Nordic-Baltic Capitals and Historic Wonders

As you arrive in the vibrant city of Stockholm, our dedicated team will ensure convenient transportation to your hotel, allowing you some free time to settle in and begin exploring. Later in the day, you may find details about the start of your adventure on the information boards located at the hotel reception. Enjoy the rest of your first day at your leisure, embracing all the initial charms and possibilities that Stockholm has to offer. 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 begin with a panoramic tour of Stockholm, a city known for its unique layout on 14 interconnected islands. Our journey takes us to Gamla Stan, the vibrant old town often referred to as "the city between bridges." Here, you'll see remarkable edifices like the Nobel Prize Museum, which sits next to the central square, Stortorget, in honour of Nobel Prize laureates. We will also visit the Cathedral and the magnificent Royal Palace. Well make the most of the chance to admire the breathtaking views from Fjllgatan viewpoint. Following this, you'll have free time to explore Stockholm's many attractions at your own pace. We suggest spending your afternoon visiting the fascinating museums or enjoying the serene parks. Optional activities include visiting the renowned City Hall and the remarkable Vasa Museum.

Spend your day at leisure in Stockholm, allowing you to explore this vibrant city's many attractions at your own pace. In the evening, we will board a modern ferry bound for Finland, set for an overnight voyage. You will be staying in comfortable double en-suite cabins, ensuring a restful night as we sail over the Baltic Sea.

As the ferry draws close to Finland, we recommend heading to the deck at dawn to witness the breathtaking scenery as we glide past the land Islands, a stunning collection of lush, forested islands. Upon disembarking, you'll have time to explore Turku, a city rich in history with a distinctive Swedish influence. From there, we journey to Naantali, a delightful coastal town, famous for its charming wooden houses. Arriving in Helsinki around midday, you'll have the afternoon at your leisure to discover the city, renowned for its bustling old market, Russian-influenced architecture, and exquisite churches.

Today, we embark on a captivating boat journey to the Suomenlinna Islands. This cluster of six islands hosts a remarkable fortress, once a guardian of Helsinki's entrance and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your time here can be spent meandering across the islands via pedestrian bridges, capturing the spirit of this historical marvel. In the afternoon, we will sail to Estonia, a scenic ferry ride that lasts approximately two and a half hours. As we leave the charm of Helsinki behind, you can relish captivating views of the surrounding islands from the deck. Our evening sees us arriving in the enchanting city of Tallinn, ready to be explored.

Tallinn, Estonia's capital, is a city where the medieval past is beautifully preserved. Today, we will embark on a panoramic tour of this enchanting city, which is renowned for its well-preserved medieval core. As we explore, you'll witness the impressive city walls, charming churches, vibrant squares, and cobblestone streets, each teeming with historical intrigue and local culture. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to discover more of Tallinn on your own. Enjoy wandering through its picturesque streets, perhaps visiting local attractions or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere.

We leave Tallinn and journey through lush forests and undulating plains to reach Parnu, a renowned seaside resort. After taking in the coastal beauty, we proceed on our travels to Latvia. Here, you'll enjoy an included lunch before we embark on a visit to the historic Turaida Castle. Nestled within a sprawling park adorned with sculptures, this medieval fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. From here, feel free to take a leisurely stroll around Sigulda, a charming town well-known for its splendid surroundings. Our expedition continues towards Riga with a poignant stop at the Salaspils Memorial. Located at the site of a former Nazi concentration camp, this significant complex serves as a solemn tribute to the regime's victims. We aim to arrive in Riga by evening, concluding a day rich in history and striking landscapes.

Today, we begin with an insightful panoramic tour of Riga, the largest city in the Baltic states. As we explore, you'll notice the intriguing echoes of the Soviet era that still pepper the cityscape. Riga captivates visitors with its vibrant cultural heart, beautifully preserved medieval Historic Centre, and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, offering you the chance to delve deeper into Riga's allure.

As we set out for Lithuania early this morning, we'll first stop at the splendid Rundale Palace, a magnificent Baroque masterpiece designed by the same architect responsible for Saint Petersburg's Hermitage Museum. From here, we cross into Lithuania, a country deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. Our journey takes us to the Hill of Crosses, a remarkable site adorned with thousands of crosses of varying sizes, representing faith and resilience. A delightful lunch is included along our route, ensuring you're refreshed for the afternoon visit. We then proceed to Trakai, a breathtaking castle set on an island surrounded by a shimmering lake, just outside Vilnius. We conclude our day in Vilnius, ready to explore its many historic and cultural treasures. Please note that depending on the timing of our daylight, our visit to Trakai may be rescheduled for early Wednesday after we tour the city.

We start the day in Vilnius with a panoramic tour of this fascinating city, often likened to Rome for its setting across seven hills. As we explore, you'll encounter its impressive Baroque churches and historic city walls, alongside a grand castle. The vibrant commercial hub at the centre is surrounded by a remarkable collection of 1,200 medieval houses, providing a unique glimpse into the past. Youll have the afternoon free to delve deeper into Vilnius at your own pace. Consider wandering the quaint streets, discovering local shops, or enjoying a leisurely meal at a caf the choice is yours.

We continue our journey towards Poland, with our first stop at Grutas Park in Lithuania. Known as "Stalins World," this intriguing site displays 86 statues from the Soviet era, offering a poignant glimpse into the past. Afterward, we make our way to the charming lakeside town of Augustw, where we will pause for a delightful lunch amidst picturesque surroundings. Following our lunch break, we will travel to central Poland, arriving in Warsaw by the end of the day.

Today, we will embark on a guided panoramic tour of Warsaw, a city that stands as the political and economic centre of Poland with a vibrant population nearing two million. Our exploration begins in the enchanting old town, where cobbled streets, the Royal Palace, and beautifully restored historic buildings create a captivating ambience. This part of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been meticulously reconstructed following its destruction in World War II. We will visit the imposing Palace of Culture, a towering gift from the Soviet Union, before delving into the poignant history of what was once Europe's largest Jewish ghetto. Our journey continues through Lazienki Park, a serene green space known for the elegant Chopin Monument. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore further. Consider visiting the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or perhaps wander through the dynamic city centre, where a variety of shops and activities await.

Following breakfast, we set off towards the north of Poland. Our first stop is Olsztynek, where we visit the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture admission included. Here, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time while exploring the collection of wooden houses, old mills, and a traditional church. Our journey then takes us to the Elbl?g Canal, the longest navigable canal in the country. We visit a fascinating museum located in the area, where you can learn about the unique system of moving boats over land on rails to overcome elevation changes. Heading next to Malbork, we explore its imposing castle, also with included admission on the green route. This exemplary medieval structure, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, is one of the largest castles in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We conclude the day by arriving in Gda?sk historically known as Danzig in the evening. The city's historic centre is both vibrant and beautiful; an evening stroll here is highly recommended to truly appreciate its lively atmosphere.

Following breakfast, we embark on a guided visit to the European Solidarity Centre in Gda?sk. This remarkable structure not only showcases contemporary architecture but also honours the history of the Solidarity movement, pivotal in the downfall of the Soviet Union. A notable highlight is the monument dedicated to fallen workers. Our exploration continues with the Museum of the Second World War, a sobering tribute to the 3 to 6 million individuals who perished in Poland during the conflict. After enriching our understanding of history, we have the opportunity to wander through Gda?sks charming historic centre. Next, we journey to Sopot, a delightful seaside resort on the Baltic coast, known for its lively atmosphere. Enjoy the long sandy beach and take a stroll along one of Europes longest wooden piers for breathtaking sea views. As evening falls, we board a modern ferry in cruise style for an overnight voyage to Sweden, departing at 19:30. Accommodation is provided in our onboard cabins, with breakfast included the following morning.

Following a smooth overnight ferry crossing, we will disembark in Karlskrona, a charming coastal town in southern Sweden, around 06:30 in the morning. Our journey will proceed to Stockholm, with a brief stop in Vstervik a delightful seaside town known for its scenic historic centre. We'll reach Stockholm in the afternoon. This captivating city, located across fourteen islands connected by bridges, offers a blend of rich history and cutting-edge modernity. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. We suggest wandering through the historic centre or perhaps visiting some of Stockholm's many museums and parks for a deeper understanding of its vibrant culture.

As the final day dawns in Stockholm, you'll savour a leisurely breakfast before our journey concludes. Reflect on the wonderful memories you've created over the past weeks as you prepare to make your way home. We hope this tour has filled you with inspiration and a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures and histories you've encountered along the way. Safe travels as you continue your adventures beyond this journey.