishop of Bremen, who arrived in 1201. He fortified Riga, which under his rule became a city that minted its own money and in 1221 signed its own constitution. After Albert’s death, Riga continued its development and in 1281 became a member of the Hanseatic League, while the German nobility continued to rule the city under Polish, then Swedish, and finally Russian domination. After its annexation by Peter the Great in 1721, Riga experienced a great economic boom, becoming the fourth city in the Russian Empire after St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Warsaw, and its most important port. Between 1920 and 1940 it became the capital of newly independent Latvia, and after World War II, Riga and all of Latvia, along with the other Baltic republics, was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union. The capital of newly independent Latvia since 1991, the city is regaining its old splendour, and its historical centre is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, with Riga declared European Cultural Capital in 2014.
The centre of Riga is richly decorated with an incredible variety of architectural styles, including gothic, renaissance, baroque, classicism, Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, and national romanticism. In the modern section, the Art Nouveau buildings and their fantastic decorative elements are extraordinary and unrivalled, while the wooden buildings of the 19th century that still survive are also unique. We will enjoy a panoramic walking tour around the historical centre, with its perfectly preserved paved streets and charming medieval atmosphere in which we will admire the magnificent buildings that belonged to the rich merchants of the Hansa. We will start our tour with a view of Riga Castle, built in 1330, one of the most well-preserved castles in Northern Europe, and now the official residence of the President of Latvia and home to the National History Museum of Latvia. We will then visit some parts of the old city walls, including the Swedish Gate and Powder Tower, after which we will continue our visit through the old Nunnery and Hospital of the Holy Spirit. We will admire some of the city’s most ancient civil buildings, such as the House of The Three Brothers, the oldest residence in Riga; the House of the Black Heads, which was the seat of the famous brotherhood of captains and Hanseatic merchants; and the more recently built Small and Great Guild Halls, which were the cultural centres of the craftsmen and merchants, respectively. We will also visit the most important religious buildings in Riga: St. James’ Cathedral, St. John’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, and the Dome, or Riga Cathedral. We will finish our walk in old Market Square in front of the town hall.
Exterior visit to St. Peter’s Church. A beautiful gothic building that dates back to 1209, it was carefully renovated after being damaged by fire due to bombings during World War II.
Visit to the Dome (Riga Cathedral). The biggest church in the Baltic countries and a gothic pearl built in 1211 near the Daugava River, it also incorporates elements of many other styles, including Romanesque, baroque, and even Art Nouveau. Dedicated to the Protestant cult, its austere interior gives an impression of solidity, with some of its walls more than two meters thick. It is famous due to its spectacular organ, one that is the greatest in Europe and was inaugurated in 1844 with four keyboards and more than 6,700 pipes.
Lunch in the restaurant.
Visit to Riga’s Art Nouveau district. With more than 750 buildings featuring distinct facades and rich decoration, it is the biggest collection of Art Nouveau in the world. Its construction started between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, but its most famous buildings are wonderful examples of Jugendstil, which was characteristic of the inter-war period. There are two main types of Art Nouveau architecture and decoration in Riga: Rationalist-perpendicular, with vertical lines along many floors, and National-Romanticism, which incorporates elements of traditional architecture and natural materials. In 1997, UNESCO included 475 hectares in Riga’s centre in its World Heritage List, a protected area that embraces the historical heart of the city and the surrounding districts on the right bank of the Daugava River and includes most of the Art Nouveau district.
Visit to Jurmala. The largest resort city in the Baltic States is well known for its natural treasures: its mild climate, sea, healthy air, therapeutic mud, and mineral water. The city’s main attraction is almost 33 kilometres of long white sandy beaches that are hedged by large pine forests and the city’s natural border, the river Lielupe. More than 3,500 traditional wooden houses used to be summer residences for Riga’s elite, while most of these buildings are now declared national monuments.
Return to Riga.
Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 7 / RIGA – SIGULDA – TURAIDA – GUTMANIS – PARNU – TALLINN
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Sigulda.
Gauja National Park. The Gauja River valley is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Europe, with its rivers and streams, soft hills, thick forests, and exquisite caves. Finno-Ugrian tribes called the Livonians came to the valley in the 11th century, beginning the construction of numerous castles and wooden fortifications, including Satesele, Turaida, and Kubesele. It has been declared a national park both for its natural beauty and for its historic importance. The main touristic centre of the area is the town of Sigulda.
Panoramic visit to Sigulda. This charming town located in the centre of the Gauja Valley is the area’s main attraction. We will admire Sigulda New Castle, constructed at the end of the 19th century by the Kropotkin family, and the ruins of Sigulda Old Castle, built in 1207 by the Livonian Order. On the other side of the Gauja River is the village of Turaida.
Visit to Gutmanis Cave. Situated on the banks of the Gauja River, it is the biggest and deepest cave in the whole Baltic region, and has been a touristic attraction for centuries. It has also given rise to many stories and legends, the most famous being the “Rose of Turaida.” We will be able to admire some of the cave paintings that adorn the walls.
Visit to Turaida. On the other bank of the Gauja River, across from Sigulda, lies the village of Turaida. Its wooden Lutheran church built in 1750 is one of the oldest wooden churches in Latvia. We will also visit the Livonian graveyard where the tomb of Maija, the legendary “Rose of Turaida,” and a sculpture garden are located. Regardless, its main attraction is undoubtedly the medieval Castle of Turaida. Constructed in 1214, this majestic red brick building occupies a hill above the village and has survived numerous wars, fires, and attacks.
Lunch in the restaurant.
Departure to Parnu.
Short panoramic tour of Parnu. Situated 130 kilometres south of Tallinn at the mouth of the Parnu River and on the Baltic Sea, this city is known as the summer capital of Estonia. This is because of how energetic Parnu gets during the summer thanks to the numerous visitors attracted to its sandy beaches and the beautiful forests around them. The city has 750 years of history and a rich Hanseatic past. During our short stop, we will walk around Ruutli, Parnu’s main pedestrian street, which features many typical wooden and stone Estonian buildings. We will see the Tallinn Gates, also known as the King’s Gates, and medieval Red Tower, dating back to the 15th century, making it the oldest monument in Parnu. We will also admire the exteriors of two beautiful baroque churches, Lutheran St. Elisabeth Church and Orthodox St. Catherine Church, the latter of which was built by order of the Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great.
Arrival to Tallinn.
Transfer to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation.
DAY 8 / TALLINN
Breakfast at the hotel.
Complete panoramic tour of Tallinn. Tallinn is situated on the northern coast of Estonia across from Helsinki on the Gulf of Finland. Although there are remains of human settlements from the fifth millennium B.C., and the city’s fortress already existed in 1050, Tallinn is officially considered to have been founded in 1219 by Danish crusaders. This explains the origin of its name, which in Estonian means “Danish City.” The city was rapidly fortified and developed, and in 1285 it became the northernmost member of the Hanseatic League. The Danish were followed by Teutonic knights, whose descendants made up the majority of the population until the 19th century and called the city by its German name: Reval. Despite the fact that it was part of Sweden beginning in 1561 and a part of Russia beginning in 1710, the majority of the population remained Germanic, something that greatly influenced the city’s historical architecture. After Estonia gained independence in 1991, Tallinn’s centre was carefully restored, and today it is one of the most beautiful European capitals. The city fascinates with its old houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and bell towers and spires reaching for the sky. Tallinn is a member of UNESCO’s World Heritage List and was declared European Cultural Capital in 2011.
As part of a bus tour we will visit the coastal neighbourhood of Pirita and the Russalka Memorial that is situated on the seafront. We will also catch a glimpse of the front of the ruins of St. Bridget’s (Birgitta) Convent, after which we will enjoy views of Kadriorg Park, enjoying the sharp contrast between the baroque buildings of Kadriorg Palace and the ultramodern Kumu Museum of Modern Art.
