Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics

Welcome to Denmark’s capital and the start of this exciting Best of Scandinavia and the Baltics tour! Arrive in Copenhagen and meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Later, set off on an insightful city tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, immersing yourself in Copenhagen's charm. End the day with an included group dinner in the city centre and get to know your tour group. Get ready for 20 days filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences!

Discover Copenhagen at leisure on today's free day! This vibrant city boasts ornate royal palaces and modernist buildings, showcasing its unique history and colourful side. Explore the city’s top sights such as Tivoli Gardens, the famed amusement park, and the Rundetaarn, an astronomical observatory offering breathtaking city views and featuring a unique equestrian staircase. For a deeper dive into Copenhagen's history and culture, join the optional excursion. Begin with a canal cruise, explore the National Museum, browse the Reffen market and more! There's no shortage of excitement in this colourful and creative city.

Marvel at the picturesque Danish countryside as the tour travels to Hirtshals, a coastal seaport town. En route, pause in Odense for an orientation tour before enjoying free time in Denmark’s third-largest city and the birthplace of fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. Next, journey to Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, for an orientation tour of this vibrant city. Aarhus is a combination of contemporary art and architecture, Viking exhibits, and an old town open-air museum! Later, continue to Hirtshals, and board the overnight ferry bound for Bergen, Norway.

Welcome to Norway, the second Scandinavian country on this tour! Take in the breathtaking natural scenery as the ferry cruises towards Bergen. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of the city and discover the home of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen Quay. Bergen is renowned for being the gateway to Norway's stunning fjords — a must-see highlight of any Norwegian adventure! Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your leisure or join the optional excursion to picturesque fishing villages nearby. Experience the tranquillity of local life before indulging in a Norwegian dinner at a historic trading post turned café. A perfect way to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture!

Bergen beckons! Enjoy a free day in this city to explore as you wish. Opt for the highly recommended Bergen+ optional excursion, featuring a ferry cruise, a guided tour of Bryggen, and a ride on the Fløibanen funicular railway to Fløyen mountain for stunning city views! End the excursion with a drink at Bergen’s Magic Ice Bar! Alternatively, delve into the city centre's medieval architecture, markets, and historic sites at your leisure. The choice is yours!

Embark on a scenic journey into Norway's heart today. This morning, depart Bergen and travel to Gudvangen, a village located at the end of one of Norway’s most famous fjords — Nærøyfjord. Upon arrival in Gudvangen, choose to join the optional Viking Village excursion followed by a cruise through the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden fjords. Soak in the breathtaking views before arriving in Flam to reunite with the tour. Continue to Oslo, stopping at Borgund's famous Stave Church on the way. Arrive in Oslo in the late evening and enjoy an included group dinner at the hotel.

Oslo Awaits! Today, explore Norway's charming and compact capital on a walking tour led by a local guide. Discover the city's mountainous surroundings and royal heritage, visiting highlights like the Royal Palace and Akershus Castle. Afterward, the day is free to spend as you wish! To tick off some of the city’s top sights, opt for the Oslo+ excursion. Visit some of Oslo’s lush green spaces and intriguing museums to uncover some fascinating history. This evening, settle in and relax at the hotel or head out to experience Oslo’s nightlife.

Get ready for a Swedish adventure today, starting with a visit to Karlstad located on the shores of Lake Vänern. Known for outdoor activities, culture, and Swedish cuisine, Karlstad promises an enjoyable stop between Oslo and Stockholm. Next up is the enchanting city of Örebro. Enjoy an orientation tour and free time to explore its picturesque streets. Then, journey onwards to Stockholm, Sweden's dynamic capital spread across 14 islands. End the day with an included group dinner in the city centre, featuring delicious Swedish meatballs on the menu!

Join a local guide for a comprehensive tour this morning and see the city’s highlights. Marvel at the Royal Palace, the historic AF Chapman ship, and stroll through Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town. The rest of the day is free! Dive into Viking lore, ABBA nostalgia, and more fascinating topics at one of the city's museums. Alternatively, venture to one of Stockholm's numerous islands for scenic walks, with Djurgården, home to Skansen, being a standout destination. Consider joining the optional excursion for a visit to the historic Royal Palace and a guided tour of the world-famous Vasa Museum.

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning in Stockholm to explore, shop or relax. Bid farewell to Sweden in the afternoon as the tour continues with the next leg of the trip! Head to the port and prepare to board the overnight ferry to Helsinki, Finland. Look forward to onboard entertainment and breathtaking views as you cruise along. Tonight, treat yourself to an optional Swedish buffet dinner for an indulgent evening onboard!

