Ultimate Scandinavia & The Baltics

Welcome to Copenhagen! This life-enriching Ultimate Scandinavia and the Baltics tour kicks off today! After arriving in Denmark's capital city of Copenhagen, join your tour leader and new travel companions this morning and embark on a thrilling Copenhagen city tour with a local guide. Then, use today's free time to explore what you'd like; maybe the Tivoli Gardens? This evening, conclude an exciting first day of discovery with an included group dinner in the heart of the city. Mingle, get to know your tour leader and new travel friends, and prepare for 20 days of unmissable adventure!

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.

Today's free day is yours to explore as you wish! The beautifully bright and bustling city is home to incredible architecture, from ornate royal palaces to modernist buildings. With so much to explore, you'll be spoiled for choice today! Some options include seeing the Rundetaarn, an astronomical observatory with breathtaking city views and even an equestrian staircase (giving horses and carriages easy access to the library at the top). Alternatively, opt for the best way to capture Copenhagen's culture and history on today's optional excursion, including a canal cruise and visits to the National Museum, Reffen market and more!

The journey continues to the beautiful coastal town of Hirtshals today! Along the way, marvel at the many incredible views of the Danish countryside before enjoying a rest stop in Odense. Embark on an orientation tour of the famed city where fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen was born, Denmark's third-largest city. Then, enjoy some free time before continuing the journey towards Aarhus. Upon arrival, learn all about this vibrant city that's also Denmark's second-largest. Marvel at the magical mix of contemporary creations, Viking exhibitions and an open-air museum in the old town! Arrive in Hirtshals later and board the overnight ferry to Bergen in 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: Learn more about the bustling city of Aarhus on an orientation tour. 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 Norge! Take in the incredible natural scenery of the second Scandinavian country on tour as the ferry continues to Bergen. Upon arrival, hop on an orientation tour to see the sights of the city. The beautiful city of Bergen is home to the age-old St. Mary’s Church and also serves as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Norwegian fjords - a highlight of any tour to Norway! Then, enjoy some time to explore more of the city as you wish. Or instead, choose to join the optional excursion visiting some of the scenic seaside villages around Bergen for a taste of local Norwegian life and a delicious dinner at a café which used to be a trading post.

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 many historic attractions to see in Bergen, including King Hakon’s Hall, St. Mary’s Church and the Rosenkrantz Tower, considered one of Norway’s most important Renaissance monuments.

Enjoy the opportunity to explore more of Bergen on this free day. You will be spoiled for choice today with the number of exciting things to experience around the city! For the best sense of the city, today's Bergen+ optional excursion is highly recommended. Enjoy a magical experience and a drink at the iconic Magic Ice Bar and embark on a guided tour of Bryggen. Plus, travel a thousand feet up Fløyen mountain on the Fløibanen, the Bergen funicular railway, for the most spectacular views of the city. Alternatively, choose to spend the free day in the city centre, admiring the medieval architecture, exploring markets and learning more about this historic region. Today, you choose!

The journey continues into the picturesque heartland of Norway! This morning, the tour departs Bergen and travels to Gudvangen. En route, enjoy a rest stop at the spectacular Tvindefossen waterfall. Capture the memory with some photos and souvenirs. Later, arrive in Gudvangen at the end of one of Norway's most famous fjords - Nærøyfjord. Join today's unmissable optional excursion for a trip to a Viking Village and a sightseeing cruise along the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden. Soak up the striking views before meeting up with the coach again in Flåm. The journey continues, with a rest stop at Borgund’s famous Stave Church before travelling to Oslo. After arriving later this evening, sit down for an included group dinner at the hotel.

Experience Norway’s scenery: Enjoy a scenic trip through the Norwegian countryside. Look forward to views of mountains, forests and fjords!

Marvel at the Tvindefossen Waterfall: Enjoy a photo and rest stop at the iconic Tvindefossen Souvenir Shop for a variety of waterfall-inspired souvenirs, refreshments, and, of course, captivating views of the Tvindefossen Waterfall.

Visit Gudvangen: Make a stop in Gudvangen, a village nestled at the end of one of the most famous fjords in Norway. When you arrive in Gudvangen, you will have the opportunity to join the Viking Village and Sightseeing Fjord Cruise optional excursion.

See Borgund’s Stave Church: Enjoy a stop at this famous Norwegian church. Have your cameras ready as the striking building offers great opportunities for photos.

Discover Oslo, the captivating capital city of Norway, today! Embark on a walking tour of Oslo guided by an expert local to learn more about this city enveloped by mountains and water. As Oslo is also home to Norway's royal family, visits to the Royal Palace and the Akershus Castle are some of the city's highlights. Alternatively, join today’s optional excursions to make the most of your time in Oslo! Oslo+ includes an interactive treasure hunt at Vigeland Park as well as visits to the Fram and Kon Tiki museums. This evening, join the optional dinner for a true taste of Norwegian cuisine!

