ToursEastern Europe ToursHelsinki to Warsaw

Helsinki to Warsaw

Reviews
Countries
5
Days
10
Per Day
from € 120
Start Point:
Helsinki/
End Point:
Warsaw/
Ages:
10 - 75+
Accommodation:
Hotel
Transport:
Private coach

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Was€ 1,575
From € 1,200
View Dates & Rates

Price per person in twin share room.
Pay small deposit now, rest later.

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More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
  • Quality tours at affordable prices
  • High quality accommodation
  • Modern air-conditioned coach transport
  • Escorted by Expat Explore tour leader

Summary

This expertly curated tour ticks off some of the best-loved attractions across Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Cross the Gulf of Finland on a ferry from Helsinki, visit the mysterious Hill of Crosses and marvel at the rich tapestry of Baltic architecture that developed in the wake of multiple world wars. In between, enjoy scenic drives, locally-guided tours of fascinating cities like Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw and visit the region’s most fascinating monuments! Look forward to 10 days of travel excitement, from Helsinki to Warsaw!

If you'd like to explore Scandinavia in addition to the Baltics, consider the Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics tour - click here.

Highlights

  • Experience the scenic Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing 
  • Visit the mysterious Hill of Crosses faith monument 
  • Enjoy locally-guided tours of Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Gdansk, Helsinki and Warsaw
  • Enjoy free days in Helsinki and Gdansk

Itinerary View Full ItineraryDownload PDF

Start Point

Hotel in Helsinki | 11:15 AM

End Point

Hotel in Warsaw | 10:00 AM
DAY 1: 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!

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: 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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Dinner

DAY 2: 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!

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 3: 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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

BreakfastLunch

DAY 4: 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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 5: Riga - Hill of Crosses - Trakai - 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, visit the town of Trakai, home to the majestic Trakai Island Castle! Finally, 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.

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 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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 6: Vilnius - Masurian Lake District - Gdansk

Get ready to visit another exciting European destination today - Poland! Wave farewell to Vilnius this morning, cross the border into Poland and head to today’s first stop, the Masurian Lake District. This region is home to spectacular scenery and over 2,000 lakes. Enjoy some free time to explore or grab some lunch. Hop back aboard the coach and travel onwards to Gdansk - a beautiful and historic port city. Get to know Gdansk and admire its charming architecture on an orientation tour before enjoying free time for dinner this evening.

Experiences

Masurian Lakes scenic drive: Admire the gorgeous natural scenery of Poland’s Masurian Lake District before enjoying free time for lunch in the area. The 2,000 lakes and beautiful outdoor areas make this a popular tourist spot in Poland. 

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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 7: 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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 8: 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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 9: 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.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 10: 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!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners 
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard 
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

21 Experiences!

  • Guided walking tour of Helsinki; Finland’s capital
  • Welcome dinner in Helsinki
  • Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing
  • Lunch in Tallinn’s Old Town Square
  • Discover Tallinn; Estonia’s capital city
  • Shop and sightsee in Pärnu
  • Enjoy the coastal atmosphere in Saulkrasti
  • Visit the Latvian War Cemetery
  • Explore Riga; capital city of Latvia
  • Visit the famous Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
  • Discover Trakai Island Castle
  • Explore Vilnius; capital of Lithuania
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the Masurian Lake District
  • Discover Gdansk; a unique port city in Poland
  • Explore Gdansk with a local guide
  • Explore Malbork Castle; the largest castle in the world
  • Visit Torun; a medieval town in Poland
  • Enjoy a gingerbread workshop in Torun
  • Explore Poznań on an orientation tour
  • Explore Warsaw with a local guide
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group in Warsaw

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Helsinki

Photos of the tour

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader.

Dates & Rates

Our Price Beat Promise is to give you the lowest prices for our tours - guaranteed! Show us the lower price and we’ll do more than match it, we’ll beat it! Learn More

Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
19 Jun 2024 - 28 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 19 Jun 2024 - 28 Jun 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 1,575 € 1,320
10 Jul 2024 - 19 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 10 Jul 2024 - 19 Jul 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 1,575 € 1,365
31 Jul 2024 - 09 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 31 Jul 2024 - 09 Aug 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,575 € 1,265
21 Aug 2024 - 30 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 21 Aug 2024 - 30 Aug 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 1,575 € 1,200
11 Sep 2024 - 20 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 11 Sep 2024 - 20 Sep 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 1,575 € 1,200
02 Oct 2024 - 11 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 02 Oct 2024 - 11 Oct 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,575 € 1,200

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

21 reviews
G
Golden Girl Verified Buyer2023-09-28
Good basic bus tour
We had a group of about 31 passengers so the bus wasn't overly crowded. The guide was very good, kept us well informed and was especially patient with a couple of needy passengers. The itinerary kept us pretty busy but gave us a taste of several countries. At times, a visit to a city felt rushed with not enough time to explore on our own or at odd hours which didn't allow for a visit to a museum. Hotels were better than expected and the bus was very clean. I was pleased with the number of meals included. The cities visited in the Baltic countries are all pretty similar, pleasant, safe, clean and easy to navigate.
J
Junaid Verified Buyer2023-08-11
Amazing experience
It was amazing experience with expat explore, specially Darius (our tour leader) is so amazing, helpful, well known and caring. Our driver Paulo is also a nice guy and have good skills to drive.
Y
Yati Verified Buyer2023-08-07
Good trip with excellent guide Luke and driver Brian
Generally the trip was good. Excellent guide Luke and driver Brian and a fantastic group accompanying. Rooms and meals were good. Local guides were alright.
S
Scawzzie Verified Buyer2023-08-02
Very enjoyable Helsinki to Warsaw Tour
Action packed, informative and fun tour of the 5 countries. Our tour guide, Luke, was excellent and our driver, Brian, did a great job to each destination safely and on time. Highlights were many but standouts were Riga old town, the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and the optional boat trip to Sopot.
A
Anne Verified Buyer2023-07-31
Busy but satisfying tour of 5 countries!
Pretty busy everyday. However 3 of the 4 local guides expertly brought their city to life and made us appreciate and understand the history, culture, and peoples. Truly delightful experience. Excellent "leading" by Luke was the cherry on top.

Why this tour?

Discover five unique countries over 10 days. This Helsinki tour has been expertly tailored to take in the best of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Destinations in Northern Europe and the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) are home to fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, bustling cities, diverse cultures and tons of hidden gems! Many of these countries are more “off-the-beaten-track” when compared to their tourist hotspot neighbours in Western Europe, allowing you to experience top attractions minus the cumbersome crowds!  

Start your journey and tour Helsinki, Finland’s vibrant capital city which is a hotspot for design and architecture, before crossing the Gulf of Finland by ferry. Then it's time to explore the three Baltic states. These former members of the Soviet Republic have withstood occupations and wars. And the history is palpable all around! Explore capital cities like Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius; each with its own diverse traditions, cultures and languages. Enjoy drives through the fairy-tale-like landscapes complete with castles, lakes and forests. Next up on the itinerary is Poland where you’ll join local guides and tour Warsaw and Gdansk before finishing up this whirlwind trip. 

Highlights include free days in Helsinki and Gdansk and a visit to the mysterious Hill of Crosses in Lithuania -  a hill covered with over 200,000 crosses, carvings and shrines! 

Meet new people, see iconic sights and travel affordably, conveniently and safely on Expat Explore’s modern coaches, all the way from Helsinki to Warsaw.