Turku
Finland's most historic city affords a fascinating look at some interesting chapters in Finland's history. It was Finland's first capital at the time when Finland was part of the Swedish Kingdom, and is home to the nation's most remarkable medieval monuments.

Overlooking the river Aura, which runs through the city, is the Turku Cathedral, Finland's national shrine. It is the most famous of the medieval grey stone churches found in Turku. Turku Castle, dating back to the 1280's, is one of Finland's most magnificent national treasures. Its golden age was in the 1500's under the reign of Duke John and Katarina Jagellonica when the Reneissance floor was built. Today, the castle provides a unique venue for reneissance or medieval style theme dinners. Turku is also home to a unique handicrafts museum, which displays trades and the way of life of past times. The quarter of wooden houses was spared from the Great Fire that destroyed the rest of the city in 1827.

Tampere
Tampere is a city of waters, parks and ridges with nature always close at hand. The city is surrounded by two large lakes and the Tammerkoski rapids run through the city. A pioneer in Finland's industrialization, the Tampere of today is a vibrant modern city where high tech and culture flourish side by side. With 200,000 inhabitants, it is the largest inland city of the Nordic countries.

Tampere was built on the banks of Tammerkoski rapids more than 220 years ago. In the early days the rapids provided a new source of energy for the industrialization which was taking its first steps towards the end of the 18th century. Gradually Tampere evolved into Finland's industrial centre with cotton and linen mills, metal and paper industry providing work for thousands of men and women. The industry has moved away from the city centre, but the old factory buildings still stand along the banks of the rapids as a reminder of the city's industrial heritage.

The old industrial buildings are now home to theatres, cinema complexes, museums, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, galleries and even a spa hotel, and provide facilities for group dínners and lunches in a historical ambience. The pristine waters of the rapids, rich in game fish, provide a unique setting for a fishing picnic. Lake cruises are naturally a popular part of tourist or incentive programmes in the city of lakes. In addition to the regular boat traffic, chartered cruises with special programme and catering can be arranged.

The key attractions of Tampere include Tampere Cathedral, built in National Romantic style, Näsinneula observation tower with a revolving restaurant, Moominvalley museum, and Pyynikki ridge rising between two large lakes. The Metso City Library and the Kaleva church are fine examples of modern Finnish architecture.

Rovaniemi
The Christmas spirit is very much present in the capital of Finnish Lapland round the year. Santa Claus has his workshop right on the Arctic Circle, where he meets visitors every day of the year. Not far from his village is a unique underground Christmas theme park, the Santapark.

Surrounded by the vast Lapp wilderness, Rovaniemi offers great opportunities for exciting outdoor activities for groups and individuals alike. In winter, there is no better way to explore the snow-clad landscapes than by snowmobile or in a sledge plulled by a dog team. A ride in a reindeer sleigh is a memorable experience for anyone. The Midnight Sun can be seen in Rovaniemi at the height of the summer.

One of the key attractions is the Arktikum Building housing the Arctic Centre and the Regional Museum of Lapland.

Rovaniemi is easily accessible: a flight from Helsinki takes about one hour.