Food influencer trip @explorewithgg

2.55pm Arrival in Helsinki @myhelsinki #myhelsinki

Transfer to Hobo Hotel Helsinki

Your driver Matti (+358 400 515 513) will be waiting for you with a sign 'Giselle Chusan' at the arrivals hall of the airport. 

Check in to Hobo Hotel Helsinki @hobohel

Fresh boutique hotel in the heart of Helsinki. Hobo is a community. A place where to live, work, create, learn and have fun – together. A home for the wild at heart and the constantly curious. With 183 unique rooms, the whole 2nd floor filled with venues, a bar and always something fun happening in house, you’ll find something to love. See you around right at the heart of Helsinki. 

6.30pm Lobby Call

Meet your Helsinki Partners host Aino Mellais (+358 40 708 2851) at the hotel lobby.

7pm Dinner at Restaurant Skörd @restaurantskord

At Restaurant Skörd, you’ll experience local food at its very best. All ingredients and drinks come from our beloved homeland, Finland – so you won’t find any peppercorns or avocados from the other side of the globe here.

In the kitchen, Anton and Jon create a seven-course dinner using only domestic ingredients – the best of the season and as locally sourced as possible. We avoid anything mass-produced, which is why we use plenty of game, freshwater fish, wild herbs, mushrooms, berries, and root vegetables from nearby farms. By fermenting, drying, and pickling, we preserve the season’s bounty for the winter.
  

Breakfast at the hotel 

10am Lobby call 
Meet your MyHelsinki host Kathrin Deter (+358 44 239 0556) at the hotel lobby. 

Highlights of Helsinki 

The tour focuses on the fresh and surprising character of Helsinki. During the tour you will be introduced to the main attractions of Helsinki as well as to some of the hot spots of the local design scene and explore different types of urban phenomena and venues. You will also discover a few delicious secrets of Helsinki’s food culture. Explore and be inspired!  

12.30pm Lunch at Story Kauppahalli @storyvanhakauppahalli

Story’s portions are prepared on the location in the in-house kitchen. Breakfast omelettes, eggs benedict, porridge and house granola are daily treats. Lunch dishes include homestyle meals, a daily changing meat or fish option, and salads changing weekly according to the season. Story’s bread and patisserie products come from the own bakery.
 

2pm Coffees and cinnamon buns 

Cinnamon Roll Day or Cinnamon Bun Day falls on 4 October each year. It is an annual theme day created for marketing purposes in the Nordics that was instituted in 1999.  

3pm Free time

Free time for shopping and independent exploring! Fresh, surprising, dynamic, and lively. Enjoy the slow rhythm of urban Helsinki!  

6.30pm Lobby Call

Meet your MyHelsinki host Kathrin Deter at the hotel lobby.

7pm Dinner at Restaurant YesYesYes @yesyesyeshelsinki

YesYesYes is a vegetarian restaurant with vibrant atmosphere and seasonally changing menu. Our kitchen makes all components from scratch, using the highest quality ingredients from local farms.

Breakfast at the hotel  

Short walk to the Helsinki Central Railway Station 

9.24-10.58am Train Helsinki – Tampere @visittampereofficial

Lillan Hotel & Kök @lillan_hotel

Lillan is a boutique hotel with a warm atmosphere. Lillan has also breakfast café, lounge and dinner restaurant Kök in the beautiful garden district of Viinikka. The hotel is located only 1.5 km from the center of Tampere. Lillan’s wooden building is dating back to 1927, and the hotel has unique rooms and a peaceful atmosphere. All of Lillan’s unique hotel rooms are decorated in an elaborate wooden house atmosphere, with high quality and modern amenities.  

11.15am Brunch at Restaurant Lillan Kök

Welcome to the chef’s weekend brunch! Fresh local ingredients, a rich selection of vegetarian options and traditional classic brunch elements guarantee a tasty start to the morning.

1pm Check-in at Lillan Hotel & Kök (you will get access your room after the brunch) 

1.40pm Transfer with Menevä Taxi to Pyynikki (the taxi will wait you in front of the hotel)

The taxi is pre-booked & paid, you will receive a text message before the car arrives.  

2-3.30pm Walk in Pyynikki Nature Reserve & coffee with doughnuts at Pyynikki observation tower  
IG: @visittampereofficial; @adventureapes; @pyynikin_munkkikahvila 
Guide: Patrick Ford, +358 44 9990701

Tampere boasts plenty of urban nature and lake nature in and around the city centre, there are plenty of easy-to-access nature trails in the city. You can also easily take the tram or the city bus to various nature trails. There are also three different national parks in the Tampere region. At this time of year, there might be some lingonberries in the forest to be picked!

Afternoon coffee will be served at the world’s largest gravel ridge Pyynikinharju and its Pyynikki Observation Tower, one of the most popular local sights in Tampere. Pyynikki Observation Tower is located in the Pyynikki Nature Reserve, just a stone’s throw away from the main street. Indulge yourself with the famous doughnuts from the café after enjoying the views! These doughnuts are the best in Finland, some say even the best in the world!

