Day 1
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!
Day 2
HELSINKI FREE DAY | Look forward to a free day to discover more of Helsinki as you wish! Helsinki is a central hub for unique Finnish design, culture, historic points of interest and architectural innovation. You'll find a great balance of city-based adventures and green spaces. Why not venture outdoors and discover the Suomenlinna walking trails and museum? Or, seek out one of the many saunas around town and enjoy a few hours of blissful relaxation. A stroll around the city with stops at local restaurants, shops and cafes is a great way to absorb the laid -back Finnish vibe. Perhaps you’d like to visit the fascinating Seurasaari Open-Air Museum or take in some modern art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma? The choice is yours!
Day 3
HELSINKI - TALLINN | Today, we 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 your 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!
Day 4
TALLINN - PARNU - SAULKRASTI - LATVIAN WAR 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 Parnu 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 War 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 Dorn Cathedral, Parliament House and more!
Day 5
RIGA - HILL OF CROSSES - 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, 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.
Day 6
VILNIUS - TRAKAI - MASURIAN LAKE DISTRICT - GDANSK | Get ready to visit another exciting European destination today - Poland! Wave farewell to Vilnius this morning and head to today's first stop, Trakai Castle in Lithuania's Trakai National Park. This stunning Gothic castle offers excellent photography opportunities! Hop back aboard the coach and cross the border into Poland. Enjoy a scenic drive through the spectacular Masurian Lake District. The popular outdoor destination is home to over 2,000 lakes, forests and charming lakeside towns! Later on, the tour will arrive in Gdansk - a beautiful and historic port city. Get to know Gdansk on an orientation tour before enjoying free time before dinner this evening.
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. Experience the Polish Riviera by taking a short trip to the nearby beach town of Sopot. 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.
Day 8
GDANSK - MALBORK CASTLE - TORUN - POZNAN | 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 Torun - another beautiful mediaeval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Torun 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, it's time to travel to Poznan. Arrive and embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader before enjoying free time in the city for dinner.
Day 9
POZNAN - WARSAW | Today, travel towards the final stop of the tour, Warsaw. The travel excitement is far from slowing down! Arrive in Warsaw, the historic capital city of Poland, and 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 tne city it is today. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore solo before joining the group for a farewell dinner tonight.
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!