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Helsinki&Porvoo Tour with Private Transportation & Personal Guide

Helsinki, Finland
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 4 to 5 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.0
·
· Lisa_B ·
Jun 2026
The driver was very knowledgeable and accommodating of poor weather. He was also patient and took questions. We learned about Finnish history, important landmarks and culture. Porvoo was quaint and inviting. Really enjoyed this excursion.
· Alysia_S ·
Jul 2026
Finba, our guide, led a fantastic tour of Helsinki and Porvoo! Finba is very knowledgeable and gave an excellent historical account of Finland. We visited many sites and had ample time to visit. We even saw a baptism at one of the churches! We would highly recommend Finba’s tours!

Overview

    What's Included

    • Private transportation
    • Tour
    • We occasionally merge groups to optimize tour operations.

      Meeting and Pickup

      Pickup points

      Select a pickup point

      Pickup details

      Airport or airport-area hotel pickup: €60 one way. Free pickup and drop-off from hotels or locations around downtown Helsinki .additional charges for pickup outside downtown Why take a public bus to Porvoo when you can enjoy a comfortable private ride with us? Reach out anytime we’ve got you covered ✨

      Arranged start time

      Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
      • 09/23/2023 - 08/29/2027

        Monday - Sunday : 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

      Itinerary

      Old Market Hall (Pass By)

      Sea Fortress Suomenlinna (Pass By)

      Kauppatori (Pass By)

      1

      Uspenski Cathedral

      15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

      Helsinki Central Railway Station (Pass By)

      2

      Senate Square

      15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

      Central Library Oodi (Pass By)

      Parliament of Finland (Pass By)

      3

      Temppeliaukio Church

      30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

      4

      Sibelius Monument

      30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

      Mall of Tripla (Pass By)

      5

      Porvoo

      15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

      6

      Porvoo Old Town

      45 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

      7

      Brunberg Candy Factory Shop - Tehtaanmyymala

      30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

      8

      Cathedral of Porvoo

      25 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

      Additional Info

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Wheelchair accessible
      • Stroller accessible
      • Service animals allowed
      • Near public transportation
      • Infants must sit on laps
      • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
      • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
      • Most travelers can participate
      • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

      Cancellation Policy

      You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

      Traveler Photos

      Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
      Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
      Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
      Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
      Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

      Featured review

      Edward_K
      Our guide Finn was excellent. He informed us of the history of Finland from the 12 century thru the present. The country that occupied Finland & their influence on the culture of Finance. The town of Provoo was interesting along with its history. We also visited a number of sites in Helsinki after Provoo. A great day with Finn. Do not miss this experience, highly recommend.

      Reviews

      4.0
      based on 236 reviews
      Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
      Sort by: Most insightful

      AWFUL. The driver...

      Barbara_L, Aug 2026
      AWFUL. The driver combined three separate groups together so he only had to do the tour once. Nine people with the driver in a Volkswagen van. Unbelievably uncomfortable and unsafe. Rethink using Viator in Helsinki if he is there only driver. I can't say enough bad things about this trip.

      Response from Host, Aug 2026

      We must strongly disagree with the description of what occurred and would like to clarify the circumstances for the record. This booking was for a shared small-group tour, not an exclusively private tour. The tour description clearly indicates that guests may be combined with other travelers. On the day of the tour, the guest stated that she believed she had booked a private tour. Our driver explained the difference and offered her the option to upgrade to a fully private tour for an additional charge. She declined the upgrade. Unfortunately, the situation then became difficult. The guest repeatedly complained about the seating arrangement, created considerable disturbance, and refused to wear her seat belt, despite being instructed that seat belts must be worn for safety. She also insisted on sitting in the front passenger area with her companion. Due to the seating preference and the amount of space required, this made the driver uncomfortable and affected the driving environment. The driver advised her that the rear seating would be more appropriate and comfortable, but she initially refused. Interestingly, once the group arrived in Porvoo, the guest and her companion voluntarily moved to the rear seats themselves, demonstrating that the rear seating was in fact suitable. We are also concerned by the characterization that the driver combined groups simply to avoid conducting the tour more than once. This is a shared small-group tour, and combining bookings is part of the normal operation of the service. The vehicle used was a Volkswagen van designed and approved for passenger transportation, and the tour was operated according to the booked service. Following the tour, the guest requested a refund. We provided Viator with the relevant information and evidence regarding what occurred. Viator reviewed the complaint and declined the refund request. We believe this decision appropriately reflects the evidence available regarding the booking, the service provided, the seating incident, and the guest's conduct during the tour. We are always willing to accept legitimate criticism and improve our service, but we cannot accept allegations that misrepresent the circumstances. We encourage future guests to carefully read the tour description and understand the difference between a shared small-group tour and a fully private tour before booking. Guests who require exclusive transportation can request the private upgrade in advance.

