Best Of Scandinavia & The Baltics Christmas & New Year

Your Best of Scandinavia and the Baltics Christmas tour begins today in wintery Copenhagen! Meet up with your tour leader at the hotel in Copenhagen this morning for an overview of the exciting upcoming itinerary. Then, join an expert local guide and discover Denmark’s enchanting capital city! Tick off some of the city’s top sights including the Little Mermaid Statue and the picture-perfect Nyhavn Waterfront. Enjoy some free time afterwards to explore on your own. Why not visit Tivoli Gardens and admire their magical Christmas displays? This evening, enjoy an included welcome dinner with the group and get to know your fellow travellers.

Guided tour of Copenhagen: Enjoy a walking tour of Copenhagen with a local guide. Highlights include the famous Nyhavn Waterfront, Rosenborg Castle, the Town Hall, the Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace.

Look forward to a free day to spend in Copenhagen as you wish! This charming city is full of colour and creativity. Choose to revisit some of the places seen on yesterday’s orientation tour, stroll along the waterfront, spend time at Tivoli Gardens or enjoy sweeping city views from the Rundetaarn astronomical observatory. Alternatively, join today’s optional excursion and look forward to a canal cruise, learn more about Denmark’s history with a visit to the National Museum and enjoy free time for lunch at the vibrant Reffen market. This is the best way to experience Copenhagen’s local culture.

Leaving Copenhagen after breakfast, more Danish delights await today! Today’s first stop is Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city which is famously the birthplace of fairytale author Hans Christian Anderson. Discover this charming city on an orientation tour and during your free time. Next stop is Denmark’s second-biggest city, Aarhus. Embark on an orientation tour of this buzzing city which offers a blend of contemporary architecture, Viking history and an open-air museum which will give you a taste of old Denmark. Finally, arrive at the Hirtshals ferry port and settle in for an overnight ferry cruise towards Bergen, Norway!

Orientation tour of Odense: Explore the highlights of Odense, the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen. Join your tour leader and learn more about Odense’s history as well as its most famous inhabitant. Try and see if you can identify some of the inspiration for his fairytales!

Orientation tour of Aarhus: Enjoy a tour and learn more about the bustling city of Aarhus. Aarhus is home to Den Gamle By, an Old Town that doubles as an open-air museum offering insight into the Danish way of life from centuries ago.

Overnight ferry to Norway: Arrive in Hirtshals seaport and hop aboard the ferry. Get ready to enjoy an overnight cruise to Bergen, Norway.

Hei Norway! Wake up aboard the ferry and admire the beauty of Norway’s nature while cruising towards Bergen. Upon arrival in Bergen, join your tour leader on an orientation tour. See the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Quay, which will be decorated with sparkling Christmas lights, and the picturesque city centre. The afternoon is free to stroll the charming streets of Bergen on your own, visit the city’s Christmas market or join in on an adventure to some quaint fishing villages near Bergen. This optional excursion offers a fascinating glimpse into local life! This evening, enjoy an included Christmas Eve dinner with the group. This is the best way to spend Christmas Eve in Bergen.

See Norway’s fjords: Cruise to Norway on the overnight ferry and marvel at views of the country’s famous fjords as you arrive in Bergen. Norway is home to over 1,000 fjords! The striking, winding waterways offer views which are guaranteed to leave you speechless!

Orientation tour of Bergen: Become familiar with this city that is known as “the city among the seven mountains” on an orientation tour with your tour leader. There are great things to see and do in Bergen including an acclaimed aquarium as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed quay.

Merry Christmas! Or, as they say in Norway “God Jul”. Look forward to a full free day to experience this magical city in all its festive glory. Be sure to visit the Pepperkakebyen (Gingerbread town), the world’s largest of its kind! Or, do some souvenir shopping at Bergen’s Christmas market. To truly explore the wonders of Bergen, join the ever-popular Bergen+  optional excursion. Embark on a ferry cruise, a guided Bryggen tour and a funicular ride on the Fløibanen up Fløyen mountain which, when covered in snow, is a real winter wonderland! End this festive day with a drink at Bergen’s incredible Magic Ice Bar before an included Christmas dinner. You’ll never forget your Christmas in Norway!

