Tours Scandinavia Tours Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics

Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics

Countries: 8 Days: 20 Per Day: US$ 193
Start Point:Copenhagen
End Point:Warsaw
Transport:Private coach & ferry
Accommodation:Hotel & ferry
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 4,700
From US$ 3,865
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
  • Low deposit secures your booking
  • High quality accommodation
  • Modern air-conditioned coach transport
  • Escorted by Expat Explore tour leader

Summary

20 Days, 8 countries and countless incredible experiences. This is what awaits on this jam-packed tour of Scandinavia and the Baltic States! Begin in Denmark, travel through Norway’s stunning natural scenery, experience Sweden’s captivating charm and explore Finland’s capital. Next, the Baltics are calling! Experience the old-world atmosphere of Tallinn, Estonia, marvel at the mysterious Hill of Crosses and explore lesser-known destinations in Latvia and Lithuania. Wrap up this European adventure in Warsaw, Poland. Follow in the footsteps of expert local guides, visit off-the-beaten-track spots and see unforgettable historic sights - this tour will have you reminiscing for years to come! 

Highlights

  • Free days in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Bergen, Helsinki and Gdansk
  • Marvel at the views while cruising towards Norway
  • Guided tours of Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Gdansk and Warsaw 
  • Enjoy overnight ferry cruises to Norway and Finland
  • Visit the mysterious Hill of Crosses monument in Lithuania

Start Point

Hotel in Copenhagen | 10:00 AM

End Point

Hotel in Warsaw | 10:00 AM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Copenhagen

Welcome to Copenhagen! Today is the beginning of this exciting Best of Scandinavia and the Baltics tour! Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city and meet up with your tour leader and the rest of the tour group this morning. Later, it’s time to head off on an exciting city tour of Copenhagen with an expert local guide! Complete the first day of the tour with an included group dinner this evening in the city centre. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know more about your tour leader and fellow travellers. Adventure definitely awaits over the next 20 days!

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Copenhagen

Welcome to Copenhagen! Today is the beginning of this exciting Best of Scandinavia and the Baltics tour! Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city and meet up with your tour leader and the rest of the tour group this morning. Later, it’s time to head off on an exciting city tour of Copenhagen with an expert local guide! Complete the first day of the tour with an included group dinner this evening in the city centre. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know more about your tour leader and fellow travellers. Adventure definitely awaits over the next 20 days!

Experiences

Guided tour of Copenhagen: Enjoy a walking tour of Copenhagen with a local guide. Highlights include the famous Nyhavn Waterfront, Rosenborg Castle, the Town Hall, the Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Copenhagen: Free Day

Explore Copenhagen at your leisure during the free day today! Copenhagen is a colourful and creative city, home to ornate royal palaces and modernist buildings. There is no chance of boredom setting in today. You could enjoy a visit to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park, and see the Rundetaarn which is an astronomical observatory which offers stunning views of the city and is home to a unique equestrian staircase (a ramp designed to give a horse and carriage access to the library at the top). The best way to soak up Copenhagen’s history and culture is with today’s optional excursion. Start with a canal cruise, visit the National Museum, Reffen market and more!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 3: Copenhagen - Odense - Aarhus - Hirtshals (ferry port)

Take in the marvellous views of the Danish countryside as the coach travels to Hirtshals - a seaport town on the coast. Along the way, enjoy a stop in Odense and embark on an orientation tour before enjoying free time. Denmark’s third-largest city has the claim to fame of being the birthplace of fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. Next, hit the road and arrive in Aarhus, Denmark’s second-biggest city, and set off on an orientation tour of this lively city. Aarhus is a mix of contemporary artwork and architecture, Viking exhibits and an old town, open-air museum! Later on, arrive in Hirtshals and hop aboard the overnight ferry which will cruise to Bergen in Norway.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Odense: Explore the highlights of Odense, the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen. Join your tour leader and learn more about Odense’s history as well as its most famous inhabitant. Try and see if you can identify some of the inspiration for his fairytales!