Guided tour of Oslo: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Oslo. On the tour, gain deeper insight into the city and its history. Highlights include the Oslo Opera House, Kvadraturen, the Parliament building, Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace.

After breakfast, it's time to depart Oslo and head to the next destination on this exciting tour - Nora! Take in the last of the stunning Norwegian countryside before crossing the border into Sweden. Enjoy plenty of time on the coach to relax and soak up the natural scenery, plus rest stops on the way for some incredible photos to treasure your memories on tour. Upon arrival in Nora, discover the well-preserved wooden buildings of Kvarteret Bryggeriet before enjoying some free time to explore and grab lunch. Then, head onwards to Örebro, Sweden's sixth-largest city, for a tour of the top attractions and some exploration time. Later, depart for Stockholm and check into the hotel upon arrival before enjoying an included dinner with the group.

Orientation tour of Nora: Discover the charming old town of Nora on an orientation tour of its top experiences. Soak up the age-old atmosphere of the town in the quaint Town Square surrounded by picturesque architecture and the stunning Nora Kyrka (Nora Church). See the shores of Lake Nora before taking a stroll through Kvarteret Bryggeriet to marvel at the well-preserved wooden buildings.

Marvel at the historic Örebro: Behold what many consider the most stunning city centre in Sweden on an orientation tour. Marvel at the medieval Örebro Castle dating back to the 13th century, meander along the Svartån Promenade along the Svartån River, stop by St. Nicolai Church and explore the lively Järntorget Square.

Explore more of Stockholm on today's free day! Start the day with a locally guided driving and walking tour of the city. Stockholm has so much to experience; from the terracotta Gamla Stan old town and cobbled streets to museums dedicated to ABBA and the Vikings, as well as the open-air Skansen museum of Swedish history in Djurgården. For the ultimate Stockholm experience, choose to join today's optional excursion for a city drive on the way to a guided tour of Drottningholm Palace followed by a visit to the fascinating Vasa Museum!

Guided tour of Stockholm: Join a local guide and see the top sights of Sweden’s capital city. Highlights of this cosmopolitan Scandinavian city include the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman ship as well as the old town Gamla Stan which is the beating heart of the city.

Say goodbye to Sweden today as the tour continues to its next leg. Journey to Helsinki in Finland and enjoy a late morning drive to Lidingö Island in the Stockholm archipelago. Stop for a driving tour of the city and some free time to explore. Then, enjoy some free time in Stockholm for lunch before heading towards the port for the overnight ferry to Helsinki. Enjoy a variety of entertainment on board, and why not indulge in this evening's optional Swedish buffet dinner while you cruise?

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.

Finland's capital, Helsinki, welcomes you today! The seaside capital city of Helsinki is a lively destination famed for its impressive islands and stunning natural scenery. After docking at the port, meet the new travellers joining the next leg of the tour and join a local guide for this morning's exciting driving and walking tour of Helsinki. Tick some of the top attractions like the Havis Amanda, Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral and Kauppatori Market off your bucket list! There truly is something for everyone to explore in Helsinki. End the day by enjoying a delicious included dinner with the tour group.

Guided tour of Helsinki: Enjoy an insightful 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!

Today is a free day to explore the eclectic city of Helsinki as you wish! Being a hub for design and architectural innovation as well as a concentrated source of Finnish culture gives Helsinki its signature quirkiness. You'll also get to try a range of interesting and mouth-watering Finnish foods! This afternoon, why not join the optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress? Embark on a guided tour, enjoy a light lunch and visit the Ehrensvärd Museum. For the ultimate Helsinki experience, join this evening's optional excursion too! See impressive attractions like the Amos Rex art museum, Temppeliaukio Church and Sibelius Monument. Marvel at the natural splendour and impressive architecture before dinner with a view of the seaside.

Can you hear the Baltic States calling today? The first stop of the day is Tallinn, Estonia. Board the ferry crossing the Gulf of Finland before arriving in the capital city of Estonia. Sit down for an included lunch at a marvellous medieval restaurant in Tallinn's enchanting Old Town Square. Then, join an expert local guide for an exciting walking tour of Tallinn to uncover the city's history and highlights. See historic marvels like St Olav’s Church and Tall Hermann Tower before some free time to explore at leisure and settle in.

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 walking tour of Tallinn: Join a local guide for a walking 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.

Explore more of Tallinn on today's free day! Discover the historic magic and natural splendour of not only Estonia's capital but also the cultural hub of the country. From its walled and cobbled Old Town to the impressive Gothic architecture, Tallinn has something to satisfy almost any type of traveller! Why not visit one of the city’s many fascinating museums? The Niguliste Museum, Estonian Open Air Museum and Kadriorg Art Museum are all highly recommended. Be sure to visit Telliskivi Creative City for a range of cultural attractions! Tallinn is your oyster today.