Today, you will explore Pyynikki with Adventure Apes. Adventure Apes organizes customized and ready-made guided tours. They have grown out of a passion for helping adventurers make genuine connections not only with nature but also with the local community. Adventure Apes believe that culturally authentic adventures allow visitors from around the world to experience a new perspective on life and help our local community thrive in a sustainable way.  

3.30pm Transfer with Menevä Taxi to the sauna restaurant (the taxi will wait you in front of the observation tower)

The taxi is pre-booked & paid, you will receive a text message before the car arrives.

3.45pm-> Sauna & dinner at Sauna Restaurant Kuuma 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @saunaravintolakuuma 
You will meet Tuomas Paloniemi from Visit Tampere in front of the sauna.

Saunas are at the heart of Finnish wellness. The status as Tampere being the Sauna Capital is based on saunas being of high level and Tampere being home to most public saunas in Finland. The history of the sauna culture in the city goes back to the oldest public sauna still functioning in Finland: Rajaportti Sauna from 1906. There are also other interesting saunas, such as the Sauna Restaurant Kuuma.

Saunaravintola Kuuma is a public sauna but also an idyllic restaurant, right in the middle of the city. Kuuma offers a social, cozy “living room for everybody” in a New-Nordic style. There are three mixed sauna rooms in this public sauna. You can also have a dip in the cold lake water! Take your bathing suits & flip-flops / sandals with you, the towels will be provided for you from the sauna. We will enjoy a dinner after having a sauna. Our suggestion is the traditional Finnish salmon soup.

Transfer to the hotel 

Breakfast at the hotel

10.40am Transfer with Menevä Taxi to the Market Hall (the taxi will wait you in front of the hotel)

The taxi is pre-booked & paid, you will receive a text message before the car arrives.  

11am-1.30pm Guided walking tour in the city, with delights from the Tampere Market Hall, Tallipiha Chocolate shop & Vohvelikahvila 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @tampereenkauppahalli; @suklaapuoti; @tampereenvohvelikahvila 
Guide: Katja Villemonteix, +358 50 366 3822. You will meet Katja at the entrance of the Market Hall.

Tampere Market Hall is a historic and vibrant indoor market located in the heart of Tampere. The hall dates back to 1901 and is a cherished landmark in the city. Inside, visitors can explore a wide range of stalls and vendors offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products. It's a fantastic place to sample traditional Finnish foods, such as the traditional black sausage, Finnish cheese, pastries, chocolate, and to experience the local culinary culture.

Tallipiha Stable Yards is one of the most beautiful parts of the old Tampere, set in the Finlayson area. Nowadays the buildings are housed by idyllic shops, a chocolate shop and a café.

Tampereen Vohvelikahvila (The Waffle Café) is a small and charming café close to the Tammerkoski rapids. Waffles have been baked in this century-old building for the past thirty years. Over the years, the house has also hosted a cobbler’s shop, an antiquarian bookstore, and a bookbindery. The Waffle Café serves both sweet and savory waffles. You will enjoy a lunch here.

1.30pm Transfer with Menevä Taxi to Niihaman Ulkoilumaja (the taxi will wait you in front of Vohvelikahvila). 

The taxi is pre-booked & paid, and you will receive a text message before the car arrives. You will meet Tuomas/Visit Tampere at Vohvelikahvila before taking the taxi. 

2-4pm Finnish campfire stick buns & Finnish-style pancakes at Niihaman Ulkoilumaja
IG: @visittampereofficial; @niihamanulkoilumaja
Niihaman Ulkoilumaja is part of Tampere’s outdoor tradition. It's a place where nature, good food, and relaxation come together. Just a short distance from the city center, along the scenic Kauppi outdoor trails, it has been a beloved spot for both everyday moments and special celebrations.

What could be a better way to enjoy an afternoon coffee than by baking your own Finnish campfire stick buns, twisting the soft dough around a stick and letting it slowly turn golden over the fire? Paired with delicate, Finnish-style thin pancakes, it’s a taste of tradition that will stay with you long after your visit. Just remember to dress comfortably for the outdoors!

4pm Transfer with Menevä Taxi to the hotel

The taxi is pre-booked & paid, and you will receive a text message before the car arrives.

Free time

5.45pm Transfer with Menevä Taxi to the restaurant (the taxi will wait you in front of the hotel) 

The taxi is pre-booked & paid, you will receive a text message before the car arrives.

6-8pm Dinner at Restaurant Tampella 
IG: @visittampereofficial; @ravintolatampella

Today, you’ll experience Restaurant Tampella and its charm and uniqueness. Restaurant is in an old factory building – the historic red brick walls and picturesque views of Finnish national scenery make a beautiful setting for your lunch. The menu comes from the kitchens of the world, but its roots are based on local traditions.  

8pm Transfer with Menevä Taxi to the hotel (the taxi will wait you near-by the restaurant) 

The taxi is pre-booked & paid, and you will receive a text message before the car arrives.

Break at the hotel

10.15pm Transfer with Menevä Taxi to the train station (the taxi will wait you in front of the hotel) 

The taxi is pre-booked & paid, and you will receive a text message before the car arrives. 

