Discover Finland’s Fine Dining and Foraging Treasures

Helsinki
Year after year, Finland and Helsinki tops the world Happiness index. In Helsinki, we enjoy simple pleasures: clean air, pure water, relaxing sauna, unique food, walking around in the woods and seashore, experiencing various events, enjoying design in everyday life. Helsinki Happiness is the calm and peaceful type; it’s an appreciation for how things work and the ability to pause and admire the little things in life. Helsinki is a place where everyone’s free to be themselves. For more visit www.myhelsinki.fi.

Ruka-Kuusamo
Explore Ruka-Kuusamo, where unique experiences in nature come to life in the rhythm of the changing seasons. Europe’s last wilderness, one of the best year-round outdoor resorts in Finland and the cleanest air in the world combined with local wild food, sauna and quality services are the recipe for a successful trip. We wish you a warm welcome to Ruka-Kuusamo to enjoy special Finnish moments! Take a look: www.ruka.fi.

Bring along

• Good walking shoes
• Waterproof jacket and outdoor pants
• Beanie, scarf and gloves
• Warm layers of wool/fleece
• Warm socks or indoor slippers
• Bathing suit
• Water bottle
• Day pack

Arrival at Helsinki Airport

Approx. 15:30 Joint charter bus transfer from Helsinki Airport to Solo Sokos Hotel Torni
Driver Toni, tel. +358 50 549 6119

Meet your driver at the arrival hall of Helsinki Airport with a sign ’’Visit Finland, Fine Dining & Foraging''. The charter bus transfer is for the whole group, so if you arrive early, take your time to enjoy the cafes and shops at Helsinki Airport before 15:30. The bus will leave once everyone is there. 

Check in to Solo Sokos Hotel Torni
Address: Yrjönkatu 26, Helsinki
Tel: +358 20 1234 604

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Helsinki is an iconic blend of history, art, and modern elegance in the heart of the city. Originally opened in 1931, Torni has been a meeting place for artists, writers, and thinkers for decades. Today, its newly renovated spaces offer a sophisticated and atmospheric stay that honors the building’s Art Deco heritage while embracing contemporary Finnish design. Each room tells a story, with curated details, bold architecture, and panoramic views over the rooftops of Helsinki. Torni’s crown jewel is Ateljee Bar, perched high in the tower with 360-degree views of the capital – from the spires of churches to the sparkle of the Baltic Sea. Downstairs, Restaurant OR and American Bar invite guests to enjoy locally sourced cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in spaces filled with history and charm. @hotellitorni

18:30 Lobby call
Meet your Helsinki Partners host Mrs. Aino Mellais (Senior Manager, Brand & PR) and Visit Finland host Adeline Sutter at the hotel lobby.

19:00 Dinner at Restaurant Skörd
Address: Fredrikinkatu 37, Helsinki

Restaurant Skörd offers farm to table food at its best. All ingredients and drinks come from our beloved homeland Finland, That is, no peppercorns or avocados are found from the other side of the globe. @restaurantskord

Breakfast at hotel

9:30 Lobby call
Meet Helsinki Partners host Mrs. Aino Mellais and Visit Finland host Adeline Sutter at the hotel lobby.

9:30 Transfer by charter bus to Vuosaari

10:00 Foraging in Helsinki: Discover Northern Wild Foods with Anna Nyman
Autumn in Helsinki is a prime occasion to go foraging for mushrooms. We are in search of Finland's most delicious and prized edible mushrooms. When foraging with a professional guide, you will learn how to find, distinguish, and prepare edible mushrooms safely. For ages mushrooms have always played a vital role in local gastronomy and nowadays the foraging as an outdoor activity is very popular among the local Helsinkians. @foragingwithanna

