Baltic Capitals and Historic Castles Adventure

Welcome to Warsaw! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can settle in at your leisure. Take some time to unwind and explore your surroundings independently. In the afternoon, make sure to check the information boards in the hotel reception to find details about the start of our tour. 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.

Our day in Warsaw begins with an insightful panoramic tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, highlighting the citys blend of modern and historical architecture. As Poland's political and economic centre, Warsaw is a bustling city of nearly two million residents. We'll explore the enchanting old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll see the Royal Palace and stroll along cobbled streets fringed by beautifully restored buildings, a testament to the city's resilience after the devastation of World War II. Our tour continues with a stop at the Palace of Culture, a skyscraper gifted by the Soviet Union, and a moment of reflection on the tragic history of the Warsaw Ghetto, once the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe. A visit to Lazienki Park offers us the opportunity to admire the remarkable Chopin Monument. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to delve into Warsaw's cultural offerings by visiting the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or perhaps explore the vibrant city centre and its array of shops and activities.

We begin our day with breakfast before setting off for northern Poland. Our journey takes us first to Olsztynek, where we will explore the captivating open-air Museum of Folk Architecture. Admission is included, allowing us to admire an array of historical wooden structures, including homes, mills, and a church, offering a glimpse into the region's past. Continuing our adventure, we make our way to the Elbl?g Canal, the longest navigable canal in Poland. Here, we'll visit an intriguing museum in a location where boats are ingeniously transported over land on rails to manage changes in elevation. Our next destination is Malbork, home to one of Europe's most impressive medieval castles. Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fascinating testament to the architectural prowess of the era. Admission is included, allowing us ample time to explore the castle's grandeur. As the evening draws near, we arrive in Gda?sk, formerly known as Danzig. With its stunning and lively historic centre, Gda?sk offers an inviting atmosphere. We highly recommend a leisurely evening stroll to soak in the city's vibrant charm.

After breakfast, we will embark on a guided visit to the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk. This modern architectural marvel honours the history of the Solidarity movement, which played a key role in ending Soviet control in Eastern Europe. You'll see the memorial dedicated to the fallen workers, a poignant reminder of Poland's fight for freedom. Following this, we will visit the Museum of the Second World War. Opened in 2017, this museum provides a profound interpretation of the Second World War's impact, especially its tragic toll of 3 to 6 million lives in Poland. After taking in these sights, you'll have some leisure time to wander through the historic centre of Gdansk and soak in its beautiful architecture. Later, we'll proceed to Sopot, a lively seaside town situated on the Baltic Sea. Known for its long sandy beach and Europe's longest wooden pier, Sopot offers breathtaking sea views and a refreshing atmosphere. By evening, we board a modern ferry for our overnight voyage to Sweden. Settle into your cabin and prepare for a restful night on board, with breakfast included the next morning. The ferry departs at 19:30, ensuring a seamless journey to our next destination.

Following a relaxing overnight ferry voyage, we will disembark in Karlskrona, located in southern Sweden, at approximately 06:30 a.m. Our journey then continues to Stockholm, making a stop at Vstervik along the way. Vstervik is a charming coastal town known for its picturesque historic centre, which is perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. Upon our arrival in Stockholm in the afternoon, youll find yourself in the heart of Swedens capital, a city gracefully spread across fourteen islands within the Baltic Sea archipelago, connected by a network of bridges and ferries. Renowned for its rich history and captivating blend of old and new architecture, Stockholm invites you to explore its treasures this afternoon. We recommend wandering through the historic centre, visiting some of its exceptional museums or relaxing in one of the many parks that dot the cityscape.

Today, we will embark on a captivating panoramic tour of Stockholm, a city artfully spread across 14 islands interlinked by bridges and ferries. Our exploration begins in Gamla Stan, the city's enchanting old quarter often referred to as "the city between bridges." Here, we will wander through its lively streets, taking in impressive landmarks such as the Nobel Prize Museum, located beside the stately Stortorget square where Nobel laureates are celebrated, alongside the majestic Cathedral and the stately Royal Palace. Where possible, we'll also take in the breathtaking vistas from the Fjllgatan viewpoint. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Delve into Stockholms rich tapestry of museums and parks at your own pace. You might also consider a visit to the renowned City Hall or the Vasa Museum to further enrich your experience.

Today is a free day in Stockholm, providing you the perfect opportunity to explore this stunning city at your own pace. You may wish to wander through Gamla Stan, the city's charming old town, or visit some of Stockholm's renowned museums and galleries. In the evening, we'll embark on a modern ferry for an overnight journey to Finland. Our accommodation will be in comfortable double en-suite cabins.

