Island Hopping in Finland – 7 Days
Type of tour: Self-guided
Level: 2
Duration: 6 Nights
Distance: 26 Miles/day average
Dates: Sundays: Jun 21-Aug 23, 2015 (minimum 2 persons)
Tour price: €939
Start city: Turku, Finland
End city: Turku, Finland
Tour Description
Our cycling tour around the Finnish archipelago, hops from island to island using local ferries. The Turku archipelago are one of Finland’s most stunning natural phenomena- 20,000 islands stretching out into the sea from the city of Turku in the country’s south-west.
Cycling a circular route around the main islands is made easy, and exciting, by a system of local ferry services, constantly going back and forth acting like bridges. As well as the fun of the ferries, there are also picturesque harbour villages to visit, and the true peace of the nature. The cycling route starts and ends in Turku – the formal capital of Finland, and a bustling, attractive market town.
Our route is a combination of the best of everything in the area. You get to stay in the most beautiful natural surroundings with dinner cooked by your hosts, but you also get to experience picturesque harbour villages with a choice of excellent local restaurants, and to stay in the heart of Turku, European Capital of Culture 2011.
Highlights: Self-guided Daily Program: Self-guided Day 1: Arrival to Turku Day 2: Turku -Kustavi (42 miles/68 km) Day 3: Kustavi – Korpoo (21 miles/34 km) Day 4: Korpoo Day 5: Korpoo – Naantali (35 miles/57 km) Day 6: Naantali -Turku (9 miles/14 km) Day 7: Departure Included Services: Self-guided Bike Rentals: Self-guided All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: Pedals: Seats: Helmets: Additional specifications on the Hybrid touring bikes: Additional specifications on the Electrically assisted bikes:
Personal arrival to Turku. Turku is a bustling summer city, on the south-west coast of Finland, with the River Aura cutting right through its heart. There is plenty to see, including a medieval castle and cathedral, and a wide selection of excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Overnight in Turku.
Collect your bicycles and ride north-west and out into the countryside. Soon the island-hopping begins with a relaxing 45 minute ferry journey. After an invigorating day’s ride, relax in the sauna at your harbourside accommodation where you stay in thatched cabins. Overnight in Kustavi, breakfast & dinner.
Overnight in Kustavi.
Today is the main island-hopping day with 5 ferry journeys, reaching the very heart of the archipelago. The tiny peaceful island of Iniö is the remotest spot of the trip. Houtskär island has some of the region’s most challenging cycling, but you can rest on the 30 minute ferry ride to the next island! On Korpoo island stay overnight in a wonderful B&B, a former barn converted to a guest house.
Overnight on Korpoo, dinner bed and breakfast.
Free day to cycle at your leisure. There are various possible circular routes we suggest on Korppoo island or the neighbouring island of Nauvo. Whichever you choose, beautiful archipelago landscapes and harbour villages await. Ride to nearby local restaurant for dinner. Overnight on Korppoo island, bed & breakfast.
Overnight on Nauvo island.
Cross over 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 a spa hotel in Naantali, with plenty of local restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Overnight in Naantali.
Free time in Naantali, or in Turku according to your preference. Short ride back to Turku. Return your bicycles. Overnight in Turku centre, bed and breakfast.
Overnight in Turku.
Personal departure from Turku.
Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. Toe cages are not available to rent.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please make sure it will be compatible with a 27.2 to 31.4 mm seat post. If necessary, you may also need to bring your own adapter. The tour company will assist in switching the seat post for you.
Helmets are NOT included with the bike rentals. You can buy a helmet (not rent) from the tour company for 30 Euros. It will be a high quality, brand new helmet. You must let us know your helmet preference upon booking. If you do not buy a helmet through the tour company, we recommend you bring your own.
A Pedelec is an electrically assisted bike which assists you only when pedaling. You can turn the motor on/off, and also increase the amount of assistance you would like depending on the terrain. The motor is fixed in the bottom bracket of the bike, right in front of the rear tire, and can assist you up to a speed of 15 miles/hour (25 km/hr). The supply of energy comes from a removable battery, which can last for up to 50 miles (80 kms). An additional battery is provided too, just to make sure that you always have power (you can charge batteries each night at the hotels). The weight of the e-bike is approximately 50 pounds (23 kgs). It has an illuminated LCD display, cycle computer, and wattage display.
