10-Nights Finland and Sweden: Adventures in Lapland - Small Group Journeys from $19,995

Stockholm Drottingholm Castle tour - 4 Hours

Drottningholm Palace is on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. It is the best-preserved royal castle built in Sweden during the 1600’s and it is representative of all European architecture that was to follow.

The castle was built by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder and was clearly inspired by French architecture and since its construction many royals have left their mark on the palace. Hedvig Eleonora, Lovisa Ulrika and Gustav III left powerful examples of their style, especially in the decor of the reception rooms. Hedvig Eleonora’s state bedchamber was at the heart of their reception rooms in the 1600’s and was created by the country's foremost artists and craftsmen.
There is also a series of rooms that were decorated for Gustav III during the 1700’s which includes the Chinese saloon, a very chic trend at that time.
In 1991 Drottningholm Castle was included on UNESCO's World Heritage list of sites of outstanding universal value to humanity. The Royal family moved into the Drottningholm Palace in 1981 and still today the castle remains the primary residence of the King and Queen. The rooms in the castle's southern section are reserved for the royal couple.
 

Stockholm City tour – 4 Hours

Sweden’s magnificent capital Stockholm is a city renowned for its characteristic structure, built on 14 islands magnificently bathed by the waters of lake Mälaren. Your tour will introduce you to the most characteristic locations and the most architecturally significant buildings.
You will by visiting the green island of Djurgården with its numerous historic buildings, monuments, museums, galleries, an exciting theme park and a magnificent open-air museum.
 
While on the island, you will have the opportunity to visit the Vasa Museum. Here you will admire the Swedish warship ‘Vasa’, once considered one of the world’s largest and the pride of Sweden's mighty navy. It was built around the 17th century under the commission of the King of Sweden, Gustav II Adolf, whose aim was to increase the military might of his country. Although the Vasa was expected to be one of the most powerful ships of its time, it was, ironically, not sunk by enemy guns, but by a gust of wind. Even more humiliating for the Swedes was the fact that the Vasa sunk just shortly after it left the harbor of Stockholm on its maiden voyage in full view of the inhabitants of Stockholm who came to watch the spectacle.
Its discovery in 1956 and subsequent salvage in 1961 is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. Painstakingly restored to much of its original magnificence, ‘Vasa’ represents an authentic piece of living history.
 
Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan) is located on a small island in the very heart of the city. Within its bounds are a multitude of historical sites, including the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the House of Nobilities, as well as the world's longest established bank, the Bank of Sweden that was founded in 1656.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      4 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     Vasa Museum.
Meals: None.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Stockholm Uppsala and Sigtuna tour - 6 Hours

Uppsala is located 72 kilometres north of Stockholm and as early as the 6th century it was a political and religious centre. 
It was from here that the old pagan kings ruled. Legend has it that there was a splendid temple here that was decorated with gold.
The large historical Uppsala Cathedral was consecrated in 1435. Several famous scientists and kings have their chapels here. There is a fine museum in the north tower full of ecclesiastical textiles and gold and silver objects. In one of the cathedral's chapels lie the holy relics of Sweden's patron saint, St. Erik, in a gold Casket.
Uppsala University is the oldest University in Scandinavia. In the 17th and 18th centuries the university became a centre of research, mainly in the field of natural history. Many are the geniuses that have spread Uppsala's reputation worldwide and to date six Uppsala scientists have received the Nobel prize. The Gustavianum museum is housed in Uppsala University's oldest preserved building. Exhibited at the museum are the Augsburg Art Cabinet, discoveries from the Viking period, the history of the University of Uppsala, mummies and much more.
Sigtuna is a town north of Stockholm that sits beside Lake Mälaren, in the lush landscape of Uppland. The area prospered during the Viking Age, leaving a heritage of rune stones, graves and monuments, which to this day still stand in and around the town. Sigtuna is said to be home to the most rune stones in the world. They were erected during the Viking era to commemorate deceased men.
Sigtuna is Swedens first town and was founded in AD 980, as Christianity arrived, uniting Sweden as a single kingdom. With a royal mint and a bishop, Sigtuna was effectively the capital of Sweden until power shifted towards Stockholm and Uppsala in the 13th century. Three historic church ruins, St. Olof, St. Lars and St. Per, from the 12th and 13th century can be found in the medieval centre of Sigtuna. Here, you will also find the brick Church of Maria, which was built in 1247 as a Dominican monastery.
After three fires in the 17th century, Sigtuna was a ghost town for 250 years but was later revived in the 1910s as a nationalist project. The 18th century Town Hall can be found on Sweden's oldest street, Stora Gatan (over a thousand years old). It is allegedly the smallest town hall in Scandinavia and is nowadays used as a museum. At Stora Gatan, you will also find clusters of interesting little shops selling fashion, design and local handicrafts.
 

