Turku Archipelago

Matka 2027 – Pre Tour

© VTA

 

Discover Turku Archipelago:
Winter Escape to Turku & Saaristo

Pre-Tour · 16–19 January 2027 · 3 nights

Welcome to Turku, Finland’s oldest city and the gateway to Saaristo, the world’s largest archipelago by number of islands. With 40,000 islands and islets, the region offers a unique combination of Nordic city culture, authentic island life, local flavours and unforgettable nature experiences!

Where City Life Meets Island Adventures 

During this winter pre-tour, you’ll discover how Turku’s fascinating history, vibrant food scene and atmospheric riverside meet the peaceful beauty of Saaristo, Turku archipelago. From unique accommodation and traditional smoke saunas to local culinary experiences and winter activities, the programme showcases inspiring ideas for your future travel programmes.

Please note: Some experiences featured in the programme, such as Herrankukkaro, are particularly suited to group travel. The pre-tour introduces a variety of products and experiences for different customer segments.

Getting to the Destination

Turku is easy to reach by air, rail, road and ferry. The city has its own airport, while regular train and bus connections link it to Helsinki and other Finnish destinations. International ferry services connect Turku with Stockholm, making it a convenient gateway for combining Finland and Sweden in one itinerary.

The final travel arrangements and transfers for the Pre Tour will be confirmed closer to the event.

Contact

Visit Turku Archipelago
Lotta Bäck
SeniorAdvisor, Travel Trade
lotta.back@visitturkuarchipelago.fi
saaristo.fi

Visit Turku Archipelago_Lotta B.

Visit Turku Archipelago_saaristo_logo_turku_archipelago_finland_primary_rgb_brown

Tour Details

Organiser: Visit Turku Archipelago
Tour type: Pre-Tour
Dates: 16–19 January 2027
Duration: 3 nights
Group size: 4–8 participants
Target market: International tour operators and travel buyers

Visit Turku Archipelago_Hot tub

© VTA

Pre Tour Programme

Please note that the programme is preliminary and may be subject to change shortly before departure.

All visits, activities and timings are subject to final confirmation, supplier availability and weather conditions.

We recommend bringing warm, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, including a winter jacket, hat, gloves and warm layers. Comfortable, sturdy and warm footwear suitable for walking outdoors is essential.

Please also remember to pack your swimsuit and flip-flops for the sauna, spa and swimming experiences included in the programme.

Visit Turku Archipelago_Hotel Kakola syksy_©Visit Turku Archipelago
1
Helsinki - Turku

Day 1: Saturday, 16 January 2027

Welcome to Turku – History, Local Flavours & City Culture

Afternoon
  • Individual arrival at Helsinki Airport
  • Group transfer to Turku
Early Evening
  • Arrival in Turku and check-in at Hotel Kakola, a unique boutique hotel located in a former prison on the historic Kakolanmäki hill. 
Evening
  • 19:00 - Discover the fascinating history of Kakolanmäki on a short, guided tour, followed by a brief visit at KBC Taproom 
  • 20:00 - Enjoy a welcome dinner at Restaurant Kakolanruusu, where a representative from Icebreaking DMC will join us to introduce opportunities for international tour operators to work with local suppliers and discover ready-made travel experiences in the region. 
  • Overnight stay at Hotel Kakola

© VTA/Niko Kotiranta

Visit Turku Archipelago_Day 2 picture Villa-Wolax
2
Turku - Kuusisto Island

Day 2: Sunday, 17 January 2027

Finnish Sauna Culture, Charming Turku & an Archipelago Escape

Morning
  • Breakfast at Hotel Kakola
  • 10:00 - 12:00 - Relax and experience Finnish sauna culture at Kakola Spa, where traditional sauna rituals meet contemporary wellness.
  • 12:15 - Lobby call at Hotel Kakola (please check out prior to this time) 
  • 12:30 - Lunch at Restaurant Vive
    Enjoy a delicious lunch highlighting the flavours of the region.
Afternoon
  • 13:30 - 15:30 - Explore the charming city centre at your own pace. Discover independent boutiques, local design, historical streets and cultural attractions. We will of course share our best tips! 
  • 15:30 - 16:00 - Coffee & Sweet Treats at Café Qwensel
    Step back in time at the atmospheric Café Qwensel, located in one of Turku's historic wooden buildings. Enjoy coffee and traditional sweet treats in a charming setting. 
  • 16:00 - Transfer to Kuusisto island
  • 16:30 - Arrival and at Villa Wolax
    Discover this peaceful seaside retreat and its accommodation and experience offerings. 

