Explore Helsinki’s hidden gems and Porvoo’s medieval charm on a private car tour. Discover history, architecture, and Finnish culture in one unforgettable journey.
Explore Helsinki’s hidden gems and Porvoo’s medieval charm on a private car tour. Discover history, architecture, and Finnish culture in one unforgettable journey.
- Senate Square - Helsinki was founded in 1550 appr. 6 km from here. Senate square is a birthplace of 2nd Helsinki that we can admire. The mystery of the 1st one you will know at the tour. See the marvel of Engel’s work German architect in Finland has built a capital from scratch after a devastating fire of 1808. Our walk through centuries starts…
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Senate Square - Helsinki was founded in 1550 appr. 6 km from here. Senate square is a birthplace of 2nd Helsinki that we can admire. The mystery of the 1st one you will know at the tour. See the marvel of Engel’s work German architect in Finland has built a capital from scratch after a devastating fire of 1808. Our walk through centuries starts here: in the oldest part of Helsinki preserved.
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The National Library of Finland - Engel’s library worthy of a new capital of Grand Dutchy of Finland, though library collection dates back to 1640. Old, classical, incredibly beautiful. This oldest Helsinki library will be our reference point for comparison with 21 centrury library, Oodi.
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Helsinki Cathedral - Helsinki pearl - a lutheran church that puzzles you by its architecural decisions. Try to guess where the bells are! Or what is under the church… A key to 19th century heart of Finland.
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Kauppatori - Swedes were founding cities by the shore, and Finnish gulf is the reason why Helsinki is on this spot. Look around, spot sauna, try national food, berries and shop for souvenirs, see the ferry to Suomenlinna, Swedish fortress and UNESCO sights worthy of your visit.
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Presidential Palace - Presidential palace - where the ball of year takes place and our president works. Prevoiusly is served as a residence to Russian tzars and their families and was at the very border of Helsinki. 19th century city ended here.
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Old Market Hall - From 1889 and with Swedish influence in the midst of Finland. Old and charming! Have a taste of Finland: salmon sandwich on rye bread is delicious.
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Havis Amanda - A fountain from 1908, by Ville Vallgren. Beloved by citizens and a political sign in Russian time. Hear about Finnish tradition of May 1st and learn about Finnish character.
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The Esplanadi Park - Helsinki central park that attracts locals and tourists likewise by its shade, ice cream shops, monuments and beauty. Spot Kappeli café and restaurant from 1865. Esplanadi was a border of 19th century Helsinki. With fashion shops and luxurious restaurant it has something to offer to every person.
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Johan Ludvig Runeberg Statue - Meet and greet Johan Ludwig Runeberg - first Finnish national poet who wrote only in Swedish. In Esplanadi central place is dedicated to him and shows appreciation that he deserves still. On his birthday Finnish flags are hanging in his honor, and shops are full of pastries by the recipe of his wife. Monument is made by his son, Walter Runeberg.
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Central Library Oodi - “Library” and much more in one building with a magnificent view to the Parliament, Finnish National museum, Hakasalmi villa, Finlandia Concert Hall. Take a break and have a moment of piece. From the balcony you see 19-20-21 centuries intervowen in a beautiful panorama of Helsinki.
drinking Finnish coffee and eating cinnamon bun. -
Porvoo Artillery Memorial - After 40 min drive to Porvoo we park at the entrance into Porvoo Old town. This is where the King’s road went through. Here starts our 2h walk in Finland 2nd oldest city. Let’s travel back in time and enjoy Swedish heritage Medieval city.
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Cathedral of Porvoo - Ex-catholic, now lutheran church from Medieval times. Probably, stone church was already built in 1450s and the surface under the church was a graveyard for Porvoo citizens for centuries. Look at the old paintings on the wall, find the dates on the lanterns, know the purpose of a ship under the ceiling, get puzzled by Alexander I statue in the church and admire old Christian church Finland is particularly proud of.
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The Devil’s Stairs - Let’s walk to Chapter House, the border of old town, see the first house where J.L. Runeberg lived and get to the devil’s stairs! There is nothing about the devil, really, however, these stairs were not made by man, but ny nature itself. Feel the stillness of Porvoo and see how Finns live and understand Finnish character a bit better.
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Edelfeltin patsas - Edelfelt had an eye for Porvoo and enjoy painting one street after another. Paintings without a story, pure picture of life from 19 century.
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Gallery Vanha Kappalaisentalo - Let’s enter a house from 1763 and see an exhibition by Finnish artists.
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Porvoo Old Town - Here we walk Jokikatu and Valikatu, enter souvenir shops, admire old houses and have time for local specialties.
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Tea and Coffee House Helmi - A time and place to enjoy local specialty - Runeberg’s cake and local coffee blend! Or a bite of salmon quiche? Price: 10-15 euros
Should you prefer having lunch, we go to Hanna Maria restaurant: price 15-20 euros
- Sibelius Monument - Extra option: should we have extra time by the end of the tour, we can drive to Sibelius monument and admire a view of true Finnish nature: rocks, pines, sea!
- Nissan Qashqai car, Personalized route, Professional guide
- Pick-up and drop-off locations of your choosing :)
- Walking: Helsinki 1.5 h + Porvoo 2h
- Bottled water
- Driving: 2.5h
- Guide in Person
- Children: tell their age so that we could provide car seats for them
- Advices for your own further Helsinki exploration: a list of tips
- Nissan Qashqai car, Personalized route, Professional guide
- Pick-up and drop-off locations of your choosing :)
- Walking: Helsinki 1.5 h + Porvoo 2h
- Bottled water
- Driving: 2.5h
- Guide in Person
- Children: tell their age so that we could provide car seats for them
- Advices for your own further Helsinki exploration: a list of tips
- Helsinki Cathedral Entrance Fee - 8 euros
- Rock Church Entrance Fee - 8 euros
- Snacks
- Helsinki Cathedral Entrance Fee - 8 euros
- Rock Church Entrance Fee - 8 euros
- Snacks
Allow us to pick you up and introduce you to the finest attractions in Helsinki and Porvoo!
The journey starts in Helsinki, where the operator will guide you on a 1.5-hour walk through the historic city center. Discover both classical and hidden gems from the 19th century, blending with the breathtaking Finnish romanticism architecture.
Following a…
Allow us to pick you up and introduce you to the finest attractions in Helsinki and Porvoo!
The journey starts in Helsinki, where the operator will guide you on a 1.5-hour walk through the historic city center. Discover both classical and hidden gems from the 19th century, blending with the breathtaking Finnish romanticism architecture.
Following a picturesque 45-minute drive, the tour arrives in Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest city. Here, you will have 2 hours to explore the charming 18th-century streets, visit the cathedral built in the 1450s, and admire the city’s wooden houses. As you stroll through the medieval town, be sure to enjoy a traditional Finnish pastry at a cozy 1700s café or indulge in a typical Finnish lunch. Please be aware that Porvoo’s streets are cobblestone, so wearing comfortable shoes is highly advised.
The tour concludes with a 45-minute drive back to modern Helsinki, offering time to reflect on the rich history and unique experiences encountered in these two extraordinary cities.
- Cobble stones in Helsinki and Porvoo historical parts: comfortable shoes are a MUST :)
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.