Day 1
Transfer to the 4-star Radisson SAS Plaza (or similar) in the heart of Helsinki, close to the city center, shopping, museums and other attractions. Take the afternoon to explore on your own; the beautiful Old Town area is easily accessible on foot.
Day 2
Today, every member of your party will receive a prepaid Helsinki Card, and the services of a Viking concierge to help you plan your visit. Cardholders get two days of unlimited public transport by bus, tram, local train, ferry and the world’s northernmost subway system; a guidebook with map, and admission to most of the city’s attractions.
Also included is a comprehensive Audio City Tour, which takes participants to Senate Square; Uspensky Cathedral, the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe; the Parliament Building; and Olympic Stadium. You will visit Sibelius Monument, an abstract piece dedicated to composer Johan “Jean” Sibelius (1865-1957) and designed to express the essence of his music. Depending upon timing, you may also go inside Temppeliaukio, a stunning ultramodern domed Lutheran church built into solid rock.
Entry to Helsinki’s many interesting museums, such as the National Museum, City Museum and Finnish National Gallery—comprising the Ateneum for classical Finnish art, the Sinebrychoff for classical European art, and the graceful but controversial Kiasma for modern art—is also covered. (B)
Day 3
You have a full day to further explore this “White City of the North.” Consider taking the ferry to Suomenlinna (“Castle of Finland”), once a fortress called Sveaborg, then a penal colony, but now a thriving artists’ enclave and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also ferry over to Korkeasaari Zoo. Tonight, enjoy some local cuisine—try reindeer or elk, Arctic char (fish) or Russian dishes, and make sure to sample some delicious cloudberry liqueur or jam. (B)
Day 4
Travel through the rolling landscape of the western Karelia to St. Petersburg to board your ship, or if this is after your cruise we will take you to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Bold type indicates attractions included on the Helsinki Card.
The following meals are included: B = Breakfast