Scandinavia & the Baltics - 17 days

Welcome to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark! Your Scandinavian and Baltic adventure begins as soon as you land at Copenhagen Airport. A taxi transfer will whisk you away to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you'll meet your tour leader for a welcome meeting. Spend the rest of the day settling in and resting up for the exciting journey ahead.

Start your day with a guided sightseeing tour of Copenhagen. Marvel at the city's timeless charm, from its centuries-old architecture to the vibrant district of Nyhavn. Visit iconic landmarks like the regal Amalienborg Palace, the stately Christianborg Palace, the National Museum of History, and the beloved 'Little Mermaid' sculpture. Later in the day, we'll head to our next stop, Aarhus, via a scenic ferry ride from Odden.

Embark on a panoramic tour of Aarhus with a local guide. Discover the city's rich history, from its origins as a Viking stronghold to its status as the European Capital of Culture in 2017. Visit the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral and enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, we'll head north to the coastal town of Hirtshals, where we'll board an overnight cruise bound for Norway.

Begin your day with a guided stroll through the enchanting old town of Stavanger. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Consider taking a scenic cruise on the Lysefjord to witness the magnificent waterfall and the iconic Pulpit Rock, or opt for a Pulpit Rock Cruise & Hike for a more adventurous experience.

Embark on a scenic ferry journey to the city of Bergen. Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time for lunch before setting off on a panoramic tour of Bergen with a local guide. Visit the renowned fish market, explore the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic quarter, and ride the scenic Floibanen funicular to the summit of Mount Floyen for magnificent views of the city and its surroundings.

After breakfast, we set off for Voss, marking the beginning of an extraordinary train journey to Myrdal station. From Myrdal, board the renowned Flåmsbana for a mesmerizing journey through stunning natural landscapes. Arriving in Flåm, enjoy some leisure time to explore this charming village. The day's journey continues with a scenic cruise along the breathtaking Sognefjord, en route to Balestrand.

After breakfast, our journey continues toward Oslo, the capital of Norway. We'll travel through landscapes adorned with mountains, valleys, and charming villages. Along the route, we'll stop at the Borgund Church, a remarkable wooden church dating back to 1180 AD. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in the vibrant city of Oslo, where you'll have the evening to explore.

Embark on a guided tour of Oslo that will lead you through the city's highlights, including a visit to Frogner Park, home to the Vigeland sculpture complex. Journey past notable landmarks such as the City Hall, the Royal Palace, and the striking modern Opera House. In the afternoon, we'll head for Sweden, where you'll arrive in Karlstad, a serene and picturesque location perfect for our overnight stay.

In the morning, our journey takes us eastward until we reach the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Upon our arrival in Stockholm, we enjoy a panoramic tour of the city led by a local guide. This will include a visit to the historic Old Town, known as 'Gamla Stan,' and a chance to admire the exteriors of prominent landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the Cathedral, and the Parliament.

Today is free for you to explore and enjoy Stockholm at your leisure. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the Stockholm harbour, where you'll board your overnight cruise to Helsinki, Finland. Your overnight stay on board will be in a comfortable B-class cabin with twin beds.

Welcome to Helsinki, Finland! Embark on a 2-hour sightseeing tour of this splendid city. Visit Senaatintori, the Senate square, Kauppatori, a picturesque market square, and Tuomio Kirkko, a 19th-century cathedral. Other stops include the Temppeliaukio Kirkko, a church hewn into solid rock, and Uspenski Cathedral, an imposing red brick structure on Katajanokka Island. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to the cruise-ship terminal for a 2-hour cruise to Tallinn, Estonia.

Begin your time in Estonia with an exciting 3-hour sightseeing tour of Tallinn with a local guide. Explore the city's old town, admire numerous landmarks including the Orthodox Cathedral Alexander Nevsky, the stately Toompea Castle, the City Hall Square, the historic house of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, and the magnificent St. Olaf and Niguliste churches. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Enjoy the morning at your leisure to explore charming Tallinn. In the afternoon, your journey continues as you depart for Riga aboard a long-distance coach. Along the way, you'll make a brief stop in Pärnu, a vibrant coastal resort town known for its early 20th-century architecture. Here, you can stroll along the beautiful promenade, taste local snacks, and take in the seaside ambiance before we resume the journey to Latvia.

Welcome to Latvia! This morning, you have a 3-hour sightseeing tour of Riga ahead of you. During this tour, you'll have the chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites and discover the city's rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the elegant Art Nouveau district and the old town with its medieval churches. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy this wonderous city at your own pace.

After breakfast this morning, you'll depart for Vilnius on a long-distance coach. Along the way, after crossing the border into Lithuania, there will be a short photo break at the impressive pilgrimage site known as the Hill of Crosses. Upon your arrival in Vilnius, you'll enjoy a 3-hour sightseeing tour of the city, including visits to Vilnius Cathedral and Saint Anne's Church.

Today you have the freedom to explore Vilnius at your own pace, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and attractions. Whether you choose to wander through the historic streets, uncover hidden treasures, indulge in last-minute shopping for Baltic souvenirs, or savour local cuisine, the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Your Scandinavian and Baltic adventure comes to an end after hotel breakfast. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have some remaining time to explore the city and visit any last-minute attractions. Make your own way to the airport or contact us to book a departure transfer.