Embark on a journey where Nordic elegance meets timeless enchantment. This exclusive program is tailored for the discerning traveler, those who seek not just a destination, but a story woven through culture, history, and modern sophistication.
From the golden shimmer of Uspenski Cathedral’s domes to the serene grandeur of the Rock Church carved into ancient stone, Helsinki reveals itself as a city of contrasts and harmony. Wander through the cobbled lanes of Porvoo, a fairytale town where pastel wooden houses whisper tales of centuries past.
Each moment is meticulously curated to immerse you in Finland’s refined beauty and contemporary flair. Whether you're savoring local delicacies in a waterfront bistro or marveling at design-forward architecture, this experience is more than a land program, it’s a celebration of Nordic spirit.
DAY 1: Gateway to Helsinki
Upon arrival at the Helsinki Cruise Pier, you will be greeted by your private assistant and driver for a seamless transfer into the heart of the city. Your journey begins with an introduction to Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks. Stand in awe before the red-brick majesty of Uspenski Cathedral, a striking testament to Eastern Orthodox architecture crowned with gilded domes. Then, admire the pristine elegance of Helsinki Cathedral, its gleaming white facade presiding over the historic Senate Square like a timeless sentinel.
After this captivating start, indulge in an authentic Finnish lunch at a local restaurant, where traditional flavors are presented with contemporary finesse in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Following lunch, you will be escorted to the Hotel St. George Helsinki for check-in. This five-star boutique sanctuary, nestled beside the tranquil Old Church Park, is a masterpiece of Nordic design. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the hotel harmonizes historic charm with modern sophistication, featuring curated art collections, serene spa facilities, and interiors that exude understated elegance.
The remainder of the day is yours to unwind or explore at leisure—whether you choose to stroll through Helsinki’s vibrant boulevards or simply savor the serenity of your luxurious surroundings.
Overnight at the Hotel St. George Helsinki or similar hotel
DAY 2: Helsinki’s Architectural Icons & Urban Elegance
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before meeting your transportation and expert guide for a half-day immersion into Helsinki’s cultural and architectural treasures. Your first stop is the extraordinary Temppeliaukio Rock Church, a visionary masterpiece carved directly into solid granite. Its raw stone walls and copper dome create an atmosphere of serene grandeur, where natural elements and modern design coexist in perfect harmony.
Continue your panoramic exploration of the city, pausing for photographs at the Sibelius Monument, a striking tribute to Finland’s most celebrated composer, and at Senate Square, the historic heart of Helsinki framed by neoclassical architecture. Journey through the vibrant Design District, a hub of creativity and innovation, and stroll along the leafy boulevards of Esplanade Park, where elegant cafés and boutiques line the promenade. From the comfort of your coach, admire views of the Olympic Stadium and the bustling Market Square, alive with local flavors and maritime charm.
After sightseeing, return to the Hotel St. George Helsinki, perfectly positioned for independent exploration. With the afternoon at leisure, you are just steps away from Helsinki’s most iconic attractions, Esplanade Park is a mere five-minute walk, while the historic Old Market Hall and the scenic waterfront Market Square can be reached in under twelve minutes on foot. Savor the freedom to browse artisan shops, sip coffee in stylish cafés, or simply soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.
As evening falls, reunite for an elegant dining experience at a local restaurant, where a refined three-course menu paired with wine or beer awaits. After dinner, return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.
Overnight at the Hotel St. George Helsinki or similar hotel
DAY 3: A Fairytale Escape to Porvoo
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, meet your tour representative in the lobby and set out on a scenic journey to Porvoo, a riverside jewel and one of Finland’s oldest settlements. This picturesque town, beloved by artists and poets, offers a glimpse into a bygone era where history and charm intertwined.
Upon arrival, embark on a guided walking tour through Old Porvoo, a beautifully preserved medieval quarter where cobblestone streets wind past rows of colorful wooden houses, artisan boutiques, and cozy cafés. As you wander, uncover the town’s fascinating legacy as a thriving trading hub and cultural center. Admire the iconic red riverside warehouses that have become a symbol of Porvoo’s heritage, and step inside the historic Porvoo Cathedral, whose roots stretch back to the 14th century.