Stockholm Old Town walking tour – 3 Hours

Enjoy the old town of Stockholm with an enjoyable walk through it’s old narrow cobblestoned streets, the beating heart of the historic city that dates back to the 13th century.

Here you will be struck by the contrast between the small characteristic cobbled streets that wind between elegant historic buildings and picturesque squares, and the majestic and imposing Royal Palace that suddenly appears on the horizon. 

When exploring these streets, it is easy to imagine that you have travelled back in time to a medieval city. In a constant game of contrasts, we'll investigate the entrance to the narrowest street in Stockholm, just 90 cm wide and with 36 steps, known as Mårten Trotzigs gränd, then visit the fascinating main square of Gamla Stan, as majestic as it is elegant, around which the city was developed back in the 1300s. 

A walk through Gamla Stan is not complete without a visit to Stockholm’s Cathedral. Stockholm’s medieval Cathedral, built in 1279, houses unique objects such as the St George and the Dragon sculpture (1489), the legendary Vädersoltavlan (1535) and Lena Lervik’s sculpture ”Joseph and Mary” (2002).

Other points of interest during the tour are Stortorget and the Great Square, the hub of the Old Town which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy.

Stockholm Jewish tour – 4 Hours

Sweden’s Jewish community holds a very unique place in the continental European Diaspora. During the mid-20th century, Sweden was one of the only European countries to actually witness a growth in their Jewish population. During the Second World War there was no systematic persecution by the neutral Swedish government, and, in fact, the country gave asylum to thousands of Jewish refugees from Denmark and Norway. The community has continued to exist relatively undisturbed over the generations.
Today, the Swedish Jewish community is the largest in Scandinavia and is primarily composed of descendants of pre-war refugees and Shoah survivors who arrived after the war. Most Swedish Jews live in the capital Stockholm. It is a unified community and all three synagogues in the city belong to the same organization. 
Today’s first stop is at the impressive panoramic viewpoint Fjallgatan. Here you can take some photographs while your guide points out the main sights of the city before your scenic drive towards Gamla Stan (Old Town), where you can get an insight into the long-lasting German influence and the many attacks of the Danes during the Middle Ages. Due to the Swedish neutrality nothing has been destroyed here in the last 400 years. 
You will then experience the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, passing the Royal Palace and on to Tyska Brunnsplan square, named after the German community that once occupied this area. Here stands the building, which was Stockholm's first synagogue, founded in 1790. 
Next stop is the Jewish Museum. Here you will learn about the story of Jewish thought, Jewish practices, and Swedish history deepening your knowledge as far as concerns Jewish history and Swedish-Jewish heritage.
Leaving the Jewish Museum, you pass by the beautiful Jewish cemetery whilst taking in the main sights and highlights of the city.

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      4 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     Jewish Museum. Mondays closed.
Meals: None.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Stockholm Millesgården Museum and short Archipelago tour – 4 Hours

You start the day by meeting our local guide and taking a 20 minute transfer to the museum. 
Millesgåarden was built in 1908 by sculptor Carl Milles and his wife painter Olga Milles. Today, the building became a well-renowned museum with an artist home, an antique collection, a vast sculpture garden, an art gallery with a museum shop and a restaurant. Millesgården is  a work of art in its own right, a nicely balanced stage design of terraces, fountains, stairways, sculptures and columns, coupled with a diversity of vegetation and an immense vista across the waters of Värtan from the rocky heights of Herserud.
Once the visit of the museum is over you will go back to the city center in an alternative way: a boat that sails through the archipelago. The ride takes around 1 hour and will end in the city center. Meanwhile, relax and enjoy the stunning views of this nature area.

