Northern Europe Explorer - 18 Days

Welcome to Amsterdam, the commencement point of your Northern Explorer tour! This morning, meet your tour leader at the accommodation before we head out to the Dutch countryside. We'll visit a traditional farm to observe the crafting of clogs and production of local cheeses. Following this, enjoy a group lunch in the city. Afterwards, we’ll take a delightful canal cruise, offering a fresh perspective on Amsterdam's renowned landmarks.

This afternoon, you may opt to join the Timeless Holland excursion to explore a traditional fishing village, enjoy a scenic ferry ride, and savour a coastal dinner. The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Consider strolling along the canals, visiting Dam Square, or experiencing the renowned red light district. The choice is entirely yours!

This morning, we depart Amsterdam and journey into Germany, arriving in Hamburg by late afternoon. We'll embark on an orientation tour of this vibrant harbour city, renowned for its cultural offerings, including over 50 museums. Our tour leader will showcase key attractions and provide recommendations for your free time.

This evening is yours to explore and dine—perhaps try a traditional "hamburger" in its city of origin. Later, we head to our accommodation in a charming Northern German town. Get a good rest, as tomorrow we continue to Denmark for more exciting experiences.

After breakfast, we set off towards Scandinavia, entering Denmark en route to Copenhagen. As we travel, you'll enjoy the scenic beauty and cross Europe's longest bridge. Our first stop is Odense, renowned as the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the celebrated fairytale author.

Upon arriving in Copenhagen, we embark on an orientation tour of Denmark's capital. Discover why this charming city consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable. You'll find it clean, safe, and easy to navigate, with many inviting cafés and renowned restaurants.

Today's itinerary takes us on a three-country journey across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. We start the day in Copenhagen, making our way to the coastal town of Helsingør, known for Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet. From here, we embark on a short ferry ride to Helsingborg, Sweden, offering delightful views of the castle from the water.

Upon arrival in Helsingborg, we continue with a peaceful drive through the Swedish countryside towards Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city and the birthplace of Volvo. Join us for an orientation tour upon arrival and explore the city before you have time to have lunch at a local spot of your choice.

After lunch, we proceed to Norway, crossing the border and heading north to Oslo. The day concludes with an included group dinner in the Norwegian capital.

Get ready to explore the best of Oslo today! We begin with a guided tour led by a local expert, delving into the captivating charm of Norway's vibrant capital. Discover architectural and cultural gems such as the historic Akershus Castle, the majestic Royal Palace, and the striking Oslo Opera House.

After the tour, you have free time to explore at your leisure. Consider visiting one of Oslo's renowned museums, wandering the streets to appreciate the city's architectural beauty, or enjoying local cuisine at one of the many cosy eateries.

We leave Norway today and return to Sweden, a country renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Our scenic drive takes us through varied landscapes, highlighting Sweden's diverse topography. We journey past Karlstad, situated on the shores of Lake Vänern, before arriving in Örebro for a relaxing lunch break.

Post-lunch, we explore Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest medieval town. Here, you'll find ancient church ruins and wander along the historic Stora Gatan, the nation's oldest main street. Our journey continues to Stockholm, the captivating Swedish capital, where we arrive in the evening. Take in the vibrant atmosphere of this Scandinavian city before enjoying a group dinner featuring classic Swedish meatballs.

Discover the wonders of Stockholm today! We start with a guided tour, taking in landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the iconic AF Chapman Ship. We'll also wander through Gamla Stan, the city's renowned Old Town. From lunchtime onwards, you're free to explore at your own pace. Relax in Stockholm's beautiful parks or savour the local cuisine.

Experience the charm of Stockholm this morning! We will explore the city's many islands, with a delightful walk through Djurgården. You might choose to join an optional Royal Stockholm tour, where you'll encounter Sweden's rich maritime and historical heritage.

Alternatively, spend your time admiring historic ships in the harbour and visiting Stockholm's renowned museums and art galleries at your own pace. Be sure not to miss the impressive changing of the guards at the Royal Palace.

This afternoon, embark on the next leg of your journey to Finland. We set sail on an overnight ferry to Helsinki, arriving bright and early tomorrow morning.

Welcome to Helsinki! Arrive in the late morning and join us for a guided tour of the city's landmarks, including the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. This afternoon is yours to discover Helsinki's unique charm at your leisure.

You may want to relax in its elegant cafés, visit its superb museums, or marvel at the striking Art Nouveau architecture that defines its skyline. Known for its quirky style, Helsinki offers a playful take on design traditions, making it a truly distinct destination.

