Scandinavia & Baltics Explorer - 21 Days

Welcome to the Ultimate Scandinavia and the Baltics tour, beginning today in Copenhagen. Upon arrival in Denmark's capital, we embark on a guided tour of this vibrant city with our tour leader and fellow travellers. Following the tour, you will have free time to explore at your leisure. Perhaps visit the charming Tivoli Gardens?

This evening, we will gather for an included group dinner in the heart of Copenhagen, providing an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with your travel companions before embarking on 20 days of enriching experiences.

Enjoy a free day in Copenhagen, exploring this vibrant city at your leisure. Discover its blend of historical and modern architecture with palaces juxtaposed against sleek, contemporary designs. Consider visiting the Rundetaarn, an astronomical observatory offering panoramic city views, accessible via its unique spiral ramp originally designed for horse-drawn carriages.

Alternatively, immerse yourself in the city's charm with our optional excursion. Join a canal cruise, delve into history at the National Museum, and savour local flavours at Reffen market.

Today, we journey towards the charming coastal town of Hirtshals. As we travel by coach, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the picturesque Danish countryside, with a comfort stop in Odense. Here, we'll embark on an orientation tour of Denmark's third-largest city, famously the birthplace of fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. Enjoy some free time to explore Odense at your leisure.

We then proceed to Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, known for its dynamic fusion of modernity and Viking history. Don't miss the chance to visit its renowned open-air museum in the old town. After our exploration, we'll continue to Hirtshals, where we will board the overnight ferry to Bergen, Norway.

Say "hei Norge" as we journey into Norway, our second Scandinavian destination, en route to Bergen. Upon arrival, join us for an orientation tour of the city's key attractions, including the historic St. Mary’s Church. Bergen, often referred to as “the city among the seven mountains,” serves as a gateway to Norway’s breathtaking fjords—a highlight of any visit to this remarkable country.

In your free time, explore the city at your own pace or opt for our optional excursion. Venture into the picturesque seaside villages near Bergen to experience authentic Norwegian life, followed by a delightful dinner at a historic trading post turned café.

Make the most of a free day in Bergen to explore as you wish. The city offers a wealth of captivating sights and experiences.

For those looking to dive deeper, consider joining our optional Bergen+ excursion. We'll visit the renowned Magic Ice Bar for a drink, explore the historic Bryggen area with a local guide, and ride the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for spectacular views of the city.

If you prefer to chart your own course, the day is yours to enjoy. Wander through the city centre, admire medieval architecture, or explore lively markets and historic buildings at your leisure.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Norway's scenic heart. After breakfast, we bid farewell to Bergen and make our way to Gudvangen. En route, we'll pause at the stunning Tvindefossen waterfall—perfect for capturing breathtaking photos and picking up souvenirs.

In Gudvangen, a charming village nestled at the end of Nærøyfjord, you'll have the chance to join an optional excursion. Explore a genuine Viking village and cruise the remarkable Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden, soaking in the magnificent views.

Later, we'll reconvene in Flåm before heading to Borgund for a stop at the renowned Stave Church—a striking example of medieval wooden architecture. Then, we continue to Oslo where a group dinner awaits at our hotel.

Today, we invite you to explore Oslo, the charming capital of Norway. We start the day with a guided tour featuring highlights such as the Royal Palace and Akershus Castle, both set against the backdrop of stunning natural scenery.

Alternatively, you may opt for the Oslo+ excursion, providing a more immersive experience. This includes an interactive treasure hunt in Vigeland Park and visits to the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums, where you'll delve into Norway’s maritime heritage.

In the evening, you might want to savour authentic Norwegian cuisine before retiring for the night.

This morning, after breakfast, we leave Oslo and travel to Karlstad. Enjoy the last views of Norway's striking scenery as we cross into Sweden by coach. Upon arrival in Karlstad, you'll have some free time to explore this picturesque city along Lake Vänern and choose a spot for lunch.

Next, we head to Örebro, Sweden's sixth-largest city. Here, you'll have time to explore the city's most remarkable attractions at your own pace.

In the evening, we arrive in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital. We'll check into our accommodation, followed by a group dinner included in your itinerary.

Today presents the perfect chance to discover more of Stockholm. We begin with a driving and walking tour led by an expert local guide. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the city’s highlights.

Stroll through the terracotta streets of Gamla Stan, delve into Swedish pop culture and history at the ABBA or Viking museums, or wander around the Skansen open-air museum in Djurgården.

If you prefer a more structured experience, you can opt for an exclusive excursion. This includes a tour of the magnificent Royal Palace and a visit to the intriguing Vasa Museum.

This morning, enjoy free time in Stockholm to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems around the city or savour a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, we depart Sweden, making our way to the port for an overnight ferry journey to Helsinki.

Onboard, enjoy a variety of entertainment. You may opt for the Baltic Ferry Feast—a chance to sample traditional Swedish cuisine with unlimited drinks. Experiences: Overnight ferry to Helsinki, Finland.

Welcome to Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, renowned for its stunning coastline and captivating islands. Upon arrival at the port, join the tour group for the next leg of our journey.

We will embark on a combined walking and driving tour to explore Helsinki's iconic landmarks. Marvel at the Havis Amanda statue, wander through the historic Senate Square, and visit the impressive Helsinki Cathedral. Discover the grandeur of Uspenski Cathedral, and experience the lively atmosphere at Kauppatori Market. With its diverse attractions, Helsinki caters to every traveller's interests.

