Helsinki and Seurasaari Open Air Museum
Helsinki and Seurasaari Open Air Museum
Your expedition into the best of Helsinki begins as your guide picks you up at the harbor and escorts you to the most charming parts of the city including the Design District and Embassy Quarter before exploring the city center on foot.
During this comprehensive tour, you will spend four hours with your local, knowledgeable guide who will accompany you to see the Sibelius monument, an abstract sculpture resembling organ pipes that was dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Make your way next to the Seurasaari Open Air Museum and see what traditional Finnish life and times were like in ancient days. Located on a tranquil island, this museum contains centuries-old wooden cottages, manors and farmsteads along with costumed performers who recreate a day in the life of the Finns.
Your tour continues on foot at Senate Square, a political, religious, commercial and scientific hub. Gaze up at the imposing monument to Russian Emperor Alexander II and study the Neoclassical buildings that surround you. While here check out Helsinki Cathedral with its white walls and multiple green domes.
As you delve deeper into exploring the city you will also see Uspenski Cathedral, an Eastern Orthodox church dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary). Make your way to Temppeliaukio Church, nicknamed Rock Church as it is literally built into solid rock. This Lutheran church is a popular concert venue thanks to its amazing acoustics.
On the main street of the city you can view the Eliel Saarinen-designed Helsinki Central Railway Station. Take a stroll down Esplanade Park, a main boulevard and popular relaxation spot for the locals. During your tour, your local, knowledgeable guide will share stories and facts about the city and its people, including how Helsinki was founded on Market Square, the oldest square in the city center.
At the conclusion of the tour, your guide will suggest the best restaurants, museums and more for you to explore on your own as well as the location where you will meet the transfer vehicle for your ride back to port. You will be given two hours of free time for exploration and discovery on your own.
This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive overview of Helsinki so sign up today and be sure to bring your camera.