Helsinki, Finland - Norway, Fjords & Baltic Cruises

Experience the delights of Helsinki archipelago that surrounds Helsinki on an exhilarating rib boat ride.

Your captain will be waiting at the end of the pier to welcome you on this exciting tour. Don a special all-in-one warm waterproof outfit and flotation device and get ready to board your RIB to begin the fast ride through the Finnish archipelago.

Experience the scenic archipelago at speeds of up to 40 knots, travelling over the waves and past islands, both large and small, with their typical Finnish summer homes. You can almost smell the delicious aroma of Finnish-style sausages as you land on one of the rocky islands. Your snack will be washed down with a cool, Finnish beer (soft drinks are also available). All too soon, it is time to speed back to the city, passing the new High-Tech Centre, before arriving next to your ship.

Note: Guests with back or neck injuries or who are pregnant should not book this tour. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted to participate. Please be advised that there is no shelter on board the boat. Some of the boat ride will be fast and bumpy. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure. The route taken is subject to change and the boat captain reserves the right to cancel, change or abort the tour depending on safe weather conditions. Please take waterproof footwear and warm clothing.

Enjoy the sights of Helsinki by land and sea. Under sail, cruise around the archipelago onboard a fabulous sailing yacht.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery on this panoramic journey through Helsinki’s city and coastal sights. You’ll experience the unique and beautiful sights of the capital of Finland, with its impressive wealth of architecture. The most striking is Carl Ludvig Engel's neo-classical Senate Square, surrounded by public buildings. En route you’ll pass by the Parliament Building, the National Museum and the Finlandia Hall, a concert and convention centre designed by the world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. A photo stop will be made at Sibelius Park, to admire the magnificent monument in honor of the best-known Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

Afterwards, it’s all aboard your sail yacht to enjoy views of Helsinki's beautiful archipelago. As the crew hoist the sails your guide will tell you about Helsinki and the importance of the sea for this coastal city. As you sail around the islands, look out for the Baltic Seals that play in these waters. Whilst onboard, enjoy tea and coffee with tasty traditional Finnish cinnamon buns.

Note: To board the yacht there are approximately four steep steps to negotiate with a further four steps to reach the saloon and bathroom facilities.

See Helsinki’s city highlights on a guided drive that visits Senate Square and The Rock Church.

See the city’s focal point, Senate Square, with fine 19th century neo-classical buildings and the impressive Lutheran Cathedral of St Nicholas. Pass the Uspenski Cathedral and the North Harbour where the icebreaker fleet is stationed.

The Rock Church (Temppeliaukio), a unique creation carved out of solid rock and topped with a copper dome is a striking example of modern Finnish architecture. En route you will see the Presidential Palace, the colourful Market Square and the beautiful Kaivopuisto Park, where many of the foreign embassies are situated.

Stop to admire the massive, stainless steel Sibelius Monument dedicated to the musical vision of Jean Sibelius and situated in the beautiful Sibelius Park. View the Olympic Stadium, where the Olympic games were held in 1952 and travel past the new Opera House, Finlandia Hall, the Parliament Building, the National Museum and the Railway Station.

Note: Should you opt to remain in the city for independent sightseeing, you will be responsible for your own return to the ship. Please note that the Rock Church may close without prior notice. The tour does involve some walking, with gravel walkways at the Sibelius Monument and steps at Senate Square. The order of sites may vary.

Brrrr....enjoy the chilly temperatures at the world’s first all-year-round Igloo Hotel.

Only a short drive from the centre of Helsinki is the only all-year-round Igloo Hotel. Before you can enjoy some winter fun in the middle of summer, you’ll be kitted out with thermal clothing in the dressing hall. The weather forecast is always -5ºC and no wind!

Visit the individual igloos where guests can stay overnight, and see the hotel decorated as a winter wonderland with ice carvings. During your time at the hotel there are several activities to enjoy, tobogganing, kick sledging and snow shoes, there is also the friendly arctic animals to meet including reindeer and husky dogs. In the middle of this unusual hotel complex is a 250 metre track, where you’ll hop aboard your sleigh for a short reindeer ride passing Christmas trees and winter scenes.