Welcome to Helsinki, Finland's lively capital! This vibrant seaside city is known for its stunning islands and lush green spaces. Dock at the port this morning and travel to the harbourside hotel. Then, meet up with a local guide for a driving and walking tour of the city. See iconic landmarks like Havis Amanda, Senate Square with its grand cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, and the bustling Kauppatori Market! Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with your fellow travellers.

Embrace a day of exploration in Helsinki today! Discover the city's unique charm, renowned for its design, architectural innovation, and Finnish culture. Indulge in delicious Finnish cuisine and unwind at one of the city's saunas. Explore beautiful natural spots surrounding Helsinki or join the optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress for a guided tour and museum visit followed by a picnic lunch and visit to the Helsinki City Museum. Alternatively, transport yourself back in time at the Seurasaari open-air museum or appreciate modern masterpieces at the Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum. Seize the day and make the most of your time in Helsinki!

It’s time to travel onwards to the Baltic States today! Set sail across the Gulf of Finland on a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia's captivating capital. Arrive in Tallinn and enjoy an included lunch in a medieval restaurant in the atmospheric Old Town Square. Then, join a local guide for a walking tour, exploring iconic landmarks such as St. Olav's Church and Tall Hermann Tower. Later, enjoy free time to wander the city before settling in for the night.

Farewell, Tallinn! Today, the tour continues to Latvia’s capital city, Riga. En route, stop in the resort city of Pärnu in Estonia for sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Then, cross into Latvia and visit Saulkrasti, a picturesque coastal town on the Gulf of Riga. Upon arrival in Riga, experience the Brothers' Cemetery before checking into the hotel. Once settled, set off on an orientation walking tour of Riga's stunning Old Town, featuring iconic landmarks like Riga Dom Cathedral and the Old City Wall. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cosmopolitan charm of this Baltic capital today!

Get an early start as the journey ventures into the next country today — Lithuania! This fascinating Baltic state is not widely known which makes it the perfect destination to explore. Begin at the Hill of Crosses, a renowned religious site. Then, visit Trakai, known for its enchanting island castle before arriving in Vilnius, the historic and eclectic capital. Join an orientation tour of Vilnius and discover Baroque architectural beauty and iconic landmarks like the Vilnius Cathedral, Palace of the Grand Dukes, and Church of St Anne. After the city tour, enjoy free time to further explore before ending the day with an included group dinner.

Today brings another thrilling adventure as the tour heads into Poland! En route to Gdansk, make a stop in the picturesque Masurian Lake District. This stunning region boasts over 2,000 lakes making it the perfect place to stop, enjoy lunch, and snap some scenic photos! Then, continue the journey, admiring the countryside scenery before arriving in Gdansk this evening. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of this historic port city. Afterward, enjoy an included dinner!

Dive into Gdansk with a full free day of exploration! Begin with a walking tour led by a local guide to discover the city's key highlights and historic sites. Then, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. Wander through Old Town, visit Long Market Square, and marvel at the unique Dutch-influenced architecture. Stroll along the waterfront or take a trip to Sopot, a nearby beach town known as the Polish Riviera. Enjoy immersing yourself in the charm and history of Gdansk today!

Say goodbye to Gdansk as the tour continues! Today’s first stop is a visit to Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest castle, dating back to the 13th century. Next, journey to Toruń, a UNESCO-listed medieval town and the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Explore the city’s iconic Museum of Gingerbread and participate in a fun and interactive traditional gingerbread workshop. Afterward, head to Warsaw, Poland's capital, and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, begin your day in the historic city of Warsaw with a guided walking and driving tour, delving into the city's pivotal role in WWII. Marvel at the diverse architecture, reflecting Warsaw's gritty history, from Gothic churches to Neoclassical palaces and stark Soviet-era apartment blocks amidst modern skyscrapers. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure. The Warsaw Cultural Highlights optional excursion is highly recommended for an in-depth exploration of the POLIN museum and a tasty pierogi lunch! Join the An Evening in Warsaw excursion for panoramic views followed by a delicious three-course dinner!

After 20 unforgettable days spent exploring nine incredible countries in Scandinavia and the Baltics, the tour comes to an end after breakfast. Enjoy one last meal with the group and be sure to exchange contact details with your newfound friends so you can keep in touch after returning home. Safe travels!