Helsinki to Warsaw Explorer - 10 Days

Welcome to Helsinki, Finland! Begin your adventure in this vibrant coastal city, renowned for its beautiful islands and verdant parks. After checking into your harbourside hotel, join your group for a guided city walk. An expert local guide will lead you through notable sites, including the Havis Amanda fountain, the historic Senate Square, and the striking Helsinki Cathedral. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.

Spend a free day immersing yourself in Helsinki’s diverse attractions, from city adventures to serene green spaces. Discover Finnish design, culture, and history as you appreciate the city's architectural highlights. Opt for the Helsinki+ tour to explore the trails and museums of the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, followed by a trip to the Helsinki City Museum and a popular local café. Alternatively, unwind with a rejuvenating sauna experience. Stroll through the city's picturesque streets, savour local delicacies, and enjoy the relaxed Finnish ambience. You might also choose to visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum or admire contemporary works at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. The day is yours to design!

Helsinki - Tallinn (Estonia). Spend your remaining time in Helsinki at leisure before we set sail across the Gulf of Finland on a relaxing ferry to Tallinn. On arrival, enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant in the historic Old Town Square.

Then, join a guided walking tour of Tallinn, led by a knowledgeable local who will share insights into the city’s unique blend of history and modernity. Highlights include Tall Hermann Tower and St. Olav’s Church. In the evening, explore Tallinn at your own pace.

Experiences:

• Ferry crossing from Helsinki to Tallinn
• Lunch in Tallinn's Old Town Square
• Guided tour of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tallinn - Parnu - Saulkrasti (Latvia) - Riga. Departing Tallinn, we travel towards Riga, the capital of Latvia. Along the way, we'll stop in Pärnu, Estonia, a popular resort city, for a chance to explore and shop. We then continue to Latvia, taking in the coastal town of Saulkrasti on the Gulf of Riga.

Upon reaching Riga, we'll explore Latvia's World War I history at the Latvian Military Cemetery before checking into our hotel. After refreshing, join us for an orientation tour to discover the city's charm, including the Old Town and landmarks such as Riga Dom Cathedral and the Parliament House.

Riga - Vilnius (Lithuania). We start our day bright and early, crossing the border into Lithuania, one of the northern European Baltic states. Our first stop is the intriguing Hill of Crosses, a site symbolising national identity and spiritual devotion with thousands of crosses placed by pilgrims. Continuing on, we visit the picturesque town of Trakai, home to the impressive Trakai Island Castle, perfectly set on a small island.

We then proceed to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, where we embark on a guided sightseeing tour. Vilnius is renowned for its Baroque architecture, and you’ll see highlights such as the Grand Duke's Palace, the impressive Vilnius Cathedral, and the remarkable Church of St. Anne. After the tour, you'll have free time to explore the city at your own pace before we regroup for dinner with fellow travellers.

Vilnius - Gdansk (Poland). Today, we journey from Vilnius to Poland. Our day begins with a visit to the Masurian Lake District, a picturesque area boasting over 2,000 lakes, verdant forests, and quaint lakeside villages. You will have free time to explore at your own pace or perhaps indulge in a relaxing lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views.

After our visit, we continue our travels to the historic port city of Gdansk. Here, we will embark on an orientation tour to uncover the city's charm and architectural beauty. Later, you are free to enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, we delve into Gdansk with a guided walking tour, highlighting the city's key sites and historic districts.

Afterwards, the day is yours to explore further. You might choose to visit the Old Town, stroll through Long Market Square, and admire its striking architecture. For insights into Poland’s wartime past, consider the Museum of the Second World War and the European Solidarity Centre, which features exhibits on Poland's fight for independence from the USSR. This evening, sample local cuisine at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.

Gdansk - Malbork - Torun - Warsaw. We begin our day by leaving Gdansk and making our way to Malbork Castle, a 13th-century fortress that proudly holds the title of the world's largest castle and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will explore its vast grounds and delve into its fascinating history.

Afterwards, we'll journey to Toruń, a charming medieval town also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its Museum of Gingerbread and as the birthplace of the renowned astronomer Copernicus, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in Toruń's sweet heritage with an interactive gingerbread workshop.

Our travels then take us to Warsaw, Poland's vibrant capital. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel, where a delightful dinner will be provided.

Today, we delve into Warsaw, Poland's historic capital. After breakfast, embark on a thorough driving and walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide, exploring Warsaw's significant role in World War II and its architectural landmarks that reflect its resilient past and vibrant present.

After the tour, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. If you wish to explore further, consider the optional Warsaw Cultural Highlights excursion for a taste of local cuisine and to learn about Warsaw’s Jewish heritage.

In the evening, you can choose to attend the Chopin & Polish Flavours excursion. This includes a Chopin concert at Warsaw's Royal Castle, followed by a three-course Polish dinner in a charming Old Town restaurant.

Your tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check-out. Make your own way to the airport or your next destination.