Orientation tour of Aarhus: Enjoy a tour and learn more about the bustling city of Aarhus. Aarhus is home to Den Gamle By, an Old Town that doubles as an open-air museum offering insight into the Danish way of life from centuries ago.

Overnight ferry to Norway: Arrive in Hirtshals seaport and hop aboard the ferry. Get ready to enjoy an overnight cruise to Bergen, Norway.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Ferry

DAY 4: Overnight ferry - Bergen

Say hallo to Norway! This is the second Scandinavian country of the tour. Admire the natural scenery as the ferry cruises towards Bergen. Arrive in Bergen and set off on an orientation tour of the city. Bergen is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen Quay and is known as the gateway to Norway’s spectacular fjords - seeing the fjords is a highlight of any Norway tour package! This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city. Alternatively, join the optional excursion to some of the picturesque fishing villages around Bergen. Get a taste of peaceful local life before enjoying a Norwegian dinner at a historic trading post turned café!

Experiences

Cruise through Norway’s fjords: Cruise to Norway on the overnight ferry and marvel at views of the country’s famous fjords as you arrive in Bergen. Norway is home to over 1,000 fjords! The striking, winding waterways offer views which are guaranteed to leave you speechless!

Orientation tour of Bergen: Become familiar with this city that is known as “the city among the seven mountains” on an orientation tour with your tour leader. There are great things to see and do in Bergen including an acclaimed aquarium as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed quay.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 5: Bergen: Free Day

Bergen is yours to explore on this free day. There are a number of fun things to see and do around the city! The Bergen+ optional excursion is highly recommended to get a true taste of the city. This excursion includes a ferry cruise, a guided tour of Bryggen and a trip on the Fløibanen, the Bergen funicular railway, which will hoist you one thousand feet up Fløyen mountain! Look forward to some breathtaking views of the city. Finally, enjoy a drink at Bergen’s unique Magic Ice Bar! Alternatively, spend more time in the city centre; admire the medieval architecture, see markets and warehouses and explore more of the historic area. The choice is all yours today!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 6: Bergen - Gudvangen - Flam - Borgund - Oslo

Journey into the scenic heartland of Norway today! Depart Bergen in the morning and travel towards Gudvangen. This popular village is located at the end of Nærøyfjord, one of Norway’s most famous fjords! Arrive in Gudvangen and choose to join today’s exciting optional excursion to a Viking Village followed by a sightseeing cruise through the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden fjords. Marvel at the striking views before arriving in Flam to meet up with the coach again. Travel onwards and enjoy a stop at Borgund’s famous Stave Church. Next, continue the journey to Oslo. Arrive in Oslo in the late evening and enjoy an included group dinner at the hotel.

Experiences

Experience Norway’s scenery: Enjoy a scenic trip through the Norwegian countryside. Look forward to views of mountains, forests and fjords!

Visit Gudvangen: Make a stop in Gudvangen, a village nestled at the end of one of the most famous fjords in Norway. When you arrive in Gudvangen, you will have the opportunity to join the Viking Village and Sightseeing Fjord Cruise optional excursion.

See Borgund’s Stave Church: Enjoy a stop at this famous Norwegian church. Have your cameras ready as the striking building offers great opportunities for photos.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Oslo - Karlstad

It’s time to discover Oslo, Norway’s compact and captivating capital city. Head out for a walking tour of Oslo with a local guide. Learn more about the city which is surrounded by mountains and water and is home to Norway’s royal family. Highlights include the Royal Palace and the Akershus Castle. Afterwards, enjoy free time or discover some of Oslo’s gorgeous green spaces and fascinating museums with the Oslo+ optional excursion. This afternoon, travel onwards to a new country. The tour makes its way to Karlstad in Sweden - tonight’s overnight destination. Located halfway between Oslo and Stockholm, Karlstad sits on the shores of Lake Vänern and is a hot spot for fun outdoor activities plus great culture and Swedish cuisine.

