Well Connected Travel

A scenic synopsis of the places you can visit on a customised charter itinerary are:

Helsinki – a city of the sea, Helsinki was built along a series of odd-shape peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic coast along the Gulf of Finland. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges reach to nearby islands, and ferries ply among offshore islands. Entering the Helsinki region from the sea is the Island of Jussarö, (where the first lighthouse was built as long ago as 1811). The closer we are to Helsinki itself, we come upon the island group known as Sveaborg (in Swedish ) / Suomenlinna (in Finnish). When Finland was part of the Swedish realm (in 1747), the Diet in Stockholm decided that a fortress be built to serve as the main base for the armed forces stationed in Finland. This group of islands was chosen to be the site of the fortress, which was to be called Sveaborg, "the fortress of Sweden". Construction began in 1748. Thus, this year (2008) marks the 250th anniversary of the start of one of the biggest building projects ever undertaken by the Kingdom of Sweden. Much later, in 1917, when Finland gained independence (from Russia), the Swedish name of the fortress was officially changed to the Finnish Suomenlinna, "castle of Finland", but it is still known as Sveaborg to Finns who speak Swedish as their first language.

Ingå combines an open and beautiful landscape with exotic archipelago scenery. Only 500 meters from the marina is Gammelgården, a charming and historical homestead museum . Buildings have been relocated to this spot from other parts of Finland - the main building from the 18th century displays a rich collection of museum objects dating back to the stone age. With its two recently restored smithies, magnificent park and well preserved museum street, the Fagervik iron works offer a rare insight into the history of iron manufacturing in Finland. The works were founded in 1646 and operated as late as the beginning of the 20th century.

Hanko, with 30kms of beaches and nature trails, numerous cultural activities ranging from Art Exhibitions (plus a local Gallery) to Regattas and museums (Fortress Museum and Front Museum) takes pride of place as the southernmost point in Finland. Nearby the old iron works communities laid the foundation for Finnish industry. A seaside resort for many years, Hanko’s hey-day began at the end of the 19th century, when the railway was built during the era of the grand Duchy of Finland, when members of the Russian aristocracy visited Hanko for recreation and treatment at the spa. Today the Eastern harbour resembles a picturesque Mediterranean Port with marinas, cafés and restaurants.

Nauvo is a small but busy centre of about 1500 people in an archipelagic sea of about 3,000 islands, the largest of which are Lillandet and Storlandet. Less than 100 of those islands are populated. In addition to the splendid scenery and living fishing villages, the other areas of interest are:-The surrounding National Park in the sea, Nauvo’s 14th century grey stone church, the old wooden church on Borstö island and a figurehead (statue) protecting seamen as well as handicraft and coffee shops.

Karlby, Kökar surroundings are full of character: smooth rocks; coves lined with leafy, green trees and steep rocky coasts. The island’s history is intriguing. The place was known as a restful stop already in the 13th century and in the olden time the islanders had a reputation for being pirates. We will expand on these stories when you are aboard JOANNA SATURNA. These days the islanders reputation is based more on the islands speciality – a delicious black bread. The local attractions are the Kökar country museum and the Hamnö Franciscan Chapel, where an exciting archaeological dig is being carried out.

Mariehamn, capital of Åland, an idyllic island dominion of 25,000 inhabitants, is an individual blend of Finnish and Swedish cultures. About half of that population lives in Mariehamn. Through a decision by the League of Nations in 1921, Åland belongs to Finland, but is autonomous. Major attractions in Mariehamn are The Åland Maritime Musuem, the Self Governing Parliament / Ålandia Congress, the Museum Ship Pommern, the church of St. Göran and the historic houses of Gustaf Erikson (of windjammer fame) and Övernäs cottage. Recreational areas abound - from relaxed and convivial sailing clubs to Lilla holmen, known for its profusion of flowers.

Runmarö: At the mouth of the Stockholm Archipeligo. A very picturesque spot to moor for the night. Nearby Ängö National Park (on the way to Nämdö), sets the tone for almost a “private wilderness” so close to a major city, yet so different.

Stockholm: Sailing in the Stockholm archipelago is one of the world's most spectacular natural sights. While the Stockholm Archipelago may seem practically infinite, it actually consists of 24,000 islands, islets and rocks. Close to the mainland, the islands are larger and more lush, the bays and channels wider and year-around residents more numerous. As you travel further out towards the sea, the scenery becomes more rugged finally ending in sparse islets. Stockholm is a beautiful city with an international flavor and a rich maritime history. Situated where Lake Malaren joins Saltsjon, this is a city of islands joined by bridges. Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful national capitals in the world, offering a combination of quaint streets, busy waterways and lush, green parks. Home to the world’s first urban national park - the Royal Ecopark – it is an expansive unbroken stretch of nature with a rich offering of rare flora and fauna , plus numerous historical monuments extending from Ulriksdal and the Haga Park into the north to Djurgåarden and the Fjäderholmarna islands in the south.

Tallinn the capital of Estonia: Across the Gulf of Finland, 80 kilometres to the south of Helsinki. The population of Tallinn is 400, 000. Estonia, a Finno-Ugric language closely related to Finnish, is the primary language spoken here. Russian, English and Finnish are widely spoken as well. The predominate religion is Lutheran. Estonia draws most from the European way of like, with affinities to both Scandinavian and German aesthetics and customs, but has also been influenced by the Slavic world. Tallinn comprises one of the best living museums of its kind. The waves of history that have swept Estonia’s shores are all represented in the edifices which from Tallinn’s skyline and the smaller buildings hidden in the winding streets of Tallinn’s Old Town. The 700 years of Tallinn’s architectural history give a compact and lively overview of various styles and architectural directions. But Tallinn is much more than a historical museum. Even the beautiful old buildings in the Old Town are centres of activity today, housing restaurants, cafes, entertainment and nightlife. Tallinn has the best of both old and new and it is a fast-developing, modern city, alive and happening 24 hour a day.