DAY 1: Amsterdam
![Amsterdam]()
Arrive in Amsterdam and jump straight into the thick of things. Meet up with your tour leader at your hotel and check-in. Set out on a canal cruise of the city. Drink in the sights from the water as you hear interesting stories and facts from the onboard commentary. Head to a city-centre restaurant for dinner and get to know your fellow explorers. Take some free time to explore the bustling city centre after dark, perhaps visit the red light district, before heading back to the hotel on the coach.
Experiences
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight and enjoy a delicious pizza as you cruise. A perfect introduction to Amsterdam, you will cruise along the atmospheric canals.
DAY 2: Amsterdam - Hamburg - Northern Germany
![Amsterdam - Hamburg - Northern Germany]()
Wave Amsterdam farewell as we make our way to Hamburg. Settle in for a scenic drive through the countryside of the Netherlands and North-Western Germany. This time of year, the city is alive with glorious Christmas markets. Take some time this afternoon to explore the inviting stalls along the Town Hall Square. Stroll along, drink a mug of gluhwein (Glühwein), a spiced hot wine, to warm your heart and body as you explore all the sights. This is where German Christmas spirit comes alive! After a few hours in Hamburg, we head north to our hotel for the night.
Experiences
Visit a Christmas Market in Hamburg: Stroll through a Christmas market in Hamburg’s Town Hall Square and soak in the festive atmosphere! Take a look at all of the items on sale, try out some German snacks and make sure you try some traditional German glühwein to keep you warm and cosy!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Good morning + Bad Oldesloe
DAY 3: Northern Germany - Copenhagen
![Northern Germany - Copenhagen]()
Cross the border into Scandinavia and travel towards Copenhagen. As you drive through forested Denmark you will cross over Europe's longest combined road and rail bridge (Øresund Bridge), as well as many other bridges that connect the many islands of Denmark. The final island of the day is Zealand, home to the capital city. Arrive in the Danish capital and follow your tour leader to highlights like the little mermaid statue, Rosenborg castle, and the impressive Frederik's Church. After the sun has gone down we will drive to the hotel to check-in, then this evening you can opt-in on a Danish dinner in the heart of the city or relax at the hotel.
Experiences
Orientation tour: Enjoy an orientation tour of the Danish capital, during which you will see sights including the town hall, Rosenborg and the little mermaid statue.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Park Inn Copenhagen Airport
DAY 4: Copenhagen - Helsingør - Stockholm
![Copenhagen - Helsingør - Stockholm]()
Farvel Copenhagen - we're off at dawn to make our way to the port town of Helsingø to catch a ferry ride to Sweden. Enjoy views of Kronborg Castle (the setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet') along the way. Back on dry land, our drive to Stockholm will take us through beautiful rural Swedish scenery filled with lakes and forests. Arriving into Stockholm we will enjoy an evening stroll through Gamla Stan - the Old Town. See sights such as the Nobel Museum, The Royal Palace, Riksdagshuset (Parliament) and more - after some free time we will journey on to our hotel.
Experiences
Orientation tour: Enjoy an orientation tour of Gamla Stan, Stockholm - your tour leader will introduce you to the sights, which you can explore further during your free time tomorrow morning.
DAY 5: Stockholm Optional Free Morning - Helsinki (Overnight Ferry)
![Stockholm Optional Free Morning - Helsinki (Overnight Ferry)]()
Grab breakfast and join your tour leader on an orientation driving tour of Stockholm. Get off at Djurgarden island where you can spot old ships in the harbour and visit some of the art galleries on offer. Opt-in on an organised visit to the Vasa maritime museum if you please. Catch the changing of the guards by the Royal Palace and enjoy some free time for lunch. Make your way to the overnight ferry this afternoon. Tonight we will be sailing through the night across the Baltic sea towards Finland. An optional buffet dinner can be enjoyed aboard as well as a bit of karaoke or disco dancing.
Experiences
Orientation tour: Embark on a guided orientation driving tour of Stockholm, with free time at Djurgarden island.
DAY 6: Helsinki - Optional Free Afternoon
![Helsinki - Optional Free Afternoon]()
Terve (Hey!) Helsinki! Embark on a locally-guided tour of the city by day. Discover Uspenski Cathedral, the harbour area, Olympic Stadium, the Sibelius monument, and Esplanadi Park, finishing in Senate Square. Then enjoy a few hours’ free time to explore the city, and peruse the glittering Finnish Christmas market at your leisure. The Fins are renowned for their wonderful art and design - it's the ideal place to pick up unique gifts and keepsakes to take home. Enjoy dinner with the group before heading to bed.
Experiences
Guided tour: Enjoy a local guided tour of Helsinki and peruse the Christmas market at Senate Square.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Radisson Blu Hotelli Espoo
DAY 7: Helsinki - St. Petersburg
![Helsinki - St. Petersburg]()
We’ll depart Helsinki in the early morning, reaching the Russian border before day break. Once across the border, we will make straight for the sparkling city of St Petersburg. Board a comprehensive city tour with our local guide. Spot some notable sights like the Church of the Saviour on Blood, Rostral columns and the Winter Palace. Marvel at the neoclassical and Baroque architecture and learn more about the city’s fascinating history. Your Russian tour guide will also arrange for a complimentary vodka tasting. Sit down to a Russian dinner with the group this evening.
Experiences
Driving tour: Enjoy a driving tour of St Petersburg with an expert local guide, giving you a comprehensive view of the city. Take note of all the sights that you can then visit during your two full free days.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Matisov Domik Hotel
DAY 8: St Petersburg: Free Day
![St Petersburg: Free Day]()
Choose your own adventure today - spend a free day exploring St Petersburg, or join in on a pre-booked optional full-day excursion to the Russian capital of Moscow. If you're headed for Moscow, get ready to meet up with a local guide who will introduce you to the city's major sights. This includes the Kremlin grounds and the orthodox churches of the Tsar. Take free time for lunch before heading on a city tour. Explore the Red Square and board the high-speed train back to St. Petersburg. This trip encompasses a full day and you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Please note: this excursion must be pre-booked; contact us for more information.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Matisov Domik Hotel
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 9: St Petersburg (Christmas Day): Free Day
![St Petersburg (Christmas Day): Free Day]()
Take a free day to hit your personal high notes in St Petersburg. The city has many fascinating sights to explore. Keen on an organised outing? Join in on the optional tour of the Hermitage Museum with a local guide. The museum was founded by Catherine the Great and is considered one of the oldest in the world! Round off your Russian experience with a traditional Christmas dinner this evening.
Optional Excursions
- Hermitage & Peterhof i €90
- Russian Folkshow i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 10: St Petersburg - Tallinn
![St Petersburg - Tallinn]()
Head back to the Russian border and cross over into Estonia. Meet up with a local guide in Tallinn and embark on a walking tour of the city. Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites. See how locals make pottery and blow glass. Shop for souvenirs and see a fascinating variety of architecture up close. Sit down to a group dinner and head out afterwards to enjoy a bit of nightlife if you please.
Experiences
Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing:. Hop aboard the ferry from Finland to Estonia across the Gulf of Finland. The crossing takes between 2 and 3 hours, with lovely views and plenty of time to take in the scenery.
Guided tour of Tallinn: The proud European capital of Tallinn is a photographer's dream. Think medieval churches, cobbled walkways and a vibrant, contemporary culture that draws you in from the moment you set foot in the city. Our walking tour of Tallinn takes in some of its best-loved highlights. This will include St Olav's church, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tall Hermann Tower, Town Hall Square & more.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hestia Hotel Seaport
Hotel Metropol
DAY 11: Tallinn - Riga
![Tallinn - Riga]()
Reunited as a group, we leave Estonia behind to make our way to Latvia. Get ready to encounter all that the vibrant Baltic city of Riga has to offer. Drink in the buzzing atmosphere and energy of its citizens. Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader to seek out the city's most famous sights and landmarks. Later, enjoy a drink at the Skyline Bar this evening and toast to the exceptional views.
Experiences
Riga: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the city
Skyline bar: Free entry to the skyline bar, offering incredible views of the city's skyline
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hestia Hotel Jugend
DAY 12: Hill of Crosses - Vilnius
![Hill of Crosses - Vilnius]()
Make for Lithuania and stop over at the Hill of Crosses. This famous pilgrimage site features 100,000+ crosses, the first of which were placed here in 1831 after a local rebellion. Continue on towards Vilnius to enjoy a brief orientation tour and free time to explore as you wish. The Lithuanian capital offers plenty to see and do - castles, cathedrals, churches, artist ghettos, and more!
Experiences
Hill of Crosses: On our way to Vilnius we'll stop at the Hill of Crosses, an astounding site of pilgrimage. Containing around 100,000 crosses, they were first placed here back in 1831 by the relatives of those who fell during the local rebellion.