As dawn breaks, we encourage you to step out onto the ferry's deck to witness the breathtaking sunrise as we sail past the land Islands, a stunning archipelago of verdant isles. Upon disembarking, youll have the opportunity to explore Turku, a city deeply influenced by its Swedish heritage. Our journey continues to the idyllic town of Naantali, renowned for its picturesque wooden houses along the seafront. Well then head to Helsinki, arriving around lunchtime. The afternoon will be yours to discover Helsinki's vibrant charm, with its bustling market square, Russian-inspired architecture, and splendid churches.

Today, we'll set sail on a captivating boat trip to the Suomenlinna Islands. These six islands, connected by pedestrian bridges, house an impressive fortress that once shielded Helsinkis entrance. This historic site, recognised as a World Heritage Site, beckons your exploration. After our morning adventure, we'll continue our voyage by boarding a ferry to Estonia, a leisurely journey lasting approximately two and a half hours. As we leave Helsinki, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. We'll dock in Tallinn by evening, where your Estonian adventure begins.

Today, you will explore the enchanting city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, which has remarkably preserved its medieval heart. We will take a panoramic tour to introduce you to its historic city walls, magnificent churches, bustling squares, and winding medieval streets rich with cultural attractions. The afternoon is free for you to delve deeper into this charming destination. Whether you immerse yourself in its vibrant museums, savour local culinary delights, or simply wander the cobbled lanes, Tallinn offers a captivating blend of history and modernity waiting to be discovered.

Today, we venture through the picturesque landscapes of Estonia towards Latvia, with several captivating stops along the way. First, we head to Parnu, a charming seaside resort famed for its beautiful coastline. As we continue our journey, you'll savour an included lunch before exploring the medieval Turaida Castle. Nestled in a lush park adorned with sculptures, this historic site offers a glimpse into the regions rich past. Later, we encourage you to take a leisurely stroll in Sigulda, a quaint town set in a stunning natural setting. Our journey proceeds to Riga, but not before visiting the poignant Salaspils Memorial, which stands as a solemn reminder of the WWII atrocities. This large monument complex honours the memory of those who suffered during this era. We arrive in the vibrant city of Riga this evening, ready to explore its unique blend of history and modernity.

Today, we're poised to discover Riga, Latvia's capital and the largest city in the Baltic states. During our morning panoramic tour, we'll explore a city where the remnants of the Soviet era subtly underscore its vibrant cultural heart. Notably, Riga is famed for its beautifully preserved medieval Historic Centre and stunning Art Nouveau architecture. These architectural elements harmoniously coexist, offering a unique glimpse into the city's past and its creative spirit. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, presenting an ideal opportunity for leisurely exploration or for delving further into Riga's historical and cultural offerings.

We set off in the early morning for Lithuania, with our sights set on the Baroque splendour of Rundale Palace. Designed by the architect behind Saint Petersburg's Hermitage Museum, this grand palace is a masterpiece of opulent style. As we continue our journey, we cross into Lithuania, a nation deeply influenced by Catholicism. This is vividly demonstrated at the Hill of Crosses, a unique site adorned with thousands of crosses of varying sizes, each telling its own story. Lunch is included as we travel further into this remarkable country. Later, we'll explore the stunning lakeside setting of Trakai, where a splendid castle sits majestically on an island, offering a glimpse into the region's bygone eras. Our day concludes in Vilnius. Please note, should daylight allow, our exploration of Trakai might occur after our visit to the city on Wednesday.

In Vilnius, we'll kick off the day with a comprehensive tour of this captivating city, renowned for its picturesque setting on seven hills, earning it comparisons to Rome. You'll encounter a diverse array of Baroque churches, historic protective walls, a majestic castle, and vibrant commercial thoroughfares in the heart of the city. With 1,200 medieval houses peppering its centre, Vilnius offers a genuine glimpse into the past alongside its bustling present. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own paceexplore its fascinating streets, savour local cuisine, or delve further into its cultural offerings.

Today, we'll set out from Vilnius and make our way back to Poland. Our day begins with a visit to Grutas Park, often dubbed Stalins World. Here, you'll encounter 86 statues from the Soviet era, offering a unique glimpse into this historical chapter. Afterward, we'll pause for lunch in Augustw, a picturesque town nestled by a tranquil lake, perfect for a leisurely break. As we journey toward central Poland, we'll arrive in Warsaw by the evening. This marks the end of our adventure, leaving you with cherished memories of your travels. Please ensure to check your flight details, as you may require an extra night in Warsaw.