11.09pm Night train to Rovaniemi 

Upstairs cabin for two with a private toilet and shower.

7.20am Arrival by Night Train to Rovaniemi @visitrovaniemi #visitrovaniemi

Transfer to Apukka Resort @apukkaresort

With signature glass igloos and Aurora suites, bucket list activities and tours and sauna experiences, this Resort is a must for all looking for real wonderland holiday.

Breakfast at Restaurant Aitta

Surrounded by the history and tales of the 100-year-old timber log walls, Restaurant Aitta transports you to a rustic time of mystical stories and the legends of Lapland. Tastefully decorated and featuring a large fireplace and a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape and Lake Olkka, Restaurant Aitta specializes in experiences – both on your plate and within its four walls. Enjoy a meal and allow your senses to surrender to the delicious aromas of the Lapland in Rovaniemi.

Check in to Kammi Glass Igloo Suite 

Kammi is often hailed as the crown jewel among Apukka Resort’s holiday accommodations. It boasts a two-story layout with a stunning glass roof on the second floor. Additionally, it offers a generous seating area and a fully equipped kitchenette.

12-2pm Autumn Husky Ride on Wheels 
You may have heard of husky sleigh rides, but about wheeled cart rides? Take charge of your own group of huskies and discover the ever-changing autumn landscapes as you traverse through nature.

4-5.30pm Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath 
Bask in the soothing warmth of our Lakeside Sauna and enjoy authentic Finnish relaxation. No matter the season, a refreshing plunge into Lake Olkka always offers an invigorating thrill!

7pm Apukka Dinner Experience: Route to Arctic Ocean, a 4-course dinner menu in Restaurant Aitta 

Embark on a culinary journey at Aitta restaurant, where the flavors of the Arctic Ocean and Lappish forests come together on your plate.

Overnight at Apukka Resort

Breakfast in Restaurant Aitta (available from 7.30am)

9.30am Meet Visit Rovaniemi Guide at the hotel reception / Transfer to Arctic Circle @santaclausvillageofficial

10am The magical day begins early with meeting with Santa Claus in his office @santaclausoffice

Getting to know the Santa Claus Village which is Lapland’s best-known year round attraction with crossing the iconic Arctic Circle, the latitude that runs 66°33′45.9″ north of the Equator.

10.30am Visit to Santa Claus’ Main Post Office @santaclausmainpostoffice

We will visit Santa Claus’ Main Post Office to learn that Santa Claus has received almost 25 million letters from about 200 countries and send our very own Christmas cards, stamped by the Post Elves with Arctic Circle Stamp.

11.15am Visit to Mrs. Santa Claus Christmas Cottage @mrssantaclauscc

The sweet and charming Mrs. Santa Claus at Mrs. Santa Claus Christmas Cottage is the soul of Christmas preparations. She is known for her kindness, wisdom, and a twinkle in her eye that spreads happiness to everyone she meets.

In Santa Claus Village we will also meet Santas Reindeer (@santaclausreindeer). In Rovaniemi there are app. 12 500 reindeer and the reindeer husbandry has been a way of life here for centuries. The local reindeer herders live with their animals through the year, and for most of them the reindeer provide a livelihood.

12.30pm Lunch at Kotahovi Restaurant @laplandrestaurant

1.30-2.30pm Free time at Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is also a place for good shopping, like well-known Finnish brands Iittala, Marimekko, Pentik and Moomin Shop. Other smaller souvenir shops are offering wide range of Christmas decorations and other mementos from Lapland.

2.30pm Transfer to Arktikum 

2.45-4pm Visit to Arktikum @arktikumofficial

As Lapland’s capital city, Rovaniemi is a fantastic hub for the arts, science, and culture. To get a grasp of local and regional history and culture, the definite place to experience is the museum and arctic science centre Arktikum. You will join a guided tour in the museum and Science Centre Arktikum highlighting the most important facts about Lapland and the Arctic area 

4-4.15pm  Transfer to Korundi

4.30-5.30pm Visit to Korundi Art Museum @korundihouse
Korundi House of Culture is a space for art and people in Rovaniemi, Lapland. It is home to Rovaniemi Art Museum and Lapland Chamber Orchestra; a place where the world unfolds from a northern perspective.
The first-ever Sápmi Triennial presents a spectacular array of Sámi contemporary art and duodji,  traditional Sámi handicrafts. The exhibition showcases the abundance and vitality of Sámi cultural heritage. The works highlight themes which are deeply rooted in tradition and identity, as well as the challenges of contemporary life. Included in Sápmi Triennial are both rising stars as well as artists with lengthy careers. The works are engaged in a conversation between different countries and generations, and displays what is happening right now in Sámi contemporary art.

5.45pm Short walk to town centre, free time

7pm Dinner at Arctic Restaurant, Arctic Light Hotel @arcticrestaurant

Transfer to Apukka Resort

Breakfast at Restaurant Aitta (available 7.30-10.30am)

Freetime at Apukka Resort

It is possible to rent an eFatbike or have a self-guided walking trip on the duckboard route starting from the resort.  

12pm Check-out and transfer to Rovaniemi Airport