Welcome to Finland

Program 

Monday, January 16

HKG-HEL
AY100 15JAN 22:05 06:00 +1
06:00 Arrival with Finnair at Helsinki
Meet your bus driver in arrival hall at Helsinki Airport
Transfer by bus to Helsinki City and your hotel
Welcome to Helsinki!
Awarded with 'City of Design' status by Unesco, Helsinki is a modern city that offers functional design, unique gastronomy and maritime appeal. The capital of Finland is filled with lively events all year round, but the peaceful archipelago and green forests are only a stone's throw away and can be easily reached by the efficient public transportation system
Check-in to Hotel AX
Hotel AX is a brand-new artistic playground and a place for relaxed inspiration. Hotel AX has worked with Finland's most distinguished modern artists to create a unique and original art hotel that combines an art experience with hotel accommodation in an unprecedented way. Finnish modern art is at the heart of the concept. In addition to a diverse collection of works inside and outside the building, Hotel AX will be a platform, enabler and gateway for guests into Helsinki culture and artistic life more broadly
Breakfast at the hotel
Time for a rest
Helsinki Partners provides you with a 48-hour Helsinki Card City for getting around on Monday and Tuesday in Helsinki
Helsinki Card city includes for example:
Public transport in Helsinki, Entrance to the top attractions and museums, Panorama Sightseeing tour by bus, Helsinki Card digital guidebook, Discounts on restaurants and shopping
11:00 Lobby call, meet your Visit Finland representative and your local guide at the hotel lobby
Heather's Helsinki Food Tour
The World Food Travel Association announced the winners of its 2022 Global Culinary Travel Awards to recognize excellence and innovation in culinary products and experiences for travelers. The Runner Up for "Best Celebration of Culinary Culture in Culinary Travel" is – Heather's Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland). This is the food tour you have to do in Helsinki.
15:00 Site inspection at hotel Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Meet your Scandic host Ms Lilli Herrala (tel: +358 50 5844 830) in the hotel lobby
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki is located in the stunning historic building designed by the famous Eliel Saarinen at the Central Railway Station, where old-fashioned charm meets modern style in an inspirational way
A short walk to Amos Rex
16:30 OPTIONAL Visit to Amos Rex
Amos Rex is a meeting place for art and urban culture, consisting of new underground exhibition spaces, the old Lasipalatsi building ("glass palace") from 1936 and its Bio Rex cinema, as well as a vibrant event forum on Lasipalatsi Square, which serves as the roof of the exhibition hall. The goal of the new museum is to produce unique experiences and surprising encounters
Tram back to the hotel
18:00 Lobby call, meet your Visit Finland host at the hotel lobby, a short walk to tram number 8. Route and timetable
18:30 Dinner at culture and artist restaurant Elite
Elite is a unique Finnish culture and artist restaurant - a stage of life and a living room for artists since 1932. Actors, musicians, writers and dancers, as well as visual artists whose works are on the walls of Elite, have enjoyed life in this real-life theater.  Step inside and experience the enchanting inviting atmosphere of past decades
21:00 Tram 8 back to the hotel
Good night!

Tuesday, January 17

Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 Meet your myHelsinki guide Ms Hanna-Leena Halsas (tel: +358 50 36 99 771) at the hotel lobby, tram to Helsinki city
Get to know Helsinki Design District Torikorttelit
The area known as Torikorttelit consists of three oldest blocks in the heart of Helsinki, right by the sea. This neoclassical part of the city has turned into a buzzing complex of cafes and restaurants, atmospheric courtyard terraces and street-level shops through a revitalisation project. The area hosts the Helsinki City Museum, a cinema al-fresco, a speakeasy, a vinyl shop, a brewery, a hip pizzeria, a 100-year old hat shop - to mention some. A layer of new life has been added to the old town feel. Stroll, explore, enjoy! 
12:00 Hotel St. George site inspection, meet Mr Anton Martikainen, Director of Sales, Kämp Collection Hotels
Hotel St. George, opened in May 2018, challenges the world of hospitality when it comes to the very idea of luxury, presenting an innovative synergy of holistic care for mind, heart, and body. St. George is housed in a magnificent historic building, next to the peaceful Old Church Park – yet only a few steps away from everything that Helsinkihas to offer. The hotel inspires with its boldly realized art collection and world-class design, and is home to two restaurants, bar, bakery and spa with hot saunas and a pool.
A short walk to Design Museum
13:30 Visit to Design Museum
The museum offers unique design experiences and new perspectives on multifaceted design. Design Museum's main exhibition will feature works by one of Finland's most renowned designer couples ­­–first time ever in the same exhibition. Interior designer Antti Nurmesniemi and textile artist Vuokko Nurmesniemi, both made international careers in their own fields of expertise.
Taito Café offers freshly baked sourdough bread, pastries, pies and sweet pastries. The café also serves coffee from a local roastery, microbrewery beers and organic wines. A delicious soup and salad lunch is served daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m
Tram back to the hotel
18:30 Meet your Visit Finland host at the hotel lobby
Transfer by tram number 9 to Hotel Mestari
Meet your hotel chain host at the hotel lobby
19:00 Dinner
Tram 9 back to the hotel 