Pause midday for a deluxe three-course lunch at a thoughtfully selected local restaurant, where seasonal Finnish ingredients are transformed into culinary artistry. After lunch, enjoy time at leisure to browse charming galleries, sample handmade chocolates, and explore unique handicraft shops—or simply soak in the serene waterfront atmosphere that makes Porvoo unforgettable.
Return to Helsinki in the afternoon, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Dinner is under your own arrangements this evening.
Overnight at the Hotel St. George Helsinki or similar hotel.
DAY 4: Farewell Helsinki
After a final breakfast at your luxurious hotel, meet your representative for a seamless transfer to the airport. As you depart, take with you the memories of Helsinki’s architectural splendor, cultural treasures, and Nordic sophistication, a journey that has blended history, design, and elegance into an unforgettable experience. Your adventure may be ending, but the impressions of Finland’s charm will linger long after you return home.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
DAY 1:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
9:00am Meet your driver and guide for a sightseeing tour
9:30am Visit Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Cathedral, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks
12:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:30pm Meet your assistant and driver for transfer to the hotel
3:00pm Check into Hotel St. George Helsinki and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight Hotel St. George Helsinki or similar
DAY 2:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Meet your driver and guide
9:30am Visit the Temppeliaukio Rock Church, an architectural masterpiece carved into solid granite
12:00pm Continue the guided sightseeing through Helsinki’s cultural and design highlights
1:30pm Coach drop-off at Hotel St. George; enjoy free time to explore the nearby Esplanade, Market Square, or Old Market Hall on foot.
Lunch at leisure
6.30pm Meet your tour representative for dinner transfer
6.30pm Meet your driver and tour representative for dinner transfer
7:00pm Dinner at a local restaurant
9:00pm Return to the hotel
Overnight: Hotel St. George Helsinki or similar
DAY 3:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Meet your assistant and driver for transfer to Porvoo
10:30am Arrive in Porvoo & begin guided walking tour of Old Town, including key highlights such as the medieval cobblestone streets, wooden riverside houses, artisan boutiques, and Porvoo Cathedral
2:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
4:00pm Time at leisure to explore boutiques, cafés, and galleries
6:00pm Depart Porvoo and return to Helsinki
7:30pm Arrive back at the hotel, remainder of the evening at leisure
8:00pm Dinner at leisure
Overnight: Hotel St. George Helsinki or similar
DAY 4:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
AM Breakfast at your hotel
10:00am Hotel check out and to the Helsinki Airport based on your flight schedule
*For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at the hotel
General Information
Electricity:
The local current is 220 volts, 50 Hz AC. Plug types C and F are most common in Finland. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for charging personal electronic devices.
Expected Weather:
In August, Helsinki enjoys long summer days with average daytime highs around 72–77°F (22–25°C) and cooler evenings near 60°F (15°C). Light rain is possible, so a compact umbrella or light rain jacket is recommended in addition to comfortable summer clothing.
What to Bring:
Dress is generally casual. When visiting churches such as Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Cathedral, shoulders and knees must be covered. We suggest bringing flat, comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestones and uneven surfaces, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light sweater or jacket is also useful for cooler evenings and ferry rides to Suomenlinna.
Currency:
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Small amounts of cash may be useful for markets or small vendors.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the date of entry is required. At present, U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days in Finland; however, requirements are subject to change. Please consult your local embassy or consulate for the latest entry regulations.
Hotel Address & Contact:
St. George Helsinki Hotel
Yrjönkatu 13 C, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
Telephone: +358 9 42460011
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
•3 nights at the St George Hotel or similar
•Guides and assistants as per the itinerary
•Transfers as per itinerary
•Entrances: Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Rock Church
•Meals as per itinerary
Program Excludes:
•Meals or services not mentioned above
•Gratuities
•Hotel incidentals, including mini bar and room service
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Hints & Restrictions
•Guests with mobility restrictions should be aware that Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Cathedral both require climbing steps to enter, and Senate Square is paved with cobblestones, which may be difficult for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
•Porvoo’s Old Town features cobblestone streets, gentle hills, and some uneven terrain. While most areas are accessible, certain historic sections and narrow pathways may be challenging for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Guests who prefer a slower pace may enjoy exploring the central marketplace and riverside area, which offer smoother surfaces and easy access to cafés and shops.
•This program includes periods of extended walking and standing. Guests must be able to independently board and disembark coaches, ferries, and other modes of transport. Those requiring assistance should travel with a companion.
•Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable flat walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Pre & Post Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