Experiences

Guided tour of Oslo: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Oslo. On the tour, gain deeper insight into the city and its history. Highlights include the Oslo Opera House, Kvadraturen, the Parliament building, Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 8: Karlstad - Sigtuna - Stockholm

Swedish adventure is on the agenda today! Sigtuna is the first stop of the day. This picturesque mediaeval town is the oldest in the country! Arrive and enjoy an orientation tour and free time. Next, it’s time to travel onwards to Stockholm, Sweden's vibrant capital which encompasses 14 islands. Arrive in Stockholm and join an expert local guide for a driving and walking tour of the city. See the Royal Palace, AF Chapman ship and enjoy a walk through Gamla Stan - Stockholm’s Old Town. Enjoy an included group dinner in the city centre tonight - Swedish meatballs are on the menu - delicious!

Experiences

Visit Sigtuna: Enjoy a visit to Sweden’s oldest town! Founded by King Erik the Victorious in 970 AD, Sigtuna is home to the oldest Main Street in the country. 

Guided tour of Stockholm: Join a local guide and see the top sights of Sweden’s capital city. Highlights of this cosmopolitan Scandinavian city include the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman ship as well as the old town Gamla Stan which is the beating heart of the city.

Swedish meatballs for dinner: It’s time to tuck into a Swedish classic - meatballs! Join the group and enjoy this included dinner tonight.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 9: Stockholm: Free day

See more of the city during this free day in Stockholm. Spend time exploring Gamla Stan - the old town complete with terracotta-coloured buildings and cobblestoned lanes. Spend a few hours in one of the city’s museums and learn about Vikings, Abba and more! Or visit one of the numerous islands that make up Stockholm which offer great walks. Djurgården, home to Skansen, the open-air Swedish history museum, is a great destination. Alternatively, join today’s optional excursion which includes a scenic drive en route to Drottningholm Palace for a guided tour and a visit to the world-famous Vasa Museum. Experience the best that Stockholm has to offer!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 10: Lidingö island - Overnight ferry to Helsinki

Today, it’s time to say farewell to Sweden and continue with the next leg of the trip. Journey onwards to Helsinki in Finland. Take a late morning drive to Lidingö Island in the Stockholm archipelago along the way and enjoy a driving tour and free time to explore. Afterwards, travel onwards to the port and get ready to catch the overnight ferry to Helsinki. Hop on board and look forward to great onboard entertainment as well as stunning views as you cruise along. Why not choose to indulge in a Swedish buffet dinner tonight?

Experiences

Explore Lidingö Island: Visit the island located in the inner Stockholm archipelago and enjoy a driving tour as well as free time to explore. Did you know that Lidingö Island is home to Millesgården - an outdoor sculpture park and museum?

Overnight ferry to Helsinki: Cruise your way to a new country - Finland! Catch an overnight ferry ride from Sweden, to Helsinki in Finland. Enjoy the onboard entertainment plus an optional buffet dinner this evening.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Ferry
On Tour Excursions

DAY 11: Arrive in Helsinki

Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland! This vibrant, seaside city is known for its beautiful islands and gorgeous green spaces. Dock at the port, travel to the harbourside hotel and get ready to meet up with a local guide this morning for a Helsinki driving and walking tour. See famous sights including the Havis Amanda, Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral. Not forgetting Uspenski Cathedral and Kauppatori Market! Helsinki offers a wealth of things to see and experience! Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Experiences

Guided tour of Helsinki: Enjoy an insightful driving and walking tour of Helsinki with a local guide this evening and see the city’s top sights and attractions. See the Havis Amanda, the famous art nouveau fountain which is said to symbolise the birth of the city of Helsinki, visit Senate Square, see Helsinki Cathedral which is Finland's most photographed building, and marvel at Uspenski Cathedral which is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. Finish off the guided tour with a walk through Kauppatori Market where you can shop for souvenirs, keepsakes and well-priced Finnish crafts!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 12: Helsinki: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to experience Helsinki and explore this diverse city at your leisure. Helsinki is a quirky city which is a centre for design, architectural innovation and Finnish culture. It is also a hub for delicious Finnish food! You could spend some time relaxing and soaking in one of the saunas around town. This afternoon, join the optional excursion to discover Suomenlinna Fortress, including a guided tour and museum entrance. Make the most of your time in Helsinki by also choosing to join the evening’s optional discovery of Helsinki's awe-inspiring attractions, including the Amos Rex art museum, Temppeliaukio Church and Sibelius Monument. Marvel at the spectacular sights and architecture before enjoying a local dinner with an ocean view.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 13: Helsinki - Tallinn

Today, it’s time to travel onwards to the Baltic States! First stop is Tallinn in Estonia. Catch a ferry and sail across the Gulf of Finland. Arrive in Tallinn, Estonia’s wonderful capital city, and enjoy an included lunch at a medieval restaurant in the atmospheric Old Town Square.  Afterwards, get ready to embark on a walking tour of Tallinn, led by an expert local guide! See the city’s highlights and historic sites including St Olav’s Church and Tall Hermann Tower. Later, enjoy free time to explore before settling in for the night.

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 14: Tallinn - Pärnu - Latvian Military Cemetery - Riga

Wave goodbye to Tallinn and get ready to visit a brand new country today! The tour continues to Riga in Latvia. Along the way, make a stop in the resort city of Pärnu in Estonia to sightsee and shop for keepsakes and souvenirs. Next, cross the border into Latvia and enjoy a visit to Saulkrasti, a scenic, coastal beach town on the Gulf of Riga. Arrive in Riga, Latvia’s capital city, and experience the Brothers' Cemetery before checking into the hotel for tonight. Once settled in, it's time for an orientation walking tour of Riga’s old town and its popular attractions. Highlights of this historic and cosmopolitan Baltic capital city include Riga Dom Cathedral, the Old City Wall 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 15: Riga - Hill of Crosses - Trakai - Vilnius

Wake up bright and early today as the journey continues into the next country - Lithuania! Few people know much about this intriguing Baltic state which makes it the perfect place to explore! The first stop is the Hill of Crosses, a famous religious sight. Next, visit Trakai. This small town is known for its magical island castle! Finally, arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania’s historic, cultured and quirky capital city. Explore Vilnius on an orientation tour. This beautiful Baroque city is home to sights like the Vilnius Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and the Church of St Anne. Enjoy free time after the city tour before enjoying an included dinner with the group tonight.

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 16: Vilnius - Masurian Lake District - Gdansk

Another exciting new country is on the agenda for today - Poland. Along the way, the tour will stop in the Masurian Lake District. This stunning region is home to over 2,000 lakes making it an idyllic place to enjoy some lunch and snap some pictures! Then, it’s time to travel onwards and cross the border in Poland. Take in the scenery of the countryside along the way. Later this evening, arrive in Gdansk and embark on an orientation tour of this beautiful, historic port city. Afterwards, enjoy an included buffet dinner.

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 17: Gdansk: Free Day

Learn all about Gdansk on a full day in the city! Start off by joining a local guide for a walking tour of the city to see the highlights and important historic areas. Afterwards, the day is free to spend as you wish! Explore more of Gdansk and see the Old Town and Long Market square. Admire the city’s historic architecture with its unique Dutch influence or mander along the waterfront areas. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the European Solidarity Centre which covers the Polish fight for freedom from the USSR while the Museum of the Second World War is another cultural institution well worth a visit.

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 18: Gdansk - Malbork Castle - Toruń - Warsaw

Bid farewell to Gdansk as the tour continues. Today’s first stop is Malbork Castle - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest castle in the world! The 13th-century landmark is a castle lover’s dream. Next up is Toruń. This mediaeval town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well known for being the hometown of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus and, charmingly, it is renowned for its Museum of Gingerbread! Here, enjoy taking part in a fun and interactive traditional gingerbread workshop. Finally, it's time to head to Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel tonight.

Experiences

Malbork Castle visit: Explore the world’s largest castle. 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 19: Warsaw

Wake up in the historic city of Warsaw and, after breakfast, join a local guide for a walking and driving tour. See the highlights of the city and learn more about how Warsaw played a pivotal role during WWII. Admire the city’s architecture which is a testament to the gritty history that shaped Warsaw. See Gothic churches, Neoclassical palaces and stark, Soviet-era apartment blocks side by side with modern skyscrapers. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own or, to gain further, in-depth insight into this fascinating city, join the Warsaw+ optional excursion. This includes a delicious pierogi lunch, a visit to the gorgeous Lazienki Park and a tour of the colourful 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 20: End of tour in Warsaw

Enjoy one last breakfast with the tour group as the trip comes to an end this morning. After 20 incredible, fun-filled days, you will have visited nine amazing countries in Scandinavia and the Baltic states! Be sure to swap contact details with your newly made travel friends so that you can stay in contact after returning home. We hope to see you back on an Expat Explore coach again very soon!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 19 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms and cabins with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability)

Meals

  • 19 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 7 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
  • Two overnight ferries
  • 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

34 Experiences!

  1. Enjoy a guided tour of Copenhagen; Denmark's capital city
  2. Explore Odense; hometown of Hans Christian Anderson
  3. Visit Aarhus; a captivating Danish city
  4. Catch an overnight ferry to Norway
  5. See Norway’s magnificent fjords
  6. Explore Bergen; known as “the city among the seven mountains”
  7. Marvel at Norway’s spectacular natural scenery
  8. Visit Gudvangen near Norway’s most famous fjord
  9. Enjoy a photo stop at Borgund’s Stave Church
  10. See the highlights of Oslo with a local guide
  11. Visit Sigtuna; Sweden’s oldest town
  12. Explore Stockholm with a local guide
  13. Tuck into Swedish meatballs in Stockholm
  14. Explore Lidingö Island
  15. Catch an overnight ferry to Helsinki, Finland
  16. See the sights on a driving tour of Helsinki; Finland’s capital city
  17. Join a local guide for a walking tour of Helsinki
  18. Catch a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
  19. Enjoy lunch at a medieval restaurant in Tallinn
  20. Discover Tallinn with a local guide
  21. Sightsee in Pärnu; a resort city in Estonia
  22. Visit Saulkrasti; a Latvian seaside town
  23. Learn about Latvian history at the Latvian War Cemetery
  24. Discover Riga; Latvia’s vibrant capital
  25. Visit the famous Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
  26. Discover Trakai Island Castle
  27. Explore Vilnius; capital of Lithuania
  28. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Masurian Lake District
  29. Discover Gdansk; a unique port city in Poland
  30. Explore Gdansk with a local guide
  31. Explore Malbork Castle; the largest castle in the world
  32. Visit Torun; a mediaeval town in Poland
  33. Enjoy a gingerbread workshop in Torun
  34. 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.

Copenhagen

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. 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
21 Dec 2024 - 09 Jan 2025Flexible booking date for 2024-12-21SOLD OUT!
24 May 2025 - 12 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-05-24Book now with low depositUS$4,700 US$3,865
12 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-12SOLD OUT!
02 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-02SOLD OUT!
16 Aug 2025 - 04 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-16Book now with low depositUS$4,700 US$3,995
13 Sep 2025 - 02 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-13SOLD OUT!
27 Sep 2025 - 16 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-27Book now with low depositUS$4,700 US$4,085

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 21 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