Get ready to discover majestic Norwegian natural scenery today! After breakfast, leave Bergen behind and head to today’s first stop. Arrive in Gudvangen, a breathtaking village which sits at the end of Nærøyfjord, one of Norway’s most sought-after fjords. Here, choose to embark on an exciting optional excursion to a Viking village followed by a true highlight of Norway tour packages - a fjord cruise through the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden fjords! Have your cameras at the ready for spectacular sights all around. Later, arrive in Flam. After some free time, travel back to Gudvangen where the tour will spend the night.

• Marvel at Norway’s spectacular natural scenery

• Visit Gudvangen near Norway’s most famous fjord

Today, get ready to explore Oslo, Norway’s laidback capital city. On the way, stop at Gol Stave Church and admire this fascinating wooden structure. Once in Oslo, embark on an insightful walking tour. Join an expert local guide in discovering this city which is home to the Norwegian royal family. Admire the Royal Palace and Akershus Castle among many more Oslo highlights. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Your tour leader will offer some suggestions on how to make the most of your evening in Oslo.

• Enjoy a photo stop at Gol Stave Church

• See the highlights of Oslo with a local guide

Tick the next country off your bucket list as the tour travels to Sweden today! Look forward to some Swedish hidden gems on the way to Stockholm, the captivating capital of Sweden. Halfway between Oslo and Stockholm lies the city of Karlstad. Sitting on the shores of Lake Vänern, Karlstad is beloved for its natural beauty, outdoor activities and Viking history! Next stop is Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town! Stroll down the town’s main street and learn about the importance this city held until the 13th century. After, enjoy some free time to grab lunch or wander around. In the evening, arrive in Stockholm and check into the hotel. Dinner is included tonight and traditional Swedish meatballs are on the menu!

Stop in Karlstad: Discover this small city on the shores of Lake Vänern which is conveniently located between Oslo and Stockholm. Karlstad is known for its outdoor activities and ancient Viking history.

Visit Sigtuna: Enjoy a visit to Sweden’s oldest town! Founded by King Erik the Victorious in 970 AD, Sigtuna is home to the oldest Main Street in the country. 

Swedish meatballs for dinner: It’s time to tuck into a Swedish classic - meatballs! Join the group and enjoy this included dinner tonight.

God morgon, Stockholm! Today is free to experience this vibrant city as you wish, but first, join a local guide for a tour of some of Stockholm’s most iconic sights including the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan (the old town). After, explore the cobblestoned streets and colourful buildings of Gamla Stan or visit one of Stockholm’s celebrated museums. Some of the best museums in Stockholm include the entertaining ABBA Museum and the insightful Nobel Prize Museum. Today also offers the opportunity to join an optional excursion which visits the fascinating Vasa Museum! However you choose to spend this free day, be sure to make time for aFika- a relaxing coffee and pastry break.

• Explore Stockholm with a local guide

Adjö Sweden! After breakfast, wave goodbye to Stockholm and prepare to set off on a journey to the next country - Finland! On the way to the ferry port, visit Lindingö Island, located in the Stockholm archipelago. Here, enjoy a driving tour of the island before taking some free time to admire the wintery forest landscape and get some lunch. Arrive at the ferry port this afternoon and hop aboard the overnight ferry from Sweden to Helsinki. Enjoy a range of onboard entertainment and admire the views as you cruise. Tonight, why not indulge in an optional Swedish buffet dinner?

Explore Lidingö Island: Visit the island located in the inner Stockholm archipelago and enjoy a driving tour as well as free time to explore. Did you know that Lidingö Island is home to Millesgården - an outdoor sculpture park and museum?

Overnight ferry to Helsinki: Cruise your way to a new country - Finland! Catch an overnight ferry ride from Sweden, to Helsinki in Finland. Enjoy the onboard entertainment plus an optional buffet dinner this evening.

It’s the last day of the year and the first day in Helsinki! Welcome to the seaside capital city of Finland. Known for its islands, saunas and minimalistic architecture, Helsinki is wonderfully quirky and innovative. Upon arrival at the Helsinki hotel, set off on a walking and driving tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Discover some of the many highlights of Helsinki including Senate Square, the towering Helsinki and Upsenski cathedrals and Havis Amanda. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. Why not warm up in one of the city’s popular saunas? Tonight, sit down for an included group dinner and celebrate the last night of the year together!

