Scandinavia to Baltic European Adventure

Begin your adventure in Stockholm, where we will greet you upon arrival and take you to your hotel. Once settled, you have free time to start exploring at your own pace. In the afternoon, check the boards at the hotel reception for information about the start of your tour. Enjoy your time in this stunning capital city, an archipelago of 14 islands connected by bridges and rich in history and culture. 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 set off on a panoramic tour of Stockholm, a charming city uniquely spread across 14 islands connected by over 50 bridges. Our journey begins in Gamla Stan, the vibrant old town known as "the city between bridges." Here, you'll find the magnificent Nobel Prize Museum, nestled next to the main square, Stortorget, which honours Nobel Prize winners. Well also explore the Cathedral and the Royal Palace, where the Swedish monarchy's history is deeply entrenched. We'll take in the superb views from the Fjllgatan viewpoint whenever possible, offering a striking perspective of the city's picturesque skyline. After our guided tour, you have free time to explore at your own pace. We suggest visiting Stockholm's fascinating museums and scenic parks. If you choose, you can visit Stockholm City Hall and the Vasa Museum for a deeper dive into the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Spend your day exploring Stockholm at your own pace. With a free agenda, you can delve into the citys rich offerings, whether it's a stroll through historic districts, visiting world-class museums, or enjoying Sweden's vibrant city life. In the evening, we will embark on a comfortable overnight journey to Finland aboard a modern ferry. As night falls, settle into your en-suite cabin and savour the unique experience of sailing across the Baltic Sea.

As the sun rises over Finland, you'll want to make your way to the ship's deck to soak in the breathtaking vistas as we navigate past the enchanting land Islands, a chain of lush, forested isles. Once we've disembarked in Turku, a city steeped in Swedish heritage, you can discover its rich history and culture. Following this, we journey onward to Naantali, a quaint coastal town renowned for its charming wooden houses. Our travels then take us to Helsinki, where we will arrive in time for lunch. The afternoon is yours to delve into the capital citys vibrant atmosphere, with opportunities to visit its historic market, marvel at the architecture influenced by Russian history, and explore its stunning churches.

On the fifth day of your journey, we invite you to join us on a captivating excursion to the Suomenlinna Islands. This archipelago, comprising six islands, is home to a formidable fortress that historically defended Helsinki and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the time to explore the islands, easily navigable via pedestrian bridges. Later in the afternoon, we'll set sail for Estonia on a ferry, a journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. As we depart Helsinki, youll be treated to breathtaking views of the nearby islands. By evening, we'll arrive in Tallinn, ready to discover a new city's wonders.

On day six, we will explore Tallinn, the remarkable capital of Estonia, renowned for maintaining its medieval heart. Our panoramic tour will take you through the city's impressive walls, churches, and squares, all nestled among charming cobbled streets teeming with historical allure. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to wander at your own pace. Perhaps visit one of Tallinns fascinating museums or simply stroll through its enchanting lanes, offering a delightful insight into the city's rich past.

Today, we journey through the scenic landscapes of Estonia, heading towards the Latvian border. Our first stop is Parnu, a popular resort town known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. After a pleasant visit, we continue our travels into Latvia. Here, you can enjoy an included lunch before we visit the medieval Turaida Castle. This historic site, nestled within a lush park adorned with sculptures, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Afterwards, youll have some time to explore the charming town of Sigulda, set amidst stunning natural scenery. Our adventure continues to the Salaspils Memorial, an evocative site marking the location of a former concentration camp from the Nazi era. Since 1967, this has been one of Europes largest monumental complexes, honouring the victims of this dark chapter in history. We conclude our day with our arrival in Riga, where well settle in for the evening.

On the eighth day, you will engage in a panoramic tour of Riga, the largest city in the Baltic states, where remnants of the Soviet era still subtly mark the cityscape. Your journey reveals Riga's dual charms: its lively cultural hub and the enchanting medieval Historic Centre, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. After the morning's explorations, the afternoon is yours to wander and discover at your own pace whether delving deeper into the architectural heritage or soaking in the local atmosphere of this vibrant capital.

We set off for Lithuania early this morning, with our first stop being the magnificent Baroque Palace of Rundale. This architectural gem was crafted by the same visionary mind behind Saint Petersburg's renowned Hermitage Museum. As we journey through the Latvian countryside, we cross into Lithuania, a nation rich in Catholic heritage. One of the day's highlights is the remarkable Hill of Crosses, a powerful symbol of faith adorned with countless crosses of various sizes. Lunch is included in our schedule, allowing you to savour local flavours before continuing to Trakai. This stunning island-set castle, nestled in a serene lake, provides a picturesque prelude to our arrival in Vilnius. Please note that depending on daylight, we may adjust our visit to Trakai to occur after exploring Vilnius on the following day.

We commence our exploration of Vilnius, a city nestled among seven hills and often likened to Rome due to its picturesque setting. Our panoramic tour will unveil the city's Baroque beauty, featuring stunning churches and remnants of historic walls that whisper tales of the past. As we delve deeper into the heart of Vilnius, you'll encounter its grand castle, a symbol of the area's rich history, and meander through the lively commercial streets at the centre, where around 1,200 medieval houses stand as a testament to the city's architectural heritage. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to revisit some sites, wander through charming squares, or relax in a local caf as you soak up the unique atmosphere of this captivating city.

We continue our adventure into Poland today, starting with a visit to Grutas Park, unofficially dubbed "Stalins World". Here, youll find 86 statues from the Soviet era, offering a profound glimpse into the past. Our journey then takes us to the picturesque town of Augustw, beautifully set on a lake, where well stop for lunch. After enjoying the serene surroundings, well proceed through the heart of Poland, reaching Warsaw by the end of the day.

This morning, we'll embark on a guided panoramic tour of Warsaw, an intriguing city that seamlessly blends the classic with the contemporary. As Poland's bustling political and economic heart, Warsaw offers a rich tapestry of tradition and modernity. Our exploration begins in the enchanting Old Town, where you'll be captivated by the historic buildings and the Royal Palace, all meticulously restored after the devastation of World War II and now celebrated as a World Heritage Site. We'll visit the iconic Palace of Culture, a Soviet-era skyscraper that tells tales of the city's history, and reflect on the profound history of what was once Europe's largest Jewish ghetto. A leisurely stroll through Lazienkowski Park will reveal the serene Chopin Monument, a tribute to one of Poland's most beloved composers. Post exploration, you'll have some time to savour a leisurely lunch. By 2:30 p.m., we part ways with Warsaw and venture towards Poznan in the Pomeranian region. Known for its dynamic main square and lively atmosphere, Poznan promises a delightful end to the day with time to discover its vibrant charm.

We will set off early from Poznan, heading across the expansive plains towards Germany. Our plan is to arrive in the vibrant city of Berlin by approximately 11:30 a.m., giving you the rest of the day to settle in and explore at your own pace.

Today, immerse yourself in Berlin's rich history and vibrant culture with a guided panoramic tour of this dynamic capital. We'll explore the historic city centre, taking in significant sites such as Museum Island, the Reichstag, and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Stroll through the lively shopping streets and enjoy the city's beautiful parks. Our itinerary also includes poignant visits to the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, offering profound insights into the city's past. In the afternoon, should you wish, an optional trip to Potsdam awaits, showcasing its stunning palaces and picturesque landscapes.

Following breakfast, our remarkable journey concludes in Berlin, leaving you with wonderful memories of your adventures.