26 reviews
L
Liz Verified Buyer 2024-09-26
Great experience for a first timer joining a group tour
Itinerary was well organized and gave me the independence and opportunity to venture on my own.
J
Jen G Verified Buyer 2024-09-09
Nordic Charms and Baltic Beauty
Beautiful countries, people and food. Best thing I did was to escape all the busy tourist areas this summer and embark on this expat tour.
C
Charlotte Verified Buyer 2023-10-12
Beautiful Scandinavia
Such a thrill seeing these incredible countries. Sweden, particularly Stockholm was my favourite city, especially seeing the ABBA museum. The old town of Tallin, Estonia was just beautiful. It's a shame we didn't have an extra day in Tallin, I would've loved to have seen more of it. We had Diarmaid as our leader & Sylvian as our driver, both very professional & knowledgeable. Definitely recommend :)
R
Redhead Verified Buyer 2023-09-25
Wonderful Experience
Our tour was excellent Diaramaid is a delightful guide. He spends time getting to know everyone and is always smiling. The countries were very interesting. Lots of history and beautiful scenery. I do recommend when visiting the Trakai castle there needs to be more time as eating lunch took up mpst of our time. Also we arrive quite late in Poznan and it might have been better to just go straight to Warsaw. Our gropup of people were like family and we are now friends. I really enjoyed my experience.
F
Flame Verified Buyer 2023-09-23
Great tour with amazing leader
Loved Scandinavia and Baltics tour. I have travelled with various companies on multiple tours and Diarmaid is the best leader I have had and we loved Sylvian (our driver) too. The accommodation was great - the ferries particularly a highlight. I only wish we had more time in Riga and Tallinn (but fortunately I had been there before). I recommend the Fjord optional in Norway but, if you are happy to do your own research, save your money on the city 'plus' optionals for the well-earned tip for your tour leader and driver. Gdansk and Bergen were particular highlights.

Why this tour?

Discover two incredible regions with Expat Explore on this 20-day tour. Travel Scandinavia in just under two weeks and see the highlights of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Enjoy the rest of your trip exploring the best that Baltic tours have to offer on your journey through Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland! These eight countries feature rich history, unique culture and incredible scenery to the max! 

Our trips to Scandinavia begin in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the route will travel through several Scandinavian and Baltic countries before finishing off in Warsaw, Poland. 

Highlights of this tour:

  • Take guided tours of Scandinavia’s capitals including Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki. Across the Gulf of Finland in the Baltics, you’ll enjoy guided tours of Tallinn and Warsaw. Local guides offer fascinating insights into the cities they call home - get ready for an authentic look at local life!
  • Admire Norway’s famous fjords and marvel at the scenery! The fjords are a bucket-list experience and a highlight of a tour to Scandinavia.
  • Cruise around Scandinavia and the Baltics on overnight ferries, including a trip from Denmark to Norway and one from Finland to Estonia. Different forms of transport make this trip to Scandinavia and the Baltics unique!
  • See intriguing Baltics tour sites including the mysterious Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. This is a must-see attraction in the region!
  • Enjoy five full free days in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Bergen, Helsinki and Gdansk. This is ample time to spend as you wish or join fun optionals.
  • The Viking Village and Norwegian Fjords Cruise optional excursion is your chance to explore the authentic life of the Vikings and visit the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden fjords. The scenery will be spectacular! This is another must-do when travelling to Scandinavia. 

Is this the right tour for me?

What will the accommodation be like?
Accommodation will be twin-share rooms in quality hotels and cabins on the two overnight ferries. Travellers will be paired with someone of the same gender. Single travellers have the option to purchase a single supplement and enjoy a private room/cabin on this tour. 

How much walking will there be and how fit do I need to be?
As long as you are confident that you can comfortably take part in the city walking tours you will be fit enough for this tour. Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. 

Which Scandinavian country should I visit first?
Denmark and its capital Copenhagen offer a great introduction to a tour of Scandinavia! The city showcases the unique Scandinavian charm and spirit of the region and it is easy to access from Western Europe. 

Is it expensive to travel Scandinavia? 
A tour to Scandinavia can be expensive. Luckily for travellers, Expat Explore guided group tours are an affordable way to visit Scandinavia without breaking your budget! Accommodation, transport, many meals and a number of exciting activities are included in the tour price.

This Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics tour really does showcase the best of these two regions! Book your spot and get ready to discover the highlights and hidden gems in a fun, convenient and affordable way!