Self-drive tour in Finlande between lakes and historic cities
A Finnish self-drive tour at the wheel of your freedom, from the cobbled streets of Porvoo to the waters of Lake Saimaa.
Duration
8 days
From
€975/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
Take a road trip to discover Finland through a self-guided circuit between cultural capitals, historic cities and peaceful lake regions. From Helsinki, you have time to experience the Nordic atmosphere before heading to Porvoo and its charming streets. The journey continues along the shores of Lake Saimaa, then towards Savonlinna and its medieval Olavinlinna Castle.
Throughout the route, the road becomes an experience in itself: lake panoramas around Kuopio, urban and cultural atmosphere in Tampere, then a heritage break in Turku, before a coastal return to Helsinki.
Our local agency handles the organization of essential stages (car, accommodations), while giving you real freedom to explore at your own pace, with complete peace of mind.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Free day in Helsinki
Breakfast at the hotel, then free day to discover Helsinki at your own pace. You can stroll through the design districts or take a break at the covered market, as you wish.
Night at the hotel in Helsinki.
Optional:
Guided city tour (approximately 3 hours) with an English-speaking guide: Senate Square, Lutheran Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Monument, Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church).
Excursion to the fortress of Suomenlinna, UNESCO-listed, accessible by ferry (approximately 15 minutes).
From Helsinki to Lappeenranta via Porvoo
Breakfast, then departure by car towards Porvoo, a charming historic town known for its red wooden houses and cobbled streets.
You continue on the road to Lappeenranta, a pleasant stopover situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa, Finland's largest lake.
Check-in at the hotel, then overnight in Lappeenranta.
Optional: approximately 1-hour cruise on Lake Saimaa.
From Lappeenranta to Kuopio via Savonlinna
Breakfast, then departure by car to Savonlinna, renowned for its medieval Olavinlinna castle, built on an island.
Free time for lunch, then continue your itinerary towards Kuopio, located on the shores of Lake Kallavesi.
Check-in at your hotel, then overnight in Kuopio.
Optional :
Guided tour of Olavinlinna castle.
Authentic experience in a traditional smoke sauna (Jätkänkämppä), subject to availability.
From Kuopio to Tampere between the lakes
Breakfast.
Before leaving Kuopio, you will have the opportunity to climb the Puijo tower in order to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding lakes.
Then drive towards Tampere. This stage takes you to the heart of a lively city, nestled between two lakes, where industrial heritage blends with a vibrant cultural life.
Hotel check-in, then overnight in Tampere.
From Tampere to Turku, Historic City
Breakfast, then free time to visit Tampere at your own pace. You can discover the cathedral, explore the Finlayson district, or enjoy a pleasant walk along the lake.
You then head towards Turku, considered the oldest city in Finlande.
Upon arrival, time for free exploration of the historic city center. A walk along the Aura River is particularly recommended to enjoy the city's atmosphere.
Night in Turku.
Optional : visit to Turku medieval castle and gothic cathedral.
Coastal return to Helsinki
See you soon in Finlande!
Breakfast at the hotel, then departure by car heading to the airport.
Depending on your flight schedule, you enjoy your last moments in Helsinki before heading to the terminal.
Once there, return of the rental car, then check-in formalities.
End of your trip.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Finland for tourism purposes. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport or identity card
Finland is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. Nationals of the EEA can enter Finland with a valid passport or national identity card. The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Swiss nationals, also linked to the Schengen area through bilateral agreements, benefit from the same entry conditions.
Canadian nationals must have a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.
Tourism stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland are not subject to any duration restrictions for their tourism stays in Finland as citizens of the Schengen area or associated countries.
Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourism stays in the Schengen area, of which Finland is part. This exemption allows a stay of maximum 90 days within any 180-day period within the Schengen area.
ETIAS travel authorization
From the date of entry into force of the European system, Canadian nationals (as well as other visa-exempt nationalities) will be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization before traveling to Finland or any other Schengen area country.
This electronic authorization must be requested online before departure. It will be linked to the traveler's passport and valid for multiple stays over a given period. We recommend that you check the status of this system before your trip.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or identity card depending on nationality) covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Finland in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses insurance coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To travel to Finland, you must be in possession of a valid ID card or passport. No special formalities are required upon arrival. The currency used is the euro.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between €230 and €380 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€200-450 return) are additional. Special activities (igloos, northern lights, dog sledding) represent an additional budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — South Helsinki
Creator of Nordic Getaways, based in Norvège et Lituanie
Finland reveals itself through tranquility, seasons, and vast landscapes. What I love is crafting a journey that truly gives you time to feel that Nordic atmosphere.
— Ramuté