Visit to the Kadriorg District. Located not far from Tallinn’s centre, the area features a beautiful park and several buildings of interest: imposing Kadriorg Palace (18th century), the old summer residence of Peter the Great; Weizenberg Palace; the current Estonian Presidential Palace; and numerous villas and mansions inhabited by the local middle class and constructed for the most part in the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. Kadriorg Park offers footpaths and splendid gardens decorated with numerous statues and furrowed by streams and canals. Here we will also find some of the most important museums in Estonia, such as the Kumu Museum of Modern Art and the Mikkel Museum, with its collections of Russian icons and Chinese porcelains.
Exterior visit to Kadriorg Palace. After Peter the Great’s victory over Sweden, Russia annexed Estonia in 1710. In 1718, the Tsar ordered Italian architect Nicolo Michetti to construct this gorgeous palace. It was built in the baroque style in the centre of a French-inspired park and intended as a sumptuous summer residence far from the agitation of St. Petersburg. The palace was named Catherinenthal, or Kadriorg in Estonian, which means “Valley of Catherine,” in honour of his wife, Catherine I. Today the building is a museum in which we can admire the collections exhibited in its sumptuous halls, as well as its lavish outer architecture and the harmony of its gardens. It is also possible to see the house from which the Tsar kept an eye on the construction.
Short walk through Kalamaja quartier. Next to the Old Town, but closer to the sea, Kalamaja has always been the traditional opening of Tallinn to the Baltic Sea. This neighbourhood along the Bay of Tallinn always housed fishermen, fish-sellers and boat-builders. Its name, meaning “House of Fish” is a witness of its marine past, along with its streets’ names, such as “Koie” (Rope) or “Kalaranna” (Fish Beach). Kalamaja’s houses are mostly made of wood, preserving a village-like ambiance. Within this district we can find the old fortress and soviet prison of Patarei, the Maritime Museum -formerly a hangar for Seaplanes- and the Noblessner port -that hosted a submarine factory- forming the “Kultuurikilomeeter”, or “Kilometer of Culture”. We will walk along its calm, village-feeling, cobbled streets, seeing the colourful facades of its wooden houses. At the end of Kalamaja lies the ancient industrial complex of Telliskivi, that has become the trendiest, main creative spot of Tallinn, and the renovated Balti Jaama Market.
Short walk through Telliskivi quarter. This Tallinn neighbourhood is located next to the charming Kalamaja’s wooden houses, separated from the Old Town by the railway tracks. Telliskivi was the Kalinin Factory during the Soviet times, an industrial plant producing locomotives and mechanics for the whole Soviet Union. After Estonia’s independence in 1991, the area became derelict and half-abandoned. In 2009 a group of young Estonian creators opened there “Telliskivi Loomelinnak” or Creative City, slowly attracting many designers and artists to this alternative community. Today, its still industrial-like territory hosts dozens of artists’ galleries, vintage shops and hipster cafés, start-ups offices and co-working spaces, innovative theatres, a modern Photography museum, and even a popular flea market on Saturdays.
Stop at the Balti Jaama Market. The history of this market is closely linked to the adjacent train station. The station was inaugurated in 1870, when Tallin was part of the Russian Empire, along the new railway to St. Petersburg, the imperial capital. Several industrial buildings were erected in the area, among them those that house the market today. Their limestone bricks and metal beams imported from the United Kingdom are original from that time. The vicinity of the halls suffered bombings during World War II but they survived it and, at the end of the Soviet times, started housing dubious sellers and vendors of all kind of produce. It became known as the “Russian Market” and in 2017, after a successful reconstruction, the Balti Jaama Turg (Baltic Station Market) reopened. It is an amazing place, housing more than 300 merchants and shops in 3 different levels. There are also open-air sellers, along with a street-food area with more than 20 eateries. We can admire the farmers’ fresh produce of fish, meat, groceries, pickles, bakery and dairy and also have a look at local handcraft and second-hand clothes in the upper level.
