The Turku Archipelago
7 Days Starting and ending in Turku
Visiting: Finland
Tour Overview
The Turku archipelago is one of Finland's most stunning natural phenomena - 20,000 islands stretching out into the sea from the city of Turku in the southwest part of the country. Cycling a circular route around the main islands is made easy, and exciting by a system of local ferry services. Experience the peaceful nature of meandering by bike around rural Finland, the enchantment of the sea, the beauty of the inner islands, wholesome Finnish cooking and picturesque harbour villages. Our cycling tour starts and ends in Turku, Finland's oldest city, where you will enjoy a ride around the historic city with its medieval castle, cathedral and riverside paths. Enjoy the unique pleasure of hopping between the small islands off Finland's southwest coast.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Turku
Make your own way to Turku, a bustling summer city on the south-west coast of Finland. There is a medieval castle and cathedral, and a wide selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Overnight in Turku centre.
Day 2 : Cycle To Nauvo Island, The Main Archipelago Island (57Km/35.5Mi)
This morning, collect your bicycles and and head south-east out of the city. A fine system of Bike Lanes keeps you out of the traffic as you head into the archipelago. After a short ferry ride you arrive on the island of Nauvo for an overnight stay by the sea.
Day 3 : Archipelago Cycle And Ferry Hop To Houtskar Island (38Km/24Mi)
A choice of routes takes you across a couple of islands to Houtskär. An excellent dinner is included tonight in hotel’s top-rated restaurant.
Day 4 : Cycle Then Ferry To Korpo, Additional Cycle Options (20Km/12.5Mi)
There is one relaxing ferry journey today between two of the largest of the archipelago islands, Houtskär and Korpo. The 20km riding distance is between the overnight hotels but there are various possible ways to get some extra cycling in for those who wish. Dinner tonight is a 5 course local tasting menu in the highly-regarded hotel restaurant. Overnight on Korpo island.
Day 5 : Cross To Bustling Nauvo And Continue By Bike Via Rymattyla To Naantali (57Km/35.5Mi)
Return to Nauvo, the main archipelago island. Nauvo village has a bustling harbour. Take the ferry north back to the mainland and continue by bike via Rymättylä to Naantali, an idyllic seaside village with cobbled streets and old wooden houses around a bustling harbour. Overnight in the Old Town at Naantali, where there are plenty of local restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Day 6 : Return To Turku (17Km/10.6Mi)
Free time in Naantali or in Turku, according to your preference - it's a short ride today. Return your bicycles on arrival in Turku. Overnight in Turku centre.
Day 7 : Trip Concludes Turku
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in small hotels and guesthouses -
6 breakfasts, 2 dinners (a 3 course dinner and a 5 course tasting menu)
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6 nights accommodation in small hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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All necessary ferry fees
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Information pack with digital route details (GPS Tracks) plus map and leaflet including ferry timings (one set per room)
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Emergency hotline
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24 speed bike hire including helmet, repair kit, phone attachment and panniers to carry your gear for the trip (e-bike available - supplement applies)
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Main luggage storage during the trip. You carry your gear for the week in the panniers provided. Optional daily luggage transfer is available - supplement applies - must be pre-booked and pre-paid.
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Travel to and from Turku
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Dinners not noted as included, all lunches & beverages
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Entrance fees
What's Not Included
Accommodation
6 nights in small hotels and guesthouses
Accommodation is in small hotels and guesthouses with private facilities. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space though some accommodations may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests.
What You Carry
As there are no luggage transfers included, you will carry your gear for the week in the large waterproof panniers provided. Optional daily luggage transfers from hotel to hotel are available, supplement applies (minimum 2 pieces for this service).
Grading
TRIP GRADING - MODERATE (3)
The trip requires a good level of fitness to fully participate in the cycling, with daily cycle distances from 17 to 57km (10.5 to 35.5mi) per day. It is generally easy, but with occasional rolling sections and 2 days of cycling over 50km/31mi. During the cycle you will share the roads with other vehicles, although usually the island traffic is quiet. Nevertheless you should be comfortable riding on roads with passing traffic.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.