Prepare for 28 days of festive fun! Head to the hotel to meet up with your tour leader and travel companions. It's time for the Christmas experiences to commence! Head out to the stunning Dutch countryside and visit a local farm to learn more about how quintessential Dutch cheese and Clogs are made. Next, join the optional excursion to Volendam & Zaanse Schans for a visit to a local fishing village and to marvel at the iconic Dutch windmills. Later today, hop aboard a cruise of Amsterdam's canals for some of the most incredible views of the city. This evening, sit down for an included welcome dinner followed by free time to soak up the festive Amsterdam ambience at night!

Experiences

• Visit a local Dutch cheese farm and clog factory

• Enjoy a cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals

• Welcome dinner in Amsterdam

Meals Dinner

Today, say goodbye to Amsterdam and journey onwards to Hamburg. Get comfortable and soak up the sensational scenery on the drive through the Dutch and German countryside. Prepare yourself for some serious exploring once in Hamburg! Magical Christmas markets line the Town Hall Square around the festive season, which you can explore during some free time this afternoon. Savour every sip of real glühwein to warm you from within as you discover one sight after another. Can you feel the German Christmas spirit in the air? Depart Hamburg after a few hours and head to this evening's accommodation in Northern Germany.

Experiences

• Feel the festive atmosphere at Hamburg’s Christmas market

Meals Breakfast,

Cross the border into Scandinavia this morning as the coach continues towards Copenhagen. Traverse Denmark's forests and cross Øresund Bridge – the longest in Europe! After arriving at today's final destination, Denmark's capital city of Copenhagen, head to this evening's accommodation for check-in. Next, head out on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Copenhagen is considered one of the world's most liveable cities, and after exploring it today, it will be perfectly clear why. Tick highlights like the Little Mermaid statue and Rosenborg Castle off your bucket list before exploring at leisure during some free time. Why not check out one of Copenhagen's captivating Christmas markets? Admire the flickering lights, visit old Saint Nick and savour some delicious festive delights!

Experiences

• Tour Copenhagen; the capital of Denmark

Meals Breakfast,

Farvel, Copenhagen! Tick three new countries off your travel bucket list today as the coach travels to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. At dawn, head to the port town of Helsingør. Board a ferry towards Sweden and on the way, admire views of Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Post portage, journey from Helsingborg towards Gothenburg and soak up the stunning Swedish scenery along the way. After arriving in Gothenburg, the second-largest city in Sweden, embark on an orientation drive with your tour leader and find somewhere to grab lunch. Next, cross the Norwegian border, today's third, and head towards the capital city of Oslo. This evening is free to explore the city's scenery, culture and architecture at leisure.

Experiences

• Cruise from Helsingør to Helsingborg by ferry

• Enjoy a scenic drive through the Swedish countryside

• Visit Gothenburg; Sweden’s second city

Meals Breakfast,

After breakfast, join an expert local guide for a tour of Oslo! The Norwegian capital perfectly fuses contemporary city life and magnificent nature. See some of Oslo's top sights, including Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace and the Oslo Opera House. After the city tour, spend the rest of the day however you like! Choose to join the Oslo+ excursion to uncover more about this enchanting Scandinavian city. Admire some of the city's top attractions, such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Fram Museum. Otherwise, spend the day at leisure, wandering around the city's stunning architecture, soaking up the festive spirit, and getting to know the city's cuisine! Norwegian salmon is great for lunch or dinner.

Experiences

• See the highlights of Oslo with a local guide

Meals Breakfast,

Bid Norwayadjøthis morning as the coach heads back to Sweden. En route, marvel at the majestic natural scenery and diverse landscapes and drive through Karlstad on Sweden's largest lake, Lake Vänern's shores. Next, stop in Örebro and enjoy some free time. Stroll through the stunning historic centre, spot the captivating castle and find a lunch spot before the journey continues. Later, arrive in the capital of Sweden, Stockholm! Meet up with a local guide for an exciting driving and walking tour. Sit down for an included dinner tonight in this historic yet contemporary city.

Experiences

• Visit Örebro in the heart of Sweden

• Explore Stockholm with a local guide

• Enjoy dinner in Stockholm

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a full free day in Stockholm however you wish! A highly recommended choice is joining today's optional excursion to learn about the nautical history of Sweden and embark on a winter cruise. Visit the captivating Vasa Museum and board a Stockholm sightseeing cruise around the inner archipelago. An alternative is soaking up the historic Gamla Stan or exploring some of the many natural areas around the city. Make sure to try some local cuisine today! Wander around and you'll discover Christmas markets with many  delectable local Christmas treats. Take advantage of the chance to do some final Christmas shopping and get into the festive spirit with a glass ofglögg, Swedish mulled wine and gingerbread.

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,

Another must-see Swedish destination is on today's lineup. Say goodbye to Stockholm and travel through the captivating countryside to Sigtuna, the oldest town in Sweden! Upon arrival, head out on an orientation tour of Stigtuna's top sights, such as Stora Gatan, the main street of Sigtuna. Then, enjoy some free time to spend as you wish before continuing to today's next country – Finland! Hop aboard an overnight ferry and spend Christmas Eve tucking into a delicious buffet as you soak up the stunning vistas from the water. Wake up in Finland's capital of Helsinki tomorrow for a magical Christmas Morning!

