Highlights & Architecture

Drive along the road through woodlands and the lake country to Hvittrask, the former home of the famous Finnish architects Eliel Saarinen, Armas Lindgren and Herman Gesellius. Built in 1902, Hvittrask is famous for its architecture with buildings of natural stone and logs. Situated on a forested hill overlooking a lake, Hvittrask is now an exhibition center for Finnish arts and crafts. You’ll have time to explore the grounds and a guide will escort you through the magnificent home of Eliel Saarinen. Returning to the city you’ll pass by the Finlandia Hall and Parliament House. A brief stop will be made at the Senate Square from where you’ll see the Lutheran Cathedral, the University, and Senate buildings. Passing Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral and the Presidential Palace, it’s on to visit the unique Temppeliaukio Rock Church blasted into solid rock. At the end of the tour, you can get off in the downtown area to explore the city on your own or return by your bus to the cruise pier. Should you decide to remain in the city, you’ll be responsible for your own return to the cruise pier. Note: Order of tour may vary. Guides are not allowed to escort large groups through churches while service is in progress. In this instance the guide will describe the church from the outside. We cannot guarantee entry if services are being held. Guests must be able to perform substantial walks over uneven surfaces and climb 20 steps while at Hvittrask exhibition center. Due to new traffic restrictions, buses will no longer be allowed to drive nearby the rock church; therefore there will be a 20 minute walk to and from the church (approximately 1,600 feet).