Forbes press trip August 11-15

14:00 Arrival in Helsinki (AY016)

15:12-17:39 Train to Turku Logomo station via Pasila (Commuter train P + Pendolino Plus 959)

Heli Miekkamäki, PR & Communications Manager from Visit Turku Archipelago (tel. +358447096787) will meet you at the station.

Check-in at Hotel Kakola
Hotel Kakola is a privately owned hotel that opened its doors in 2020. The hotel features 151 individually designed rooms and can accommodate up to 340 guests.

19:00 Lobby call

19:30 Dinner at Restaurant Airi

Enjoy the flavours of the Finnish archipelago and Turku’s maritime atmosphere in Pikisaari with Heli Miekkamäki and Irene Pendolin, Communications Manager, City of Turku.

Breakfast at the hotel

Lobby call, meet your host Heli Miekkamäki

Explore Turku through its contemporary creative scene:

• Visit to Taiteen talo (Art House Turku), home to artist studios, galleries and creative entrepreneurs.
• Visit to Bageri Å, a beloved bakery known for its organic ingredients, traditional sourdough baking and strong commitment to craftsmanship. Enjoy specialty coffee roasted by Frukt Coffee Roasters while meeting one of the people behind Turku’s thriving coffee culture
• Visit to local design and lifestyle brand KUI Design. KUI Design designs and manufactures accessories, children's clothing, and home textiles in Turku, Finland.
• Visit to Niinmun - a responsible Finnish clothing brand for adult women. Niinmun is dedicated to promoting a natural, minimalist aesthetic and lifestyle.

12.00 Coffee with Mayor Piia Elo at Café Art

Discussion on Turku's development, sustainability ambitions, cultural investments and future vision.

Continue to Ruissalo Island

• Explore the island's unique nature and oak forests
• Visit the University of Turku Botanical Garden

19:30 Dinner at Bistro Sommar

Bistro Sommar is a small, seasonal summer restaurant on a historical street of Turku.

Overnight at Hotel Kakola

09:00 Lobby call, departure from hotel with Heli Miekkamäki

09:30 Archipelago Line from Turku to Nauvo

11:50 Arrival at Nauvo Harbour, meeting with Marketing Coordinator Viveca Smeds-Aalto, Visit Parainen

12:00 Lunch at Hamn Krog 

Enjoy seasonal flavours and locally sourced ingredients overlooking the vibrant harbour, the heart of one of Finland’s most beloved island communities.

14:00 Archipelago nature experience 

Discover the unique landscapes of the Archipelago Sea through a guided outdoor experience combining nature, local traditions and slow travel. Explore the surrounding coastal scenery and learn about life in the archipelago. The excursion concludes with traditional Finnish campfire coffee (nokipannukahvi) prepared over an open fire in a peaceful natural setting.

18:30 Dinner at Restaurant Back Pocket

Contemporary archipelago cuisine served in an authentic setting, showcasing local ingredients and modern island gastronomy.

Accommodation at Hotel Nestor

Breakfast at hotel

Meet your host Viveca Smeds-Aalto (+358 40 488 6022)

Visit to the Westerholm Nature Trail

The trail winds through coastal forests and rocky landscapes characteristic of the Finnish archipelago.

Lunch at Båthuset, Nauvo Harbour

Relax by the waterfront and enjoy local flavours in the lively harbour area, a gathering place for both residents and visitors.

Explore the archipelago by bicycle

Enjoy the scenic island landscapes, quiet village roads and coastal views, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday life in the islands.

Visit Villa Vintage

A charming lifestyle and interior design boutique showcasing carefully curated vintage treasures, Nordic aesthetics and local craftsmanship.

Coffee stop at Oak Tree Café

A cosy café surrounded by nature, offering homemade treats and a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the slower pace of archipelago life.

Visit to Jordkällaren

A unique local destination celebrating archipelago food culture, sustainability and locally produced ingredients, offering insight into the region’s culinary traditions and contemporary food scene.

Return to Turku

Overnight at Sokos Hotel Seurahuone

Breakfast at the hotel

Free time in Turku

11:34 - 14:03 Train from Turku Logomo Station to Helsinki Airport via Pasila (InterCity 954 + Commuter Train I)

17:15-19:10 Flight to JFK (AY015)