      Helsinki and Provoo tour

      Tracey_C, Aug 2026
      Fantastic tour! Victory was a great guide who had lots of information to share and went above and beyond to accommodate all on the tour

      Response from Host, Aug 2026

      Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Victory made the experience memorable with his knowledge, enthusiasm, and willingness to go above and beyond for everyone. We truly appreciate your kind words.

      Failure to launch

      Debra_C, Aug 2026
      Provider changed pickup time after 24 hr cancellation time window to either 8am or so late we probably would’ve missed our ship departure. We tried to arrange a shorter afternoon tour but they would not compromise. We ended up on the hop on hop off bus. I would NOT book with this company.

      Response from Host, Aug 2026

      We respectfully disagree with your description of what occurred. At no point did we change the tour to an unreasonable time after the 24-hour cancellation period. Our shared small-group tour has fixed departure times, and for your date we offered two departures: 7:30 AM and 11:30 AM. These were the scheduled tour times. Your cruise ship was due to arrive at 7:00 AM, and we successfully picked up other guests from the same ship for the 7:30 AM and 11:30am departure. They completed the full itinerary and were returned to the ship well before departure without any issues. This demonstrates that the schedule was entirely feasible. Although a 9:30 AM departure was never part of our schedule, we still made an extra effort to accommodate your request by offering an 8:00 AM pickup. Unfortunately, you rejected this option and insisted that the tour must start at 9:30 AM or not at all. A 9:30 AM departure was simply not possible because this was a shared small-group tour, not a private tour. Other guests had already confirmed their places, and we could not delay the tour for one booking. This is clearly stated in our tour description before booking. You chose not to join the tour, but the cancellation resulted from your refusal of the available departure options rather than any failure on our part. We fulfilled our obligations and even attempted to provide additional flexibility beyond our normal operating schedule.

      Fantastic

      Mohannad_A, Aug 2026
      5/5 stars! Amazing tour guide. Fantastic, friendly, and super professional. They made the tour engaging, answered all our questions, and the whole experience was awesome. Best way to see the city — thank you!

      Response from Host, Aug 2026

      Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such an amazing experience. It means a lot to know you found your guide friendly, professional, and engaging. Thank you for choosing to tour with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Helsinki again in the future!

      Good way to see Porvoo quickly

      Reed_P, Aug 2026
      This is a good way to see a couple major sights in Helsinki and also get to Porvoo. Porvoo is a lovely town, but it's 45 minutes from Helsinki and you get about an hour there, so keep that in mind. It worked for us since we wanted to see it.

      Response from Host, Aug 2026

      Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted you enjoyed the opportunity to see both Helsinki and the charming town of Porvoo. As you mentioned, Porvoo is about a 45-minute drive from Helsinki, and our itinerary is designed to give guests a taste of this historic town while also showcasing Helsinki's main highlights. We're glad the schedule worked well for your plans, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour of Finland!

      Do not take this tour

      Grace_V, Aug 2026
      There were several severe issues with this tour. First was the tour itself. Will compare with what was promised: Uspenski Cathedral: could not enter because it was Sunday. Rock Church: did not even stop. Just drove past it. Porvoo Old Town: were given 15 minutes to walk around. Of course early on a Sunday morning nothing will be open anyway. Why didn't we go later? That's the issue number 2. Candy store and Porvoo Cathedral-- neither stop was made. So 5 of 8 stops promised on the tour were eliminated or gravely shortened! Issue number 2: they set up a second tour with another group and their main concern was getting people back to pick up the second group. The promised "4-5" hour tour was MAYBE 3.5 hours, and some of that was taking me around to pick up the other tour group before delivering me back to the ship. A forced leaving time of 7:30 and return before 11:30 is not the half day tour promised. And if you know things are closed on Sunday, charge less that day, or replace with another site, or something! Third issue was the false advertising of "private car." Apparently in Finland, "private car" means "not a public bus." They claimed that because they were not a public bus, they were a private car. They were a squished-full little 9 passenger van. Nowhere in the tour description does it mention "small group," which would be the appropriate wording for a tour like this. So false advertising, hurried to accommodate extra money making, and omission of more than half of the claimed sites made this a wretched investment for our vacation.

      Response from Host, Aug 2026

      We respectfully disagree with the traveler’s allegations and request that the refund claim be denied. The tour was operated as a shared small-group excursion with dedicated private transportation, not a public bus. The vehicle was a 9-passenger van. “Private transportation/private car” refers to the transportation provided and does not mean an exclusive tour unless the fully private option is purchased. Uspenski Cathedral was closed to visitors on Sunday, which was outside our control. The Rock Church was included as a sightseeing point, but entry is not guaranteed due to timing and operating conditions. The claim that Porvoo Old Town was limited to 15 minutes is incorrect. The guest was given approximately 50minutes in Porvoo Old Town to explore the historic streets, shops, and candy store. It is also important to note that the tour took place on a Sunday, when many shops and businesses in Porvoo are closed or have limited opening hours. The tour was operated according to the port-day schedule. As this was a shared excursion, transportation also required coordinating other guests’ pickups and drop-offs. The traveler’s expectation of an unrestricted private half-day tour does not correspond to the shared tour purchased. We regret that the traveler was dissatisfied, but the service was provided, transportation was supplied, Porvoo was visited with substantial exploration time, and attraction closures or Sunday opening hours were outside our control. For these reasons, we reject the allegations of false advertising

      Very disorganized - we...

      Don_S, Jul 2026
      Very disorganized - we finally got started almost 2 hours after expected start time. Vehicle was substandard. More like having a driver than a tour guide.

      Response from Host, Aug 2026

      We respectfully disagree with these allegations. There were only six guests in a 9-passenger vehicle, so the vehicle was not overcrowded or substandard. During the tour, the guests purchased alcohol in Porvoo and became heavily intoxicated, continuing to drink throughout the excursion. As a result, they were frequently not listening to the guide’s commentary or following the tour information being provided. Despite the guests’ condition, the driver remained professional and did his best to safely complete the tour and ensure everyone returned to the cruise ship on time. The claim that the experience was simply “having a driver” is therefore misleading. The guide provided commentary, but the guests’ own level of intoxication significantly affected their participation and ability to engage with the tour.

      Pick another tour!

      Mark_S, Jul 2026
      This was a terrible tour; from the get go things went south. The meeting point was not described well and our guide even went to the wrong port. The guide gave virtually no insightful information and was more of a driver than guide. The drive to Porvoo takes 30+ kilometers and during this segment rather than give us history or information on the way he sat silently driving. It is also not a private tour, as we had 6 crammed into a small car; most uncomfortable. Avoid this one!

      Response from Host, Aug 2026

      We respectfully disagree with this review. The guest provided an incorrect pickup location. Despite this, our experienced guide was able to identify the correct port and locate the guests so the tour could proceed. This was a shared small-group tour with dedicated transportation, not an exclusive private tour. Six guests were transported in a 9-passenger vehicle, which was within capacity. The guide provided both transportation and sightseeing commentary. We regret the guest’s dissatisfaction, but the tour was successfully delivered despite the incorrect pickup information provided by the guest.

