Private Glorious Helsinki and Quaint Porvoo by Car, 6-7h

5.0 (3 reviews) 6–7 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

Winter Porvoo — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Helsinki Cathedral — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Let us pick you up and show you the best Helsinki and Porvoo have to offer!

Our adventure begins in Helsinki, where we’ll spend 1,5 hour walking through the historical city center. Classical and hidden 19th-century treasures sights of 19th century capital mix with stunning Finnish romanticism architecture.

After a scenic 45-minute drive, we’ll arrive in Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest city. Here, you'll spend 2 hours exploring the enchanting 18th-century streets, stepping into the 1450s-built cathedral, and marveling at the city’s wooden houses. As you walk through the medieval town, don’t miss the chance to savor a traditional Finnish pastry at a quaint 1700s café or have a common Finnish lunch. Please note that the streets in Porvoo are cobblestone, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

Finally, we’ll return to modern Helsinki with another 45-minute drive, reflecting on the rich history and unique experiences of our journey through these two remarkable cities.

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At a glance

Duration: 6–7 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–4
Guide: English
Operated by: Alpha Tour Oy

What is included

Included

Included: Nissan Qashqai car, Personalized route, Professional guide
Included: Pick-up and drop-off locations of your choosing :)
Included: Bottled water
Included: A list of tips for your own further Helsinki exploration
Included: Walking: Helsinki 1.5 h + Porvoo 2h ~ Driving: 2.5h
Included: Children: tell their age so that we could provide car seats for them

Not included

Not included: Helsinki Cathedral Entrance Fee - 10 euros
Not included: Rock Church Entrance Fee - 8 euros
Not included: Snacks

Itinerary

Senate Square

15 min

Helsinki was founded in 1550 appr. 6 km from here. Senate square is a birthplace of 2nd Helsinki that we can admire. The mystery of the 1st one you will know at the tour. See the marvel of Engel's work German architect in Finland has built a capital from scratch after a devastating fire of 1808. Our walk through centuries starts here: in the oldest part of Helsinki preserved.
The National Library of Finland

10 min

Engel's library worthy of a new capital of Grand Dutchy of Finland, though library collection dates back to 1640. Old, classical, incredibly beautiful. This oldest Helsinki library will be our reference point for comparison with 21 centrury library, Oodi.
Helsinki Cathedral

10 min Admission not included

Helsinki pearl - a lutheran church that puzzles you by its architecural decisions. Try to guess where the bells are! Or what is under the church... A key to 19th century heart of Finland. Visit depends on opening hours.
Kauppatori

15 min

Swedes were founding cities by the shore, and Finnish gulf is the reason why Helsinki is on this spot. Look around, spot sauna, try national food, berries and shop for souvenirs, see the ferry to Suomenlinna, Swedish fortress and UNESCO sights worthy of your visit.
Stop 5

Passing by

Presidential palace - where the ball of year takes place and our president works. Prevoiusly is served as a residence to Russian tzars and their families and was at the very border of Helsinki. 19th century city ended here.
Old Market Hall

10 min

From 1889 and with Swedish influence in the midst of Finland. Old and charming! Have a taste of Finland: salmon sandwich on rye bread is delicious.
Havis Amanda

5 min

A fountain from 1908, by Ville Vallgren. Beloved by citizens and a political sign in Russian time. Hear about Finnish tradition of May 1st and learn about Finnish character.
Esplanadi Park

10 min

Helsinki central park that attracts locals and tourists likewise by its shade, ice cream shops, monuments and beauty. Spot Kappeli café and restaurant from 1865. Esplanadi was a border of 19th century Helsinki. With fashion shops and luxurious restaurant it has something to offer to every person.
Johan Ludvig Runeberg Statue

5 min

Meet and greet Johan Ludwig Runeberg - first Finnish national poet who wrote only in Swedish. In Esplanadi central place is dedicated to him and shows appreciation that he deserves still. On his birthday Finnish flags are hanging in his honor, and shops are full of pastries by the recipe of his wife. Monument is made by his son, Walter Runeberg.
Central Library Oodi

15 min

"Library" and much more in one building with a magnificent view to the Parliament, Finnish National museum, Hakasalmi villa, Finlandia Concert Hall. Take a break and have a moment of piece. From the balcony you see 19-20-21 centuries intervowen in a beautiful panorama of Helsinki.

drinking Finnish coffee and eating cinnamon bun.
Stop 11

10 min

After 40 min drive to Porvoo we park at the entrance into Porvoo Old town. This is where the King's road went through. Here starts our 2h walk in Finland 2nd oldest city. Let's travel back in time and enjoy Swedish heritage Medieval city.
Cathedral of Porvoo

15 min

Ex-catholic, now lutheran church from Medieval times. Probably, stone church was already built in 1450s and the surface under the church was a graveyard for Porvoo citizens for centuries. Look at the old paintings on the wall, find the dates on the lanterns, know the purpose of a ship under the ceiling, get puzzled by Alexander I statue in the church and admire old Christian church Finland is particularly proud of. Visit depends on opening hours.
The Devil's Stairs

20 min

Let's walk to Chapter House, the border of old town, see the first house where J.L. Runeberg lived and get to the devil's stairs! There is nothing about the devil, really, however, these stairs were not made by man, but ny nature itself. Feel the stillness of Porvoo and see how Finns live and understand Finnish character a bit better.
Edelfeltin patsas

10 min

Edelfelt had an eye for Porvoo and enjoy painting one street after another. Paintings without a story, pure picture of life from 19 century.
Gallery Vanha Kappalaisentalo

10 min

Let's enter a house from 1763 and see an exhibition by Finnish artists.
Porvoo Old Town

20 min

Here we walk Jokikatu and Valikatu, enter souvenir shops, admire old houses and have time for local specialties.
Stop 17

20 min

A time and place to enjoy local specialty - Runeberg's cake and local coffee blend! Or a bite of salmon quiche? Price: 10-15 euros

Should you prefer having lunch, we go to Hanna Maria restaurant: price 15-20 euros
Sibelius Monument

15 min

Extra option: should we have extra time by the end of the tour, we can drive to Sibelius monument and admire a view of true Finnish nature: rocks, pines, sea!

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Scandic Helsinki Station
Pilot Express Airport Hotel
Scandic Helsinki Hub
Break Sokos Hotel Flamingo
Kotimaailma Espoo
Heymo 1 by Sokos Hotels
Hotel Matts
Comfort Hotel Sello
Hotel Hanaholmen
Forenom Aparthotel Espoo Keha I
Scandic Espoo
Waldorf Astoria Helsinki

and 83 more pickup points

We will contact you the day before the tour by the number you specify in your booking. Please have your phone ON at the day of the tour, we pick you up from a location of your choosing.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cobble stones in Helsinki and Porvoo historical parts: comfortable shoes are a MUST :)