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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 (776 years old in 2005), 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
6, 13 & 27
July
4, 11, 18 & 25
August
1 & 8
It
is possible to start on other days other than those specified
above. It just takes longer to get confirmation from all the
hotels as we are not holding any room allocations.
Level of Difficulty
Easy
to Moderate. You should be able to cycle between 15 km and 65km
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
Baths:
it is not normal for your room to have a bath, the main reason being
that it takes up a lot of space, some hotels/guesthouses may have a
separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests, but in
the main it is showers.
Breakfast: in countries such Finland
they 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. 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. 1) 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. 2) You are not just paying a supplement on the room
but the luggage transfer costs you are paying in full. The cost of
moving 1 bag or 2 bags etc remains the same. On some of our trips it is
possible to reduce the cost of the single supplement if you happen to be
a 3rd person travelling, or have chosen a date when other clients are
booked. Please note that in the case of late bookings or hotel closure
we may use various other hotels, which offer a similar standard of
accommodation and cuisine.
Language:
When
travelling in less frequented areas you will not necessarily come
across people speaking English. Remember you have left home to find
things different.
Luggage:
When
staying in hotels, sometimes your luggage will have been taken to you
room awaiting your arrival. However don’t be surprised if your luggage
is waiting for you to take it up to your room.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
is in small hotels and guesthouses. Dinner, Bed and breakfasts on
2 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 star cosy
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 Kustavi, we generally stay at a guesthouse. The
guesthouse in located right on the harbour. (The rooms do not have
private bathrooms).
Night
3 & 4: Nauvo. Overnight in a former barn converted into a
guesthouse located amongst a beautiful natural area near the sea.
All the 3 guest rooms have a phone and private facilities.
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.
Arrival
Scheduled
flights from London Heathrow to Helsinki with British Airways for
UK full-package clients.
Flights
from Manchester are available with a supplement.
Once
you arrive at the airport in Helsinki, take the bus to the city
terminal at the train station (Allow 5 Euros per person),
duration 30 minutes.
Train
to Turku. The journey takes 2 hours and the price is not included
in the tour. (Allow 30 pounds, around 34 Euros, each way).
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