Get to know central Helsinki like a local on a small-group walking tour with a city planner. Take in the sights, culture, and history with your PhD student and professional city planner guide who knows the city inside out. Ask any questions you like.  Find out tidbits of Helsinki’s past, from the plague in the middle ages to Lenin’s stay in the 20th century. As you tour Helsinki city center, find out why Helsinkians picnic at gravesites, which statue is most discriminated against by seagulls, and why an orthodox cathedral exists in the city.  Visit many of Helsinki’s most important landmarks, with a typical itinerary (weather, holidays, and events permitting) including: Senate Square, Market Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki Cathedral, National Library of Finland, the Presidential Palace, Allas Sea Pool, Esplanadi Park, Kappeli, Old Church Park, the Central Railway Station, Oodi, Lasipalatsi, Kamppi Chapel, and Amos Rex.

Discover the quaint town of Porvoo on a guided shore excursion, followed by a tour of the Finnish capital of Helsinki. Admire the traditional architecture of Porvoo and some of the main landmarks of Helsinki including Sibelius Park, the Olympic Stadium, and Uspensky Cathedral. Meet your guide at Helsinki Port. Then, take a scenic drive towards Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finnland. Upon arrival, marvel at the picturesque waterfront red-painted houses whilst your guide takes you on a walking tour. See the Old Church, Town Hall Square, as well as shops and workshops.  Following the visit to Porvoo, head back to Helsinki. Enjoy a sightseeing tour by bus as you discover Esplanadi Street and the Grand Mannerheim Boulevard. Admire the views of the Opera House, the Finlandia Concert Hall, the National Museum, the Parliament Building, and the Presidential Palace. Stop at the famous Sibelius Park, named after the renowned Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. See the Sibelius Monument, an abstract grouping of hundreds of steel pipes. After the park, continue the Olympic Stadium, the site of the 1952 Summer Olympics. Arrive at the Rock Church, carved directly out of the side of the mountain and topped by a magnificent copper dome. Admire the exterior of Uspensky Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. See Helsinki Central train station with its famous clock tower as well as the beloved Havis Amanda fountain. The tour ends with free time by the seaside Market Square, where you can try some local delicacies. At the end of the tour, be returned to the port in time for your cruise ship's departure.