DAY 1: Start of tour in Helsinki
![Start of tour in Helsinki]()
Welcome to Finland! Start in Helsinki, a vibrant seaside city known for its beautiful islands and great green parks. Settle in at your harbourside hotel, and meet up with your tour leader and the group before setting off on a guided walking tour around the city. Led by an expert local, get ready to encounter some of Helsinki’s most famous sights! This includes the likes of the Havis Amanda, as well as the Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour mates this evening so you can all get acquainted in the lead-up to your epic adventure from Helsinki to Warsaw!
Experiences
Walking tour of Helsinki: Visit the Havis Amanda, the famous art nouveau fountain that features a lady in the nude. It is said to symbolise the birth of the city of Helsinki. Also explore the famous Senate Square and its buildings, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. In the city’s historic centre, visit Helsinki Cathedral; Finland's most photographed building and yet another neoclassical marvel. Set foot in Uspenski Cathedral, the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. Finish with a walk through Kauppatori Market, the ideal place to pick up some keepsakes and well-priced Finnish crafts.
Welcome dinner: This evening, meet up with your group over a welcome dinner at the hotel. This is the ideal time to get acquainted with your fellow travellers.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel
DAY 2: Helsinki: Free Day
![Helsinki: Free Day]()
Look forward to a free day to discover more of Helsinki as you wish! Helsinki is a central hub for unique Finnish design, culture, historic points of interest and architectural innovation. You’ll find a great balance of city-based adventures and green spaces. Why not venture outdoors and discover the Suomenlinna walking trails and museum? Or, seek out one of the many saunas around town and enjoy a few hours of blissful relaxation. A stroll around the city with stops at local restaurants, shops and cafés is a great way to absorb the laid-back Finnish vibe. Perhaps you'd like to visit the fascinating Seurasaari Open-Air Museum or take in some modern art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma? The choice is yours!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel
DAY 3: Helsinki - Tallinn
![Helsinki - Tallinn]()
Today, let’s take this Baltic States group tour across the Gulf of Finland! Enjoy the last hour or two in Helsinki before heading to the ferry terminal. Board the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry with the group, settle in and enjoy a cruise to Estonia’s capital city. Upon arrival, it’s time to enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant in the Old Town Square. Next, join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Tallinn. Tallinn is a fantastic combination of historic charm and modern culture. See highlights such as Tall Hermann Tower and St Olav's Church. Afterwards, make the most of a free evening to explore more of Tallinn!
Experiences
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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hestia Seaport Hotel
DAY 4: Tallinn - Pärnu - Saulkrasti - Latvian War Cemetery - Riga
![Tallinn - Pärnu - Saulkrasti - Latvian War Cemetery - Riga]()
Bid farewell to Tallinn as it’s time to head towards Riga, the capital of Latvia! Along the way, the tour will stopover in the resort city of Pärnu in Estonia to sightsee and shop. Next, the tour continues across the border to the coastal town of Saulkrasti in Latvia which is a scenic destination on the Gulf of Riga. Later, arrive in Riga and learn about Latvia’s WWI history during a visit to the Latvian War Cemetery before checking into the hotel for tonight. Take some time to freshen up before heading out on an orientation tour of Riga. See Riga’s Old Town and many highlights of this Baltic capital including the Riga Dom Cathedral, Parliament House and more!
Experiences
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 Dom Cathedral, the Houses of the Black Heads, Parliament House, the Three Brothers, the Old City Wall and the Freedom Monument.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija
Hestia Hotel Jugend
DAY 5: Riga - Hill of Crosses - Vilnius
![Riga - Hill of Crosses - Vilnius]()
After a bright and early start, cross the border to a country that very few people know of; Lithuania, a beautiful Baltic state in northern Europe. Today’s first stop is the mysterious and famous religious sight, the Hill of Crosses. Then, continue onwards to the capital of Lithuania; Vilnius. Upon arrival this afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of the beautiful Baroque city. The top attractions will include iconic sights like the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Vilnius Cathedral and the Church of St. Anne. After the tour, take some free time to explore, and then meet up with your fellow travellers for dinner.
