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If you’re short of time but want to see it all in a whirlwind 17 days, this is absolutely the tour for you. You’ll visit all three of the Scandinavian countries, Finland and the Baltic states of Tallinn, Latvia and Lithuania. Experience the beauty of the fjords, explore iconic landmarks in cities where the old and new are combined in one. The Baltic States are a feast of Old Towns, beautifully preserved, just waiting to be explored.
The option of a shorter tour from Copenhagen to Stockholm leaving the tour on day 10, is possible.
Welcome to Copenhagen, the capital of The Kingdom of Denmark! The history of Copenhagen dates back to around the year 800, when it emerged around a small fishing village. By 1300, it had established itself as the capital city.
Make your own way to the hotel (optional transfers can be arranged for an additional charge). This evening meet your guide in e hotel reception.
Welcome to Copenhagen, the capital of The Kingdom of Denmark.
The history of Copenhagen dates back to around the year 800, when it emerged around a small fishing village. By 1300, it had established itself as the capital city.
Please make your own way to the hotel (optional transfers can be booked for an additional fee). You will meet with the tour leader at the hotel reception at 18:00 or at 08:00 the following day.
This morning join your local guide for a panoramic tour taking in its old architecture and the port of Nyhavn. In this thousand-year-old city, its historical charm offers everything expected of a modern metropolis: theatres, museums, restaurants and shopping. Other points of interest are the Amalienborg Palace, home to the royalty of Denmark, the Christianborg Palace, the seat of Danish Parliament, the National Museum of History, the stock market building and more. To complete your tour, say hello to the famous ‘Little Mermaid’ perched on her rock and keeping eternal watch over the sea.
In the afternoon, you will depart to Aarhus, taking the ferry in Odden.
Take in the sights of Aarhus this morning with your guide with a visit to the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral.. This second most populous in Denmark, Aarhus was named the European Capital of Culture in 2017. Its strategic location made it an important Viking city whilst later it became a flourishing commercial place. Free time to explore on your own before departing for Hirtshals, where you will board an overnight cruise to Norway.
After your tour of the Old City this morning, free time to explore on your own or take an optional tour. Two options are avaible:
Option 1: Cruise on the Lysefjord (Lysefjord). This 3-hour cruise on the Lysefjord takes you so close a waterfall within the fjords that you feel the spray on your face and also gives you a view of the Pulpit Rock towering above the fjord. Price: $125 per person.
Option 2: Lysefjord Cruise and Preikestolen (Pulpit) Climb (Travellers choosing Option 2 will not take the morning tour of Stavanger). Price $225 per person
*please note only one option can be selected
This morning you take a ferry from Mortavika to Årsvågen and another from Sandvikvåg to Halhjem. Once you arrive in Bergen, enjoy free time for lunch. Later, join a panoramic tour of Bergen guided by a local expert, exploring iconic sites like the renowned fish market and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hanseatic quarter. In the afternoon, consider taking a ride on the Floibanen funicular to the summit of Mount Floyen, where you can marvel at breathtaking views of the city and its picturesque surroundings.
After breakfast, you’re off to Voss to embark on a spectacular train journey that climbs almost 900 meters, offering incredible views of the fjord. The train departs from Voss and takes you to Myrdal station, a mountain railway station and junction located roughly 13 km from the village of Flåm. At Myrdal, you’ll board the renowned Flåmsbana, known as one of the steepest train lines globally. This scenic ride winds through stunning landscapes, passing the Rallar road, steep mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, and traversing no less than 20 tunnels. The abundance of viewpoints along the route may even make you feel like you’re traveling between the mountain and the fjord multiple times. Upon arrival in Flåm, free time to explore the village.
The journey continues with a cruise on the Sognefjord to our accommodation in Balestrand, a rural area surrounded by nature. Sognefjord, often referred to as the King of Norway, is the longest fjord in Norway. The initial part of the fjord, known as Aurlandsfjord, stretches for 17 kilometers and is a branch of the world’s second longest fjord, the Sognefjord (204 km). It stands out as one of the most picturesque fjords in the world.
Continue your route through mountains, valleys, and breathtaking landscapes, passing numerous villages nestled in nature, while taking the necessary connecting ferries. A stop is planned at the Borgund Church, a historic wooden church dating back to 1,180 AD. In the afternoon, your journey will carry on towards Lake Tyrifjord, culminating in your arrival in Oslo.
Enjoy a morning guided tour of Oslo, exploring Frogner Park with the Vigeland sculpture complex, passing by the City Hall, the Royal Palace, and the modern Opera. Free time for lunch.
