"Ultimate 12 Day Finland Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Helsinki, Lapland, and Beyond"

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki

• Arrive in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland.

• Check into a luxury hotel, such as Hotel Kämp or Hotel Haven, located in the city center.

• Explore the historic district of Helsinki, including Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and the Market Square.

• Enjoy a traditional Finnish dinner at a top restaurant, savoring local delicacies like reindeer, salmon, and rye bread.

Day 2: Discover Helsinki

• Visit the Ateneum Art Museum to admire Finnish and international artworks, including pieces by famous Finnish artists like Akseli Gallen-Kallela.

• Explore the Design District, known for its boutiques, galleries, and design shops showcasing Finnish design.

• Relax in the evening with a traditional Finnish sauna experience at Löyly, followed by a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea.

Day 3: Day Trip to Porvoo

• Take a day trip to Porvoo, one of Finland's oldest towns, known for its well-preserved wooden buildings and picturesque old town.

• Explore the cobblestone streets, visit the Porvoo Cathedral, and admire the charming riverside warehouses.

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling traditional Finnish pastries like cinnamon buns and Runeberg torte.

Day 4: Journey to Turku

• Travel to Turku, Finland's former capital and oldest city.

• Check into a luxury hotel, such as Radisson Blu Marina Palace or Original Sokos Hotel Hamburger Börs, located along the Aura River.

• Explore Turku Castle, one of the largest medieval castles in Finland, and the Turku Cathedral, a symbol of the city's history.

• Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood and local specialties.

Day 5: Archipelago Cruise

• Embark on a cruise through the Turku Archipelago, consisting of thousands of islands and islets.

• Cruise past picturesque landscapes, stopping at charming islands like Nagu and Korpo, known for their idyllic scenery and quaint villages.

• Enjoy lunch on board featuring fresh, local ingredients and seafood.

• Return to Turku in the evening and relax with a scenic riverside walk.

Day 6: Explore Åland Islands

• Take a ferry to the Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland located between Finland and Sweden.

• Visit the Maritime Quarter in Mariehamn, the capital of Åland, and explore the Maritime Museum.

• Enjoy leisure activities such as cycling, kayaking, or hiking on one of the islands.

• Sample local Åland cuisine for dinner, featuring freshly caught fish and locally sourced ingredients.

Day 7: Return to Helsinki

• Return to Helsinki and spend the day exploring more of the city's attractions, such as the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.

• Shop for souvenirs and Finnish design products at the Esplanadi Park and surrounding boutiques.

• Dine at a fine dining restaurant in Helsinki, experiencing modern Finnish cuisine with a creative twist.

Day 8: Lapland Adventure

• Fly to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus.

• Check into a luxury hotel or wilderness lodge, such as Arctic TreeHouse Hotel or Arctic Light Hotel.

• Visit the Santa Claus Village, meet Santa Claus himself, and cross the Arctic Circle.

• Experience traditional Lappish activities such as husky sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobiling.

• Enjoy a cozy dinner by the fireplace, savoring Lappish specialties like smoked salmon and sautéed reindeer.

Day 9: Wilderness Retreat

• Venture deeper into the Finnish wilderness for a secluded retreat.

• Stay in a wilderness cabin or log cabin surrounded by pristine nature, with opportunities for activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing.

• Relax in a traditional Finnish sauna and take a refreshing dip in a frozen lake or ice hole.

• Enjoy a dinner prepared over an open fire or in a cozy log cabin restaurant, featuring hearty Finnish dishes and local ingredients.

Day 10: Aurora Hunting in Levi

• Travel to Levi, a popular ski resort in Finnish Lapland known for its Northern Lights sightings.

• Check into a luxury chalet or hotel, such as Levi Spirit Luxury Villas or Hotel Levi Panorama.

• Embark on an Aurora hunting excursion in the evening, either by snowmobile, reindeer sleigh, or on foot.

• Marvel at the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

• Return to your accommodation for a warm drink and to cozy up by the fireplace.

Day 11: Winter Wonderland Activities

• Spend the day enjoying winter activities in Levi, such as downhill skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing.

• Visit the Levi Ice Gallery, featuring intricate ice sculptures and artwork.

• Experience a traditional Lappish dinner in a cozy restaurant, sampling local delicacies like smoked reindeer, Arctic char, and cloudberry desserts.

Day 12: Departure

• Transfer to Kittilä Airport for your departure flight, taking with you memories of your unforgettable luxury journey through Finland's diverse landscapes and unique cultural experiences.