  • 17:00 - Winter Flotation Experience
    Experience the Finnish winter from a different perspective with a guided flotation experience in the cold waters of the archipelago, wearing protective flotation suits. 
Evening
  • 18:00 - 22:00 - Sauna & Dinner
    Warm up in the sauna after the winter activity and enjoy a relaxed evening by the sea, followed by dinner inspired by local flavours.
  • Overnight stay at Villa Wolax

© VTA

Visit Turku Archipelago_Day 3 picture Herrankukkaro
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Kuusisto Island - Naantali - Rymättylä Island

Day 3: Monday, 18 January 2027

Winter Adventures & Authentic Archipelago Traditions

Morning
  • Breakfast at Villa Wolax
    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the archipelago before checking out. 
  • 10:30 - Departure from Villa Wolax
  • 11:00 - 12:30 - Hetkinen Showroom Visit & Fragrance Workshop
    Discover Hetkinen, a local lifestyle brand inspired by Nordic forests and natural ingredients. Explore the showroom and take part in a hands-on fragrance workshop inspired by the scents of Finnish nature. 
  • 12:30 - 13:00 - Transfer to Naantali Spa
Afternoon
  • 13:00 -14:30 - Lunch & site inspection at Naantali Spa
    Enjoy lunch and discover Naantali Spa's accommodation, wellness facilities and services for international travellers. 
  • 14:30 - Departure for Herrankukkaro
  • 15:30 - Arrival at Herrankukkaro
    Discover this unique archipelago retreat, including its distinctive accommodation options and new birdhouse cottages. 
  • Archipelago Nature & Campfire Experience

    Discover the peaceful Finnish forest on a guided nature walk, learn how to light a campfire and enjoy roasting sausages over an open fire. A hands-on introduction to Finnish outdoor traditions and archipelago life.

    Weather permitting, the forest walk may be replaced by a traditional Finnish kick-sledding experience on the ice, if the ice condition allows.

Evening
  • 18:00 - 22:00 - Smoke Sauna & Archipelago Dinner
    Unwind in a traditional Finnish smoke sauna and hot tubs before enjoying an archipelago buffet featuring local flavours. 
  • Overnight stay at Herrankukkaro

© VTA

Visit Turku Archipelago_Day 4 picture Music Hall Fuuga
4
Rymättylä Island - Turku - Helsinki

Day 4: Tuesday, 19 January 2027

A Final Taste of Turku – Turku Castle, Music & Farewell Lunch

Morning
  • 8:00 - Breakfast at Herrankukkaro
    Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed start to the day at Herrankukkaro. 
  • 10:00 - Check-out and transfer to Turku
  • 10:45 -  Brief visit at the inner courtyard of Turku Castle
    Step into centuries of Finnish history at Turku Castle, one of Finland’s most iconic medieval landmarks. Enjoy a glimpse of its historic architecture and atmospheric courtyard. 
  • Site Visit at Fuuga
    Get to know Fuuga, Turku's new music venue, and discover its potential for cultural travel, events and international visitor experiences. 
  • Farewell Lunch at Restaurant Frida
    Conclude the pre-tour with a farewell lunch at Restaurant Frida, located at Fuuga. Enjoy a final taste of Turku before continuing your journey to Helsinki. 
  • 13:34 - Train Departure from Turku to Helsinki
    Continue to Helsinki for the Matka 2027 programme.

© VTA

Villa maisemalla

Day 3: 18 January 2027

Oulu - Nallikari - Ii

  • Breakfast at the hotel & check-out
  • Transfer to Nallikari
  • Site inspection at Nallikari By the Sea 
  • Winter activity on the frozen sea with Nallikari Safaris
  • Visiting the reindeer farm Kellon Kuusi
  • Lunch in a traditional Finnish kota
  • Transfer to and check-in at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
  • Guided Ice Fishing on the frozen sea
  • Kantele Apprentice - learn to play Finland's national instrument
  • Dinner at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
  • Possibility for Seaside sauna and outdoor hot tub
  • Overnight stay at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort

© Visit Oulu

FATBIKING ON THE FROZEN SEA

Day 2: 17 January 2027

Oulu

  • xx
  • xx

© Visit Oulu

Kota Merihelmi Aurora sea resort (3)

Day 4: 19 January 2027

Departure Day: Ii - Oulu - Helsinki

  • Breakfast at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
  • Activity
  • Light lunch in a traditional Finnish kota hut by the sea
  • Transfer to the airport
  • Flight to Helsinki

© Visit Oulu

Interested in joining this tour?

FAQ for Tour Operators

 

What is a Pre or Post Tour?

A Pre or Post Tour is a hosted familiarisation trip organised before or after Matka Travel Fair and Matka Workshop Day.

It gives international tour operators the opportunity to experience a Finnish destination first-hand — beyond brochures, presentations and short meetings. Participants can meet local tourism suppliers in person, test selected products and activities, inspect accommodation options and gain a deeper understanding of how the destination can fit into their own travel programmes.

For tour operators, this is a valuable way to discover new product ideas, build trusted local contacts and assess the destination’s potential for future sales. A Pre Tour takes place before the main event, while a Post Tour takes place after the event.

 

 

Who can participate in a Pre or Post Tour?

