Finland Island Hopping by bike
Self Guided

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, and also the European Capital of Culture in 2011 with lots of exciting events planned.

Why this Tour?

• Enjoy accommodation ranging from atmospheric converted barns to high quality spa hotels.
• The 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 and enjoy the accompanying cultural events and nightlife.
• You are well taken care of : the tour includes luggage transportation, detailed route notes, and a 24 hour emergency contact.

Finland Island Hopping by bike Tour Quick Info

Tour Type	Bike/Ferry
Accommodations	Hotels (See note below)
Biking Tour Type	Self Guided
Biking Level	1-2
Duration	7 days / 6 nights
Biking Distance	Distance per day varies (See itinerary) 211km/132mi approx. total
Bike Rental	Bikes are included
Tour starts in:	Turku, Finland
Tour ends in:	Turku, Finland

This is a self-guided cycling tour. Each guest will receive full details on the route, together with ferry timings, but there is no guide included. On most departures there will be other guests cycling the same route.

Day 1: Arrival to Turku - European Capital of Culture 2011

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.

For 2011 Turku will be the European Capital of Culture, with many special events.

Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Turku centre

Day 2: Turku to Taivassalo
Total biking: 55km/34mi

Breakfast
Your bicycles are brought to the hotel in the morning. Ride from Turku to the nearby old village of Naantali. Soon after Naantali the island-hopping begins, first with a stunning ride across the Merimasku Bridge and then take a break from peddling with a relaxing 45 minute ferry journey. Continue by bike to your overnight hotel.

Dinner and Overnight in Taivassalo

Day 3: Taivassalo to Korpoo
Total biking: 57km/36mi

Breakfast
Today is the main island-hopping day with 5 ferry journies, 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.

Dinner and Overnight in Korpoo.

Day 4: Korpoo to Nauvo
Total biking: 31km/19mi with possibility to do a longer route if desired

Breakfast
Cross over to Nauvo, the main archipelago island. Nauvo village has a bustling harbour.

Dinner and Overnight on Nauvo island.

Day 5: Nauvo to Naantali
Total biking: 54km/34mi

Breakfast
Take the ferry north from Nauvo 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.

Dinner on your own. There are plenty of local restaurants to choose from for dinner.
Overnight in a spa hotel in Naantali

Day 6: Naantali to Turku
Total biking: 14km/9mi

Breakfast
Free time in Naantali, or in Turku according to your preference. Short ride back to Turku. Return your bicycles.

Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Turku centre

Day 7: Personal departure from Turku

Breakfast before departure.

Accommodations

All our chosen overnight properties have private bathrooms. At Naantali Spa we use economy rooms, but with full access to all the spa facilities.
We have combined a city centre location at the start and end of the tour (which is the easiest part of the region to arrive and depart), with some beautiful natural locations in the archipelago, and a stay in the old town of Naantali where you can choose a restaurant for dinner from a range in the harbour area. A perfect combination of all that is best in the area.

Requirements (Level 1 - 2):

Generally easy, but with occasional rolling sections

Changes:

We reserve the right to alter the itinerary details, published times, and accommodations due to weather, local conditions, altered ferry schedules, organization necessity or safety concerns.