      Prepare to be uncomfortable

      Rhoda_B, Jul 2026
      This tour says privet that only refers to the ownership of the van. You will be wedged into this van with 8 other people. The middle person in the front seat will have your knees jammed o to the center console. The rear seat requires you to be very supple to wedge between the middle seat. The owner of the van drives and does a rote narrative. He is not miced so hard to understand. Minimal stops, Porvoo for 40 min and Helsinki for 20 min. I booked the trip for 12:30, the morning of, he changed it to 3 PM. Too late to cancel and refused to honor the time. I had to cancel my evening plans.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We would like to clarify several points for future guests. Our tour uses private transportation, meaning we operate with our own private vehicle rather than public transport or large coaches. The tour is a small-group experience, not a private tour exclusively for one booking. This is clearly stated in the tour information, including that groups may occasionally be combined, with a maximum of 8 guests. Regarding seating, our vehicle is a licensed passenger van that complies with all Finnish transport safety regulations. Guests are assigned seats according to availability, and many travellers appreciate the comfort and convenience of travelling directly between Helsinki and Porvoo without multiple transfers or long walks. Our guide provides commentary throughout the journey and at each sightseeing stop. As this is a small-group vehicle, a microphone is generally not required. If any guest has difficulty hearing, we encourage them to let the guide know during the tour so adjustments can be made whenever possible. The itinerary and stop durations are designed to provide a balanced sightseeing experience within the scheduled tour length. The duration at each stop is consistent with the published itinerary. Regarding the departure time, we sincerely apologise for the schedule adjustment. On rare occasions, operational requirements may require a change in departure time. We notified guests as soon as possible. We understand this may have affected your plans and regret the inconvenience, but the change was made to ensure the tour could still operate

      A guide to history of Finland.

      Robyn_M, Jul 2026
      You will get a good history lesson on This lovely area. The guide was informative and kind. Just note that it’s not a private tour. It’s a small group tour. The company needs to relabel !

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted you enjoyed the history of the area and found your guide informative and friendly. We would just like to clarify that our tour is advertised as "Private Car with a Personal Guide", which refers to the transportation and guiding service. It is not described as a private tour, and our tour details also explain that we may occasionally combine small groups.

      BEWARE of the Scam

      Vip_G, Jul 2026
      The Tour title mentions Private car with Personal guide. The Tour description mentions customisation for pickup time & place and other options. We paid in advance with our customised options. The operator responded that the Tour is not private but shared and for customization we’ll have to pay an additional 200 Euros each. We were disappointed and requested for full refund. The Tour operator informed that cancellation within 24 hours disqualified us for refund. Having left with no choice we informed the operator to continue with the Tour. On the morning of the Tour, we called the operator to confirm the pickup time. To our shock the Tour operator informed that the Tour was cancelled and went on to blame us for the cancellation. We once again asked to refund on full, to which the operator agreed. Later we received an email that the operator has decided to refund only 60% of the amount. This whole Tour seems like a tourist trap and fraud. The operator unilaterally cancels the Tour and doesn’t refund the full amount. Total SCAM.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Our tour is not advertised as a private tour. The title states "Private Car with Personal Guide," which refers to transportation in a private vehicle with a personal guide. It does not state that the tour is exclusively for one booking. The tour operates as a small-group experience, and this is explained in the tour information. Before the tour, you requested an exclusive private tour for yourself, a customised itinerary, additional shopping stops, and other changes that were outside the standard itinerary. We explained that these requests required booking a private tour. The price you paid was approximately €190, whereas a private tour starts from €300 for two persons. You declined the private tour upgrade. You then requested to cancel the booking less than 24 hours before departure. Under the published cancellation policy, this booking was no longer eligible for a refund. During our communication, you repeatedly accused our company of being a "scam" and used a rude and confrontational tone. Despite this, you later informed us that you still wished to proceed with the tour. Given the nature of the communication and the accusations made against our company before the tour had even taken place, we were no longer comfortable providing our service, as we believed the situation would likely result in further conflict for both our staff and the other guests. Although the booking was non-refundable under the cancellation policy, we still issued a 60% refund as a gesture of goodwill. This was not an obligation but an attempt to resolve the matter fairly despite the late cancellation and the operational costs already incurred. We strongly reject the allegations of fraud or a scam. We have successfully provided this tour to many satisfied travellers and remain committed to delivering the experience exactly as described in our listing.

      Late. Small. Avoid

      Lloyd_B, Jul 2026
      Arrived 20 minutes late to the wrong location in a car that was too small to accommodate all that they booked for this ‘private tour’. Avoid at all costs.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We would like to clarify that our records do not support the claim that we arrived 20 minutes late. We also provide detailed pickup instructions before every tour, and guests are asked to be at the agreed meeting point at the scheduled time. Regarding the vehicle, our tours operate with vehicles appropriate for the confirmed number of participants. If additional passengers or luggage beyond the booking are brought, space may naturally become limited. Finally, although our tour includes private transportation with a personal guide, it is not advertised as an exclusive private tour. The tour description clearly explains the service provided. We always strive to deliver a punctual, comfortable, and enjoyable experience

      Tour was good, driver was...