Guided tour of Helsinki: Enjoy an insightful driving and walking tour of Helsinki with a local guide this evening and see the city’s top sights and attractions. See the Havis Amanda, the famous art nouveau fountain which is said to symbolise the birth of the city of Helsinki, visit Senate Square, see Helsinki Cathedral which is Finland's most photographed building, and marvel at Uspenski Cathedral which is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. Finish off the guided tour with a walk through Kauppatori Market where you can shop for souvenirs, keepsakes and well-priced Finnish crafts!

New Year’s Eve dinner: This evening, celebrate New Year’s Eve with a delicious traditional dinner at a popular local restaurant in Helsinki.

Greet the brand new year in Helsinki! After last night’s celebrations, take it easy today and enjoy a free day to wander around the city, relax or sightsee. Did you know that Finland consumes more coffee than any other country in the world? Helsinki is home to a wide range of coffee shops, many of which also offer enticing pastries. You could also take a ferry to Suomenlinna island or further explore some of the spots seen on yesterday’s tour. This evening, choose to join the Evening in Helsinki optional excursion for a photo stop at Amos Rex, a visit to Temppeliaukio Church, a taste of Finnish food at a local restaurant and much more!

The next country awaits! Depart Helsinki this morning and catch a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia’s enchanting capital city. Sail across the Gulf of Finland and arrive in the Baltics this afternoon. Upon arrival in Tallinn, soak up the city’s unmatched medieval atmosphere at a historic restaurant located in the Old Town square. Then, join a local guide on a walking tour of this fairytale city which is sure to captivate with its striking spires, colourful houses and incredible viewpoints. The rest of the evening is free. Why not warm up with some mulled wine as you wander Tallinn’s cobblestone streets? In contrast to the Old Town, the hip and artsy Kalamaja area is also worth a visit.

Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing: Hop aboard and enjoy a cruise across the Gulf of Finland, from Finland to Estonia. Be sure to take in the scenic views as the ferry makes its way to Tallinn.

Lunch at a medieval restaurant in Tallinn: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town Square.
 
Guided tour of Tallinn: Join a local guide for a tour of Tallinn, Estonia’s lively capital! Filled with mediaeval churches, cobbled walkways and a vibrant, contemporary culture, Tallinn is a photographer's dream. Highlights include St Olav's church, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tall Hermann Tower, Town Hall Square and more. 

Enjoy one more stop in Estonia before the tour travels to the next country. This morning, head to Pärnu, a resort city. Aside from its popular beach, Pärnu is home to picturesque houses, creative street art and a relaxing atmosphere. Then, travel onwards to Riga, Latvia. First stop is the Latvian Military Cemetery, a national monument that honours the over 2,000 Latvian soldiers who lost their lives during WWI. After checking into the hotel, depart for an orientation tour through Riga’s Old Town which is renowned for its exceptional Art Nouveau architecture which is best displayed in the iconic facade of the House of the Black Heads. The evening is free to relax, grab dinner or explore more.

Visit Pärnu: Enjoy a stop in the resort city of Pärnu in southwestern Estonia. Pärnu is a seaside city overlooking Pärnu Bay and is renowned for its street art, colourful houses and scenic beach.

Visit the Latvian Military Cemetery: Also called the Brothers' Cemetery or Cemetery of the Brethren, the Latvian Military Cemetery is a national monument that commemorates the sacrifice of 2,000+ Latvian soldiers who gave their lives for their country during 1915-1920, fighting in World War I and the Latvian War of Independence.

Orientation tour of Riga: Embark on an orientation walking tour of Riga, Latvia’s exciting capital city. See the impressive architecture and learn more about Latvia’s history and culture. Riga boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere combined with Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture. The city is home to popular landmarks like the Riga Dom Cathedral, the Houses of the Black Heads, Parliament House, the Three Brothers, the Old City Wall and the Freedom Monument.

Tick off your third country in three days! The last (but certainly not least) of the Baltic capitals is just waiting to be explored today. Cross the border from Latvia into Lithuania this morning and pay a visit to the mysterious Hill of Crosses. Finally, arrive in Vilnius, the vibrant capital of Lithuania. Set off on an orientation tour of this city which boasts a UNESCO-listed Old Town, over 700 years of history and exquisite Baroque architecture. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Užupis, a self-proclaimed artists republic or wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, which is one of the largest in Europe, before sitting down for dinner at a traditional restaurant this evening.

Visit the Hill of Crosses: Experience a visit to the Kryziu Kalnas Hill of Crosses in Lithuania which has been one of the world’s most singular expressions of human faith and sacrifice for over 100 years. Pilgrims have been flocking to the sight for centuries and today there are 200,000+ crosses, carvings and shrines. The tradition of leaving crosses on the hill began only in 1831 by relatives of rebels who died fighting the Russian tsar of the time.

