Our Tours - Rally Finland - 2009

The Rally of Finland is an iconic event which is as popular as Rugby is in NZ. The fast flowing forest roads, the jumps and the multi-national spectator crowds make this a truly unique world class Rally and quite different to what we experience in Australia or New Zealand.

The competition that takes place at the end of July and beginning of August consists of 23 stages, of which 9 will be driven twice. The total special stage distance will be approximately 360 kilometres.

This year we are focusing even more on making it easier for the spectators to follow the rally. The Idea is to put together a route that offers new rally experiences for both the spectators and competitors, and also a route that is easy for the rally fans to follow. One of the factors make following the rally easier this year, compared to 2008 is that we have more stages that are driven twice.

Our tour starts in Helsinki, the coastal capital of Finland when the group meets at the Bonus Inn Hotel close to the Airport on Tuesday 27th July. Most flights from Europe, London and Asia tend to converge on Helsinki around mid afternoon.

On Wednesday morning the 28th July we have an organised city tour of beautiful Helsinki with a local guide with a wealth of local knowledge. At 17.00 we meet up with the coach and the rest of the group comprising of mostly English Rally Supporters and travel the 3 Hours North to our accommodation at Keuru. This location will be our lodgings for the next 4 nights.

Arrangements will be bed and breakfast with daily packed lunches for the 3 days of the Rally.

A full itinerary and Rally Pack will be issued which will include maps and a Rally programme.

A Rally Tours group dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Monday 2nd August. “Optional day trip by fast ferry to Estonia”

Since we are so close to the Russian continent a day trip to Tallinn the capital of Estonia seems like a good idea. Enjoy a fast 3 hour ferry ride from Helsinki to experience the contrast of modern Tallinn and the old medi-evil city of years gone by. It is important to take our passports and proof of Health Insurance. This is an experience you will not forget in a long time. Lunch is in a traditional medi-evil restaurant eating pork bones and sipping mulled wine. The serious part of the visit it to pay respects to the late Michael “Beef” Park, Estonian, Marco Martins co-driver tragically killed in Rally GB in 2004. We stop briefly to observe the monument erected on the Tallinn waterfront in his honour.

If you need to fly out of Helsinki later in the evening we can have you back at the airport in time to do so but recommend a return flight the next morning.

The remainder of the group staying over in Helsinki will stay at the Bonus Inn and the accommodation cost will be additional to the tour cost. This is an indication of the Rally Finland itinerary based on previous tours and some minor details may change depending on operating conditions. Up dated information will be forwarded to those who have expressed interest in this tour as it becomes available.

Tour Costs:

1. The Rally Tour Helsinki to Helsinki $NZ 2900.00 Twin Share.
   (from Wednesday 28th July to Sunday 1st August) Add $NZ 350 for single supplement
   
   
2. The Estonia Day Tour Option. (Monday 2nd August) $NZ 450.00
   
   
3. Additional B&B Hotel Accommodation at the Bonus Inn. $NZ 275.00 Twin Share
   (May be required on the Tuesday night) $NZ 225.00 Single.
   
   
4. Rally Tours can quote on airfares ex NZ to suit your travel to and from Helsinki.

Tour Inclusions:

1. All land transport from Helsinki to Helsinki.
   
   
2. Services of a Rally Tours Guide / Tour Escort.
   
   
3. All Rally Finland Tickets and Rally passes.
   
   
4. A Rally Finland Rally Pack of maps and a programme.
   
   
5. Bed and Breakfast Hotel Accommodation for 7 nights.
   
   
6. City Tour of Helsinki on Wednesday 28th July.
   
   
7. Packed Lunches for the 3 days of the Rally.
   
   
8. Rally Tours Souvenir polo shirt for Rally Finland.
   
   
9. Group dinner on Sunday night at the Bonus Inn.
   
   
10. a visit to a works service team Experience.

Estonia Day Tour Inclusions:

1. Taxi transfers to and from the ferry terminal.
   
   
2. Return Ferry travel to and from Estonia.
   
   
3. Guided coach and walking tour of Tallinn City.
   
   
4. Lunch at a medi-evil restaurant.