Have Some Finnish: UK group media visit 8th-12th October

Arrival in Helsinki

15.15 LHR-HEL flight arrival

16.00 Private transfer to Helsinki city center   

17.00 Check-in to NH Helsinki Grand Hansa hotel 

18.00 Welcome drink at Kupoli  cocktail bar

20.00 Dinner at restaurant Grön 

09:00 Breakfast at the hotel 

10.00 Private transfer to Uutela nature area 

10.30 Mushroom picking and tasting in forest

13.00 Private transfer to Hakaniemi market hall 

13.30 Local food tasting lunch at Hakaniemi market hall 

14.30 Private transfer to Furuvik Sauna 

15.00 Sauna session at Furuvik Sauna ( please remember to take flip-flops and swimming suite )

17.00 Private transfer to Grand Hansa hotel 

19.30 Lobby call 

20.00 Dinner at restaurant Boreal 

07.00  Breakfast at the hotel

08.00  Check-out from the hotel 

08.35  Train departure to Turku from Helsinki central railway station

10.39  Arrival at Turku Logomo train station, taxi transfer to Scandic Hamburger Börs hotel, check-in.

11.00  Café Bageri Å & Frukt Coffee
Breakfast at a local favourite: artisan bakery Bageri Å, known for its hugely popular organic sourdough-baked goods. We’ll also taste coffee from Turku-based Frukt Coffee and get a delicious introduction to the city’s thriving café and bakery scene.

12:00 Restaurant Kaskis  & meeting with chef Erik Mansikka
A visit to Kaskis, Turku’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, and a meeting with chef Erik Mansikka. Kaskis is one of the pioneers of Turku’s modern food scene, known for its creative approach to seasonal Finnish ingredients and distinctive local flavours.

13:00 Restaurant Smör
A visit to Smör, an ambitious riverside restaurant recognised in the Michelin Guide. Its cuisine draws on Nordic traditions, high-quality seasonal ingredients and influences from the surrounding archipelago.

14:00 Turku Market Square & Market Hall
A visit to the heart of Turku’s everyday food culture, Market Square & Market Hall followed by a late lunch at the Market Hall.

16:00 Free time at the hotel

18:00 Cocktails at Börs Katto Rooftop Bar
On the hotel’s ninth-floor rooftop terrace and bar, you can enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in stunning panoramic views over the city rooftops.

19:00 Dinner at Vinossa
A relaxed and characterful wine bar and restaurant tucked away in an atmospheric courtyard by Vähätori Square. Vinossa is known for its frequently changing seasonal menu, carefully selected wines from small European producers and warm, informal atmosphere. With knowledgeable but laid-back service, vinyl records playing in the background and a strong focus on natural wines, it has quickly become a popular part of Turku’s vibrant food and wine scene.

 

08:45  Breakfast at the hotel

09:45 Lobby call, followed by taxi transfer to Kakola Spa 

10:00–12:00/12:30  Kakola Spa (taking photos in Kakola Spa is not permitted)
Kakola Spa offers a luxurious experience dedicated to complete relaxation. The spa features four different pools and four saunas, all of which are included in our visit, along with drinks.

If you would like to book a treatment during your visit, you are very welcome to do so at your own expense, subject to availability.

https://kakolaspa.fi/en/treatments/

13:00–16:00 Finnish cooking class & lunch at Tapahtumakeittiö
A hands-on introduction to Finnish food culture with chef Jouni Kuru at Tapahtumakeittiö, a unique concept bringing food, local food culture and creative experiences together. We will prepare and enjoy a meal using Finnish, local and seasonal ingredients – and finish with a very Turku-style treat, served with a surprising twist.

16:00–18:30  Free time

Optional: if weather is suitable, and anyone wishes to visit Ruissalo island for an outdoor walk.

A taste of the archipelago: Ruissalo Island
A short bus ride from the city centre takes us to Ruissalo, the first island of the Turku Archipelago. We will explore its seaside landscapes, nature and historic villa surroundings on foot and enjoy a picnic along the way.

18:45 Lobby call

19:00 Dinner at Vive
Dinner at one of Turku’s newest restaurants, led by chef Julia Frantti. Vive combines New Nordic cooking with a playful “fun dining” approach, focusing on seasonal ingredients, creativity and a relaxed atmosphere.

 

07:00  Breakfast at the hotel

08:15  Lobby call
Walk to the Visit Turku Archipelago office.

08:30–09:30 – Meeting with the City of Turku & Visit Turku Archipelago
Coffee and small bites with Comminucations Manager Saara Malila from the City of Turku and Marketing  & PR Coordinator Eva-Stina Oikia from Visit Turku Archipelago.

Saara Malila will give an introduction to Turku as the city approaches its 800th anniversary in 2029: how Finland’s oldest city is preparing for this milestone, the major cultural investments currently reshaping Turku, and other topical developments in the city.

The discussion will also bring together the themes explored during the visit – food, culture, nature and the Turku Archipelago – and provide an overview of what is happening in Turku right now and what is coming next.

09:30-09:45 Walk back to the hotel

10:45 Check-out from the hotel, lobby call for transfer to train station

11:00 Taxi transfer from hotel to Turku Logomo railway station 

11:34  Train departure to Helsinki airport from Turku Logomo railway station 

14:03  Train arrival at Helsinki-Vantaa airport

16.00  HEL-LHR flight departure

16.05  HEL-MAN flight departure