Oslo to Vilnius

Today, leave Oslo behind and take a scenic train ride across the stunning Fjell region to Bergen. This journey offers breathtaking views of lush valleys, idyllic villages, dramatic mountains, and picturesque lakes. Arriving late in Bergen, you'll have just enough time to sample some of the city's renowned seafood.

After breakfast, embark on a long bus journey to the alpine town of Lillehammer. Cross vast high plains and remote valleys, and drive through the world's longest road tunnel, the Lærdal Tunnel. Upon arrival in Lillehammer, take a brief orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the town's 19th-century center.

Join an orientation walk this morning and get to know Lillehammer. Visit the Maihaugen Open Air Museum, home of the Garmo Stave Church. The afternoon is free for you to further explore. Perhaps conquer misty mountains on a hike or visit the town's Olympic Museum.

Travel by private bus today and cross the border into Sweden. Head to the lakeside town Rättvik, a place that encapsulates the most Swedish of landscapes. Rättvik is a location steeped in history and culture that's ready to be discovered. Tonight, you will stay at a local B&B located outside of Rättvik.

This morning, join a guided village safari with local experts to learn about the history and traditions of the area around Lake Siljan. Spend the rest of the day exploring the local area and its lakes. Perhaps take a leisurely historic boat trip across the lake, hike around the gentle rolling surrounds, or enjoy local artisan shopping.

Leave the Swedish lakes behind and head to Stockholm by train. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', Stockholm is packed full of amazing architecture, pristine parks, and clear waters. After an introductory orientation walk, use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodation and explore the area around you.

After your morning arrival into Helsinki's port, take public transport to your hotel. Discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Apart from a short orientation walk, today is completely free and you'll be able to explore Helsinki in your own time. Consider visiting the city's cathedral, the Design Museum, or the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.

Use your free time getting under the skin of diverse Helsinki, which combines elements of Scandinavia, the Baltics, and neighboring Russia in its character. Make sure you spend some time in Senate Square to see the sights surrounding it. In the evening, head to a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet some new travelers and get briefed on the next stage of your northern European adventure.

Leave Helsinki after breakfast and catch a ferry across the Gulf of Finland to the Estonian capital of Tallinn. Arrive mid-afternoon, check into your hotel and start your time here with a short orientation walk through the city. The rest of your day is then free to enjoy this exceptionally preserved medieval city and all it has to offer.

Depart by bus after breakfast, cross the border and arrive in the Latvian capital of Riga in the early evening. Riga is renowned for its welcoming locals and a fascinating art nouveau heritage. Tonight, perhaps grab a drink at one of the many bars in the Old Town after you've settled into your lodgings.

Continue your journey today by local train to the town of Ignalina and then on to Aukstaitija National Park and the charming village of Ginuciai. As one of the most delightful national parks in the Baltic states, Aukstaitija has 126 lakes, an abundance of waterways, hills and woods. Enjoy the hospitality and home-cooking of our host family for the next two days.

This morning you will take a guided kayak ride through the lakes and rivers, past villages and through forests, to an ancient pagan site on top of a hill with a wishing tree. The rest of the day is free to visit some of the local attractions, such as the nearby villages that date from the 14th century and consist of traditional wooden houses and farmsteads.

Continue your journey today by local train to the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. Having once been occupied by Sweden, Poland, France and Russia, each occupier has left its mark in some way on this picturesque city. On arrival, take an orientation walk with your leader that covers Cathedral Square and its free-standing belfry.

Your adventure comes to an end today. If you have the time, consider staying on to dive deeper into Vilnius. An Urban Adventure is the perfect way to see the city through local eyes.