The Route of Kings and Czars

Turku

Stockholm

Helsinki

Stockholm

Helsinki

The Route of Kings and Czars

Follow the route of Kings and Czars along the Baltic Hansa Trail from Stockholm through the Aland Islands to Turku, the ancient capital of Finland, and ending in Helsinki ‘Daughter of the Baltic’. Highlights include a cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago and a stay in Mariehamn.

Enjoy the unique, almost continuous, archipelagos of Stockholm, the Aland Islands and Turku whilst relaxing on a luxurious Viking Line cruise ferry which plies the route between Sweden and Finland. Continue on to Helsinki and a final two nights before leaving Finland, having discovered some of the Baltic’s extraordinary island treasures.

Itinerary

DAY 1: UK – STOCKHOLM

Scheduled SAS flight to Stockholm. Overnight at Hotel Esplanade for two nights.

DAY 2: STOCKHOLM

All day to explore: visit the Royal Palace, the Vasa Ship Museum or stroll through the Old Town with its narrow cobbled streets.

DAY 3: STOCKHOLM – MARIEHAMN (ALAND ISLANDS)

Early morning Silja Line ferry crossing. Afternoon at leisure. Mariehamn has many attractions, most of them connected to its seafaring heritage. Visit the impressive Maritime Museum and the well preserved four masted barque Pommern. Overnight at Hotel Savoy.`

DAY 4: MARIEHAMN – TURKU

Morning at leisure. Silja Line ferry crossing. Overnight at the Plaza Hotel for two nights.

DAY 5: TURKU

All day to explore Finland’s former capital: three museums (Maritime, Sibelius and Art) or dramatic Turku Castle dating back to 1280. Nearby Naantali with its old wooden houses and narrow streets and beautifully located right at the sea’s edge should not be missed.

DAY 6: TURKU – HELSINKI

Morning at leisure. Early afternoon two hour rail journey. Overnight at Hotel Marski for two nights.

DAY 7: HELSINKI

Helsinki is an intriguing mixture of new and old; Art Nouveau buildings, awe inspiring examples of the National Romantic style and Alvar Aalto’s spectacular modern architecture. By day there are sophisticated cafés along and off the Esplanaden and by night a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes.

DAY 8: HELSINKI – UK

Morning at leisure. Scheduled SAS flight to UK.