Nordic Charm Poland to Finland Adventure

Welcome to Warsaw, where your adventure begins! Upon arriving, we'll ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel, allowing you some free time to unwind after your journey. As the afternoon unfolds, you'll find all the necessary details about your upcoming tour conveniently displayed on boards in the hotel reception area. Take this opportunity to acclimate to the vibrant atmosphere of Warsaw at your own pace, perhaps exploring the nearby surroundings or simply relaxing in your new environment. 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.

We begin our day in Warsaw with a panoramic tour guided by a local expert. As Poland's political and economic centre, Warsaw is a fascinating mix of modern flair and historic charm. Our exploration takes us to the picturesque Old Town, masterfully reconstructed after its destruction in World War II and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the quaint cobbled streets and admire the Royal Castle and numerous historic buildings.We'll visit the Palace of Culture, an imposing skyscraper gifted by the Soviet Union, before pausing to reflect on the poignant history of what was once Europe's largest Jewish ghetto. Our journey continues through the serene ?azienki Park, where we encounter the renowned Chopin Monument.The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might wish to delve deeper into Warsaw's rich history at museums such as the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum. Alternatively, explore the vibrant city centre, filled with an enticing array of shops and activities.

Following breakfast, we set off towards northern Poland. Our journey begins in Olsztynek, where we explore the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture. As you wander amongst the time-honoured wooden houses, ancient mills, and a traditional church, you'll feel transported to another era. Next, our travels take us to the Elblag Canal, the longest navigable canal in Poland. Here, we visit a unique museum set in an area where boats are astonishingly moved over land on rails to tackle elevation changes. Continuing, we make our way to Malbork, home to one of Europe's largest medieval castles, originally built by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive fortress offers an invaluable glimpse into history (admission included, green route). We arrive in Gdansk in the evening, a city once known as Danzig, with its stunning historic centre. We encourage a delightful evening walk to soak in the vibrant atmosphere before settling in for the night.

On our fourth day, we commence with a guided exploration of the European Solidarity Centre in Gda?sk. This modern building stands as a testament to the Solidarity movement's influential role in the fall of the Soviet Union, highlighted by a poignant monument to honour the fallen workers. We then offer entry to the Museum of the Second World War, a compelling institution opened in 2017, which solemnly reflects on the tragic loss of 3 to 6 million Polish lives during the conflict. Spend some time discovering Gda?sk's historic centre with its unique charm before we head to Sopot. This lively seaside town on the Baltic Sea offers a delightful mix of attractions, including a sandy beach and one of Europe's longest wooden piers, with beautiful views. As evening falls, we embark on a cruise-style ferry for our journey to Sweden. The ferry departs at 19:30, and you'll enjoy overnight accommodation in comfortable cabins, complete with breakfast.

Following a restful journey, we'll arrive in Karlskrona, in southern Sweden, at approximately 06:30 a.m. From there, we will make our way to Stockholm, with a brief stop in Vstervik, a charming coastal town distinguished by its quaint historic centre. By the afternoon, we'll reach Stockholm, Sweden's capital, which elegantly straddles fourteen islands in the Baltic Sea archipelago. The city is interconnected by a network of bridges and ferries and is famed for its rich history and striking architecture, harmoniously blending modernity with tradition. You will have the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. We suggest wandering through Stockholms historic centre or visiting its intriguing museums and peaceful parks.

Today, we embark on a captivating panoramic tour of Stockholm, a city uniquely spread across 14 interconnected islands. We will explore Gamla Stan, the lively old quarter affectionately known as "the city between bridges", where you'll discover remarkable landmarks. Our stops include the Nobel Prize Museum, located right beside Stortorget, the main square that pays homage to Nobel Prize winners. We'll also visit the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Wherever possible, well take in the breathtaking views from the Fjllgatan viewpoint. Afterward, youll have free time to further acquaint yourself with the city. During your leisure time, visiting museums and parks is highly recommended, or you might choose to explore the City Hall and the Vasa Museum.

Spend an entire day exploring the vibrant and multifaceted city of Stockholm at your own pace. With a wealth of museums, parks, and historical sites, your options are limitless. Immerse yourself in the local culture, perhaps by visiting the renowned Vasa Museum or strolling through the scenic streets of Gamla Stan, the city's historic heart. Later, as the day winds down, prepare to experience the excitement of an overnight ferry journey to Finland. Well board a state-of-the-art ferry, where you can relax in a comfortable double en-suite cabin as we set sail, embarking on the next chapter of our adventure.

As we sail towards Finland, make your way to the ship's deck at sunrise to witness the breathtaking landscapes as we glide past the land Islands, an archipelago of lush, forested islands. Upon disembarking the ferry, you'll have some time to explore Turku, a city steeped in rich Swedish heritage. We'll then venture onwards to Naantali, a captivating town where charming wooden homes dot the seafront. Our journey continues to Helsinki, where we'll arrive just in time for lunch. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with options to uncover Helsinkis historic market, admire its Russian-influenced architecture, or visit its impressive churches.

In Helsinki, we begin our day with a captivating boat trip to the Suomenlinna Islands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises six islands interconnected by pedestrian bridges and is home to an impressive fortress that once guarded the city's entrance. As you wander through the islands, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of history and stunning coastal views. Following our guided exploration, you'll have free time to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere or perhaps delve deeper into the islands' history on your own.

Following breakfast, our journey concludes in Helsinki, leaving you with cherished memories of your travels.