Most of the cities originated either historically as trade centers or were built by a decree as administrative centers. Helsinki and St. Petersburg belong to the latter category. Each country as well as each city has his or her own history, culture and traditions. However both cities, St. Petersburg and Helsinki, are 'the monument' to many architects and to the thousands of common people who built them. This trip offers you an opportunity to learn about history, culture and the modern life of these neighboring cities.

In case of a longer stay in St. Petersburg you have a perfect chance to broaden the traditional tour program with an optional tour. You will visit two unforgettable capitals of the North - St. Petersburg and Helsinki - if you decide to book for a two day bus trip from St. Petersburg to Suomi land.

Day 1

Breakfast, at 8.30 - departure to Vyborg, the town bordering upon Finland.Vyborg (in Finnish "Viipuri")- is a harbor and a sea port, built in 1293 by Swedes on the place of the Russian settlement dating back to the 12th century. During the Northern War between Russia and Sweden (1701-1721) Vyborg was conquered by the Russian army under the command of Peter I. The road to Vyborg runs through the picturesque Karelian Isthmus. Thick pine forests, land breeze, big boulders, numerous brooklets and lakes are part of the stern beauty of this unique landscape.

Arrival at Vyborg by 12:00, a short sightseeing tour of the city, lunch in Vyborg, after lunch - departure towards the Russian-Finnish border. After the formalities are over continue driving along towards Helsinki passing by forests and lakes of the beautiful landscape.

Arrival in Helsinki (formerly named Helsingfors) by night. The city was founded by the King Gustav Vasa in 1550 as Finland needed a port in the Gulf harbor that could compete with Tallinn (formerly Revel), a port on the opposite shore of the Gulf, and a Dutch commercial base trading with Russia. In 2000 Helsinki celebrated its 450 anniversary. Check-in at the hotel "Arthur" (a private nice hotel in the city center).Dinner on board the ship "Ukkopekka" with music and dancing (food is served on board and on the island).

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel, sightseeing tour of Helsinki (The pride of Helsinki is the Senate Square designed in the imposing imperial style, the Dome Cathedral, the Market Square by the harbor, Temppeliau church built out of massive rocks, with the archway cupola. Visit to "Fazer", the world-renowned company producing chocolate. Departure to St. Petersburg.