Southern Finland Culinary Tour: Helsinki & Turku - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki

Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland! When you arrive, a private driver will transfer you to your accommodations in town. Then, spend the day exploring the colorful streets of the UNESCO-designated City of Design, known for its interesting mix of neoclassicism, Jugend (Finnish Art Nouveau), and modernist architecture. For a dose of nature, check out the nature trails and parks around the city. Before the day ends, consider trying out a traditional Finnish sauna to relax ahead of your adventure this week!

Day 2: Old Market Hall & Suomenlinna Tour

Explore both the city center and the outskirts of Helsinki today on a half-day tour. Start in the aptly-named Old Market Hall, which has been operating since 1889. Here you'll be sure to find vendors selling classic Finnish delights, like salmon soup, fish sandwiches, and the famous long drink. Then, take a 20-minute ferry ride to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the history of the former Swedish fortress on a guided tour, and then explore the islands on your own before heading back.

Day 3: Food & Beer Tour of Helsinki

Eat and drink like a Finn on a private gastronomic tour of Helsinki. First, enjoy another visit to the Old Market Hall to sample Finnish snacks and browse the local, seasonal ingredients purchased by professional chefs and home cooks. Then, your guide will bring you to a local brewery to learn about Finland's beer scene and taste the local brews. Cap off the tour at a Finnish restaurant offering traditional dishes—think smoked salmon, meatballs, lingonberry jam, and rye bread—and, of course, dessert.

Day 4: Train to Turku

This morning, take a private transfer to the train station for your trip to Turku, the oldest city in Finland. Once settled in, explore the city via the bike path, the bus system, or even water buses on the Aura River. Consider visiting the 13th-century Turku Castle or following the archipelago trail across some of the many islands in the nearby sea. And you can't go wrong with the local cuisine—Turku calls itself the restaurant capital of Finland, so wherever you dine, you'll be in good hands.

Day 5: Walking Tour of Turku & Kakola Brewery Tour

Today, explore Turku on a two-hour walking tour. A local guide will lead you through the 800 years of Finnish history, starting along the banks of the Aura River that flows through the town into the Archipelago Sea. Learn about the city's legacy as a trading hub when you visit the Old Great Square, rebuilt after the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. Enjoy the contemporary canteen and café culture that has earned the city the nickname the "Paris of Finland."

Later, go on a brewery tour in one of the most unexpected places—Kakola Brewing Company's current premises used to be part of Kakola Prison. The jail has since moved into a newer building, and the brewery now offers tours and tastings in its taproom. Learn how beer is made at this small brewery and how KBC's team crafts specialty flavors. Of course, you'll also get to taste the final product—each tour ticket includes samples of four different beers. Cheers!

Day 6: Turku Gourmet Tour & Aura River Picnic Cruise

Check out Turku's famous food scene today, starting at Turku Market Hall. Taste local delicacies and pick up some gifts to take home—like chocolate bars from one of the most popular bakeries in the country, MBakery. From there, head to the Qwensel Café tucked in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum for afternoon tea. Finally, head up to Wiklund's Walo Roof Top Bar and terrace. Your guide will fill you in on the city's history and culture that contributed to its incredible food.

In the afternoon, hop aboard a riverboat for a trip down the Aura River! Snack on treats from a local bakery as the boat winds its way through Turku, gliding past bridges, churches, trees, and other river boats on its way toward the sea. A guide will point out important sites while regaling you with stories from the river's long history—after all, the area's first inhabitants settled here at least 6,000 years ago.

Day 7: Transfer to Helsinki, Depart

As today is the last day of your gastronomic tour of southern Finland, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Helsinki airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!