Nordic and Baltic Capitals Discovery

Upon your arrival in Stockholm, well ensure your seamless transfer to the hotel, allowing you to settle in comfortably. Once checked in, you are free to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. In the afternoon, important details about the start of our tour will be displayed on the information boards at the hotel reception. Stockholm, set on 14 picturesque islands, is a city full of charm and beauty, making it the perfect beginning for your journey. 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, we explore the stunning capital city of Stockholm, uniquely situated across 14 interconnected islands. Our panoramic sightseeing tour takes us to Gamla Stan, or "the city between bridges," the vibrant old quarter where monumental sites like the Nobel Prize Museum, Stortorget Square, the Cathedral, and the Royal Palace await. We'll also savour the breathtaking views from the Fjllgatan viewpoint whenever possible. After our introductory tour, youll have leisure time to delve deeper into Stockholm's charms. We suggest visiting its fascinating museums and lush parks at your own pace. Alternatively, you might opt to discover the City Hall or the renowned Vasa Museum, housing a meticulously restored 17th-century warship.

Spend the day at leisure in Stockholm, giving you a chance to delve into this vibrant city at your own pace. Options are plentifulperhaps visit the intriguing museums or enjoy a walk through the lush parks. As evening arrives, well embark on a ferry journey to Finland. This overnight crossing provides unique views and comfortable accommodation in double en-suite cabins, promising a relaxing night as we make our way across the sea.

As we reach the Finnish shores, we recommend stepping onto the ships deck at sunrise for a breathtaking view of the Aland Islands, a stunning archipelago of lush, forested islands. After disembarking, you'll have time to explore Turku, a city that reflects its Swedish heritage through its architecture and culture. Our journey then takes us to Naantali, a charming seaside town known for its picturesque wooden houses. By lunchtime, we make our way to Helsinki. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the citys vibrant atmosphere, including visits to its historic market, Russian-influenced architecture, and stunning churches.

We will start our day in Helsinki with a captivating boat trip to the Suomenlinna Islands, an impressive fortress complex spread across six islands at the entrance to Helsinki. This World Heritage Site once served as a critical defensive structure. Take your time leisurely exploring the islands, interconnected by pedestrian bridges, and immerse yourself in their historical significance. In the afternoon, we will board a ferry bound for Estonia, a scenic voyage lasting approximately two and a half hours. As we set sail from Helsinki, enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding archipelago. Our day concludes with our evening arrival in Tallinn, where you can start soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Estonia's capital.

Tallinn, the enchanting capital of Estonia, invites you to delve into its remarkably preserved medieval core. We'll embark on a panoramic tour of the city, where you'll discover its ancient walls, splendid churches, bustling squares, and quaint streets lined with historic attractions. The afternoon offers you the freedom to explore this captivating city at your leisure, perhaps indulging in the local cuisine or shopping for unique souvenirs.

Today we journey through serene forests and expansive plains as we make our way to Parnu, a well-loved seaside resort. From here, we continue our travels into Latvia. Enjoy an included lunch before we visit the impressive medieval Turaida Castleentry is includedset amidst a large park adorned with sculptures. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk in Sigulda, a quaint town known for its charming scenery. Our adventure carries on towards Riga, with a significant stop at the Salaspils Memorial. Located at a former Nazi concentration camp, this site, established in 1967, is one of Europe's largest monumental complexes, paying tribute to the regime's victims. We will arrive in Riga by evening.

In the vibrant city of Riga, we begin with an insightful panoramic tour, showcasing the capital city of Latvia, which is the largest and most populous city in the Baltic region. Here, you can witness remnants of the Soviet era alongside Riga's famed cultural hub, medieval Historic Centre, and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture. After the guided tour, you'll have the afternoon free to delve deeper into this captivating city at your own pace. Whether you wish to explore its historic streets, enjoy the local cuisine, or visit its museums, the choice is yours to make the most of your experience in this dynamic city.

We set off early for Lithuania, stopping en route to visit the magnificent Baroque Palace of Rundale, designed by the architect responsible for Saint Petersburg's famed Hermitage Museum. Upon crossing into Lithuania, you'll notice the country's deep-rooted Catholic heritage, marked by the awe-inspiring Hill of Crosses, showcasing thousands of crosses of various sizes. Our journey includes a delightful meal on the way. Later, we'll explore the picturesque island castle of Trakai, located on a serene lake, not far from Vilnius. Finally, our day concludes as we reach Vilnius. Please note that depending on daylight hours, our visit to Trakai might be scheduled for Wednesday after we explore Vilnius.

On the tenth day of our adventure, we will explore Vilnius, often likened to Rome for its setting on seven hills. Our day begins with a panoramic tour of this remarkable city, where Baroque churches stand alongside remnants of historic walls, and a grand castle overlooks bustling commercial streets. You will have the opportunity to admire around 1,200 medieval houses that give the city its unique charm. The afternoon is yours to wander at leisure and immerse yourself in the local culture or perhaps relax in one of Vilnius's many cafs. Whether you're drawn to its rich history or the vibrant atmosphere, Vilnius offers a delightful mix of experiences to enrich your travels.

Today, we continue our journey into Poland, with our first stop being Grutas Park in Lithuania. Known as "Stalin's World," this park showcases 86 statues from the Soviet era, providing a unique glimpse into history. After exploring this intriguing site, we'll proceed to the lakeside town of Augustw for a lunch break amid its scenic charm. With delightful views and a relaxing atmosphere, it's an ideal spot to unwind before we continue travelling into the heart of Poland, finally reaching Warsaw by day's end. Our arrival in this vibrant capital marks the conclusion of a day filled with cultural enrichment and picturesque landscapes.

Today, we'll explore Warsaw with a knowledgeable local guide. As the vibrant capital of Poland, home to nearly two million people, Warsaw showcases a fascinating mix of contemporary and beautifully restored historical architecture. Our tour will take us through the charming streets of the old town, where well see the Royal Palace and experience the cobbled alleys that have been meticulously rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, earning a UNESCO World Heritage status. We'll also visit the iconic Palace of Culture, a towering structure gifted by the Soviet Union, and reflect on the poignant history of what was once the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe. A stroll through Lazienki Park, adorned with the Chopin Monument, is also included in our itinerary. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Dive into Warsaws rich cultural scene by visiting museums like the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or simply wander through the energetic city centre, which offers a variety of shops and activities.

Following breakfast, we set off for northern Poland, making our first stop in Olsztynek. Here, we'll explore the Museum of Folk Architecture, an open-air showcase where you'll marvel at its charming wooden houses, antique mills, and a traditional church, all evoking a sense of historical charm. Continuing our journey, we visit the Elbl?g Canal, Polands longest navigable canal, where you can learn about the fascinating method of transporting boats overland on rails to manage elevation changes. Our next destination is Malbork, where we tour its formidable castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Constructed in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a compelling insight into the region's medieval history. We conclude todays travels in Gda?sk, historically known as Danzig. As evening descends, take the opportunity to stroll through its vibrant historic centre, experiencing the lively atmosphere that resonates with both past and present charm.

After a hearty breakfast, well explore the European Solidarity Centre, housed in a contemporary building that honours the Solidarity movement's role in the downfall of the Soviet Union. This visit includes the monument honouring the fallen workers. Admission to the Museum of the Second World War is next, offering a profound reflection on the millions who perished during that devastating period. Well then enjoy some time wandering Gdansk's historic heart before making our way to Sopot, a delightful Baltic seaside resort. Sopot is famous for its lively atmosphere, boasting a long sandy beach and one of Europes longest wooden piers, which provides splendid sea views. In the evening, we board a modern ferry for our overnight cruise to Sweden, departing at 7:30 p.m. Our journey includes comfortable cabin accommodations and breakfast.

After enjoying a delightful ferry journey, we will reach Karlskrona in southern Sweden at approximately 6:30 a.m. Our travels will continue towards Stockholm, where we will pause in Vstervik, a quaint seaside town known for its charming historic centre. We expect to arrive in Stockholm in the afternoon. The capital city of Sweden is a stunning metropolis, gracefully spread across fourteen islands in the Baltic Sea archipelago, linked by an array of bridges and ferries. Stockholm is celebrated for its impressive history and architecture, offering a unique blend of modernity and tradition. You will have the afternoon to explore at your leisure. We suggest wandering through the historic centre and considering a visit to its various museums and parks. As our journey concludes, we hope that you leave with cherished and enduring memories. Please remember to check your flight times in case you might require an additional night's stay.