Finnish Coastal Discovery & Lapland By World Journeys
a self-drive journey
10 Days/ 9 Nights from $8,410 Price Per Person
Sales from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
**Day 1 : Helsinki**
Upon arrival, you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation.
**Day 2 : Helsinki**
After picking up your rental car, enjoy a 3 hour walking tour with a local guide. The vibrant capital of Finland, where modern design blends seamlessly with rich history and stunning natural beauty. From iconic landmarks like the Helsinki Cathedral to the lively Market Square by the sea, every corner of the city tells a story. Whether you’re exploring unique architecture, savouring local delicacies, or simply enjoying the energetic atmosphere, Helsinki offers something for everyone.
**Day 3 : Helsinki > Turku**
This morning drive to Turku, located on the southwestern coast of Finland, is the country’s oldest city and a vibrant cultural hub. Known for its rich history, Turku boasts landmarks like the medieval Turku Castle and the stunning Turku Cathedral. The city sits along the Archipelago Sea, offering beautiful waterfront views and access to a scenic archipelago, perfect for exploration. With a lively arts scene, diverse restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere, Turku blends historical charm with modern living, making it a must-visit destination in Finland.
**Day 4: Turku > Vaasa**
Enjoy breakfast and embark on a scenic drive to Vaasa. On the way, admire the vast stretches of dense pine and birch forests, their foliage changing with the seasons. Rolling fields and tranquil lakes dot the scenery, with traditional red farmhouses adding vibrant colour. The route meanders through small villages and countryside, where you might spot wildlife such as deer or birds of prey. As you approach Vaasa, the landscape shifts to coastal plains, and glimpses of the shimmering Gulf of Bothnia signal your arrival in this charming seaside city.
**Day 5: Vaasa > Oulu**
Today you will drive from Vaasa to the charming town of Oulu. You will pass sparkling lakes, serene fields, and occasional small villages. Along the way, there will be a few stops to enhance your experience of the beautiful surrounding nature. In the afternoon, meet your private local guide in Oulu for a guided tour through the town, including a visit to the popular picturesque cottage Grandma’s Place. It’s a memorable experience, blending discovery, tradition.
**Day 6: Oulu > Kuusamo**
Today, travel to Kuusamo, where you’ll be greeted by the enchanting sights of Finland’s wilderness through the window. Vast stretches of pine trees dominate the vibrant, green landscape. Occasionally, lakes appear, reflecting the sky like mirrors, while rustic farmhouses dot the scenery. As you approach Kuusamo, the terrain begins to rise, with gentle hills giving way to the rugged beauty of the region. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation.
**Day 7: Kuusamo**
Today you will continue exploring Kuusamo. This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can go on hikes through the beautiful and vast Oulanka National Park, or simply to soak in the serene Arctic beauty, Kuusamo offers unforgettable experiences year-round. You will enjoy a fatbike experience in the forest. Jump on the back of these popular bikes and start your adventure, while enjoying the beauty and silence of nature. During the trip, we will stop at kota (Finnish wooden hut), where we enjoy a snack and gather strength for the return trip.
**Day 8: Kuusamo > Rovaniemi**
After breakfast, depart Kuusamo and drive to Rovaniemi. This scenic route takes you through dense forests, sparkling lakes, and open fields, with the vibrant colours of summer bringing the landscape to life. As you cruise along the winding roads, you’ll pass charming Finnish villages and serene natural surroundings, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the tranquillity of the north.
The longer daylight hours allow you to take in the beauty of the midnight sun, where the sun barely dips below the horizon, casting a soft golden glow across the land. Along the way, you might even spot some local wildlife, such as reindeer or a majestic moose.
**Day 9: Rovaniemi**
Discover the magic of the Arctic with an unforgettable Reindeer Farm Visit. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of reindeer herding as you embark on a guided tour of a local, family-run reindeer farm. You will have a hands-on experience that offers a unique opportunity to meet and feed the friendly reindeer, learn about their important role in the region’s history, and witness the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
**Day 10: Rovaniemi**
Drive to Rovaniemi airport where you will return your rental car and arrangements conclude.
Inclusions
- Tailor-made self-drive journey
- 9-nights accommodation
- 9 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- 9-day Volkswagen T-Roc SUV or similar rental (based on 24-hour periods)
- English-speaking local guides
- Shared activities as per the itinerary
- Private sightseeing in Helsinki and Oulu
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary