Nordic & Baltic Explorer - 11 Days

Your adventure begins today in Helsinki, the captivating capital of Finland. This morning, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel for a brief introduction. We will then embark on a combined driving and walking tour to explore the city's highlights.

Discover Helsinki's seaside charm as we view landmarks such as the serene Havis Amanda, the historic Senate Square, and the iconic Helsinki Cathedral. We'll marvel at the impressive Uspenski Cathedral, a testament to the city’s diverse cultural heritage.

Afterwards, you have some free time to wander the bustling Kauppatori Market, an ideal spot to sample local Finnish cuisine and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

This evening, we will come together for a welcome dinner, a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the group.

Enjoy a free day to explore Helsinki at your own pace. To delve into Finnish culture, visit Oodi, the Central Library, offering an array of free activities, or experience a traditional Finnish sauna. Alternatively, join the optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, and discover this island's intriguing history on a guided tour. This excursion also includes entry to the Helsinki City Museum and a stop at a local café known for its exquisite chocolate.

Today, we bid farewell to Finland as we journey to Estonia, the first of the Baltic States. We begin with a comfortable ferry crossing the Gulf of Finland, headed for Tallinn, Estonia’s captivating capital.

Upon arrival, we indulge in lunch at a local restaurant in the Old Town Square, a setting known for its remarkable medieval allure. Following lunch, an expert local guide will lead us through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where you'll be mesmerised by the towering spires and impeccably preserved medieval architecture.

After the guided tour, you have free time to explore Tallinn at your leisure.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Tallinn, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where you’ll find numerous fascinating landmarks. Consider climbing St. Olav’s church tower or the Kiek in de Kök Tower for stunning city views.

For a taste of contemporary Tallinn, visit the trendy Telliskivi Creative City. Alternatively, delve into Estonia’s rural heritage on the optional Essence of Estonia excursion. Whether you explore the city’s ancient allure or its vibrant modern culture, Tallinn is sure to enchant you.

Today, we journey from Tallinn to Riga, the bustling capital of Latvia. En route, we'll visit the charming Estonian resort city of Pärnu, renowned for its picturesque coastline. Crossing the border, our next stop is the Latvian seaside town of Saulkrasti, where you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze along the Gulf of Riga.

Upon arrival in Riga, we'll delve into Latvia’s past with a visit to the Latvian War Cemetery. Learn about the country's military history before we head to our hotel for check-in. Later, accompany us on an orientation walking tour of Riga’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, celebrated for its striking Art Nouveau architecture.

Today, you're free to explore the vibrant city of Riga at your own pace. For a deeper dive into local life, consider the optional Riga+ excursion. This includes a visit to the historic House of the Blackheads, the thought-provoking Corner House Museum, and a tour of the Central Market—Europe's largest indoor market.

Spend time browsing its many stalls and sampling both local delicacies and international flavours. Additionally, Riga boasts a range of intriguing museums, including the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Don't miss the chance to wander through the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town, relax with a coffee at a café, or enjoy one of the city's lush parks.

Today, we complete our tour of the Baltic capitals with a visit to Vilnius. After breakfast, we board our coach and cross into Lithuania. Our journey begins at the Hill of Crosses, a unique pilgrimage site adorned with thousands of crosses and religious symbols, reflecting Lithuania’s resilient spirituality.

We then travel to Trakai, a picturesque town renowned for its enchanting Trakai Island Castle. Explore this medieval marvel set upon a serene lake, a sight that embodies Lithuania's rich history.

Upon arriving in Vilnius, Lithuania’s lively capital, we embark on a guided tour showcasing highlights such as Vilnius Cathedral with its soaring Bell Tower, the historic Palace of the Grand Dukes, and the ornate Church of St. Anne. You will have free time to further explore the charming streets and local culture at your own pace. We conclude the day with an included dinner.

Discover Vilnius at your leisure today, exploring both its hidden gems and notable landmarks. For a comprehensive look at the city, why not join our optional Vilnius+ excursion? Together, we’ll venture into the unique, self-declared artists' republic of Užupis, savour a delicious local lunch, and explore the underground vaults of the Town Hall.

Alternatively, you can explore independently, perhaps uncovering the Baroque architectural wonders of the Old Town, enjoying a walk through the verdant Bernardine Gardens, or relaxing in a charming café.

Today, we continue to explore the highlights of Lithuania before departing the Baltics. This morning, we journey to Kaunas, the country's second-largest city and former temporary capital, offering a rich cultural experience. You will have free time to explore notable sites such as Kaunas Castle and to enjoy lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we travel by coach to Klaipėda, a charming port city. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a walking tour of the Old Town, renowned for its distinct 18th-century wooden houses. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum, situated in a historic 19th-century fort.

This evening, we board an overnight ferry to Karlshamn, Sweden. Enjoy the journey ahead as we set sail.

Begin your day with breakfast on the ferry before docking in Karlshamn. We will then board the coach for a scenic drive to Malmö, Sweden's third-largest city. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour to get acquainted with this vibrant urban centre. Afterwards, you will have some free time for lunch—perhaps you'll try traditional Swedish meatballs.

Following our Malmö visit, we continue to Copenhagen. En route, keep an eye out for the impressive Øresund Bridge, which links Sweden and Denmark. Upon reaching Denmark's charming capital, you will have some leisure time to explore at your own pace. In the evening, consider joining an optional farewell dinner, a fitting conclusion to your memorable journey.

After breakfast, our unforgettable Scandinavian and Baltic tour concludes. Take a moment to exchange details with your new friends before parting ways. We wish you a safe onward journey and hope to welcome you on another tour with us in the future.