Travel Tour: Modern Finland 2023

Helsinki - Tampere - Jyväskylä -Turku

July 21, 2023 - July 30, 2023
 

Docomomo US Modern Finland is one in a series of exclusive modern architecture, art and design travel experiences. This ten-day, nine-night trip features the work of Eliel Saarinen, Reima Pietilä, Erik Bryggman, and Alvar Aalto among others.

 

Modern Finland explores the rich history and development of architecture and design during a century of great social, political and artistic experimentation. Travelers will experience the work of the father of Finnish Modernism, Alvar Aalto and explore the geographic connection to his architecture and thinking. Stops on the tour include the Paimio Sanatorium, Villa Mairea, the Erik Bryggman designed Resurrection chapel, Säynätsalo Town Hall, the Arabia and Iittala factories, Finlandia Hall among many others. This exclusive ten-day, nine-night travel tour will travel to a half-dozen cities throughout Finland and features many iconic works of Eliel Saarinen, Reima Pietilä, Erik Bryggman and Alvar Aalto. 

 

Modern Finland will be led by Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen. Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen is Assistant Dean and Professor at Yale School of Architecture, where she teaches design, history and theory. Special guides will participate throughout the Modern Finland travel tour. 

View the Modern Finland brochure or register through Friendly Planet.

 

Registration deadline has changed to April 21, 2023.

 

---

 

---

SCHEDULE

(Download PDF)

Day 0 Thursday, July 20

• Recommended guests leave for an overnight flight to Helsinki

Day 1 Friday, July 21 Arrival in Helsinki

• Guests will enjoy lunch at the Sokos Hotel originally designed for the 1952 Olympics. Afternoon visits include Finlandia Hall, National Pensions Institute and conclude by visiting the House of Culture.
• Accommodations: Scandic Grand Central Hotel

Lunch included. 

Day 2 Saturday, July 22 Helsinki

• On our first full day, guests will set off for a tour of the Central Railway Station and the Neoclassical city center. The group will enjoy a Jugenstil walk and after lunch visit the Rautatalo Office Building, Stockmann Department Store and the Artek Flagship Store. The day will conclude with an afternoon visit to the Aalto House and Studio. 
• Accommodations: Scandic Grand Central Hotel

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 3 Sunday, July 23 Otaniemi 

• Today guests will explore the western suburbs of Helsinki and visit the many sites at Aalto University and in the city of Espoo. Lunch in the afternoon at the Emma Museum and afternoon visits include the Suvikumpu housing and the Tarvaspää Gallen-Kallela museum. Tonight the group will enjoy a visit to Eliel Saarinen’s family home Hvittrask.
• Accommodations: Scandic Grand Central Hotel

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4 Monday, July 24 Tampere

• This morning the group will visit Finlandia Hall before heading out of Helsinki for Tampere. On the way guests will visit Hyvinkää Church, the Iittala glass factory and enjoy lunch in the Aulanko Hotel. In Tampere, the group will see the Tampere Cathedral, the Kaleva Church and the Main Public Library among other sites. Dinner will take place 400’ above ground in the Seattle Space Needle inspired Näsinneula needle.
• Accommodations: Radisson Blu Tampere

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 5 Tuesday, July 25 Jyvaskyla

• Before heading off to Jyvaskyla, guests will visit the Vatiala Funerary Chapel and make their way to the Alvar Aalto Museum. After lunch at Café Alvar, the group will make their way to Jyvaskyla to visit the many university buildings designed by Alvar Aalto in addition to Jyväskylä Workers’ Club and the Kuokkala Church.
• Accommodations: Hotel Verso 

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 6 Wednesday, July 26 Jyvaskyla to Kauttua

• With another full day in store, guests will visit the Säynätsalo Town Hall, the Muuratsalo Experimental House and the Church of Muurame. A stop to the UNESCO world heritage Petajavesi Church will round out the day before a long drive to Kauttua. 
• Accommodations: Ahlströmin Ruukki Noormarkku

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7 Thursday, July 27 Noormarkku, Rauma to Turku

• The group will make their way this morning to Villa Mairea and the head south to the UNESCO designated Old Rauma. In Turku, guests will visit the Turun Sanomat, the Abo Akademi Booktower and the Sibelius Museum
• Accommodations: Scandic Hamburger Börs

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 8 Friday, July 22 Turku, Fiskars to Helsinki

• In the morning, guests will visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Resurrection Chapel and then make their way to the Paimio Sanatorium. After lunch, the group will visit the recently opened Villa Skeppet and a late dinner on our way back to Helsinki.
• Accommodations: Hotel Saint George

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9 Saturday, July 29 Helsinki

• On our final day in Helsinki, guests will have the opportunity to visit contemporary art and architecture in Helsinki. Guided visits in the morning include Kunsthalle, Temppeliaukio Church and Porthania. After lunch can participate in an optional excursion to the Arabia and Marimekko outlets before heading to our goodbye dinner.
• Accommodations: Hotel Saint George

Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 10 Sunday, July 30 Helsinki

• Guests will say “Hyvästi” to Helsinki.

Breakfast included.

---

Rates

Program rate: $6695.00 per person, double occupancy

Single Supplement: $1099 (limited availability)

Rate includes

• Nine (9) nights’ accommodations in first class hotels
• Twenty Two (22) meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners
• Porterage (1 piece per person at hotels and locations where available)
• Comprehensive educational land program as detailed
• Professional, English-speaking Tour Director for entire tour duration
• Tips for drivers, guides, and director
• Optional (recommended) comprehensive travel insurance

 

AIA Continuing Education Credits will be available (56 LU/HSW).

Rate does not include

• International airfare from the United States or elsewhere
• Ground transportation from airport
• Passports (required and must be valid for at least 6 months after date of return)
• Items of Personal Nature
• Drinks and meals other than those specifically included 

Passenger Deposits

Passenger deposits are $500.00 per person. Passenger deposits are non-refundable, and cancellation and interruption coverage is strongly recommended in order to protect passengers against cancellation fees. Registration: https://www.friendlyplanet.com/vacation-packages/dates-prices.html?tourIDs=1697 

Deadline for deposits is April 21, 2023 March 23.