12:15 Transfer by charter bus to Teurastamo

12:30 Lunch at Restaurant Palema
Address: Työpajankatu 2, building 5, Helsinki

Restaurant Palema at the Teurastamo area  serves delicious lunch daily at 11:00-14:00. Open also when there are events in the area, and at other times upon request. In the summer there’s also an outdoor terrace. In the restaurant building is also Teurastamo’s sauna. @ravintolapalema

13:30 Tour around Teurastamo and visit to The Helsinki Distilling Company
The former Helsinki abattoir from 1933, re-opened in 2012 as Teurastamo Helsinki, is a melting pot of food and urban culture. Currently there are a dozen active businesses operating in the Teurastamo area, ranging from restaurants to urban events, from a business college to a coffee roastery and from a distillery to a pasta factory. Together, these businesses form Teurastamo, but the area also serves as the shared living room and backyard of the residents of Helsinki, open all year round and featuring a yard with a grill and a rental sauna. @teurastamo @helsinkidistilling
             
14:30 Free time

16:30 Lobby Call

16:30 Aperitifs at the Ateljée Bar
The views from the restaurant over Helsinki have  become a trademark that is easy to identify and visitors never get tired of praising. At Atelier Bar, everyone can experience carefully selected drinks and enjoy the delicacies prepared with skill. @ateljeebarhelsinki

18:00 Dinner at Restaurant Palace
Address: Eteläranta 10, Helsinki

Palace is so far the only restaurant in Finland who holds two Michelin Stars. Established in 1952, Palace has always been a pioneer of Finnish gastronomy. It was the first Finnish restaurant to receive a Michelin star in 1987. With views over the city and its seascape, the restaurant is located on the 10th floor of a historically significant building that was originally constructed to mark the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki. Today, the Palace kitchen is headed by Chef Eero Vottonen who, together with his team, aims to create an innovative yet sophisticated Nordic dining experience. @palacehelsinki

Early breakfast at hotel and check-out

6:15 Check-out and lobby call
Meet Visit Finland host Adeline Sutter at the hotel lobby.

6:30 Transfer by charter bus to Helsinki Airport 

8:35-10:15 Flight with Finnair to Kuusamo (AY489) 

10:15 Arrival at Kuusamo Airport and transfer to accommodation
Warm welcome to Kuusamo! You will meet your local host at the airport before travelling to your accommodation and program for the day.

10:45 Transfer to accommodation

11:15 Check in to House of Northern Senses and lunch
Address: Virkkulantie 82, Rukatunturi

The House of Northern Senses is a beautiful Manor House Hotel near the famous Ruka Ski Resort and Kuusamo town in Eastern Lapland. They offer premium lakeside accommodation for up to 22 people and unforgettable activities for your holiday. Accommodation includes Bed & Breakfast, with lunch and dinner as optional services. @houseofnorthernsenses

After settling in, you will enjoy a delicious soup lunch with dessert before heading out for the day's activities.

12:30 Transfer by charter bus

13:00 Guided paddling trip on Lake Juuma with Basecamp Oulanka
Located right next to the Oulanka National Park, this unique log house area was planned, built, and has been maintained according to the sustainable concept since 1998, and has a strict code of conduct. All services aim to bring together conservation, community and culture. Here you will explore the crystal-clear waters and beautiful surroundings such as lovely sandy beaches and enjoy a well-deserved after-paddle coffee and berry pie. @basecampoulanka

15:30-16:00 Transfer and quick stop at accommodation before leaving for cooking class

16:15 Transfer by charter bus

16:45 Wild food cooking class and dinner at Studio Restaurant Tundra
Address: Vuotungintie 152, Kuusamo

This unique dining room brings you the freshness of northern nature on a plate in harmony with the cycle of nature, and menus vary according to the seasons and available local ingredients. Tundra’s exquisite dinners are artistic experiences, each a balanced combination of scent, flavor and form, hosted by multi-talented owner, Chef and Ceramic Artist Jarmo Pitkänen. Tonight, you will receive the chef’s introduction to the dishes and drinks selected for the course, have the cooking experience in a professional kitchen and enjoy a three-course dinner. @studiorestauranttundra

