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Finland/Estonia

Bookbag Tours
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August 5 - 14, 2026

Join us on an incredible journey to the enchanting landscapes of Finland, where vibrant culture and stunning scenery await. Immerse yourself in the lively streets of Helsinki, explore the charming architecture of Tallinn, and connect with fellow travelers while discovering the rich traditions of both cities. Whether you're drawn to the unique design of Helsinki or the medieval charm of Tallinn, this trip promises an unforgettable blend of education and exploration. Secure your spot now for an adventure that will inspire your spirit and leave you with cherished memories.

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Note: Itinerary Subject to Change.

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Leaders

Terrain:  Hills and mostly city walking.

Activity Level:   Moderate to High (Some hiking in nature)

School Visit:  Yes

This trip offers immersive professional development through school visits, allowing educators to engage directly with local teachers and students, observe classrooms, and participate in meaningful dialogue about education systems around the world. These experiences foster fresh perspectives and practical ideas to bring back home.

Professional Development – Medium Level

This trip includes educator discussions, offering authentic opportunities for cultural exchange and professional growth. You’ll gain meaningful insights to reflect on and bring back to your classroom. Participants will receive a certificate for 20+ professional development hours. The true magic of PD on this trip comes from the organic conversations and connections you make with fellow educators along the way.

Graduate Credits- In addition, we have partnered with an accredited university to allow participants to earn 1 graduate credit for an additional $100 or 3 graduate credits for an additional $300. 

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Questions? Visit our Bookbag Tours FAQ page.

*Reserve your spot with a nonrefundable deposit today!

Booking Your Trip

Costs & Inclusions
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Booking Info

Secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure with just a $300 nonrefundable deposit. From there, 40% of your trip cost will be due 6 months before your travel date, and the final payment will be due 3 months prior to departure. It’s a simple, flexible way to lock in your journey and start counting down to the experience of a lifetime!

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Trip pricing can change at any time due to fluctuating travel costs. Book now to lock in your rate and secure your spot at the current price!

✅ What’s Included

  • Welcome Reception

    Welcome Reception upon arrival

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport Transfers to/from airport (if arriving on set arrival/departure dates)

  • PD Certificate

    A certificate for 20 hours of professional development will be given to each participant

  • Hotel Accommodations

    3 and 4 Star Hotel Accommodations

  • Meals

    Breakfast every morning

  • Summit Dinner

    Conclusive Summit Dinner

  • Group Sightseeing

    Two-Day Helsinki Pass, Guided Tour of Tallinn, & more.

  • Ground Transportation

    All Ground Transportation for group activities

  • BBT T-Shirt

    You will be sent a BBT shirt, specific to your trip, before your departure!

  • The BBT Team

    Your amazing Trip Leaders, your Professional Development facilitators, our Trip Managers, and our On-Site and Off-Site Team members!

  • School Visit

    One day

❌ What’s Not Included

  • Airfare

    Airfare is not included

  • Optional Side Trips

    You will have a list of optional side trips for an additional fee at a later date

  • Tips and Gratuities

    For in-country guides and drivers

  • Early/Late Transfers

    If you are arriving or departing earlier/later than the scheduled Group dates, you will be responsible for your own transfers. We are happy to advise, but we will not cover the cost.

Overview

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Overview

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Leaders

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1. Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

2. Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna, Helsinki, Finland

3. Tallinn

Tallinn, Estonia

Day 1 - August 5

Arrival in Helsinki
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Arrival into Helsinki Airport (HEL)

Leaders will welcome you at the airport and will get you transferred to the hotel.

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Welcome Reception

Enjoy an afternoon mingling with fellow educators and light refreshments.

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Evening Free to Explore

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Accomodations

Overnight in Helsinki

Day 2 - August 6

Helsinki Pass
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Breakfast At Hotel (Included)

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Day one of using Helsinki Pass

We will have a group itinerary you can choose, or you can choose to do your own thing.

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Overnight in Helsinki

Day 3 - August 7

Helsinki Pass
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Breakfast At Hotel (Included)

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Day two of using Helsinki Pass

We will have a group itinerary you can choose, or you can choose to do your own thing.

A visit to Suomenlinna, fortress island on the coast of Helsinki

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Overnight in Helsinki

Day 4 - August 8

Head to Estonia
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Breakfast At Hotel (Included)

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Group Activity:

Ferry to Tallinn - We will leave early in the morning to head to Estonia

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Group Activity: Guided Tour Around Tallinn Old Town

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Overnight in Tallinn

Day 5 - August 9

Free Day in Tallinn
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Breakfast At Hotel (Included)

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Free Day To Explore Tallinn

Enjoy a free day in Tallinn, where medieval charm meets modern vibrancy. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its stunning architecture.

Option to Book Bike Tour of Tallin Here!

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Evening Ferry to Helsinki

Departure around 7PM

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Overnight in Helsinki

Day 6 - August 10

Professional Development
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Breakfast At the Hotel (Included)

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Group Activities:

PD from 8am - 4 PM

  • Workshop: Finnish education system and National Core Curriculum in Action. In this session, you will gain an understanding and insights into the Finnish education system and National Core Curriculum. You will study some of the key elements of the curriculum and its skill-based approach to gain an understanding of the reforms that the system is going through to better meet the demands of the 21st century.