Spend the afternoon exploring independently or opt for an additional excursion. This optional experience includes visits to major attractions, sampling local cuisine, a scenic ferry ride, and a trip to Suomenlinna Island and the Helsinki City Museum.

Today, we travel to the Baltic States. We board a ferry from Helsinki's port for a scenic crossing of the Gulf of Finland, arriving in the enchanting city of Tallinn, Estonia. Known for its unique blend of medieval streets and modern architecture, Tallinn is truly one of Europe's captivating cities.

Upon arrival, we gather for a group lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we set off on a guided walking tour to uncover the city's historic gems. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed old town, the bustling Town Hall Square, and the striking St. Olav's Church, once the tallest building in the world.

The evening is yours to explore at your own pace. Discover more of Tallinn's charm or delve into its vibrant cultural scene.

Begin your journey to Latvia today. We depart from Tallinn and head towards Riga, Latvia's lively capital. En route, we will stop in Pärnu, a charming Estonian resort town, followed by Saulkrasti, a delightful seaside town in Latvia.

We will also visit the Latvian Military Cemetery, a poignant site honouring soldiers from World War I. Upon arrival in Riga, you will find a vibrant atmosphere filled with stunning Art Nouveau architecture. As the largest city in the Baltics, Riga offers a dynamic mix of history and modernity.

Join our tour leader for a walking tour to explore key landmarks, including the bustling central markets and many magnificent churches.

Today, our journey begins in Lithuania. We start with a visit to the remarkable Hill of Crosses, a significant pilgrimage site featuring around 100,000 crosses. Next, we head to Trakai National Park, where the highlight is a striking brick castle set on an island surrounded by clear waters.

Our day culminates in Vilnius, Lithuania's capital. Here, we'll take you on an orientation tour to introduce the city's main attractions before enjoying some free time. Vilnius is a city steeped in medieval charm with a complex past.

You can explore remnants of the Jewish ghettos from the Nazi occupation period and observe influences from the Soviet era. Use your leisure time to unravel the city's captivating history.

This morning, we head towards the Polish border, travelling to Warsaw. En route, our tour guide will share interesting insights about the city and its surroundings during a driving tour. As Poland's cultural centre, Warsaw is a city full of energy, determinedly rebuilt after the destruction of World War II.

Once we arrive, we will check into our hotel before embarking on a detailed driving tour. We'll admire key landmarks such as the Presidential Palace and the Palace of Science and Culture. In the evening, we'll gather for an included dinner.

This morning, we begin our day with a guided tour of Warsaw's enchanting Old Town. We'll meet our local guide at the hotel and set off to explore the city's highlights, including the vibrant square at the heart of this historic area.

This afternoon, you have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. You might choose to visit renowned museums like the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, the Chopin Museum, or delve into the extensive collections of the National Museum.

For a deeper dive into Warsaw's culinary and cultural heritage, consider joining one or both of our optional excursions. Alternatively, you can continue your exploration of the Old Town, making the most of every moment in this captivating city.

We begin our journey heading west through Poland, stopping in Poznań. This city is celebrated for its picturesque Old Market Square, where you can enjoy lunch and admire the vibrant facades and stunning architecture at your leisure.

Next, we proceed to Berlin, the dynamic capital of Germany. Here, we delve into the city's lively present and reflective past with an insightful driving tour. You'll see iconic sites such as the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, which offer profound glimpses into Berlin's historical narrative.

Today, Berlin invites us for a day of discovery. You have the option to revisit yesterday's highlights, explore independently, or join the captivating Berlin+ tour, which delves into the city’s complex history and dynamic modern life. This tour features stops at the East Side Gallery, Berlin Wall Memorial, and the iconic TV Tower, among others.

For those keen on art and history, Museum Island offers a wealth of experiences with its five renowned museums situated in the city's centre. Additionally, food enthusiasts and those seeking nightlife will find plenty to enjoy in Berlin's vibrant international dining and bar scene.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Berlin and embark on a picturesque drive through the charming landscapes of Germany and the Netherlands, heading back to the Netherlands.

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will check into the hotel for an overnight stay. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure in this vibrant city.

You might choose to join an optional farewell dinner and celebrate the final night of the tour in true Expat style, sharing memories and goodbyes with your fellow travellers, tour leader, and driver.

Today marks the end of our journey, concluding with breakfast. After 18 days of discovering the charm of Northern Europe, it's time to bid farewell to the places and people that made this experience special.

Before departing, don't forget to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers to maintain the connections you've made. Wishing you a pleasant journey home and may the memories continue to bring joy and inspiration.