Experiences
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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Green Park Hotel Vilnius
DAY 6: Vilnius - Trakai - Masurian Lake District - Gdansk
![Vilnius - Trakai - Masurian Lake District - Gdansk]()
Get ready to visit another exciting European destination today - Poland! Wave farewell to Vilnius this morning and head to today’s first stop, Trakai Castle in Lithuania’s Trakai National Park. This stunning Gothic castle offers excellent photography opportunities! Hop back aboard the coach and cross the border into Poland. Enjoy a scenic drive through the spectacular Masurian Lake District. The popular outdoor destination is home to over 2,000 lakes, forests and charming lakeside towns! Later on, the tour will arrive in Gdansk - a beautiful and historic port city. Get to know Gdansk on an orientation tour before enjoying free time before dinner this evening.
Experiences
Trakai Castle photo stop: Enjoy a photo stop at Trakai 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!
Masurian Lakes scenic drive: Admire the gorgeous natural scenery of Poland’s Masurian Lake District. The 2,000 lakes and beautiful outdoor areas make this a popular tourist spot in Poland. The tour will stop over in the region and enjoy free time to find a spot for lunch.
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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Scandic Gdansk
DAY 7: Gdansk: Free Day
![Gdansk: Free Day]()
Discover the history, charm and unique Dutch influence found in Gdansk today! Begin by getting to know the city’s highlights and important historic areas on a locally guided walking tour. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure. More of Gdansk is waiting to be explored! Visit the Old Town, stroll around Long Market square and admire the impressive architecture. Experience the Polish Riviera by taking a short trip to the nearby beach town of Sopot. For insight into Poland’s wartime history, visit the Museum of the Second World War as well as the European Solidarity Centre which features fascinating exhibitions on Poland’s fight for freedom from the USSR.
Experiences
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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Scandic Gdansk
DAY 8: Gdansk - Malbork Castle - Toruń - Poznań
![Gdansk - Malbork Castle - Toruń - Poznań]()
Say do widzenia to Gdansk and travel to today’s first stop - Malbork Castle. This 13th-century landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is officially the world’s largest castle! Experience the history and explore the grounds of this impressive fortress. Next, it’s time to visit Toruń - another beautiful mediaeval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toruń is renowned for its Museum of Gingerbread and is the hometown of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Here, have some fun with a traditional and interactive gingerbread workshop! Afterwards, it’s time to travel to Poznań. Arrive and embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader before enjoying free time in the city for dinner.
Experiences
Malbork Castle visit: Explore the world’s largest castle on an audio-guided tour. 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!
Poznań orientation tour: Learn more about the vibrant city of Poznań on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Poznań is well-loved for its Old Market Square, Renaissance Buildings and universities.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hampton by Hilton Poznan Old Town
DAY 9: Poznań - Warsaw
![Poznań - Warsaw]()
Today, travel towards the final stop of the tour, Warsaw. The travel excitement is far from slowing down! Arrive in Warsaw, the historic capital city of Poland, and set off on a driving and walking tour, led by an expert local guide. Learn more about Warsaw’s pivotal role in WWII and see the city’s highlights. The city’s architecture is a testament to its gritty history that has shaped it into the city it is today. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore solo before joining the group for a farewell dinner tonight.
Experiences
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.
Farewell Dinner: Toast to an incredible time spent touring Scandinavia and the Baltic states over a final group dinner tonight in Warsaw.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Radisson Blu Sobieski
DAY 10: End of tour in Warsaw
![End of tour in Warsaw]()
Today is the final day of your group Baltic States tour and vacation in Warsaw. Enjoy a final breakfast with your tour group, and get ready to head back home. We hope you have had an incredible time exploring Europe from Helsinki to Warsaw and hope to see you back on an Expat Explore coach again very soon!