Art & History Abroad Tours
Helsinki Art Nouveau to Postmodernism Tour
Perhaps the least known of the four Nordic Capital Cities, Helsinki is often referred to as the ‘Daughter of the Baltic’.
Its situation on the southern tip of the Vironniemi peninsula and 315 islands has, along with its late urbanization, by European standards, produced the recipe for a unique and vibrant capital city. Building upon the Neo-Classical master plan of Engel in the first half of the nineteenth century, the city started out resembling St Petersburg. Continued expansion especially in the early twentieth century led to the construction of many new developments, particularly Art Nouveau, with more than 600 buildings surviving.
Throughout the 20th century, the city continued to expand with more modern innovative architecture and was the centre, in the fifties and sixties, of Finnish Design.
It comes as no surprise, then, that alongside all of this architecture are a remarkable set of museums and galleries.
Through a series of walking tours, visits to a range of museums, galleries and supporting lectures, you will be introduced to the city of Saarinen and Aalto in the company of Prof. Anne Anderson. A highlight of the tour is staying at the Home Hotel Jugend, an Art Nouveau stone castle with magnificent interior details and one of Helsinki’s most beloved buildings.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Professor Anne Anderson
Anne is an author, broadcaster and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, with a first degree in archaeology and a PhD in English. She was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History for fourteen years, specialising in the Aesthetic Movement, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism.
An experienced international speaker and published author, Anne has inspired Travel Editions travellers for more than fifteen years with her wit, wisdom and enthusiasm. Her tours reveal the connections between architecture, interiors and design, bringing the artistic revolutions of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries vividly to life.
itinerary & excursions
October 2026 Itinerary
Please note this is the itinerary for the 2026 departure of this holiday. Please scroll down for the updated 2027 itinerary.
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Helsinki
Transfer by coach for check-in to the hotel. This evening there will be a welcome drink in the lounge bar, lecture, ‘Finland: Art Nouveau/Jugendstil or Arts & Crafts’ and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Helsinki’s Iconic Train Station & Design Museum
This morning will be spent on a walking tour looking at some of the city’s 600 Art Nouveau buildings, referred to in Finland as National Romanticism, such as its magnificent train station dating from 1919.
This afternoon, our exploration continues with a visit to the superb Design Museum, founded in 1873 and now housed in a former school designed by architect, Gustaf Nystrom in 1894 in the neo-Gothic style. This evening a second lecture, “‘From Saarinen to Aalto the Golden Age of Finnish Architecture and Design” and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Temppeliaukio Church, Oodi Library & Ateneum Art Museum
Our exploration of this under-rated but fascinating city will continue with a visit to the extraordinary rock-carved Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in 1969. It is one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions with half a million visitors annually.
This afternoon we visit the stunning Oodi Library for a guided tour with Anne and the excellent Ateneum Art Museum, housing the largest collection of art in Finland.
Day 4: Studio Aalto & Porvoo
This morning we visit Studio Aalto, one of the most notable works of renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. We take a guided tour of the house which was designed in 1955, and features curving walls and an inner courtyard shaped like an amphitheatre.
Next we drive to Porvoo for a visit to the Old Town Hall which is part of the Porvoo Museum. We take a guided tour of the exhibition showcasing Albert Edelfelt’s paintings, sketches, prints, tools, personal items and items that belonged to the artist’s family.
We have free time for lunch, then a walking tour with Anne to admire the well-preserved wooden houses and Art Nouveau buildings before returning to Helsinki.
Day 5: Kirkkonummi, the Hvittrask Studio & the Gallen-Kallela House and Studio
This morning we visit Kirkkonummi and the Hvittrask Studio, built in 1903 and an architectural jewel, inside and out, of the National Romantic style. It was the home and studio of Eliel Saarinen, where the Helsinki Railway Station plans were drawn up amongst many other monumental buildings.
Next, and our final visit on the tour will be to the Gallen-Kallela House and Studio. Designed and built by the artist, the castle-like studio and residence was opened to the public in 1961 and houses temporary exhibitions showing the art and the life of Gallen-Kallela and his contemporaries alongside present-day works of contemporary art. Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Heathrow.
October 2027 Itinerary
Please note this is the itinerary for the October 2027 departure. Please scroll up for the itinerary for October 2026.
Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow or Edinburgh to Helsinki
Transfer by coach for check-in to the hotel.
This evening there will be a welcome drink in the lounge bar, lecture, ‘Finland: Art Nouveau/Jugendstil or Arts & Crafts’ and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Helsinki’s Iconic Train Station & Design Museum
This morning will be spent on a walking tour looking at some of the city’s 600 Art Nouveau buildings, referred to in Finland as National Romanticism, such as its magnificent train station dating from 1919.
This afternoon, our exploration continues with a visit to the superb Design Museum, founded in 1873 and now housed in a former school designed by architect, Gustaf Nystrom in 1894 in the neo-Gothic style.
This evening a second lecture, ‘From Saarinen to Aalto the Golden Age of Finnish Architecture and Design’” and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Helsinki
Our exploration of this under-rated but fascinating city will continue with a visit to the extraordinary rock-carved Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in 1969. It is one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions with half a million visitors annually.
This afternoon we visit the stunning Oodi Library for a guided tour with Anne and the excellent Ateneum Art Museum, housing the largest collection of art in Finland.
Day 4: Helsinki & Porvoo
This morning we visit Studio Aalto, one of the most notable works of renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. We take a guided tour of the house which was designed in 1955, and features curving walls and an inner courtyard shaped like an amphitheatre.
Next we drive to Porvoo for a visit to the Old Town Hall which is part of the Porvoo Museum. We take a guided tour of the exhibition showcasing Albert Edelfelt’s paintings, sketches, prints, tools, personal items and items that belonged to the artist’s family.
We have free time for lunch, then a walking tour with Anne to admire the well-preserved wooden houses and Art Nouveau buildings before returning to Helsinki. Tonight we have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Kirkkonummi, the Hvittrask Studio & the Gallen-Kallela House
This morning we visit Kirkkonummi and the Hvittrask Studio, built in 1903 and an architectural jewel, inside and out, of the National Romantic style. It was the home and studio of Eliel Saarinen, where the Helsinki Railway Station plans were drawn up amongst many other monumental buildings.
Next, and our final visit on the tour will be to the Gallen-Kallela House and Studio. Designed and built by the artist, the castle-like studio and residence was opened to the public in 1961 and houses temporary exhibitions showing the art and the life of Gallen-Kallela and his contemporaries alongside present-day works of contemporary art.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Heathrow or Edinburgh.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“The whole holiday was superb. Anne and Coleen were both wonderful, caring, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable.”
Mary Vince, October 2025
“We were very impressed with the way problems (flight change, one of the intended visits not being possible because of closure) were dealt with. The visit to the Ateneum was much enhanced by the temporary exhibition which chimed very much with our interests.”
Mrs H, October 2025
“The visit to the Helsinki library and, on the last day, the Kirpila Art Museum were particular highlights.”
Adrienne Finch, October 2025
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Home Hotel Jugend, Helsinki
Built in 1903, the Home Hotel Jugend is an Art Nouveau castle which will hopefully make your stay in Helsinki unique and memorable. The four-star hotel is located within Helsinki’s trendy design district and comprises of the main castle building and an additional modern annexe. The stone castle has thousands of Art Nouveau details throughout the building and is one of Helsinki’s most beloved buildings. The hotel has a lounge bar and comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, safe, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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