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The
Turku Archipelago is one of Finland's most stunning natural
phenomena - 20,000 islands stretching out into the sea from the
city of Turku in the southwest part of the country. The
Archipelago Ring route: several bridges, 9 ferries or connection
vessels will take you from one island to another amidst unique
archipelago nature. Our circular route starts in Turku, Finland's
oldest city, established in 1229, where
you will enjoy a ride around the historic city with its medieval
castle, cathedral and riverside paths. Stay in the picturesque old
harbour village of Naantali, home of the Moomin characters. Enjoy
the unique pleasure of hopping between the small islands off
Finland's southwest coast and the chance to see the islands from
the sea as well as the road. You will reach the heart of the
archipelago arriving on the Island of Inio, Houtskar (the only
Swedish speaking island), Korpoo and Nauvo, where there are 3000
islands and skerries in Nauvo's unique archipelago.
Season
June
3, 10 & 24
July
1, 8, 15, 22, 23 & 29
August
5 & 6
Level of Difficulty
Easy
to Moderate. You should be able to cycle between 15 km and 57km
per day. It is generally easy, but with occasional rolling
sections and 3 days 50km+.
The Bikes
On
Day 2 your bikes will be delivered to your hotel.
5
day bicycle
and helmet are included in the price with repair kit, panniers,
and 24 hour emergency service.
The
bikes are 7 or 21-gear city bike models. The bikes usually have 26
inch tyres, they are chosen as they are much more durable on the
gravel roads that you will be cycling on. Please let us know your
height and inside leg measurements so that we can request your
bikes before your arrival.
Baggage Transfers
Each
day that you move on to new accommodation during the tour your
baggage (normally up to 20kg / 44 pounds per person) will be
transferred to await your arrival at the next night’s
accommodation. 1 piece of baggage per person.
Maps & Route Notes
We
provide specially written route descriptions for each day's
cycling, together with maps.
General Information
Hotels:
The
hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if
these are not available then alternatives are used and if these
are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of
booking.
Baths/showers:
Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather
than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some
hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house
where a bath is available to guests.
Breakfast:
in countries such as Finland are usually buffet style, please
don’t offend your hosts by making up a picnic lunch from the
breakfast buffet unless it has been specifically organised for
you.
Special
Dietary Requirements: It is
important for you to tell us if you have any dietary requirements
when you book your holiday so that we can inform everyone that you
are staying with.
Single
Supplements:
are payable on most of our tours.
The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own
room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may
not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms.
Solo
Traveller Supplements:
are payable when the cost per bag of moving luggage increases.
Language:
When travelling in less frequented
areas you will not necessarily come across people speaking
English. Remember you are experiencing a different culture, buy a
phrase book and try to learn a little of the local language!
Luggage:
When staying in hotels, sometimes
your luggage will have been taken to your room awaiting your
arrival. However don’t be surprised if your luggage is waiting
for you to take it up to your room. Please politely ask someone if
you need assistance.
Route
Notes: Please note that one set of
route notes per room booked is included in the cost of the
holiday. If you require more sets of notes then there is a charge
of £25 per set ordered.
Insurance: All clients must have appropriate cover for the
activities included for the duration of our trip.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
is in small hotels and guesthouses. Dinner, Bed and breakfasts on
3 nights, remaining nights are bed and breakfast. Picnic lunches
are not included, but materials for picnics can be purchased in
each of the towns and villages where you stay.
Nights
1 and 6: Turku. Our 3* hotel is centrally located in Turku. (131 rooms). It is located
within walking distance (approx 500m) from the railway station.
Bed and
breakfast accommodation. For dinner you will find a large
selection of restaurants in the center of Turku. The hotel has a
restaurant and 3 saunas. Morning sauna is included in the room
price.
Nights
2: On
Taivassalo, our guesthouse is set in a beautiful location.
Night
3: Is
spent on the island of Korpoo. Our overnight stay is in a
converted barn.
Night
4: Nauvo. Overnight in a former barn converted into a
guesthouse located amongst a beautiful natural area near the sea.
Night
5: At Naantali.
Relax at Spa
hotel , by the sea and yet fairly central to town. This is a
modern complex with pools and restaurants. Bed
and Breakfast accommodation. Dinner available nearby in the
restaurant of your choice.
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