Enchanting Capitals and Legendary Landscapes Tour - 14 Days

Welcome to Frankfurt, the vibrant heart of Germany, where your remarkable journey with us begins. Upon your arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. Once settled in, take some time to relax and explore the city at your own pace. Frankfurt, known for its impressive skyline and rich cultural scene, presents a delightful mix of modern architecture and traditional charm. In the afternoon, be sure to check the hotel reception boards, where you will find all the important information regarding the official start of your tour. Enjoy your first taste of this dynamic city and prepare for the days of exploration that lie ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we delve into the enchanting Rhine and Moselle Valleys, areas rich in history and picturesque charm. Our day begins with a delightful cruise on the most scenic section of the Rhine, between the charming villages of Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar. We then make our way to the Moselle River, pausing for lunch in the lovely village of Cochem, nestled beside the Rhine and overlooked by its impressive castle, which boasts over a thousand years of history. Following our exploration, we head to Cologne, where you can marvel at the city's impressive Gothic cathedral. At 154 metres tall, it was the world's tallest building until the late 19th century. You will also have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine or explore the lively city centre before we continue to our hotel in Dortmund. Please note that during fairs or congresses, our accommodation might be in a nearby city.

Today, we will take a delightful journey through the enchanting Fairy Tale Route, which draws inspiration from the beloved tales of the Brothers Grimm. Our adventure begins in Trendelburg, a charming walled village where we will explore the impressive medieval castle, including its Rapunzel Tower—entry is included. We will travel along scenic routes through lush forests reminiscent of the Hansel and Gretel story, reaching Höxter for lunch. There, we will visit Corvey Abbey, an ancient monastery from the 9th century and a recognised World Heritage Site—entry is also included.

Next, we will continue to Polle, where you can view the ruins of what is known as Cinderella’s Castle, with admission included in our visit. Our fairy tale escape would not be complete without a stop in Hamelin, which is famously linked to the legend of The Pied Piper. After tracing the path of the story, we will head to Hanover, where you will have time to explore the area around the old town hall. Please note that during fairs or conferences, our accommodation might be located in a nearby city, and Corvey Abbey remains closed from November to February.

Following breakfast, our adventure takes us to the charming town of Goslar, renowned as one of Germany’s most picturesque villages with its timbered architecture, historic walls, and quaint squares. You'll have ample time to wander through its charming streets and perhaps enjoy a coffee in one of the local cafés. After Goslar, we journey to Quedlinburg, a town so rich in history that it's recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is famed for its remarkable collection of over 2,100 half-timbered houses that have stood almost untouched for centuries. Take advantage of some free time to explore its historic centre, savour lunch, and perhaps visit the notable town hall or Collegiate Castle. Our day concludes as we travel onward to the vibrant city of Berlin, where we'll arrive in the evening. This will be an ideal time to acclimate to Germany’s capital, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Berlin with our expert-led panoramic tour of Germany’s dynamic capital. We will explore the historic centre, where you will encounter the iconic Museum Island, the imposing Reichstag, and the renowned Brandenburg Gate. Discover the city’s bustling shopping streets and verdant parks, adding layers to your Berlin experience. Key stops include the important Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, each offering a poignant window into the city’s complex past. Should you wish to extend your exploration, an optional excursion is available to Potsdam with its spectacular palaces.

Take some time this morning to enjoy Berlin at your own pace. At 11:30 a.m., we will depart Germany's vibrant capital and travel northwards. Our journey takes us to Rostock, where we will board a ferry at 3:30 p.m. for a nearly two-hour crossing of the Baltic Sea to Denmark. Experience the cruise aboard this modern vessel as we make our way across the sea. Upon reaching Denmark, we will continue our travels through scenic landscapes, arriving in Copenhagen by the end of the day.

In the morning, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Copenhagen, a city renowned for its remarkable quality of life, dedication to sustainability, and vibrant cultural scene. A local guide will introduce us to iconic sights, including The Little Mermaid statue and the charming Nyhavn harbour, with its colourful historic buildings. We'll also view the exterior of Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family, as well as Town Hall Square and the Tivoli Park area. Later, you'll have some free time to delve deeper into this delightful city at your own pace.

We set off for Elsinore, famously linked to Shakespeare's Hamlet, where the striking Kronborg Castle awaits. After exploring, we take a brief ferry crossing of about 20 minutes to Sweden, travelling through scenic landscapes marked by expansive lakes and lush forests. Our first stop in Sweden is Jönköping, a modern yet quaint city beside a large lake, providing you with an opportunity to explore and enjoy lunch. Continuing our journey, we reach the charming town of Vadstena, renowned for its picturesque setting by the lake. Here, you'll find historic houses and an impressive 14th-century castle, which was once a monastery. We then journey onward to Stockholm, arriving in the evening. This stunning city is part of the Baltic Sea archipelago, connected by numerous bridges and ferries, and known for its rich history, exceptional architecture, and perfect fusion of modernity and tradition, promising a uniquely captivating experience.

Today, we will set off on a captivating tour of Stockholm, a city known for its stunning location across 14 interconnected islands. Our exploration begins with a visit to Gamla Stan, the vibrant old town often referred to as "the city between bridges." Here, we will admire architectural treasures like the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. The Nobel Prize Museum, located adjacent to Stortorget, the main square, celebrates the achievements of Nobel laureates. We’ll take in the breathtaking vistas from Fjällgatan viewpoint, where possible. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. You might choose to delve into the city's array of museums and parks. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the City Hall and the Vasa Museum for deeper insights into Stockholm's rich history and culture.

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the charming city of Stockholm at your own pace. As evening approaches, we’ll board a modern ferry for our overnight journey to Finland. You'll be accommodated in comfortable double en-suite cabins, ensuring a restful night on the sea.

As we make landfall in Finland on our journey from Stockholm, we suggest starting your day early on the ferry's deck to behold the breathtaking vistas of the Åland Archipelago, a serene collection of verdant islands. Upon disembarking, you'll have the opportunity to explore Turku, a city rich in Swedish heritage and history. Our journey continues to the nearby coastal town of Naantali, famous for its enchanting wooden houses. Approaching midday, we will arrive in Helsinki, Finland’s vibrant capital. The afternoon is yours to discover the city's old market, admire Russian-influenced architecture, and visit its beautiful churches at your leisure.

We commence the day with an excursion to the Suomenlinna Islands, a historical treasure comprising six islands linked by pedestrian bridges. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring an impressive fortress, formerly guarded Helsinki's harbour entrance. You'll have the opportunity to wander and explore at your own pace. Later in the afternoon, we embark on a ferry journey to Estonia, which will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. As we bid farewell to Helsinki, revel in the picturesque views of the surrounding archipelago. Our arrival in the charming city of Tallinn will be in the evening.

Today, we explore Tallinn, the stunning capital of Estonia, renowned for its well-preserved medieval centre. We will take you on a panoramic tour, immersing you in the city's rich history, as we walk through its ancient streets lined with charming attractions. Discover the city's impressive walls, quaint squares, and captivating churches. In the afternoon, you'll have ample free time to delve deeper into the enchanting atmosphere of this remarkable city at your leisure.

Following breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Tallinn and the enchanting places we've explored together.