Orientation tour of Vilnius: Join your tour leader for an orientation tour of Vilnius. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers centuries of history to explore, and has a long and storied past. Learn about the history and see more of this city’s Baroque-style architecture and medieval buildings and monuments. Highlights include the Vilnius Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the Vilnius Town Hall and the Adam Mickiewicz statue. You can also cross the river into the Užupio Respublika, a self-proclaimed republic within Vilnius which has its own constitution and an army of 11 men.

Bye-bye, Baltics! The next, and last, country of this festive tour is on the cards today. Before leaving Lithuania, travel to Trakai, a quaint town home to a magnificent island castle which is particularly magical in winter. Then, sit back and relax as the coach makes its way across the border into Poland. Admire the wintry landscapes along the way. Arrive in Gdansk, a vibrant and scenic port city,  this evening. After freshening up at the hotel, embark on an orientation tour and marvel at Gdansk’s blend of architectural styles before sitting down for an included buffet dinner.

Discover Trakai Castle: Discover the magical Trakai Island Castle located in the Trakai National Park. This Gothic castle was built on an island in Lake Galve and the beautiful scenery and lapping waters of the lake make it a truly scenic destination! Enjoy some time to explore the castle or get some lunch in the town of Trakai.

Orientation tour of Gdansk: See the highlights of Gdansk on an orientation tour with your tour leader. The harbour city boasts unique historic Dutch-style architecture, a beautiful “Royal Way” in the main town, great museums and scenic cobbled streets winding alongside the River Motława.

Discover the many highlights of Gdansk with this full day. Begin the day with a locally guided walking tour of this beautiful city which underwent extensive reconstruction after WWII. Uncover the history of Gdansk while experiencing its top attractions including the Old Town and Long Market Square. The rest of the day is free to spend however you wish. Take a stroll along the Motława riverside, admire the ornate interior of the Gdansk Town Hall or take in the views from the Amber Sky ferris wheel! Gdansk has so much to offer its visitors that you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding how to spend this free day.

Walking tour of Gdansk: Find out more about this unique port city on a walking tour. Join a local guide who will point out the top attractions and provide some historic insight into Gdansk’s past as well as its present. Gdansk underwent major reconstruction after most of the city was destroyed during WWII.

Say goodbye to Gdansk and wave to Warsaw later today. But first, take a trip to Malbork Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest castle! Embark on a guided tour of this awe-inspiring 13th-century castle and fortress. The next stop is the medieval town of Toruń, yet another UNESCO site to add to the list! Toruń is known as the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, a renowned astronomer as well as being home to the endearing Museum of Gingerbread. Look forward to making fun memories with an interactive gingerbread demonstration. Then, head to Warsaw and check into the hotel where the group will enjoy an included dinner.

Malbork Castle visit: Explore the world’s largest castle. The mighty fortress was completed in the early 1400s and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. 

Toruń Gingerbread Experience: Attend a fun gingerbread-making workshop in Toruń - a town famous for its Museum of Gingerbread!

Witam Warsaw! Discover Poland’s historic and enigmatic capital city this morning on a walking and driving tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Learn about Warsaw’s fascinating and at times turbulent past while admiring top sights including the Royal Castle, Old Town (which was rebuilt after WWII) and the Palace of Culture. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. A visit to one of Warsaw’s excellent museums is highly recommended. There’s the Warsaw Rising Museum, the National Museum, the Museum of Fryderyk Chopin and many more to choose from. For dinner this evening, why not celebrate the last night on tour with one last group dinner?

Guided tour of Warsaw: Join a seasoned local guide for a city tour of Warsaw. Gain insight into the fascinating and turbulent history as you walk the streets. Admire Gothic churches, Neoclassical Palaces, modern skyscrapers and stark Soviet-era buildings. Highlights include the Royal Castle, the Palace of Culture and Science and the reconstructed Old Town which was rebuilt after the war based on 18th-century paintings by Italian artist Canaletto.

After a jam-packed 20-day festive journey through Scandinavia & the Baltics, the tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Don’t forget to exchange content details with your newfound travel buddies before travelling onwards to your next destination. Expat Explore wishes you a safe trip home and cannot wait to see you on tour again with us soon!