      Glen_R, Jul 2026
      Tour was good, driver was knowledgeable, but we did not stop at the rock church, only drove past, were told we could uber there from hotel. Am not sure we would have gone by if we didn’t ask about it. Did not see the fortress on the island. The 2 things we wanted to see were essentially omitted. The driver spent the driving time to Porvoo talking about ancient people giving sacrifices to the forest gods and killing bears. It was a good way to get a quick overview of the area. The views from the car were limited.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We’re pleased to hear that you found the tour informative and that the guide provided a good overview of the area. However, we would like to clarify a few points. According to our GPS tracking records, the vehicle stopped at the Rock Church at approximately 16:34. Our guide has confirmed that you were informed the church is an optional attraction with an entrance fee of €8 per person. He also explained that it is sometimes possible to enter without purchasing a ticket if the church is open and you simply walk in without visiting the ticket counter. However, you indicated that you did not wish to visit, so the tour continued to the next stop. Regarding Suomenlinna Fortress, as stated in the tour itinerary, this is a panoramic pass-by. The fortress is located on an island and can only be accessed by ferry, which is not included in this tour due to time constraints. The vehicle passed the departure area for the fortress as outlined in the itinerary. Our records indicate that all advertised sightseeing stops were covered as described in the itinerary.

      Victoria was a very good...

      DOLORES_F, Jul 2026
      Victoria was a very good guide. Good overview of Helsinki & nearby areas. Only negative was we thought we were booking a private tour and it was actually for two couples.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Thank you for your kind words about Victoria. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed her company and appreciated the overview of Helsinki and the surrounding areas. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the tour format. Our tour is operated as a small-group tour, and while transportation is provided in a private vehicle, the tour itself is not always exclusive to one booking. This information is stated in the tour description, although we understand it can sometimes be misunderstood.

      Avoid !

      Chalice_R, Jul 2026
      This tour is not as advertised. It is not a private tour which includes you and your family or friends. We learned this on the day of the tour and out of desperation, paid extra to actually have a private car and driver guide. The additional price was supposedly $175, it ended up being $200 in cash as the card reader would not work in the cruise port. The guide had minimal knowledge of the history of the sites visited. Definitely not your typical professional guide. I cannot recomment this company and would strongly recommend that you avoid it.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We would like to clarify a few important points for future travelers. This is a small-group tour, not an exclusive private tour, and this is clearly stated in the tour description. Guests who prefer an exclusive experience can upgrade to a private tour, as you chose to do on the day of the tour. Regarding our guide, we respectfully disagree with the statement that he had minimal knowledge. He is an experienced local guide who has conducted hundreds of Helsinki and Porvoo tours and has received many excellent reviews praising his knowledge, professionalism, and friendly personality. History can be presented at different levels of detail depending on guests' interests and the pace of the tour, and our guide always welcomes questions and is happy to provide more in-depth information when requested. Your private upgrade was arranged at short notice as a goodwill gesture to accommodate your preference, despite our vehicles and guides already being scheduled for the day. We initially attempted to process the payment by card. However, because you were unable to access your phone to complete the payment authentication required by your bank, cash payment was accepted as an alternative. This was done solely to avoid delaying your tour and to ensure you could still enjoy your upgraded private experience. While we respect your opinion, it does not reflect the experience of the vast majority of our guests, many of whom specifically commend our guide's knowledge and the quality of the tour. We remain committed to providing a professional and enjoyable experience for every traveler.

      The drive to Porvoo was...

      Stephen_C, Jul 2026
      The drive to Porvoo was longer than I would have liked. That said it was a way to see the countryside. Thanks to the car tour we were able to see more of the Helsinki area than we would have otherwise.our guide was informative and very helpful. She clearly wanted us to have a great experience. We have mobility issues so the car tour and her explanations were helpful and enjoyable.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that our guide helped make your visit informative and enjoyable. While the drive to Porvoo is about 45–50 minutes each way, we're glad you were able to appreciate the Finnish countryside and see more of the Helsinki region than would have been possible on a walking tour alone. We're especially pleased that the private car made the experience comfortable and accessible for your mobility needs. Providing a relaxed, personalized experience is very important to us, and your kind words about our guide mean a great deal.

