Explore the world's largest island archipelago - Stockholm, Aland, Turku and Helsinki

Day 1 - Stockholm

On arrival at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore at leisure.

Stockholm is wonderfully walkable with wide, tree-lined boulevards and grand architecture. Begin in Gamla Stan, the medieval Old Town dating back to the 13th century. Spread across Stadsholmen and the nearby islets of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen and Stromsborg, it’s a maze of cobbled lanes, handsome squares and rust-coloured townhouses. Souvenir shops, cosy cafes and atmospheric bars line the narrow alleyways. From here, wander past the Royal Palace (the changing of the guard takes place at lunchtime) and continue towards Norrmalm and Ostermalm, Stockholm’s shopping and business districts, before reaching the long waterfront promenade that curves around to the island-nature reserve of Djurgarden. Stockholm offers no shortage of museums; highlights include the Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum, the City Hall - home of the Nobel Prize banquet - and the Museum of Modern Art.

Overnight in Stockholm (B&B)

Stockholm, Sweden

Day 2 - Mariehamn

Stockholm is built across 14 islands between the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren. This morning at 07:00, board the Viking Line ship to the Aland archipelago, sailing through the breathtaking Stockholm Skargard - an expanse of some 30,000 islands. Sit out on deck as island life awakens beneath the rising sun.

The crossing to Aland takes 5 1/2 hours (plus a one-hour time difference). The spectacle continues on arrival: Aland comprises 6,700 islands, rich in maritime culture and serene natural beauty. Dock in Mariehamn and make the short (900m) walk to your hotel.

Overnight in Aland (B&B)

Mariehamn

Day 3 - Explore Mariehamn

Mariehamn (Maarianhamina in Finnish) is the capital of Aland. Though politically part of Finland, the islands are culturally and linguistically Swedish.

Spend the day exploring at your own pace. Life revolves around the lively waterfront, but the town centre offers leafy parks, gardens, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. In summer, Mariehamn comes alive with events ranging from flea markets to concerts and local festivals. To understand Aland’s maritime heritage, visit the Pommern Museum Ship, a four-masted sailing vessel, along with the excellent Aland Maritime Museum.

Overnight in Aland (B&B)

Mariehamn

Day 4 - Turku

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Mariehamn. Bicycles and motorboats (up to 60hp) can be rented locally. A favourite outing is a gentle cycle south along the Alandsvagen Road to the picturesque island of Jarso - an 18km return route. Mostly paved and hugging the shoreline, it crosses several small islands by bridge and offers uninterrupted coastal scenery. It’s especially beautiful in early summer; pack a picnic or stop for a swim along the way.

In the afternoon, board the ship to Turku, Finland’s oldest city, passing through yet another vast archipelago of over 20,000 islands. Enjoy a buffet lunch or early dinner on board. On arrival, self-transfer to your city-centre hotel (approx. 3km). Turku boasts a rich history, medieval castle and cathedral, plus a vibrant food and creative scene shaped by its 20,000 university students.

Overnight in Turku (B&B)

Viking Line to Turku

Day 5 - Discover Turku

Today is free to discover Turku at your own pace. Begin at the Cathedral, then stroll along the riverfront towards the castle, stopping at cafés and riverside terraces along the way.

Art lovers will enjoy the Turku Art Museum, Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art and the Sibelius Museum. Active travellers may opt for the Archipelago Trail, a circular cycling route linking islands via bridges and ferries - a perfect way to slow down and immerse yourself in local life.

Overnight in Turku (B&B)

Turku, Finland

Day 6 - Helsinki

Take the morning train from Turku to Helsinki (approx. 2 hours). On arrival, it’s a short walk, metro ride or taxi transfer to your hotel.

Helsinki is compact and easy to navigate, with most key sights within a 30-minute walk. Begin exploring around Senate Square, Market Square (Kauppatori), the Esplanade, and the Old Town of Vanhakaupunki. Nearby are the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, City Hall, and the historic Old Market Hall, a wonderful spot for a light lunch of Finnish delicacies.

Overnight in Helsinki (B&B)

Helsinki, Finland

Day 7 - Explore Helsinki

Today is yours to enjoy Helsinki at your own pace. Wander its elegant boulevards or explore the Design District, known for its independent boutiques, artisan studios and creative energy. Architectural highlights abound - not least the extraordinary Temppeliaukio Rock Church, carved directly into granite, and the award-winning Oodi Library, a showcase of contemporary Finnish design.

Helsinki’s coastal setting is part of its charm. Stroll the waterfront promenades, relax in leafy parks, or stop for Finnish pastries in one of the city’s stylish cafes. For pure relaxation, visit the Allas Sea Pools or the striking seaside sauna Loyly. A short ferry ride takes you to Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once there, you can wander historic battlements, artisan workshops and scenic walking trails. Longer archipelago cruises - some including dinner - offer a beautiful perspective of Helsinki from the water.

Overnight in Helsinki (B&B)

Helsinki

Day 8 - Overnight cruise to Stockholm

Enjoy a leisurely morning before boarding your overnight ship to Stockholm in the afternoon.

Accommodation is provided on board.

Cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm

Day 9 - Discover Stockholm at your leisure

Arrive in Stockholm this morning and self-transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time in the city - perfect for browsing boutiques or revisiting favourite sights.

Overnight in Stockholm (B&B)

Vasa Museum, Stockholm

Day 10 - Day of departure

After breakfast, self-transfer to Stockholm Arlanda Airport for your return flight home.