 
Basis:  Private tour (not available on Mondays).
Duration:       4 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).
Inclusions:         01st Class vehicle transfer and boat transfer, English-speaking. Other languages on request, Entrance to Millesgården Museum.
Meals: None.
Physical Activity Level:     Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: No.
Tour operates: morning, afternoon. Note: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki City tour – 3 Hours

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa. As a result of the war of 1808-1809, Sweden was forced to cede Finland to Russia. In 1812 Tsar Alexander declared Helsinki the capital of autonomous Finland. In 1917 the city was to become the capital of the independent Republic of Finland. In safeguarding its historical heritage, Helsinki has again and again been forced to reassess the past. Cultural influences from both East and West have molded the life of the city, which has nevertheless preserved an outlook on life that is inherently Finnish. Over the years the city has spread, and its population multiplied, yet nature is still close at hand - the sea and islands are dominant features of the landscape.
Among the most striking features of the Helsinki architecture are the largish areas built in a uniform style. The city thus has whole blocks and even districts representing Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, National Romantic, functional or modern architecture. The oldest area in Helsinki that has been preserved intact is the Senate Square. Reminiscent of St. Petersburg in its neoclassical style.
In the 1970s Helsinki acquired some important new public buildings - e.g. the Finlandia Hall, the City Theatre, the new National Opera, the official residence of the Finnish President and the Temppeliaukio Church - which are now important landmarks on the Helsinki street scene.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome.  Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts. Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays.
 

Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours

Porvoo is Finland's second oldest town and the most picturesque one. In other words, a beautiful area full of history. The town of Porvoo was granted town status in the 14th century and is one of the treasures of traditional Finnish architecture.
The original town plan from the Middle Ages, features the low, small houses, picturesque yards and narrow streets and forms a historically unique wooden town environment.
The symbols of Porvoo – the red warehouses on the riverbanks – tell tall tales of seafaring and trading. The guest marina and ferry dock at Jokiranta are humming with life, especially during the summer months.
The bridge at Aleksanterinkatu, completed in autumn 2004, and the newly restored Jokiranta area now encourage locals to take an evening walk and enjoy the latest improvements to the downtown area. Flower beds, fountains, cafés and sundecks have turned the shore into an attractive gathering place. The Market Square is the heart of the city, surrounded by City Hall, the bus station, specialty boutiques and services. The range of products at the marketplace varies by season.
 

Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours

This tour allows you to see the best of Helsinki and also learn more about the past and present of its Jewish citizens.

A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome.  Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorable venue for concerts. 

A visit to the local Synagogue is made during the tour. You will be able to see its rooms located in the local Jewish Community Center. 

The center of the Helsinki is majestic with its classical style Senate Square. It offers a view to the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki University, National Library and the Government Palace. The statue to the Russian czar Alexander II is located in the middle of the square.

Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church and Helsinki Synagogue cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays. In the event of religious services. Tour order may be adjusted based on Rock Church and the opening hours of Helsinki Synagogue.

Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours

On this private, RIB-boat trip, you’ll see and experience the Helsinki archipelago and visit an island suiting your interests. During this fast and furious trip, you’ll see the main Helsinki attractions, such as the main market place, Kaivopuisto Park and the ice breakers. We will also land on an island of your choice – be it a remote islet or Suomenlinna fortress island! This tour is for 1-10 persons and our professional captain can tailor or extend it according to your interests.
 
Experience the beauty of Helsinki from the seaside and enjoy the convenience of the fast RIB-boat with a professional captain and guide. Welcome aboard!
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      2,5 hours  
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        01^st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking
Entrances:     None
Meals: None
Notes:         All passengers are provided with life jackets

Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours

Helsinki offers you a unique and fascinating journey through the centuries and across cultures through its buildings and architecture. The city’s architecture is typified by Nordic minimalism and refinement, and with its modernism, functionalism it also encompasses the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe. 

For many Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is synonymous with Finland with architecture and with design.
After qualifying as an architect from Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921, Aalto set up his first architectural practice in Jyväskylä. His early works followed the tenets of Nordic Classicism, the predominant style at that time.

During the tour, pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome.  Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts.

The Senate Square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland. 

The Central Railway Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1909 and the station was opened in 1919. The station is mostly clad in Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues holding the spherical lamps, lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance.

The City Hall was designed by C.L. Engel as a hotel in 1833, the building has been the City Hall since the 1930s. The Helsinki coat-of-arms can be seen on the tympanum. 

Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours

Experience the best of the Finnish cuisine on this food walking tour. You will stroll around the streets of Helsinki´s center, getting a taste of the most traditional as well as fashionable flavors the city has to offer.
 
The tour includes the visit of some of the main gastronomical areas and spots of the Finnish capital, such as the Old Market Hall and the Market Square and also some bakeries and special food stores. You may taste some local bread, cheese, chocolate, fish, pastry, seasonal berry treat and famous Finnish salt licorice: salmiakki!
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3 hours walking tour.
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals: The servings are equivalent to a light lunch/big snack. Veggie options available.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. This tour is offered everyday from May to September and on Mon-Sat during the rest of the year.