This evening, conclude your exciting day with a group dinner, included in your tour package.

Enjoy some free time to explore the vibrant city of Helsinki at your leisure. Known for its distinctive design, architecture, and innovative spirit, Helsinki offers a rich tapestry of Finnish culture. Immerse yourself in the city's unique atmosphere.

Consider trying an array of local Finnish delicacies or join the optional Helsinki+ excursion to the historic Suomenlinna Fortress. This guided tour features lunch and includes a visit to the Helsinki City Museum.

Embark on an exciting exploration of the Baltic States today as we journey to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. We'll begin by boarding a ferry to cross the Gulf of Finland, arriving in the captivating city of Tallinn. Our first stop is a medieval restaurant in the Old Town Square, where we'll enjoy lunch that's included in the tour.

Afterward, meet with an expert local guide for a walking tour that brings Tallinn's rich history to life. You'll encounter key sites such as St Olav’s Church and Tall Hermann Tower. Following the tour, enjoy some free time to further explore at your leisure before settling in for the night.

Discover Tallinn at your own pace during this full free day in Estonia’s captivating capital. The city is renowned as the country’s cultural hub, offering an array of experiences. Wander through the walled Old Town, famous for its cobblestone streets and striking Gothic architecture.

You might choose to visit intriguing museums such as the Niguliste Museum, known for its ecclesiastical art, or the Kadriorg Art Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of European and Russian art.

For a journey back in time, consider joining the optional excursion to the Estonian Open Air Museum, which vividly depicts traditional rural life. This day is yours to enjoy the unique attractions Tallinn has to offer.

Today, we bid farewell to Tallinn as we journey towards Latvia. En route to Riga, we'll pause at Pärnu, a charming Estonian resort city. Here, you have free time to explore the sights and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. Continuing, we'll cross the border into Latvia and visit Saulkrasti, a picturesque seaside town on the Gulf of Riga.

Upon arriving in Riga, we'll visit the prestigious Brothers' Cemetery to gain insights into Latvia's rich history. Later, after settling into our accommodation, join us for an orientation walk through Riga's old town. Discover key attractions including the iconic Riga Dome Cathedral and remnants of the Old City Wall.

Enjoy a free day to explore Latvia's vibrant capital, Riga, at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the city's rich culture by visiting its numerous museums and music venues. For those interested in Riga's iconic landmarks, consider the optional Riga+ excursion, which includes a visit to the historic House of the Blackheads. Alternatively, discover the stunning Art Nouveau architecture on Albert Street, a testament to Riga's artistic heritage.

You might also choose to visit the fascinating Riga Bourse Museum or ascend the EU's tallest structure, the Riga Radio and TV Tower, for breathtaking views of the city. If you prefer a leisurely experience, take a relaxing stroll through the picturesque Bastejkalns Park.

Today, we'll cross the border into Lithuania, beginning our journey at the renowned Hill of Crosses, a striking religious landmark adorned with thousands of crosses. After this inspiring start, we travel to Vilnius, stopping en route to marvel at Trakai Island Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by picturesque waters.

In Vilnius, we'll embark on an orientation tour of this unique city, famed for its eclectic architecture and rich history. Highlights include the magnificent Baroque splendour of Vilnius Cathedral, the historic Palace of the Grand Dukes, and the Gothic beauty of the Church of St Anne. For those interested, you may choose to explore the artistic and bohemian Užupis district, a self-declared independent republic just across the river.

Following the tour, you'll have some free time to further explore the city at your leisure. We will reconvene in the evening to enjoy a group dinner, sampling some of the local cuisine.

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Vilnius at your own pace. The Lithuanian capital, a hidden European treasure, boasts stunning Baroque architecture and one of the continent's largest old towns. As you wander its streets, take in the blend of design styles and historical influences that shape the city's unique charm and culture.

For those seeking panoramic views, ascend to Gediminas Tower or the Hill of Three Crosses—perfect spots for capturing memorable photographs. To delve deeper into the local culture, consider joining today's optional Vilnius+ excursion. This includes a visit to the quirky "republic" of Užupis, a stop at the Town Hall, and a taste of traditional Lithuanian cuisine at lunch.

Today, we leave Vilnius and head to Kaunas, where scenic sights and fascinating experiences await. We'll visit the striking Kaunas Castle and the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. You'll then have some free time to explore more of Kaunas at your own pace.

This afternoon, we journey to Klaipėda, a charming port city, and enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival. In the evening, we board an overnight ferry bound for Karlshamn, continuing our adventure.

Begin your day with breakfast on the ferry before arriving in Karlshamn. From there, we journey to Malmö, Sweden's third-largest city. During an orientation tour, we'll visit Malmöhus Castle, a historic fortress dating back to the 16th century, and explore Stortorget, the city's main square. You'll then have some free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your own pace.

Later, we travel by coach to Copenhagen, the captivating capital of Denmark. En route, we will cross the impressive Øresund Bridge, an engineering marvel connecting Sweden and Denmark. Once in Copenhagen, we'll check into our accommodation for the night. You can opt to join an optional farewell dinner to conclude the day and tour.

Today marks the conclusion of our three-week journey through the marvels of Scandinavia and the Baltics. Savour your final breakfast with the group before we part ways. Be sure to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers to keep in touch globally. We look forward to seeing you on another coach tour soon. Safe travels!