DESCRIPTION:
The King’s Road
is the historical route, dating back to the 13th century,
between the old northern capitals. The King’s Road passes along the entire
Finnish Southern Coast, and it formed an important connection between the
powerful kingdoms of Sweden and Russia. The King’s Road is a remarkable
testament to history: old stone churches, iron mills, powerful estates and
other unique sites. The Vikings were the original users of this road back
in 800-1050 on their way east.
The King’s messengers and postmen on foot
or on horseback to deliver urgent messages from Stockholm to Turku used
this ancient route in the 13th century. In the mid-14th
century, the King’s Road became an artery road, along which manors,
farmhouses, inns and taverns were built. The manor houses owned mighty
noble families that provided overnight accommodation for Swedish Kings and
Russian Czars alike. In the 18th century kings, czars,
soldiers, bishops, artists and merchants in horse-driven carriages
traveled between the east and west. The oldest towns along the Finland
King’s Road are Turku (1229 and former capital) and Porvoo (1346).
Helsinki, the focal point of the King’s Road and Finland’s capital, was
founded in 1550 and was elected one of the Cultural Capitals of Europe in
2000.
DAY 1 HELSINKI
Arrival to Helsinki and transfer on your own to the Scandic Hotel
Continental for a three night stay. The hotel is a first class property
situated on the main street overlooking Finlandia Hall and the beautiful
Hesperia Park and Toolonlahti Bay.
DAY 2 HELSINKI
Enjoy a sightseeing tour today of Helsinki. The tour takes in the
most important and interesting parts of Helsinki and will acquaint you
with the historical center and Senate Square, the diplomatic quarters, the
Presidential Palace, City Hall and the Parliament building. You will stop
at the Sibelius Monument and at the Temppeliaukio Church. In the
afternoon, you have enough time to explore the city on your own or to
browse in the many shops.
 DAY
3 HELSINKI (Porvoo)
Morning free before departure on
tour to Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest city dating from 1346. Porvoo has
well-preserved wooden houses, delightful little shops and craftsmen’s
workshops. The tour will visit Porvoo Medieval Church, Town Hall Square
and the home of the Finnish poet J.L. Runeberg. Return to Helsinki in late
afternoon for overnight.
DAY 4 HELSINKI –
TURKU - NAANTALI
Depart by train from Helsinki to
Turku. Upon arrival in Turku, you will be transferred to the Naantali Spa
situated outside of Turku. This is the most modern and up-to-date health
spa in Scandinavia. It has a beautiful location by the sea on a small
cape. You will have a two nights stay.
DAY 5 NAANTALI (Turku)
During your stay at Naantali you will have use of the Turku Card. If
you elect to visit Turku, the Card will give you a city sightseeing tour
at half price plus other discounts at shops and restaurants, free
entrances to museums and other transportation discounts.
DAY 6 NAANTALI –
TURKU - STOCKHOLM
Free day before departure on overnight cruise from Turku to
Stockholm. Enjoy your Seaside Class cabin and breakfast on board as you
sail across the Baltic into Stockholm’s Archipelago.
DAY 7 STOCKHOLM
Upon arrival in Stockholm, a short taxi ride on your own to the
Scandic Hotel Sergel Plaza. The hotel is a top-notch property ideally
located in the center of the city.
DAY 8 STOCKHOLM
Arrangements end after breakfast. Or add extra nights in Stockholm.
From:
$ 1240 per person double
$ 495 single supplement
INCLUDES:
-6 nights at First Class hotels
-Daily Breakfast
-Overnight Cruise Turku-Stockholm, Seaside Cabin
-Transfer Turku-Naantali Spa
-Sightseeing per itinerary
-Turku Card, One Day
-Tax and Service Charges
The
Baltic States & Kings' Road
Tour SelectionFTB
110205 |