We will have a walking tour through the charming medieval streets of the historical center. Tallinn’s old town is divided into two main parts: Toompea, or “Cathedral Hill,” and All Linn, or the “Lower Town.” Estonia has always been ruled from Toompea, where we will appreciate Toompea Castle, where the Estonian Parliament meets, and the Stenbock House, the official seat of the Estonian government. This spot also features the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral, and we will also visit the belvedere to enjoy stunning views of the city. Afterward we will head to All Line, or Tallinn’s lower town, where renaissance and baroque facades alternate with world-renowned hanseatic architecture, also called the Brick Gothic Style. The oldest cobblestone streets and buildings here were built in the 13th century, while along Muurivahe Street we will see several bastions and towers from the old city walls, the most remarkable being the Powder Tower, also called Kiek in de Kok. We will then walk past the Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine and the Cistercian Nunnery of St. Michael. The most notable landmarks of the Lower Town are the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads—a guild of young and single merchants—the Church of the Holy Ghost, St. Nicholas’ Church, and St. Olaf’s Church, whose spire was the highest building in the world from 1549 to 1625. We will finish our tour at impressive Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square), where we will find the town hall building that was built in 1404, and the Great Guild, built in 1410, whose gothic hall used to be the meeting place for the city’s merchants. On the opposite side of the square sits Raeapteek (Town Hall Pharmacy), the oldest working pharmacy in Europe, which has been open since the early 15th century.
Visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This large, richly decorated temple is the most important Orthodox church in Tallinn. Built on Toompea Hill in 1900 when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire, the church is dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, Prince of Novgorod, and was erected by the Russians in place of a statue of Martin Luther. It boasts Tallinn’s most powerful church bell ensemble, consisting of eleven bells made in St. Petersburg, including one that weighs 15 tons and is the largest in Tallinn. You can hear the entire bell ensemble playing before church services. The interior features several icons and beautiful decorative mosaics, along with a massive central cupola.
Visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral. This cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Tallinn. It was built shortly after the arrival of the Danish crusaders in Tallinn in the early 13th century, while the original wooden church was soon replaced by a gothic stone cathedral. It had to be rebuilt several times, which is why its architecture is a menagerie of styles, the most obvious being gothic and baroque. The cathedral was the burial place for local nobility over the centuries: the Cathedral’s floor is paved with tombstones and its walls are covered with heraldic reliefs of the German Baltic community. There is a magnificent carved wooden pulpit, and the cathedral is also famous for its unique 1914 organ.
Lunch in the restaurant.
Panoramic walking tour of the historical centre, Lower Town.
Visit of the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum “Rocca al Mare”.
In option: Handicrafts workshops (beeswax candles, felting, painting on wooden tableware).
In option: Folklore entertainment with national dances.
Transfer to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 9 / TALLINN – HELSINKI
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the ferry port. Ferry to Helsinki.
Arrival to Helsinki.
Helsinki. Helsinki is the youngest capital city in the Baltic area. It was founded in 1550 by Gustaf I of Sweden and remained a small, wooden town until the Swedes, who ruled Finland for centuries, built the Suomenlinna fortress here in 1748. At that point the city began to grow and prosper, and in 1809 Finland was annexed by Russia, with Helsinki becoming the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland, an autonomous entity inside the Russian Empire, in 1812. The country obtained its independence in 1917, and nowadays Finland is regularly at the top of global rankings of the most sustainable and successful countries. Helsinki is a modern and vibrant city in its own right and was the European Capital of Culture in 2000 and the World Design Capital in 2012. Northern minimalism and finesse are the typical features of the city’s architecture, which boasts entire quartiers in the Jugendstil and Art Nouveau styles. Most of the city’s landmarks are located in the center and easily reachable by foot.