Enjoy some free time to shop for Lappish souvenirs at the gift shop before returning to summer time in Helsinki.

Note: This tour is not suitable for guests with medical problems that could be affected by the extreme cold. Closed shoes or trainers are recommended. Other activities are available at an additional cost, these are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard and are payable direct.

See the main highlights of Helsinki before heading into the countryside to the delightful town of Porvoo.

Helsinki boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, and Carl Ludwig’s neo-classical Senate Square is one of the most graceful squares in Europe. Enjoy a panoramic tour of city before heading out to discover Finland’s second oldest town – charming Porvoo.

The City of Porvoo originated as a trading hub for Porvoo Parish inhabitants at the point where the sea meets the Porvoonjoki River. The town was named after the ancient fortress Borgå, the Swedish name for Porvoo, and was granted town rights by Swedish King Magnus Eriksson in 1346. Old Porvoo is one of the treasures of Finland, and the town looks the same as it did during the middle ages.

The town has lovingly-preserved a section of the old part of the city and a guided walk through this area will take you over cobbled streets, past weathered wooden houses, the town hall and the main square.

Enjoy some welcome refreshments at the Haikko Manor House before returning to Helsinki.

Note: This tour involves walking over uneven and gravelled ground. The order of sites may vary.

Enjoy an unforgettable kayaking adventure in the beautiful archipelago of Helsinki.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic transfer passing Market Square, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the Finnish Ice Breaker fleet, docked for the summer.

Upon arrival at the kayak centre you’ll receive a brief induction on basic kayaking techniques before you paddle off to explore the unique archipelago. With your knowledgeable guide, you’ll discover the numerous islands and diverse birdlife, whilst admiring the stunning scenery and natural beauty of the Finnish archipelago.

Stretch your legs and tuck into a picnic snack on one of the islands, before heading back to the kayak base.

Note: Participants should be competent swimmers and physically fit. There is a weight restriction of 120 kg. Participants must be at least ten years of age and children under 14 years must ride in a double kayak with an adult. The kayaking will take approximately 2¼ hours. Guests are advised to wear sports clothing with trainers or sandals, jeans are not recommended. The tour will operate in wet weather conditions, and weatherproof gear will be provided. Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a change of clothing.

Step back into the 19th century at Fiskars Ironworks Village, and then contrast you visit with a modern day shopping experience.

The village of Fiskars has a long and flourishing history which has been well preserved. Today, the village is a beautiful blend of historic buildings mixed with modern arts, crafts and design shops.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the lush and beautiful countryside as you travel to the ironworks village of Fiskars. In 1649, Peter Thorwöste was granted permission by Queen Christina of Sweden to manufacture cast iron and forged products, with the exception of cannons. In the 1980’s operations began to move away from Fiskars to streamline production and make use of more modern facilities. Looking to keep the traditions of the village and buildings alive, a search for new inhabitants began, so that craftsmen, designers and artists could fill the old, vacant buildings. This ‘Living Ironworks Village’ is now a huge success which showcases high quality Finnish art and design.

With your guide, explore and meet the local residents, including the blacksmith, a pottery maker and admire the skilful art of glassblowing. Enjoy some free time for shopping or simply stroll along the tree-lined streets browsing the various boutiques and galleries.

Before leaving, relax beside the river and sample a slice of seasonal fruit pie served with tea or coffee.

Note: This tour includes approximately 2½ hours of walking over flat ground.

The perfect tour for guests who prefer to see all the highlights from the comfort of a coach.

Helsinki is known as ‘Daughter of the Baltic’ or the ‘White City of the North’. Start your city panorama by passing the shipyard along the coastal road, Embassy Park and the colourful open-air market. Stop for a photo at Senate Square to capture the elegant Lutheran Cathedral, then pass Uspenski Cathedral and see the Icebreakers, docked for the summer season.

Traverse the main street of the city, Mannerheim, and pass by the Parliament House, National Museum, Finlandia Hall, the new Helsinki Music Centre and the Contemporary Art Museum. Take a look at the new Opera House and the Olympic Stadium, venue for the Games in 1952.

At Sibelius Park, stop for a short while to see the Sibelius Monument, before heading back.