      helsinki

      Beryl_D, Jul 2026
      It was great my tour guide was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. experience was great. Took his time and made sure I understood everything

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We're delighted to hear that you had a great experience and that you found your tour guide knowledgeable, easy to understand, and attentive. We take great pride in ensuring our guests enjoy not only the sights but also the stories and history behind them. It's especially rewarding to know that your guide took the time to answer your questions and made sure everything was clear throughout the tour. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Helsinki for another memorable experience in the future

      BEWARE. Not as advertised

      Deborah_B, Jul 2026
      This is NOT a private tour. It is a small group tour. Our ship docked at noon so they scheduled our tour to start at 4:30. We were worried about walking at dusk. No consideration of our age and concerns. Very rude! Do not take this tour!!!

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We would like to clarify that this is not a private tour, but a small shared group tour operated in a private vehicle—not a public bus like many other tour companies. As a shared tour, departure times are scheduled based on cruise arrivals and group logistics rather than individual preferences. Before the tour, we explained that during the summer in Finland, daylight extends until around 11:00 PM, so a 4:30 PM departure is still in full daylight. Even when your cruise ship departed later that evening, it would still have been bright outside. The areas included in the tour are also considered safe for visitors. We respectfully disagree with the statement that our staff were rude. Our team simply explained how the tour operates and the reason for the scheduled departure time. At all times, we aim to communicate politely and provide accurate information to our guests

      Not as advertised

      Harold_S, Jul 2026
      They don't have a time slot selection on the Viator booking. We had trouble getting a time slot that worked with our ship schedule. You don't get a private car tour. We were combined with another couple on our ship and stuffed into a compact car that was too small to fit 4 adults plus the driver safely and comfortably. There was no signage on the car or driver identification. After finally communicating with the owner, he said there would be no refund and that the car was licensed to carry 4 additional passengers. We saw no evidence if licensing. I told him he wouldn't get a good review. He said he didn't care, he just wanted to be sure we had made it to the car. I can only assume this meant I have your money, good luck. Porvoo isn't worth the ride. The driver was accommodating and did a good job. Too bad he has to work for a sketchy employer. If this were the first time I had used Viator, I wouldn't come back. Viator needs to drop these guys.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      This experience is clearly advertised as a small-group tour, not a private tour. On the day of your booking, two parties of two guests were combined, resulting in a total of four passengers. This is fully in line with the tour description and our maximum group size. The vehicle used for the tour is fully licensed and insured in accordance with Finnish regulations and is legally approved to carry four passengers in addition to the driver. While we understand that individual expectations regarding comfort may vary, the vehicle met all legal and safety requirements. Regarding the pickup, our priority was ensuring that all guests found their driver and departed on schedule. We regret any initial communication difficulties, but we remained in contact until everyone was successfully picked up. We acknowledge that both parties on this tour commented that they would have preferred a larger vehicle. We appreciate that feedback and will continue reviewing our fleet allocation where operationally possible. However, this does not indicate that the vehicle was unsafe or improperly licensed. We are pleased that you recognized the professionalism and accommodating attitude of your driver. We will certainly pass your comments on to him, as he takes great pride in providing excellent service. While we respect your opinion, we believe the tour was delivered as described, in full compliance with local regulations and the booking terms

      Advertised private tour and driver crammed into a subcompact car with strangers

      Meg_G, Jul 2026
      As you can see, this is advertised as a private tour with a private driver. What we got was a tour in an unmarked subcompact car with two strangers plus the driver. All of us except the driver are seniors, one walking with a cane, one 6’4”, one 6’. I sat on the rear bench center hump throughout, including 45 minutes to Porvoo and 45 minutes back. There was also confusion on the part of Viator about where and when to pick us up despite the fact that they had out ship information upon booking, and that did not change. We complained to Viator several times about the situation, but they refused to make any adjustments. I would not recommend Viator.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We would like to clarify that this tour is a shared small-group tour, not a private tour. Our listing specifies private transportation with a personal guide, meaning the group travels in a private vehicle rather than by public transportation or a large coach. Unlike many tours that use buses or trains with multiple stops, we provide direct transportation between Helsinki and Porvoo in a dedicated vehicle with your guide throughout the experience. Your booking was for our shared tour, which is priced at approximately €90 per person. A fully private tour, where the vehicle and guide are reserved exclusively for one party, is a different product and is priced accordingly. Our listing also states that we merge bookings to form small groups. Depending on demand, we can accommodate up to eight guests across our vehicles while maintaining the small-group experience. Before the tour, we explained that the experience was shared and offered you the option to cancel for a full refund if this did not meet your expectations. You chose to continue with the tour. The SUV used for your tour is licensed and insured in accordance with local regulations and is approved to carry up to four passengers comfortably

