12 days in Helsinki, Turku & Rovaniemi 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.

Appreciate the collections at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Sea Fortress Suomenlinna. Step off the beaten path and head to Nuuksio National Park and Ekenas Archipelago National Park. There's still lots to do: take a stroll through Katajanokka.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, go to the Helsinki driving holiday website .

Phoenix, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 9 hours traveling from Phoenix to Helsinki. Traveling from Phoenix in June, things will get colder in Helsinki: highs are around 65°F and lows about 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Tue) so you can drive to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

You'll explore and learn at Turku Castle and Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. Get in touch with nature at Bellevue Beach and The Archipelago Trail. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Turku: Rauma (Old Rauma & The Church of the Holy Cross). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, kick back and relax at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, admire the striking features of St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel, and view the masterpieces at Gallery A.

To find ratings, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Turku sightseeing website .

You can drive from Helsinki to Turku in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or fly. In July, daytime highs in Turku are 70°F, while nighttime lows are 52°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Fri) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

An urban center set amongst the great Arctic wilderness, Rovaniemi serves as the capital of Lapland province.

Step out of the city life by going to Pyha-Luosto National Park and Kopara Reindeer Park. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Syvasenvaara Fell and Kemi Church. Step out of Rovaniemi with an excursion to Church of Sodankyla in Sodankyla--about 1h 55 min away. And it doesn't end there: examine the collection at Santa's House of Snowmobiles, have fun at Santa Claus Office, look for gifts at Your Piece Of Finland, and explore the different monuments and memorials at German Soldier s Cemetery.

For photos, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Rovaniemi journey planning website .

Traveling by flight from Turku to Rovaniemi takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In July in Rovaniemi, expect temperatures between 67°F during the day and 52°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.