Helsinki to Warsaw New Year

Welcome to Finland, one of the best places to be on New Year's Eve! Arrive in Helsinki and embark on an orientation tour of this vibrant coastal city renowned for picturesque islands and far-stretching forests. Then, join the rest of the group as you settle into this evening's harbourside hotel before meeting up with an expert local tour guide this afternoon to discover the city's must-see sights. Get ready to see Esplanadi, Havis Amanda, Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral and more! Next, enjoy some free time to explore on your own before tonight's included dinner. Have a Happy New Year's Eve in Helsinki celebrating with your fellow travellers!

Helsinki wishes you a "hyvää uutta vuotta"! Celebrate New Year's Day in the capital of Finland, known as a hub of creation, culture, cuisine and architecture. Don’t forget about the cuisine; there are many seasonal treats to indulge in! As you venture beyond the city centre, you'll find the city enveloped by exquisite natural sites, including the Suomenlinna walking trails and museum. Otherwise, make the most of New Year's in Helsinki soaking up the last of the festive decorations and markets.

Today, this group tour of the Baltic States boards a ferry to cross the Gulf of Finland! Once aboard the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, settle in, spend some time with the group and enjoy the sights as you cruise to the capital of Estonia. Arrive in Tallinn and check into the hotel before sitting down for a delicious included lunch. Afterwards, meet up with an expert local guide and embark on an exciting and informative guided walking tour through Tallinn. Marvel at the beautiful blend of rich history and cultural advancements. Tick the must-see attractions off your bucket list, including Tall Hermann Tower and St Olav's Church. This evening is free to immerse yourself in Tallinn to the fullest!

This morning, depart Tallinn as the coach journeys towards the Latvian capital, Riga. En route, enjoy a sightseeing and souvenir shopping stop in the resort town of Pärnu, Estonia. Arrive in Riga this afternoon and visit the Latvian Military Cemetery to uncover Latvia's WWI history. Then, head to the hotel for check-in. Freshen up before embarking on an orientation walking tour of the city, including must-see sights like the Riga Dom Cathedral, the Powder Tower, the Three Brothers, the Old City Wall and the Freedom Monument.

Visit your third country in three days today! Lithuania is the last but undoubtedly not the least exciting of the Baltic countries. After crossing the border from Latvia into Lithuania this morning, visit the mystifying Hill of Crosses. Upon arrival in Vilnius, Lithuania's vivacious capital city, embark on an orientation tour of the city. Spot the UNESCO-listed Old Town (one of Europe’s largest) with its Baroque architecture and more than 700 years of history. Next, explore Užupis during some free time. This self-proclaimed artist's republic is home to beautiful cobblestoned streets lined with quirky street art. This evening, enjoy a traditional Lithuanian dinner with the group.

Say goodbye to the Baltics this morning. Today, the tour journeys to the last country on this magical New Year's tour. Journey to the quaint town of Trakai before leaving Lithuania. This magical town is home to a majestic island castle that's sure to be an unmissable sight in winter! Then, as the coach crosses the border to Poland, kick back and soak up the stunning winter scenery en route. After arriving in the port city of Gdansk this evening, freshen up at the hotel and embark on an orientation tour of Gdansk's marvels and distinct architectural styles. Tonight, enjoy an included buffet dinner with the group.

Gdansk has a myriad of highlights, and today, you get to explore them on a full free day! Start with a walking tour with an expert local guide, discovering how this stunning city was reconstructed after WWII. Delve into Gdansk's rich history and tick the must-see sights off your bucket list, including the Old Town and Long Market Square. Explore as you wish for the rest of the day. You could wander along the banks of the Motława river, inspect Gdansk Town Hall's elaborate interiors or soak up panoramic views from the Amber Sky ferris wheel. Whichever way you choose to spend the day, it's bound to be magical!

Today, bid Gdansk farewell and journey to Warsaw, where the coach will touch down this evening. Along the way, make a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world! Enjoy a guided tour of this majestic 13th-century castle and fortress. Next up is another UNESCO-listed destination - the medieval town of Toruń! This town is best known for being the birthplace of renowned astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus as well as the charming Museum of Gingerbread. The interactive gingerbread presentation should make for magical memories! Travel to Warsaw next. Arrive and check into the hotel before enjoying an included group dinner.

This morning, delve into the mysterious and historically rich capital of Poland on a walking and driving tour led by an expert local guide. Uncover some of Warsaw's more sordid historic periods while marvelling at top attractions like the Royal Castle, the restored Old Town and the Palace of Culture. Choose your own experiences for the rest of the day! The city is filled with outstanding museums, such as the Warsaw Rising Museum, the National Museum and the Museum of Fryderyk Chopin. Why not join the Warsw+ optional excursion to gain further insight into Warsaw’s fascinating history, culture and cuisine? The choice is yours!

Today, this New Year's tour from Helsinki to Warsaw comes to an end. After the last group breakfast, get ready to depart to your next destination, whether it's home or your next adventure. Expat Explore hopes you have had an incredible New Year's tour with us and look forward to seeing you back on a group coach soon!