The Pre and Post Tours are designed for international tour operators, travel agencies, product managers and buyers who are interested in developing new tourism products in Finland.

Participation is only intended for professionals who are already taking part in Matka Travel Fair and/or Matka Workshop Day 2027.

 

How many participants per company can join a Pre or Post Tour?

As places are limited and some tours are particularly popular, participation is generally limited to one person per company per tour.

We kindly ask for your understanding, as we want to give as many different tour operators as possible the opportunity to experience our Finnish destinations.

Exceptions may be possible: If places remain available and the host destination agrees, we may allow a maximum of two participants from the same company to join the same Pre or Post Tour. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note: Two or more representatives from the same company are welcome to apply for different tours. The one-person limit applies to each individual tour, not to the company’s overall participation in the Pre and Post Tour programme.

How is it decided who can join which tour?

Buyers can indicate their preferred tours during the registration process. NordicMarketing will review all registrations together with the tour organisers and, where relevant, with the partners involved in the overall programme.

The final allocation depends on the buyer’s profile, business focus, market relevance, available places and the suitability of the tour programme.

Please note that participation cannot be guaranteed. The final decision is made by the destination or tour organiser, and places are limited. If demand is high, not all interested buyers may be able to join a tour.

When will I know if I have been accepted for a tour?

Registration is open from 1 to 30 November 2026. After registration closes, NordicMarketing will review all applications together with the host destinations.

We aim to accommodate as many preferences as possible, taking into account your selected tours, professional profile and the available places.

All applicants will be informed of their tour allocation by 15 December 2026 at the latest.

Please note that places are limited, and some tours may be more popular than others. Participation in your preferred tour cannot be guaranteed. The final selection is made by the host destination. If we cannot offer you a place on one of your preferred tours, we may contact you to discuss a suitable alternative.

Is my registration binding?

Your initial registration is not yet a binding booking. During the registration process, you can select up to three preferred tours. NordicMarketing will review all registrations together with the destinations and will try to match buyers with their preferred tours whenever possible.

However, participation in a specific tour cannot be guaranteed. If your preferred tours are fully booked or not the best match for your profile, we may suggest an alternative tour and will discuss this with you directly.

Once you have confirmed your participation in a specific tour and the destination has booked and paid for services such as flights or other travel arrangements on your behalf, your participation becomes binding.

If you cancel after this point, the destination reserves the right to charge any costs that have already been incurred.

What language will be used during the tours?

The main language of the Pre and Post Tours is English. Presentations, communication and guiding during the tours will generally be provided in English, unless otherwise stated in the specific tour programme.

How large are the groups?

The group size is usually 4–8 participants per tour. This ensures a personal atmosphere, high-quality networking and enough time for meaningful discussions with the local hosts and tourism companies.

What costs are covered?

The tours are generally organised on a hosted basis. This means that the host organisation usually covers the buyer’s costs on the route Helsinki–destination–Helsinki, including the services included in the confirmed tour programme.

Buyers are responsible for their own travel to the starting point, unless otherwise agreed or confirmed separately.

Are dietary requirements and food preferences taken into account?

Yes. Buyers can provide information about dietary requirements, allergies and other relevant food preferences during the registration process.

The tour organisers will do their best to take these into account. However, availability may depend on the destination, local suppliers and the specific programme.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring comfortable clothing suitable for the season and the activities included in the programme. For winter tours, warm outdoor clothing, proper shoes, gloves, a hat and layered clothing are strongly recommended.

More detailed packing information will be provided before the tour, depending on the destination and programme.

 

Will special equipment or clothing be provided?

If special equipment is needed for specific activities, this will usually be mentioned in the tour programme.

In some cases, local suppliers may provide activity-specific equipment such as overalls, helmets, snowshoes or other gear. Details will be confirmed before the tour.

 

Will accommodation be in single or shared rooms?

In most cases, participants will stay in single rooms. If shared accommodation or another special accommodation arrangement is part of a specific tour, this will be clearly mentioned in the tour description in advance. This may apply, for example, to special wilderness experiences such as an overnight stay in a wilderness cabin.

 

Do I need to be physically fit for the activities?

Some tours may include outdoor activities, walking, snow activities or other experiences that require a normal level of physical fitness. However, nobody is required to take part in an activity if they do not feel comfortable or fit enough. There will usually be a Plan B or an alternative option.

Please let us know during registration if you have any health-related limitations or concerns, so that we can take this into account when assessing the suitability of the tour.

 

Do I need travel health insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommend that all participants have valid travel health insurance and travel insurance covering the full duration of their trip. Participants are responsible for their own insurance coverage, including medical care, accidents, travel disruptions and personal belongings.

Please let us know during registration if you have any health-related limitations or concerns, so that we can take this into account when assessing the suitability of the tour.

 

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Star_Arctic_Saariselka_snowmobiling-sunset2_© Star Arctic Saariselkä

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