Helsinki City & Sibelius
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Port
Helsinki, Finland
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$119.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Expand your historical and cultural knowledge of Finland with this quality, live performance of Sibelius' compositions.
Begin your tour with an introduction to the beautiful sights of central Helsinki -- capital of Finland. Among its impressive wealth of architecture, and perhaps its most striking example, is Carl Ludvig Engel's neo-Classical Senate Square. Surrounded by public buildings and built in the Old Town center, Senate Square dates back to the mid-19th century.
Continue on foot to Market Square, near the waterfront, where vendors and customers come together to transact and converse -- it is a lively locale indeed.
A panoramic drive through the city takes you past several Helsinki highlights -- the Uspenski Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the Swedish Theater on Mannerheim Street. Watch for the Parliament Building (one of the last large buildings in Finland to be built entirely by hand) and Finlandia Hall, designed by architect Alvar Aalto. You'll see the Olympic Stadium -- site of the 1952 Olympic Games -- and visit the famous Temppeliaukio Church, hewn into solid bedrock. You will pass the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kiasma, whose architectural design is credited to the American architect Steven Holl.
Step inside Balder Hall to experience an authentic and entertaining musical experience -- a live music performance of Sibelius' wonderful compositions -- Finlandia, Spruce, Romance, Rondino, Souvenir and Valse Triste. This concert offers a high standard delivered by professional young musicians playing the violin and grand piano. It is accompanied by an on-screen visual symphony of Finnish nature.
Take home a gift CD of Sibelius' work, and enjoy a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage afterward in the company of the musicians.
You'll also visit Sibelius Park to view the magnificent monument honoring the work of sculptor Jean Sibelius.
Notes:
The recital may not be exclusive to Holland America Line guests. There is a total of 51 steps to reach the second floor of the Balder Hall with no elevator available. It is a 400-yard walk uphill from the coach parking to the Rock Church. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties.