Summary
This expertly curated tour ticks off some of the best-loved attractions across Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Cross the Gulf of Finland on a ferry from Helsinki, visit the mysterious Hill of Crosses and marvel at the rich tapestry of Baltic architecture that developed in the wake of multiple world wars. In between, enjoy scenic drives, locally-guided tours of fascinating cities like Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw and visit the region’s most fascinating monuments! Look forward to 10 days of travel excitement, from Helsinki to Warsaw!
Highlights
Experience the scenic Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing
Visit the mysterious Hill of Crosses faith monument
Enjoy locally-guided tours of Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Gdansk, Helsinki and Warsaw
Enjoy free days in Helsinki and Gdansk
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!
Meals: Dinner
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 cafés 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!
Meals: Breakfast
Today, let’s 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 the 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!
Meals: BreakfastLunch
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 Pärnu 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 Military 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 Dom Cathedral, Parliament House and more!
Meals: Breakfast
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, visit the town of Trakai, home to the majestic Trakai Island Castle! Finally, 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.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Get ready to visit another exciting European destination today - Poland! Wave farewell to Vilnius this morning, cross the border into Poland and head to today’s first stop, the Masurian Lake District. This region is home to spectacular scenery and over 2,000 lakes. Enjoy some free time to explore or grab some lunch. Hop back aboard the coach and travel onwards to Gdansk - a beautiful and historic port city. Get to know Gdansk and admire its charming architecture on an orientation tour before enjoying free time for dinner this evening.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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. 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. Tonight, experience the Polish Riviera by joining the optional excursion and cruising to the nearby beach town of Sopot.
Meals: Breakfast
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 Toruń - another beautiful mediaeval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toruń 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, travel onwards to the capital of Poland; Warsaw! Arrive at the hotel and enjoy an included dinner.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
It may be the last night of the tour but the travel excitement is far from slowing down! Today offers an in-depth look at Poland’s fascinating and historic capital city, Warsaw. This morning, 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 the city it is today. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Explore more of the city on your own, visit a museum, grab some last minute souvenirs or savour the local food!
Meals: Breakfast
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!
Meals: Breakfast