Embark on a 7-day adventure that begins and ends in Oulu, Finland. Discover the breath taking beauty of the Bothnian Bay as you explore both Finland and Sweden.
Explore Oulu the European Capital of Culture 2026. Wander through the charming streets of the city’s Market Square, where you’ll find a mix of local shops, cafes, and the iconic Market Hall, a historic building brimming with traditional Finnish flavours and handmade goods. Connected to the mainland by a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, Pikisaari Island offers a peaceful retreat from the city with quaint wooden houses, serene waterfront views and an artistic ambiance.
Cross the border into Sweden and visit Gammelstad Church town a UNESCO World Heritage site home to over 400 charming church cottages dating back to the 17th century. Enjoy peaceful surroundings, relax by the sea, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere at Kvarkenfisk a seaside restaurant with charming boathouse accommodation.
Return to Finland by ferry and explore the Kvarken Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its unique geological formations and natural beauty.
This 6 night trip offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins in Oulu, a vibrant coastal city and the European Capital of Culture 2026.
Begin your day with a scenic drive from Oulu to the breath-taking Kukkolaforsen Rapids, located on the Finnish side of the Tornio River. Take time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the area. Afterward, head back toward Tornio and cross the border into Sweden — be mindful, as the border is subtle and easy to miss. Continue your journey onward to the town of Luleå.
This morning visit Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a leisurely stroll through this historic site, which is home to 404 charming church cottages that date back to the 17th century.
Continue to the charming city of Skellefteå, perhaps visit the Nordanå Open Air Museum and the Bonnstan Church Town, both within walking distance of the city centre. Take a peaceful walk along the river, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty of this charming city.
Explore Umeå, a vibrant city known for its dynamic blend of modern and traditional architecture. Spend your day browsing lively shops, dining at local restaurants, and strolling through scenic parks along the riverbank. The city also boasts a range of museums catering to all interests—whether you’re passionate about art, history, or science.
Continue to Kvarkenfisk for an overnight stay in a cosy boathouse beside a seaside restaurant. Unwind in the peaceful surroundings, listen to the gentle sounds of the sea and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Take the ferry back to Finland and the town of Vaasa. Explore the Kvarken Archipelago and Svedjehamn, where the isostatic rebound is clearly visible. Spend the afternoon exploring this captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site, immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty and unique geological features that make the area so remarkable.
Visit Pietarsaari, a charming town with a rich maritime history and well-preserved old town. Walking through the cobblestone streets, you’ll find charming buildings dating back to the 18th century and the old harbour with traditional boathouses. Take your time to enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the cosy waterfront restaurants. Continue to Kalajoki known for its stunning sandy beaches and scenic duckboard trails, Kalajoki is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. Spend the evening strolling by the sea, soaking in the magical atmosphere of the summer night, when the sun barely sets, creating an enchanting light that lasts into the evening.
Return to Oulu and fly home.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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6 nights accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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All breakfasts
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Car rental
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Ferry from Sweden to Finland
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £890 Excluding Flights
6 Nights
May-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the most up-to-date pricing and the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Eric
8
Sea turtles snorkelled with
4
Shooting stars with northern lights
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Samantha
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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