20:40 Transfer to sauna experience

21:00 Late night guided sauna experience at Pyhäpiilo
Address: Hietavaarantie 11 G, Rukatunturi

Have you ever tried a traditional smoke sauna? Here in Pyhäpiilo the ancient form of a sauna is brought to life with the latest technology for modern luxury. Pyhäpiilo is hidden in the most beautiful scenery by lake Pyhäjärvi, where you may also soothe your body by dipping in the cold water. Have a relaxing evening! @pyhapiilo @rukansalonki

23:00 Transfer back by charter bus to accommodation

Good night moments under the stars - perhaps with a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

9:00 Breakfast at accommodation

10:00 Transfer by charter bus to outdoor activity

10:30 River floating with Ruka Safaris
Ruka Safaris offers experiences where sustainable development is an integral part of the customer experience. Prepare yourself with relaxed clothing, because here you will meet your guide, dress in a dry suit which keeps you warm and insulated from the water and join an adventure where you will surrender yourself to the freezing cold water. The thrill of going into the cold, flowing water is something special! @rukasafaris

12:30 Transfer by charter bus from Kiveskoski to Ruka Village

13:00 Lunch at Base Eat & Heat 
Base Eat & Heat is a destination located at the top of Saarua slope, where great food, a
soothing sauna and outdoor pools meet breathtaking views. To get there you’ll jump on the
gondola lift that takes you directly to the doorstep of this cozy restaurant to spend a relaxing
lunch break. @baseeatheat

14:45 Transfer by charter bus to bear watching

15:30-19:00 Bear watching experience with Karhu-Kuusamo
Karhu Kuusamo offers a special experience to see these fascinating Finnish national animals in their natural environment, responsibly from a safe distance. During the activity, you will spend some quality time in an authentic arctic wildlife photo booth, which offers excellent opportunities to see and photograph these magnificent beasts. Pack yourself some snacks and water for cosiness. @karhukuusamo

19:00 Transfer by charter bus to dinner and some free time to get to know Ruka Village

20:30 Dinner at Wild food restaurant Rukan Kuksa 
Rukan Kuksa is a home for local high quality wild food. Dishes are made with fresh ingredients and a warm heart, using a special culinary repertoire that represents both the region and nature’s many dimensions. A three-course menu will be served for you. Did you know that Rukan Kuksa turned 10 years just recently - here here! @rukankuksa

21:15 Transfer by charter bus to accommodation

22:00 Late night sauna at accommodation
Another warming chance to enjoy the Finnish sauna tradition! Relax after a long day in the spa of House of Northern Senses. In between sauna sessions, you can jump into the pool and enjoy cold drinks, or maybe you'll even dare to take a little evening swim in the lake?

8:00 Breakfast at accommodation

9:00 Check-out and transfer to Palosaari reindeer farm

9:35 Visit to Palosaari Reindeer and Fishing Farm and coffee
At this sustainably operating traditional farm, every customer is welcomed as a guest. During your visit, you will have a moment to immerse yourself in authentic countryside life and get acquainted with the world of reindeer while enjoying a cup of farewell coffee and lunch snacks before your journey home. @reindeerandfishingranch

11:30 Transfer by charter bus to Kuusamo Airport

13:00-14:40 Flight with Finnair to Helsinki (AY490)

Relax in Finnair Lounges
Combining Nordic design, atmosphere and hospitality, Finnair Lounges at Helsinki Airport invite you to spend a hassle-free moment before your flight. They offer two lounges at Helsinki Airport – one on the Schengen side, and another on the non-Schengen side of the airport. For more details, please visit www.finnair.com.

Visit Finland has booked lounge access to Finnair Lounges. Please present your confirmation upon arrival at the lounge.

Flights with Finnair from Helsinki from 16:00 onwards, according to the flight schedule.