12 days in Helsinki Region & Naantali Itinerary

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Attractions like Temppeliaukio Church and Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali) make great kid-friendly stops. Get out of town with these interesting Helsinki side-trips: Heureka (in Vantaa), Sarkanniemi Theme Park (in Tampere) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). The adventure continues: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, don't miss a visit to Senate Square, and admire nature's wide array of creatures at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary planner.

Newark, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 14-hour combination of car and flight. Traveling from Newark to Helsinki, you'll lose 7 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Newark in August; daily highs in Helsinki reach 69°F and lows reach 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Naantali.

Naantali is a town in south-western Finland, known as one of the most important tourist centres of the country. Kick off your visit on the 20th (Tue): step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle, then wander the streets of Naantali Old Town, and then have some family-friendly fun at Moomin World. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Wed): examine the collection at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, then steep yourself in history at Turku Cathedral, and then get in on the family fun at Vaski Adventure Island.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read our Naantali vacation planning website.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Naantali takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. Expect a daytime high around 68°F in August, and nighttime lows around 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to drive to Porvoo.

Porvoo, one of Finland's oldest and prettiest towns, boasts cobbled streets, famous red-brick warehouses, and a charming river.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Thu): steep yourself in history at The Runeberg Home, enjoy the sea views from Söderskärin majakka, steep yourself in history at Castle Hill, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedral of Porvoo, then revel in the low prices at Brunberg Candy Factory Shop, and finally don't miss a visit to Porvoo Old Town.

To see photos, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Porvoo vacation tool.

Traveling by car from Naantali to Porvoo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 68°F, and evening lows to 53°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) early enough to travel back home.