Today, the tour leaves Tallinn behind in exchange for a brand-new country to explore! En route to Riga in Latvia, enjoy a rest stop in Estonia in the resort city of Pärnu. Enjoy some time to see the sights and shop the souvenirs. After crossing the border into Latvia, stop in the scenic coastal beach town of Saulkrasti located on the Gulf of Riga. Upon arrival in Riga, tick the Brothers' Cemetery off of your bucket list before checking into this evening's accommodation. Settle in and embark on an orientation walking tour through Riga's old town to experience the most popular attractions. Some of this capital Baltic city's top attractions include the Riga Dome Cathedral and the Old City Wall!

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.

Enjoy a stop in Saulkrasti: The seaside town of Saulkrasti is a great place to drink in the beauty of the Latvian shoreline without huge crowds. This is where Latvian locals spend days by the 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 Dome Cathedral, Saint Peter’s Church, Big Christopher, the Three Brothers, the Old City Wall and the Freedom Monument.

Enjoy a free day to explore Latvia's capital city at leisure! Home to a myriad of museums and musical venues, Riga is sure to be a treat for any traveller interested in delving into Latvia's culture. Why not visit the iconic House of the Blackheads and wander along Albert Street to delve deeper into Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture? You could also visit the impressive Riga Bourse museum or take in the views from the Riga Radio and TV Tower - the tallest tower in the EU! Or, relax in Bastejkalns Park. Spend the day exploring on your own, or ask your tour leader for recommendations to make the most of your time in Riga.

This morning, embark on the journey to the next country on tour - Lithuania! Start the day's exploration of this hidden gem at the renowned religious site, the Hill of Crosses. Then, witness the enchanting island castle on Trakai before arriving in Vilnius. This quirky and historic capital city is yours to explore on an orientation tour! Marvel at the beauty of the Baroque architecture and behold must-see sights such as the Vilnius Cathedral, Palace of the Grand Dukes, and Church of St Anne. After concluding the tour, spend the rest of the day as you wish before joining the tour group for an included dinner. Why not cross the river into the Užupio Respublika, a self-proclaimed republic within Vilnius?

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.
 
Trakai Island Castle: First built in the 14th Century, Trakai Island Castle once served as a residence for the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Unfortunately, the castle was severely damaged by the 17th Century. It was finally rebuilt with incredible precision in the 1950s. In winter, the lake surrounding the castle freezes over and creates a fairytale-like atmosphere. In summer, bright blue waters and luscious greenery surround the castle, making it a top attraction in Lithuania all year round! 

Guided 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 Uzupis Angel Statue.

Today is a free day to explore the city of Vilnius and all its wonders as you wish! The capital city of Lithuania is a true hidden gem featuring some of Europe’s most stunning Baroque architecture and one of Europe’s largest old towns to explore. Wander the enchanting city streets to experience the many diverse styles and eras that have influenced this city's aesthetic, history and culture. For panoramic city views, climb up the hill to Gediminas Tower or the Hill of Three Crosses. To learn more about the city’s turbulent past, visit the insightful Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. Alternatively, sit back and relax at one of Vilnius’s many inviting cafés or restaurants!

Leave Vilnius behind today in exchange for the picturesque attractions in Kaunas! Arrive in Kaunas and enjoy an orientation tour of Lithuania’s second-largest city. See some of the top sights, including Kaunas Castle and the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. Then, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. This afternoon, journey from Kaunas to Klaipėda and embark on an orientation tour of this charming port city. This evening, hop aboard the overnight ferry towards Karlshamn.

Guided tour of Kaunas: Experience the top things to do in Lithuania’s second-largest city on an orientation tour! Tick must-see sights off of your bucket list, including the picturesque natural scenery of the Confluence of Niemen and Neris, the renovated Kaunas Castle and the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, the largest Gothic church in Lithuania.

Orientation tour of Klaipėda: Discover the charming port city of Klaipėda in Lithuania on an orientation tour. See where the Baltic Sea meets the Danė River and admire the German-style, 18th-century wood-framed buildings in the old town.

This morning, enjoy breakfast on the ferry before arriving in Karlshamn. From there, continue the journey to Sweden’s third-largest city, Malmö, and embark on a city tour upon arrival. See some of the city’s top sights, including Malmöhus Castle and the main square of Stortorget, before enjoying some free time to grab lunch. Then, travel from Malmö to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Marvel at the Øresund Bridge before checking into this evening’s hotel. Why not end the day with a farewell dinner in Copenhagen?

Marvel at the best of Malmö: Embark on an orientation tour of Malmö, a stunning coastal city that’s also the third-largest in Sweden. Snap some photos of the iconic Malmöhus Castle built in the 15th century, soak up the sights of the historic buildings surrounding the main square of Stortorget, shop for some souvenirs in Sodergatan and head to the cobbled square, Lilla Torg, for a variety of restaurants and cafes to grab lunch.

After 21 exciting days exploring countless highlights of Scandinavia and the Baltic travel, this Ultimate Scandinavia & the Baltics tour concludes after breakfast today. Remember to exchange contact information with your new travel friends so you can keep in touch! Expat Explore looks forward to welcoming you on one of our tours again soon. See you on the road!