      Afternoon in porvoo

      Kenneth_C, Jul 2026
      Timely pickup. Driver/guide George cheched with the 6 of us on possible destinations, length of explore time. No microphone, so he had to shout his narrative. No water. Porvoo is a quaint small town on a hill with cobblestone streets and walkways.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We're glad you enjoyed Porvoo and appreciated George's flexibility in tailoring the tour to your group's preferences. As this was a small-group tour, the vehicle is not equipped with a microphone, allowing for a more personal experience. We appreciate your comments regarding the water and will take them into consideration.

      Great way to see both cities!

      Merlis_H, Jul 2026
      It is a nice way to see part of the city and to see Porvo’s highlight since it is an small old town. Beside we had a wonderful day with no rain and bright skies.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring Helsinki and the highlights of beautiful Porvoo with us. Although Porvoo is a small historic town, we're glad you found it to be a worthwhile and memorable part of your visit. It sounds like the weather was on your side as well bright skies and no rain always make for an even more enjoyable day of sightseeing in Finland

      Helsinki - Porvoo Tour

      Alysia_S, Jul 2026
      Finba, our guide, led a fantastic tour of Helsinki and Porvoo! Finba is very knowledgeable and gave an excellent historical account of Finland. We visited many sites and had ample time to visit. We even saw a baptism at one of the churches! We would highly recommend Finba’s tours!

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that you had a fantastic time exploring Helsinki and Porvoo with Finba. It’s great to know that you enjoyed learning about Finland’s history and culture, and that there was plenty of time to experience the sights at a relaxed pace. Witnessing a baptism at one of the churches must have been a truly special and unexpected moment it’s experiences like these that make each tour unique. We truly appreciate your recommendation and your kind words about Finba’s knowledge and passion for sharing Finland with our guests

      Fun and Economical Porvoo / Helsinki Tour

      Alice_F, Jul 2026
      My college-aged daughter and I enjoyed this Helsinki city tour and visit to Porvoo to see an historic Finnish village. Our guide, Finbaar, was a warm storyteller who kept the six of us engaged on the drive. We learned a lot from him about the local history and culture. This was a fun and economical way to experience more of Finland during our short stay. A tip: Be sure to confirm ahead of time whether the tour is private or with other parties. While we were glad to be paired with another small group, some families may prefer a completely private tour. We wouldn’t hesitate to book with Finbaar again—thanks for a memorable experience!

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your daughter enjoyed your Helsinki city tour and visit to the beautiful historic town of Porvoo. It’s especially rewarding to know that Finbaar’s warm storytelling and insights into Finnish history and culture made the journey engaging and memorable. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him—they will mean a great deal. Thank you as well for mentioning the shared tour experience. We appreciate your helpful tip for future guests, and we always encourage travelers to confirm whether they have booked a private or shared tour so their experience matches their expectations. We’re honored that you chose to explore Finland with us during your visit, and we truly appreciate your recommendation

      Excursion Helsinki

      Barbara_L, Jul 2026
      she arrived on time to pick up and drop off, very knowledgeable about Helsinki and area, recommendation for food were great

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Thanks so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that everything went smoothly, from the punctual pick-up and drop-off to the local insights shared during your tour. It's especially great to know you enjoyed the food recommendationsour guides love sharing their favorite local spots. We truly appreciate your recommendation

      Excellent and informative tour

      Jonathan_L, Jul 2026
      Excellent tour. Very informative tour. The information provided was both interesting and thought provoking. At the end of the tour, we were reminded that this is a shared tour but with a private vehicle. Our group was my family of three and another couple. Just be aware. We had no trouble with this arrangement, but I guess others were which is why we were reminded at the end.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you found the tour both informative and thought-provoking, and that you enjoyed the experience overall. We also appreciate you mentioning the shared vehicle arrangement. As noted in the tour description, this experience includes a private vehicle shared with a small group, allowing guests to enjoy a comfortable and personalized journey while keeping the tour accessible. We're glad this worked well for your family and that you had a pleasant experience. Thank you again for choosing to tour with us

