Arrive in Helsinki on suggested flights and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel), accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

In the late-afternoon, join your tour leader Anthony Burke and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing at the hotel followed by dinner.

(D)

Begin the day with a talk by Anthony, followed by a walking tour of Helsinki. Start by admiring the architectural splendour of the Railway Station, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Helsinki. Then, explore the evolution of Finnish architecture marvelling at notable buildings from mid-20th century such as Rautatalo, the ‘Iron House’ and Kirjatalo, the ‘Book House’, and the more contemporary Kamppi Chapel, completed in 2004.

After time at leisure for lunch, visit the Design Museum, an institution that showcases both Finnish and international design, encompassing industrial design, fashion and graphic design. Continue to the Museum of Finnish Architecture, which offers insights into the evolution of architectural styles and practices in Finland while also serving as a research centre and educational resource.

(B)

This morning, visit the Alvar Aalto House and Studio, located in Munkkiniemi, a residential district along the northern shore of the Gulf of Finland. A private, guided tour will illustrate the history and architecture of Aalto’s unique home.

Later, continue to the Finlandia Hall, one of Aalto’s most significant projects, celebrated for its distinctive modernist architecture. Functionality, acoustic and design seamlessly converge to create a space that not only serves as a premier venue for concerts and conferences, but also stands as an architectural masterpiece that exemplifies Alvar Aalto’s vision and the modernist movement in Finnish design.

On the way back to the hotel, stop at Temppeliaukio Church to admire the stunning rock-hewn architecture and the church’s unique, natural acoustics.

(BD)

This morning, depart Helsinki and visit Noormarkku, located in the Satakunta region northwest of the capital, to delve further into the architectural legacy of Alvar Aalto. Explore the renowned Villa Mairea, a private residence completed in 1939, and appreciate its innovative design and integration with the natural landscape.

In the afternoon, continue to Turku on the southwest coast of Finland. The city is considered the country’s oldest and, due to its expansion at the mouth of the River Aura, is an important commercial and passenger seaport.

Upon arrival in Turku, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

(BD)

Today, explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Turku, the first capital of Finland. Stroll along the riverside and marvel at historic landmarks, such as Turku Cathedral and Turku Castle, and modernist architecture examples like the Turku Main Library and Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art, an institution that preserves and promotes the art of Wäinö Aaltonen, a prominent Finnish sculptor.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before embarking on the overnight ferry to Stockholm.

(BD)

Arrive in Stockholm in the early morning. The capital of Sweden, the city is nestled across fourteen islands connected by picturesque bridges. Attend a talk by Anthony at the hotel before setting out for a walking tour of the Stockholm city centre, featuring iconic landmarks such as Sergels Torg, home to the Kulturhuset and Stadsteatern cultural centres, the renowned Stockholm Concert Hall, the bustling Hotorget Square and the charming historic district of Gamla Stan (Old Town).

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

(BL)

After breakfast, visit Artipelag, an art museum opened in June 2012 and located on the Stockholm archipelago. Designed by the late architect Johan Nyrén, the building harmonises seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, it houses 3,000 square meters of art galleries amidst 22 acres of pristine natural scenery.

Afterwards, continue to ArkDes, the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design, known until 2013 as the Museum of Architecture. The museum’s archives house a rich collection of drawings, models and photographs by approximately 500 architects, while its library holds journals dating back to the 1930s and a collection of over 24,000 books.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

(BD)

This morning, travel to Skogskyrkogården, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located south of Stockholm. Known as the Woodland Cemetery, Skogskyrkogården is renowned for its stunning blend of natural landscape and modernist architecture, designed by architects Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz. This unique cemetery, built between 1917 and 1940, reflects the harmonious integration of design with its natural surroundings, featuring gently curving paths, serene woodland areas and tranquil gardens.

Return to Stockholm for the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

(B)

Today, fly to Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital situated on the islands of Zealand and Amager. The city was originally founded as a fishing village in the 10th century and it grew into a prominent medieval trading hub until becoming the capital of Denmark in the 15th century. Nowadays, Copenhagen is particularly renowned for its progressive urban planning, sustainable initiatives and high quality of life.

In the evening, join Anthony for a talk at the hotel before embarking on a scenic canal cruise with dinner and enjoying stunning views of the city’s waterfront and significant landmarks.

(BD)

After breakfast, join Anthony for a walking tour to admire the city’s urbanism that prioritises sustainability and innovation. See the dynamic structure of Circle Bridge, which was designed by the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and opened less than 10 years ago. Marvel at the visual impact of the Royal Library, known as Black Diamond, characterised by its modern and sleek black granite façade extending over the harbour, resembling a sparkling diamond resting on the waterfront.

Discover the Copenhagen Opera House, designed by architect Henning Larsen in collaboration with Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller, before continuing to Ordrupgaard, a state-owned art museum located north of Copenhagen and renowned for hosting one of Northern Europe’s most significant collections of Danish and French art dating from the 19th to the early 20th century.

The evening is at leisure.

(B)

This morning, head north to Bagsværd to visit the Bagsværd Church, an architectural gem designed by the acclaimed Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who also designed the Sydney Opera House. Known for its innovative design and use of natural light, the church is celebrated for its serene atmosphere and unique interior spaces.

Continue to the coastal town of Humlebaek for a guided tour of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, the most visited art museum in Denmark, where architecture plays a crucial role in its museum experience. It was first designed by architects Vilhelm Wohlert and Jørgen Bo after Jørn Utzon declined the brief due to his work on the Sydney Opera House. The museum opened in 1958 with three interconnected buildings and was expanded in 1966, 1971 and 1982, reflecting the museum’s evolving exhibition needs.

Return to Copenhagen in the afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

(BL)

Begin the day with a visit to the Danish Architecture Centre to explore innovative exhibitions and discover the latest trends in architectural design and urban planning. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Copenhagen’s waterfront, the Danish Architecture Centre is located in a six-storey multifunctional building named BLOX, designed by Dutch studio OMA as a “mini-city” with a series of stacked green-glazed blocks arranged around a road that runs through the site.

Then, continue to the Designmuseum Denmark, which features works of famous Danish designers like Arne Jacobsen, Jacob Jensen and Kaare Klint.

The afternoon offers free time to explore the city at your own pace before a farewell dinner with Anthony and fellow travellers.

(BD)

For those returning home today, make your way to Copenhagen Airport for suggested flights to Australia or New Zealand. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including a private airport transfer, additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)