Wednesday, January 18

Breakfast at the hotel

MATKA 2023 Workshop Day 

07:55 Transfer by tram 9 to Messukeskus
Timetable and route
08:30 Arrival at Messukeskus

Program of the MATKA 2023 Workshop Day

20:30/20:45 approx. bus to all hotels, also to Hotel Ax after "Party like a Finn"

Thursday, January 19

MATKA 2023 Trade Day

Breakfast at the hotel
08:00 Check-out
Transfer by bus from the partner hotels to Messukeskus
Please note times are approx.
08:15 First stop at Hotel AX, Välimerenkatu 18
08:25 Next stop at Lapland Hotels Bulevardi, Bulevardi 28
08:35 Last stop at Scandic Helsinki Hub, Annankatu 18
09:00 Arrival at Messukeskus

MATKA 2023 Trade Day

Lunch (lunch coupons are given to you on Wednesday by your Visit Finland host)

13:30 Transfer by car to Turku, meet your chauffeur in front of Hotel Holiday Inn entrance  with the sign "MATKA 2023 HK TURKU"

Welcome to Turku! Turku flows on the banks of river Aura
Turku has great city charm, possessing the status of the oldest city of Finland and the European Capital of Culture 2011. The city has a compact size and easy walking distance for exploring the exciting mixture of old and new. A large part of city life – main sights, restaurants and shops – is concentrated around the banks of the River Aura – the heart and soul of Turku. Turku is also a must visit destination for foodies. The town is gaining reputation for its splendid restaurant scene – all the way to the point of referring to the city as being the Food Capital of Finland.
Meet your Visit Turku host Ms Anitta Bergbom, tel: +358 40 4814453 in the hotel lobby
Check-in at 1920' style boutique hotel Solo Sokos Hotel Seurahuone Unexpected experiences in the heart of Turku
Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone is an elegant and lively boutique hotel in the centre of Turku. A classic that's full of surprises, brought from the 1920s into the modern age. The valuable Seurahuone property was built in 1928. The work of interior designer Jaakko Puro as well as the vibrant 1920s can be seen throughout our hotel. Each room is unique in size and decor. Get ready for a stay in our atmospheric hotel that will please the senses.

Please take your swimsuit with you for the sauna visit!
16:20 Bus transfer to the island of Hirvensalo
Local home visit property on the Island of Hirvensalo and meeting with owner Ms. Heljä Laakso
Afternoon snacks, sauna and swimming.

18:45 Bus transfer to Turku
19:00 Dinner at Restaurant NOBI by the river Aura
Bus transfer back to the hotel 

Friday, January 20

Morning sauna at the hotel
Breakfast

Please take your swimsuit with you for the spa visit!
Hotel tour in the city by walk
09:00 Solo Sokos Hotel Seurahuone
09:45 Radisson Blu Marina Hotel by the river Aura 
10:30 Scandic Hamburger Börs by the Turku Market Square 
11:15 Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund by the Turku Market Square 
Both hotels by the market square have roof top bars with the best views for example to The New Turku Market Square!
12:00 Drive to Naantali
Naantali Spa site inspection, meet with Mr Joni Hakkarainen, Director Sales & Marketing
Lunch
14:00 Bus to Moomin Peculiar Café
Meeting with Moomin and representative of Moominworld
14:30 Drive to city center and Kakolanmäki Hill
Kakola Prison, opened 1853 as accommodation for Russian soldiers who came to Finland from the Crimean War. They left 1859 and the building became a prison. This once-feared prison closed its doors in 2007, but its story doesn't end there. Prison has undergone a complete transformation in recent years and today it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
15:00 Guided Kakola tour including hotel tour at Kakola Hotel, meet Mr Mikael Aaltonen, Hotel Director.  
16:00 Kakola Spa experience, meet Mr Tomi Siren, the Spa host
18:00 Beer tasting at Kakola Brewing Company
KBC Taproom is a cozy neighbourhood bar & restaurant by the local craft brewery Kakola Brewing Company. Located in the unique former prison area of Kakola that has now turned into a lovely neighborhood. This spot just needs to be experienced when in Turku. Enjoy the fresh beers and tasty pizzas in our sunny terrace or cozy inner. Our pizzas are made with a creative twist and seasonal ingredients. Select your choice of drink from the 16-taps of beer or from the carefully curated list of natural wines. We also do brewery tours and tastings.
19:00 Dinner at Restaurant Kakolanruusu
Restaurant Kakolanruusu is situated in quite possibly Finland's most fascinating setting, in the old courtyard of Kakola prison. Restaurant customers also receive service in the atmospheric lounge bar, where you can enjoy cocktails, coffee or bar snacks. Much of the menu is prepared over an open fire and consists of simple and tasty dishes, served to share amongst your dinner party.
Evening walk or transfer back to the hotel
 

Saturday, January 21

Morning sauna and breakfast at the hotel
Free time, shopping, museums etc.
12:00 Guided tasting tour in Turku Market Hall and city tour by walk
15:30 Dinner at Restaurant Gunnar  in Solo Sokos Seurahuone Hotel
17:00 Transfer to Kupittaa Railway Station
17:31 Train from Kupittaa to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (19.48)
Check-in at Helsinki Airport
Flight to Hong Kong
HEL-HKG  AY099  22JAN  0:30 18:40

Thank you for visiting Finland!