Lunch in the restaurant.
Panoramic bus tour of Helsinki. Our panoramic tour will take us first to the Kaivopuisto neighbourhood, which is next to the sea and a popular recreational area for the city’s inhabitants during the summer. It is also home to many embassies, as well as the German church and St. Michael’s Church. We will continue along the central streets of Helsinki towards the original Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Church of the Rock, after which we will proceed to the Monument to Sibelius, the famous Finnish composer. After that stop, we will pass the modern Finnish Opera, the National Museum, and the Parliament of Finland before arriving at Railway Square, the busiest point in the city. We will then go through Senate Square and the North Harbour to the Katanajokka neighbourhood with its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and Uspenski Cathedral.
Panoramic walking tour of the city center of Helsinki. We will start our visit in the Old Port, which houses Market Square, a picturesque food market where you can find many local delicacies such as forest berries, mushrooms, sausages, and smoked fish. We will then head along Esplanadi Boulevard and its elegant terraces, boutiques, and cafes before crossing Alexander Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that is the busiest area of Helsinki, arriving in front of the Central Railway Station, one of the most beautiful in the world and built in 1919 from granite in the Art Nouveau, National-romantic style. Next to it is located the National Theatre of Finland and the Athenaeum. We will then head along the oldest streets of Helsinki and check out the Art Nouveau building that is home to the Stock Exchange. At that point we will arrive at Senate Square, an imposing neoclassical ensemble presided over by a statue of Tsar Alexander II, who gave considerable autonomy to the Finns. There we will find some of Helsinki’s most prominent buildings, including the Senate building, or Government Palace, which houses the Prime Minister’s office. Sederholm House is the oldest building in Helsinki, dating back to 1757. The National Library and the main University building are also located on Senate Square, but its most visited monument is neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral. We will then cross the North Port bay to reach the Katanajokka neighbourhood, which features a stunning number of Art Nouveau buildings including Uspenski Cathedral. From there we will admire a beautiful panorama of Helsinki, its port, and the Gulf of Finland.
Visit to Helsinki Cathedral. The cathedral is located right in the city’s heart on Senate Square. A symbol of Helsinki and its most visited landmark, it was built between 1830 and 1852, a time when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. Built at the same time as St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg, both cathedrals have many similarities in their external appearance. Originally Helsinki Cathedral bore the name of St. Nicholas as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I, who was personally involved in the cathedral’s construction and at whose direct instruction twelve statues of the apostles were placed on the roof. The cathedral is part of the unique architectural neoclassical ensemble of Senate Square.
Visit to Uspenski Cathedral. Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. It was built in 1868 from red brick topped with thirteen golden domes and stands next to the center of Helsinki on a rocky hill dominating the city and its port. From the area surrounding the cathedral you can enjoy a wide panoramic view of the city.
Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 10 / HELSINKI (DEPARTURE)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.
The order of visits is subject to change at any time due to operational reasons and museums schedules.
HOTELS
COPENHAGEN
3* Sup.: Comfort hotel Vesterbro, or similar
4* Sup.: Scandic Falconer, or similar
OSLO
3* Sup.: Scandic Grensen, or similar
4* Sup.: Scandic Sjolyst, or similar
STOCKHOLM
3* Sup.: Central, or similar
4* Sup.: Clarion Stockholm, Scandic Malmen, or similar
RIGA
3* Sup.: Rija VEF, Rija Port, or similar
4* Sup.: Islande, Bellevue, or similar
TALLINN
3* Sup.: Go Shnelli, Hestia Susi, or similar
4* Sup.: Park Inn Central, Tallink, Ulemiste, or similar
HELSINKI
3* Sup.: Arthur, Helka, or similar
4* Sup.: Scandic Grand Marina, Scandic Park, or similar