Note: No entrances are included in this tour. Short photographic stops of approximately five minutes, as indicated, are included. The order of sites may vary.

Discover tree-lined avenues, graceful parks and distinctive architecture in the capital of Finland.

After a short transfer, arrive at Senate Square, the historical centre of Helsinki. From here, stroll past formidable buildings that make a strong impression on the Helsinki skyline, such as the Railway Station, Sanoma Building, the Finlandia Congress Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

A stop will be made at a waterfront café for some light refreshments.

Continue your walk up to Toolo residential area and through Hesperia Park. Then head to The Rock Church, a unique church blasted into the solid rock. The walking part of the tour will conclude at the Rock Church, where a coach will await to return you to the ship.

Alternatively, you may choose to remain in the city for further independent exploration and shopping. If taking this option, you will be responsible for your own return to the ship.

Note: There is a total of 2½ hours’ of walking over mainly paved and gravel surfaces. You are advised that the Rock Church may close without prior notice. The order of sites may vary.

Discover the historical sights of Helsinki by vintage tram.

Regular tram traffic began in Helsinki in 1891 and the first carriages were open sided and pulled by horses. In 1901 electric powered trams took over and through the years the city has seen different styles of tram in all weird and wonderful colours.

After a short transfer to Helsinki’s central Railway station, you’ll continue your city tour on a unique vintage tram from the 1960's. Sit back and admire the scenery as you travel along Mannerheimintie where most of the cities important sights are located. During your panoramic tram ride you’ll pass by the Finlandia Hall, the National Museum and Parliament House to name but a few.

Your final destination is the stunning neo-classical Senate Square. Time permitting, you may wish to remain in the city to enjoy a spot of shopping or alternatively a coach transfer will take you back to the ship.

Note: Guests must be able to negotiate the steps of the coach. There is approximately ten minutes of walking over flat ground included.

Take in some of the main sights in Helsinki and then taste some classic Finnish delicacies.

Travel along the coastal road past Embassy Park and the colourful open-air market to Senate Square for a short stop. With your guide visit Senate Square and view the magnificent Lutheran Cathedral and enjoy some free time at Market Square. Then, from Mannerheim Street, see the Parliament House, the National Museum and Finlandia Hall, which is Finland’s concert and convention centre designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto. Another architectural highlight is the new Contemporary Art Museum, Kiasma, designed by the American architect, Steven Holl.

It’s then time for your tasting experience. Your chef will tell you about the typical Finnish seasonal smoked delicacies and their preparation and then you’ll have the opportunity to sample these from your own Finnish tasting plate. As a final touch, enjoy a typical Finnish dessert and cheese accompanied by tea or coffee.

Note:  The order of sites may vary.

Enjoy an introduction to Helsinki, a visit to the charming town of Porvoo and a trip on a steam train.

A panoramic tour of Helsinki will show you the shipyard, Embassy Park, Market Square, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. There will be a brief stop at Senate Square before continuing past the new Opera House, Finlandia Hall, the National Museum, the Parliament House and the Contemporary Art Museum. Leaving the city, you will then drive eastwards to Porvoo.

Luncheon will be served at the Haikko Manor House on the outskirts of Porvoo. Afterwards, take a sightseeing tour of Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland dating back to 1346. On arrival in the town, stop at the Old Bridge which offers magnificent views. Continue your tour independently as you are given free time to stroll along the cobbled streets and small shops.

From Porvoo Station, a steam train, named ‘Lili’ will be waiting to take you on a 40-minute ride to Hinthaara. Passing farms and agricultural areas, experience the rural side of Finland as you steam along. At Hinthaara Station rejoin your coach for the drive back to Helsinki, with a stop in Sipoo to visit St Sigfrid’s Church, one of the oldest granite churches in the country.

Back in Helsinki you will pass the Olympic Stadium on your way to the Rock Church. This Helsinki landmark is carved of solid rock and topped with a copper dome.

Note: St Sigfrid’s Church and the Rock Church sometimes hold private functions and so an interior visit cannot be guaranteed. St Sigfrid’s Church cannot be visited on Sundays. Early booking of this tour is recommended. The tour includes up to 45 minutes’ walking over cobblestones and with steps to enter the train carriages. The order of sites may vary.