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Evening Free or Optional Activity

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Overnight in Helsinki

Day 7 - August 11

School Visit in Helsinki
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Breakfast At Hotel (Included)

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School Visit

  • Phenomenon Based Learning

  • Workshop: Teaching communication and collaboration skills.  In this workshop, you will gain tools and strategies for building a respective and responsive learning environment through rigorous teaching of collaboration and communication skills for your students.

  • Conversations with Finnish Teachers

Day 8 - August 12

Half day PD/Free Afternoon
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Overnight in Helsinki

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Breakfast At the Hotel (Included)

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Group Activity:

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PD Half Day

  • Activity #1

    • Workshop: Project-Based Learning. In this workshop, you will gain tools and strategies for running engaging and student-centered PBL projects in your classroom.

  • Activity #2

    • Conversation with Finnish teachers

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Free Afternoon in Helsinki

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Evening Optional Activity: Book your Own Adventure Here

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Overnight in Helsinki

Day 9 - August 13

Day in the Life of a Finn
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Breakfast At Hotel (Included)

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Experience True Finnish Relaxation

 Day at the Spa, Sauna, Lake, and dinner at Petteri's home. Featuring a traditional Finnish Meal. 

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Overnight in Helsinki

Day 10 - August 14

Depart from Helsinki International Airport (HEL)
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Breakfast At Hotel (Included)

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Free Day to Explore

If flight allows.

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Transfer to Helsinki International Airport (HEL)

Our Bookbag Tours team will assist with your transfer to the airport for your departure. 
Let us know if we can be of any help with travel arrangements, if you plan to  extend your trip.

Package Options

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Shared Room Package

Perfect for travelers looking to save and connect. Share a comfortable room with another traveler and enjoy all the same great experiences at a lower cost. If you’re traveling with a friend, let us know your roommate preference at checkout. Otherwise, we’ll thoughtfully pair you with someone of a similar age and teaching level.

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Private Room Package

Ideal for those who prefer extra privacy. Relax in your own room after each day’s adventure while still enjoying all group activities and inclusions. A great option for travelers who want a little more personal space.

Roommate Disclaimer

Heads-Up, Snoozers! 😴💤  If you snore like a bear 🐻, rock a CPAP machine 🛏️, need white noise 🌊, or have any other quirky sleep habits, we totally understand — everyone has their bedtime vibe! But to keep things peaceful for your fellow travelers, please consider booking a private room 🛌.

Even better? Bring a friend you’ve already shared a room (and some laughs) with, and have them register too! 👯‍♀️

Let’s keep the Zzzs drama-free and the vibes just right. Thanks for being the considerate rockstar you are! 🌟

Travel Tips

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Travel Tips

  • Pack for all kinds of weather

    Finland's weather can be unpredictable—layers and waterproof gear are essential, even in summer.

  • Embrace the slower pace

    Finnish culture values tranquility and connection to nature. Slow down, chat with locals, and enjoy the serene vibe.

  • Carry cash for rural spots

    Many small towns or cafes may not accept cards, so having some euros on hand is wise.

  • Don’t rush through Helsinki

    Take time to enjoy Helsinki’s architecture, saunas, and unique neighborhoods—not just the tourist attractions.

  • Try local dishes and drinks

    Don’t miss out on reindeer meat, rye bread, or a glass of cloudberry juice straight from Finland.

  • Respect the land and heritage

    Whether exploring national parks or visiting historic sites, take care to leave places as you found them and learn the stories behind them.

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A Few Useful Phrases

Here are 7 useful phrases to know when traveling to Finland, along with how they’re commonly pronounced and used:

  1. “Miten menee?” (“Mee-ten men-eh?”)

    Means: “How are you?”

    A common Finnish greeting to check in on someone!

  2. “Hyvä” (“Hoo-vah”)

    Means: Good, fine, or okay

    Example: “Miten menee?” “Hyvä!”

  3. “Kiitos” (Key-tos)

    Means: Thank you

    Essential for expressing gratitude in Finland.

  4. “Kippis!” (“Kip-pis”)

    Means: Cheers! (Used as a toast)

    Raise your glass with this friendly toast!

  5. “Missä on WC?”

    Means: Where is the bathroom?

    “WC” is a common term for restroom.

  6. “Olen väsynyt” (Oh-len vah-sy-nut)

    Means: I’m tired

    Perfect after a busy day exploring!

  7. “Mahtavaa” (Mah-ta-va)

    Means: Awesome / great

    Example: “Se musiikki oli mahtavaa!” (That music was awesome!)

About Us

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Bookbag Tours

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What is Bookbag Tours?

Bookbag Tours is dedicated to providing quality professional development through immersive travel experiences for educators and their family and friends. Our trips offer a truly global perspective, allowing participants to gain insights that enrich their classrooms and lives.

Our mission is to empower educators and their companions with hands-on global experiences, equipping them to inspire students both in and out of the classroom.

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What to Expect from Your Trip?

With Bookbag Tours, you’ll earn 20+ professional development hours while exploring incredible countries alongside fellow educators and their guests. We also offer specialized trips focused on Marine Conservation and Ancient Civilizations that provide excellent PD without school visits, ensuring valuable knowledge is brought back to every participant.

We’re committed to enhancing the lives of those who strive to make the world a better place through meaningful group trips, professional development conferences, and cultural engagement.

We're Here to Help

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Contact Us!

We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:


Phone or WhatsApp: +1 (864) 907- 9874

Email: [email protected]

DM us on Socials: @bookbagtours

Our team is available to assist with bookings, itinerary changes, and any questions you may have. Let us help you make your dream trip a reality!