Tours Eastern Europe Tours Helsinki to Warsaw

Helsinki to Warsaw

Countries: 5 Days: 10 Per Day: US$ 136
Start Point:Helsinki
End Point:Warsaw
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 1,995
From US$ 1,365
check-greenFlexible booking: 30-day money-back guarantee

Price per person in twin share room

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

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

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.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Helsinki: Free Day

Look forward to a free day to discover more of Helsinki! Helsinki is a central hub for unique Finnish design, culture, historic points of interest and architectural innovation. Why not explore the Suomenlinna Fortress this afternoon on an optional excursion, including a guided tour and museum entrance? Or, enjoy a few hours of blissful relaxation at one of the many saunas around town. A stroll around the city with stops at local restaurants, shops and cafés is a great way to absorb the laid-back Finnish vibe. Choose to spend the evening discovering Helsinki's must-see attractions, including the Amos Rex art museum, Temppeliaukio Church and Sibelius Monument. Soak up the stunning sights before enjoying a local dinner with an ocean view.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

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.

Meals

BreakfastLunch

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 4: Tallinn - Pärnu - Latvian Military 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 Military 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.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


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. 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.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 8: Gdansk - Malbork Castle - Toruń - Warsaw

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, travel onwards to the capital of Poland; Warsaw! Arrive at the hotel and enjoy an included 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!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 9: Warsaw

It may be the last night of the tour but the travel excitement is far from slowing down! Today offers an in-depth look at Poland’s fascinating and historic capital city, Warsaw. This morning, 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. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Join the Warsaw+ optional excursion to delight in a delicious local lunch, a visit to the dreamy Lazienki Park and a tour of the fascinating Praga District.

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.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

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 (subject to availability)

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

19 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 Military 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 Warsaw with a local guide

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

undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined

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. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Dates & Rates

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

Our pricing model: Whether you book early or take advantage of our special promotions, you’ll always get fantastic value when you choose to travel with us.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
31 Dec 2024 - 09 Jan 2025Flexible booking date for 2024-12-31SOLD OUT!
03 Jun 2025 - 12 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-06-03Book now with low depositUS$1,995 US$1,595
22 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-22Book now with low depositUS$1,995 US$1,455
12 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-12SOLD OUT!
26 Aug 2025 - 04 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-26Book now with low depositUS$1,995 US$1,655
23 Sep 2025 - 02 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-23SOLD OUT!
07 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-07Book now with low depositUS$1,995 US$1,365

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.

Note: As the 31 December 2024 departure date takes place over the festive season, the itinerary will feature special festive experiences! Click here to view.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

33 reviews
J
Jools Verified Buyer 2024-10-04
Greattour
Great tour guide.had a good time
E
Ex. Judy Verified Buyer 2024-09-26
Great Finland to Poland Tour with Expat!
Great tour leader Luke made this tour enjoyable, interesting and well run. Saw all the main sights and plenty of others. Value for money.
O
Orange Sunset Verified Buyer 2024-07-21
Amazing Destinations! Very Good Accommodations!
The Itinerary was great. I was a solo traveler in a tour with mostly couples. I felt alone at first, but people warmed up to me almost immediately. I liked all the destinations. The Tour Director and Driver never made me feel alone. I was fortunate enough to get single rooms throughout the tour without the single supplement. This was indeed a bonus. Everything went Great, I was able to do a lot of exploring with the group and on my own. The Hotel in Lithuania (Vilnius) could have been better. The Long Ride to Poland was exhausting, but everyone was upbeat. Expat did a wonderful job of taking care of my needs. I appreciate everyone who reached out to me during the tour. Without those special people, I would not have enjoyed the tour as much as I did. Thank you again.
N
Niean Verified Buyer 2023-10-02
Terribly Awesome Tour
The. tour brought me so much happy memories and allowed me to see interesting places I never would see.The experiences and the knowledge shared made me a better person than yesterday. I never realized that one day I will be able to reach this so wonderful, colorful and historically rich cities which I only see in movies or read in books. I congratulate Expatexplore for organizing these tours not only for adventure of a lifetime but a vivid wikepedia for learning.
G
Golden Girl Verified Buyer 2023-09-28
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.

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.