      Bad experience

      Brenda_M, Jul 2026
      We booked and paid for a private tour and car. We were piled into a small van with three other couples. Three of the seats were back facing so you couldn’t see what the guide was talking about until he had already passed it. He went on and on about topics of no interest to anyone. Very unhappy with this experience. I’ve taken several other trips with this company during this vacation and had issues as well. I would not recommend using again.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Thank you for your review. We must clarify that this tour is clearly advertised as a small-group shared tour, not a private tour. The booking details state a maximum of 8 guests. At no point was a private vehicle or private guide included in this booking. The vehicle used was a licensed 9-passenger van operating within its legal capacity. Rear-facing seats are standard approved passenger seats commonly found in touring vans and are fully suitable for sightseeing. Regarding the tour experience, this was the same group where several guests were continuously talking, laughing, and interrupting the commentary, making it difficult for others to hear. Some passengers also repeatedly removed their seat belts despite reminders, causing constant safety-warning alarms inside the vehicle. Our guide provided commentary on Helsinki, Porvoo, Finnish history, and local culture according to the published itinerary. While personal interests vary, the tour was delivered as advertised. We believe this review reflects an expectation of a private tour rather than the shared small-group experience that was clearly described and provided.

      Not private, not a car, but a nice tour and knowledgeable guide

      Yvonne_W, Jul 2026
      Finnba is a great guide. He takes his job seriously and knows so much. The tour company is having growing pains. They seem to have switched from private or shared car tours to small group minivans. Those of us who booked as private car are reasonably upset about the last minute change. They are having to do more than one tour a day and some aren’t happy with the timing. I think once they can set up their description and scheduling process up better there won’t be the upset customers every day. The van they have is new,safe, and nice but the seating configuration isn’t what Americans are used to which also caused some in our group to be upset. The company was responsive to our concerns and we were happy with the tour but there was some stress involved that could have been prevented by better communication upfront.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      We would like to clarify that this tour was not changed from a private tour to a shared tour. It was advertised and sold as a small-group tour, and this was clearly stated in the booking details. No last-minute change was made by our company. The vehicle used was a new, licensed passenger van operating fully within safety regulations. While the seating configuration may differ from what some American travelers are accustomed to, all seats are approved passenger seats. Unfortunately, this was also the same group where there was significant talking and laughing during the commentary, as well as repeated removal of seat belts despite safety reminders, creating unnecessary noise inside the vehicle. We are pleased that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated Finn's knowledge and professionalism. However, we believe much of the dissatisfaction came from an expectation of a private tour experience, while the shared small-group tour that was booked was delivered as advertised.

      Wikipedia of Finland tour.

      Carla_v, Jul 2026
      Victory is the perfect tour guide. She knows everything. Enjoyed our tour a lot. She is like the Wikipedia from Finland.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      Victory is incredibly passionate about sharing Finland's history, culture, and local stories, and we're thrilled that her knowledge made such a positive impression. We love the comparison to "Wikipedia from Finland"we'll be sure to share that with her

      Helsinki tour that was too much

      Natalie_N, Jul 2026
      Too much driving. Driver was too busy saying “look here, look there” with not many stops. Van was too small for 8 people and my husband couldn’t see anything from the back sitting in the middle. I would’ve liked to see more historical sites with stops.

      Response from Host, Jul 2026

      This tour is designed to cover both Helsinki and Porvoo within the scheduled duration, which naturally requires driving between locations and a combination of panoramic sightseeing and walking stops. The itinerary is clearly described before booking. We also note that this was the same tour group where there was continuous talking, laughing, and interruptions during the commentary, making it difficult for guests to hear the guide's explanations about the sites being passed. The vehicle used was a licensed 9-passenger van carrying 8 guests, operating well within its intended capacity. It was not overcrowded, and all seats were approved passenger seats. Many small-group tours throughout Europe use similar vehicles. The tour included the historical and cultural highlights outlined in the itinerary. While we respect that some guests may prefer additional stops, the tour was delivered as advertised and according to the published schedule.

      From $105.87

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