Northern Europe Exploration Culture and Castles

Upon your arrival in Warsaw, our team will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. You'll have some free time to settle in and explore at your own pace. Later in the day, make sure to check the hotel reception boards for details about the start of your adventure. 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.

Today begins with a guided panoramic tour of Warsaw, Poland's vibrant political and economic hub, which is home to nearly two million people. Our excursion will take us through the enchanting old town, where carefully restored historic buildings, the Royal Palace, and cobbled streets tell tales of resilience following World War II. Recognised as a World Heritage Site, this area gracefully blends history with charm. We will also visit the iconic Palace of Culture, an imposing skyscraper gifted by the Soviet Union, and reflect on the poignant history of the city's Jewish ghetto, once the largest in Europe. A stroll through ?azienki Park, adorned with the famous Chopin Monument, concludes our guided activities. In the afternoon, you have the freedom to dive deeper into Warsaw's rich tapestry. Consider visiting the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or simply enjoy the city's vibrant centre, abundant with shops and activities.

Following breakfast, we will set off for northern Poland. Our first destination is Olsztynek, where we will explore the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture. The entry is included, allowing us to delve into a landscape of wooden cottages, ancient mills, and a traditional church, offering a glimpse into the past. Our journey continues to the Elblag Canal, Poland's longest navigable canal. Here, we will visit a unique museum in an area where boats are ingeniously transported over land on rails to manage changes in elevation. Next, we proceed to Malbork to admire its grand castle, with admission covered. This remarkable medieval fortress, constructed in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, stands as one of the largest in Europe and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will reach Gda?skpreviously known as Danzigin the evening. The city boasts a beautiful and lively historic centre, perfect for an evening walk to soak in its vibrant ambiance.

After enjoying breakfast, we'll embark on an insightful visit to the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk. This modern architectural marvel honours the Solidarity movement, pivotal in the decline of Soviet influence, and features a poignant monument to the fallen workers. Our exploration continues with a visit to the Museum of the Second World War, an impressive facility opened in 2017 that stands as a sombre reminder of the tragic loss of life in Poland during WWII. You'll have some time afterwards to wander through Gdansk's historic centre and enjoy its heritage before we set off for Sopot, a lively seaside resort known for its long sandy beach and Europe's longest wooden pier. As evening unfolds, we'll board a state-of-the-art ferry bound for Sweden, departing at 7:30 p.m. Our overnight journey includes comfortable accommodations in cabins, with breakfast provided for the next day.

After a restful night on the ferry, we will arrive in Karlskrona, southern Sweden, around 06:30 a.m. From here, well proceed to Stockholm, pausing in the delightful seaside town of Vstervik. Known for its charming historic centre, Vstervik offers a picturesque setting by the water. Arriving in Stockholm in the afternoon, you'll find yourself in Sweden's capital, a city of remarkable beauty scattered across fourteen islands of the Baltic Sea archipelago, linked by an intricate web of bridges and ferries. Revered for its blend of historic charm and contemporary style, Stockholm offers an array of experiences. The afternoon is yours to explore this enchanting city. We recommend uncovering the rich history of its museums and enjoying the peaceful ambience of its parks.

Today, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Stockholm, an enchanting city spread across 14 interconnected islands. Our exploration begins in Gamla Stan, the vibrant old quarter, often referred to as "the city between bridges." Here, you'll find monumental buildings like the Nobel Prize Museum located beside the main square, Stortorget, honouring Nobel laureates. We will also visit the majestic Cathedral and the imposing Royal Palace. Whenever possible, we'll pause to take in the breathtaking views from Fjllgatan viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas over the city. Afterwards, you'll have some leisure time for personal exploration. Consider visiting local museums and parks or, if you wish, opt to explore the City Hall or the fascinating Vasa Museum at your own pace.

Spend the day uncovering the charms of Stockholm at your own pace. The city offers a wealth of attractions, from its picturesque streets and historical landmarks to vibrant cultural hotspots. In the evening, well set sail on a modern ferry for an overnight voyage to Finland. Rest comfortably in a double en-suite cabin as the ferry glides across the waters.

As we reach the shores of Finland, we recommend making your way to the ships deck at sunrise for an unforgettable view of the stunning land Islands a cluster of hundreds of serene, forested isles. Once we've disembarked the ferry, you'll have the opportunity to explore Turku, a city enriched with Swedish heritage and charm. Our journey then takes us to Naantali, a picturesque seaside town known for its enchanting wooden houses. Finally, as we travel onwards, we arrive in Helsinki around lunchtime. The afternoon is yours to discover the city at your own pace, with its bustling old market, distinctive Russian-influenced architecture, and remarkable churches offering a delightful experience.

We will start the day with an included boat trip to the Suomenlinna Islands, a group of six islands boasting a formidable fortress that historically safeguarded the city's entrance and is now recognised as a World Heritage Site. You'll have time to explore at your own pace, traversing the islands via pedestrian bridges to fully appreciate their beauty. In the afternoon, we'll take a ferry to Estonia, a scenic journey lasting approximately two and a half hours. As we leave Helsinki, enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. We'll arrive in Tallinn in the evening, ready to explore the charms of this enchanting city.

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, offers a remarkable glimpse into medieval Europe, having retained its charming historic core. We begin our day with a panoramic tour of the city, which is encircled by ancient city walls and filled with enchanting churches, bustling squares, and cobbled streets. Amongst its well-preserved medieval architecture, Tallinn holds a wealth of tourist attractions, each narrating tales from the past. The afternoon is yours to explore further at your leisure whether you wish to delve into the rich local history, wander through the vibrant market squares, or simply enjoy a laid-back caf in this captivating city.

Todays journey takes us through picturesque forests and open plains to Parnu, Estonia's beloved seaside resort. From here, we venture into Latvia, where youll have the chance to enjoy an included lunch before visiting Turaida Castle. Nestled amid an expansive park adorned with sculptures, this medieval castle offers a glimpse into the regions rich history. Later, explore the quaint town of Sigulda, set in a stunning natural setting. As our adventure continues towards Riga, we pause at the Salaspils Memorial. Situated on the site of a former Nazi concentration camp, the memorial has stood since 1967 as one of Europes largest monumental complexes, commemorating the victims of that dark era. We expect to arrive in Riga by evening.

We will begin our day in Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic region. Join us for a delightful panoramic tour, showcasing the city's stunning mix of historical and architectural treasures. As we navigate the streets, you will witness remnants of Rigas Soviet past, intertwined with its famous medieval Historic Center and exceptional Art Nouveau structures. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure, offering the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into this culturally rich and architecturally diverse city. Whether you choose to wander through the local markets, relax in one of the many cafs, or explore museums, Riga presents a wealth of options to suit every interest.

On your final day in Riga, after breakfast, our shared journey concludes. We hope you carry home wonderful memories from this adventure. You have the remaining time to enjoy at your own pace, reflecting on the experiences and vibrant cultures you've encountered along the way. Safe travels as you continue on your personal journey.