Vilnius: Enjoy an orientation tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vilnius, which offers centuries of history to explore.
Užupio Res Publika: Cross the river into the Užupio Res Publika, a neighbourhood of Vilnius and self-proclaimed Republic, with its own constitution and an army comprising of 11 men.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Green Park Hotel Vilnius
DAY 13: Trakai - Warsaw
![Trakai - Warsaw]()
Leaving Vilnius, we make for Warsaw via a stopover at Trakai Historical National Park. Opt to explore the iconic 14th-century fortress in the middle of Lake Galvė before the crowds arrive. Hop back aboard the coach and travel onward to Poland. Arrive in the cultural hub of Warsaw and join your tour leader on a driving tour of the city surrounds, tomorrow we will explore the old town. Then check in at the hotel and grab dinner with the group - tomorrow brings another bumper day of inspiring exploration!
Experiences
Trakai: Make a stop at Trakai, Europe's only historic national park.
Local-guided tour of Warsaw: Explore the city in the slipstream of a seasoned Warsaw travel guide. From the Royal Castle with its incredible museum, to the verdant Lazienki Park, the Palace of Culture and Science and the UNESCO-accredited Old Town that was rebuilt after the war based on 18th century paintings by Italian artist Canaletto, there are plenty of attractions to keep you mesmerised for an entire afternoon (and more!).
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Radisson Blu Sobieski
DAY 14: Warsaw: Free Day
![Warsaw: Free Day]()
Make the most of your free day in Warsaw. Take an included guided walking tour with local guide in the morning and then continue on your own in the afternoon. Make your way to one of the city's epic museums - there are many to choose from. Visit museums that exhibit the history of this incredible city. Wander around the Chopin Museum or the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Marvel at the extensive collections of the National Museum. Visit the Royal Palace, and perhaps there’ll be a market or free music concert in Łazienki Park.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Radisson Blu Sobieski
Optional Excursions
- Communist Nysa tour i €25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 15: Poznan - Berlin (New Years Eve)
![Poznan - Berlin (New Years Eve)]()
Spend the last day of the year heading west to Berlin via a stopover at Ponzan. Take some free time to grab lunch in the historic old town of the coronation city of the early Polish kings. Continue on to Germany and bustling Berlin! Take an after-dark driving tour through the city upon arrival and see famous sights like the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. Settle in at the hotel and get ready for dinner at a Bavarian Beer Hall in the city centre. Tonight we ring in the new year German style!
Experiences
Lunch stop in Poznan: Enjoy free time to sample some delicious Polish cuisine and explore the Old Market Square in Poznan. Faithfully reconstructed following the Second World War, this beautiful square is home to many of the cities most famous landmarks and monuments, including the Town Hall, colourful townhouses and the Pranger, a 16th century punishment device.
Orientation and driving tour of Berlin: Your tour leader will explain the amazing history of this vibrant city and show you all the must-see sights, including Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall and Reichstag. Take note of those you want to explore further on your free day tomorrow!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Ibis Berlin Ostbahnhof
DAY 16: Berlin: Free Day
![Berlin: Free Day]()
Wake up to a brand-new year in the heart of Berlin. Lace up your walking shoes and go exploring on your own, or join us on a guided tour of the city. Your guide will lead you on a journey into the past to discover Berlin's most sought-after visitor destinations. Check out the Eastside open-air gallery along the Berlin Wall. Make your way to the exceptional museum in the old Jewish quarter. There is so much to explore, and this guided trip of Berlin will make the most of your time in the city.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Ibis Berlin Ostbahnhof
Optional Excursions
- Hop on hop off bus tour i €28
- Berlin+ Tour i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 17: Berlin - Amsterdam
![Berlin - Amsterdam]()
Wave Berlin goodbye as we leave Germany for the long trip back to the Netherlands. Get ready for some quintessential Dutch experiences this afternoon. We're headed to a local cheese farm for some cheese tasting and a clogs demonstration! Learn how both these Dutch staples are made and stock up on great gifts for friends and family back home. After checking-in for the final time, celebrate the completion of this magical tour with an optional dinner with all your travel friends around you.
Experiences
Cheese and clogs demonstration: see how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand and taste some fantastic cheeses. Of course the chance to shop and get those unique souvenirs.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Best Western Plus Plaza Almere
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 18: Amsterdam
![Amsterdam]()
Your Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year tour comes to an end after breakfast. Swap contact details with your new tour mates so you can share photos, etc.. We hope to see you back aboard an Expat Explore coach soon!