Experiences

• Visit Sigtuna; Sweden’s oldest town

• Catch an overnight ferry to Finland

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Awake to ahyvää jouluain Helsinki (that's Merry Christmas)! The fabulous capital of Finland has a lot to offer on a Christmas Day tour. Arrive later this morning and meet up with an expert local guide for a city tour. Admire the beautiful architecture and unique design of the city and see the top sights, such as the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. Spend the afternoon as you please during some free time. Finland sure knows how to get festive, so you're guaranteed a surplus of Christmas spirit! Stroll the streets in search of wonderful festive decorations and popular local Christmas markets. Tonight, enjoy a memorable festive dinner with your new travel family!

Experiences

• Discover the highlights of Helsinki with a local guide

• Enjoy a festive Christmas group dinner in Helsinki

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Today, leave the fabulous Finland behind; it's time to explore the beautiful Baltic States! After an included transfer to the port, board the ferry to Tallinn in Estonia. Arrive in Tallinn after crossing the Gulf of Finland and get ready to explore this fairytale Estonian capital. After hotel transfer and check-in, meet up with a local guide for a tour of the city! The medieval influence in contrast with contemporary architecture makes for one of the most captivating cities in Europe. Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with history to explore. Discover the city's top attractions, including Town Hall Square, St Olav’s Church and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Experiences

• Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing

• Enjoy a walking tour of Tallinn with a local guide

Meals Breakfast,

Another country calls today! Leave Estonia behind in exchange for Latvia as the coach makes its way to the capital city of Riga. En route, make a stop in Pärnu, an Estonian resort city. Then, learn about the tragic Latvian history with a visit to the Latvian Military Cemetery, which honours the soldiers who fought in WWI. Next, prepare to experience the lively Baltic city of Riga in all its glory! Soak up the tangible atmosphere of the city and its people while marvelling at the stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Join your tour leader on an orientation tour and see some of Riga's top attractions and landmarks, like the larger-than-life central market!

Experiences

• Sightsee in Pärnu; a resort city in Estonia

• Learn about Latvian history at the Latvian War Cemetery

• See Riga on an orientation tour

Meals Breakfast,

The next country on the list is today's playground – Lithuania! Today's first stop is in northern Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses is a famous pilgrimage site with over 100,000 crosses, the first of which was placed in 1831. Next, journey onwards to Lithuania's capital city, Vilnius. Join your tour leader for an informative orientation tour of the capital before enjoying some free time to spend however you wish. Be sure to spend some time exploring Užupis, a self-proclaimed artists’ republic! Vilnius has a lot to offer, from cathedrals and  churches to buzzing neighbourhoods and art districts. This evening, enjoy an included local dinner with the group.

Experiences

• See the Hill of Crosses; Lithuania

• Explore Vilnius on an orientation tour

• Visit Užupio Respublika; a self-proclaimed republic in Vilnius

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Wave goodbye to Vilnius this morning as the tour continues on to Warsaw, Poland. En route, stop at Trakai Historical National Park and take incredible photos of the 14-century Trakai Castle, a fortress located in the centre of Lake Galvė. Next, get back on the coach for the journey to Warsaw. Be sure to soak up the stunning sights as your tour leader guides the journey to Poland's capital and culture hub. Upon arrival in this exciting and eclectic city that beautifully blends old and new, check into this evening's accommodation before enjoying an included group dinner at the hotel. Get some rest for an adventurous day exploring the old town and all its inspiring history and beauty tomorrow.

Experiences

• Stop at Trakai, Europe's only historic national park

• See Warsaw’s highlights on a driving tour

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Start this morning with a locally guided tour of the charming Old Town, the very heartbeat of Warsaw. Visit the market square, dating back to the 13th century, and marvel at the Royal Castle and the Presidential Palace. Next, spend the rest of the day in Warsaw as you wish! You could meander to one of the many museums that showcase the city's rich history, such as the Chopin Museum or the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. The National Museum's collection will also undoubtedly impress! There might even be a market or two for a spot of shopping, or a free concert in Łazienki Park.

Experiences

• Explore Warsaw’s Old Town with a local guide

Meals Breakfast,

It's the last day of the year and the coach is on its way west to Berlin for an epic New Year's Eve! But first, stop over in Ponzań, Poland with free time for lunch and to explore the historic old town of the city where Polish kings used to be crowned. Next, cross the border into Germany and finally, buzzing Berlin! Upon arrival, set off on an informative driving and walking tour of the city's best-known attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. Arrive at the hotel and settle in before enjoying dinner at a Bavarian beer hall right in the heart of the city. Get ready to welcome the new year in proper German fashion!

Experiences

• Explore Old Market Square in Poznan

• See iconic sights on a walking and driving tour of Berlin

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Berlin

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

It's a new year and where better to wake up than in the heart of Berlin? Take full advantage of this free day to spend as you wish. You could explore the town solo, embark on a hike, or join the optional New Year’s Berlin+ guided city tour. Take a deep dive into Berlin's past with an expert local guide as you explore some of Berlin's most popular attractions. Marvel at the Eastside open-air gallery along the Berlin Wall before heading to the old Jewish Quarter for a visit to its extraordinary museum. With so much to explore in the city, this optional excursion is the best way to see it all in a day!

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,

Bid Berlin "lebewohl" this morning as the tour starts the journey back to the Netherlands. As the coach passes several scenic areas and landscapes, sit back, relax and soak up the stunning sights! Arrive back in Amsterdam later today and check into the last hotel. This evening is free to spend however you wish. A great option is spending the last night on tour digging into a delicious farewell dinner with your new travel family on this evening's optional excursion!

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,

We hope these 18 days of festive fun on this Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year tour made all of your festive travel dreams come true! After a final group breakfast, the tour concludes. Be sure to exchange contact information with your newfound travel friends to keep in touch around the world! We hope to see you on another enriching coach tour soon.

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,