17 days in Finland Itinerary

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Vapriikin Museokeskus and Riihiniemen Uimaranta. Visit Tampereen Tuomiokirkko and Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas for their historical value. Explore Tampere's surroundings by going to Vitikkala Manor (in Jamsa) and Pori (Rosenlew Museum & Yyteri Beach). And it doesn't end there: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, identify plant and animal life at Hatanpaa Arboretum, stroll through Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, and find something for the whole family at Sarkanniemi Theme Park.

To see maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Tampere trip planner.

Auckland, New Zealand to Tampere is an approximately 28-hour combination of flight and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Auckland to Tampere is minus 10 hours. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Auckland in November, with highs in Tampere at 3°C and lows at -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Turku.

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

Popular historic sites such as Turku Castle and Old Rauma are in your itinerary. Museum-lovers will appreciate Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo and Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. Take a break from Turku with a short trip to The Church of the Holy Cross in Rauma, about 1h 25 min away. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, kick back and relax at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, wander the streets of Naantali Old Town, and get engrossed in the history at Forum Marinum Maritime Centre.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, read Turku trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Tampere to Turku by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In November, daytime highs in Turku are 5°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Helsinki.

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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like The National Museum of Finland and Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo). Your inner history buff will appreciate Mannerheim Museum and Temppeliaukio Church. There's lots more to do: visit Katajanokka, admire the striking features of Helsinki Central Railway Station, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral.

Plan my day in Helsinki using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

Traveling by car from Turku to Helsinki takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In November, daytime highs in Helsinki are 5°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Fri) early enough to travel to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

On the 20th (Sat), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel, then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, and then examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Sun): examine the collection at Gold Prospector Museum, then stop by Hippupuoti Gift Shop, and then hit the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort.

For maps, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Saariselka trip planning site.

You can fly from Helsinki to Saariselka in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and bus; or drive. In November, Saariselka is little chillier than Helsinki - with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Mon): identify plant and animal life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm and then hit the slopes at Levi Ski Resort. Here are some ideas for day two: hit the slopes at Kids' Land, bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, and then don't miss a visit to Lapland Hotels SnowVillage.

For where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Levi vacation planning website.

Fly from Saariselka to Levi in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Levi can reach -3°C, while at night they dip to -11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Tue) so you can travel back home.