After lunch depart to Sweden, arriving in Karlstad. This charming city is situated in the delta formed by two of Sweden’s remarkable natural watercourses: the Klara River and the impressive Lake Vänern.
Depart towards the East until reaching the Swedish capital, which is built on 14 islands. Surrounded by Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, Stockholm boasts grand public buildings, palaces, and a rich cultural history. Its museums narrate a beautiful 700-year-old story.
Upon arriving in Stockholm, you’ll embark on a panoramic tour of the city with a local guide visting the old town, or “Gamla Stan,” with its network of small squares and cobbled streets. Also view the exteriors of the Royal Palace, the Cathedral, and the Parliament.
Free time this morning to explore the city at your own pace. Stockholm is often called the “Beauty on Water” or the “Venice of the North” due to its location on 14 islands. Take a stroll along a canal, indulge in some Swedish Fika, or perhaps do some last-minute shopping.
In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the Stockholm harbour to board your overnight cruise to Helsinki. Cabin upgrade can be requested at supplement.
Welcome to Finland and its magnificent capital city, Helsinki! Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll embark on a 2-hour sightseeing tour past the famous sights – Senaatintori, the Senate square, with its magnificent architectural ensemble, the harbour and Kauppatori, the picturesque market square, bustling with flowers, fruits, and lively traders. Then on to Tuomio Kirkko (cathedral), built in the 19th century, boasting an impressive copper dome and hosting regular concerts. Another notable church is Temppeliaukio Kirkko, carved into the rock for excellent acoustics. Finally, we’ll visit the Uspenski Cathedral, an Orthodox Cathedral in neo-Byzantine style, towering proudly on Katajanokka Island.
In the late afternoon, you’ll transfer to the cruise-ship terminal to embark on a 2-hour cruise to Tallinn. Upon arrival, transferrto your hotel.
In the morning, join a 3-hour Sightseeing Tour of Tallinn with a local guide. The old town, nestled in the heart of Tallinn, is divided into two distinctive parts: Toompea hill and The lower town. The lower town, centered on Raekoja plats (the Town Hall Square), is still enclosed by a 2.5km-fortified wall. During the tour, you’ll admire landmarks such as the Orthodox Cathedral Alexander Nevsky, Toompea Castle (home to the Estonian Parliament), the City Hall Square, the house of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, as well as St. Olaf and Niguliste churches.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can continue exploring the city, visit more attractions, indulge in local cuisine, go shopping, and much more.
Enjoy some free time in the morning to explore Tallinn at your leisure!
In the afternoon, you’ll depart for Riga on a long-distance coach, making a brief stop in Pärnu. This bustling beach retreat boasts early 20th-century buildings and a beautiful promenade. Take the opportunity to try a local snack before continuing your journey into Latvia.
Morning sightseeing tour Riga. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sights, including the elegant Art Nouveau district and the old town with its many medieval churches. Drive along the central boulevards of Riga, surrounded by the beautiful City Canal Park and Bastion Hill, as well as numerous parks. You’ll also see the 19th-century New Opera House, the Riga Castle built for the city’s archbishop in the 14th century, and Europe’s largest Riga Central Market, housed in reused Zeppelin hangars. During your walk along the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter impressive landmarks such as the Powder Tower, Swedish barracks, Swedish Gate, “Three Brothers” houses, the Brotherhood of Blackheads building established 600 years ago, the majestic Dome Cathedral founded in 1211 with one of Europe’s best organs, the House of Cats, Richard Wagner Street, and the theatre where he conducted in the 1830s, as well as the Great and Small Guild houses.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your own pace, visit more attractions, and savor the local cuisine.
Morning departure to Vilnius on a long-distance coach. Along the way, after crossing the border into Lithuania, there will be a short photo break at the impressive pilgrimage site, the Hill of Crosses, whose origins remain a mystery.
In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour Sightseeing Tour of Vilnius. The Old Town, characterized by its architectural ensemble of Central European Catholic inspiration, stands in contrast to the Germanic influence found in other Baltic capitals. It offers a labyrinth of winding streets, inner courtyards, and old churches that seem to jealously hide some mysteries. This tour notably includes Vilnius Cathedral and a visit to Saint Anne’s Church (exterior), one of Lithuania’s Gothic masterpieces.
Day at leisure to explorer the beautiful Old Town on your own and to do some last minute shopping. For a really quirky experience, visit the self-proclaimed “Republic of Užupis” is Vilnius’s bohemian and artistic district. With it’s own anthem, constitution, president, bishop, two churches, the Bernadine Cemetery, seven bridges, and guardian and the Bronze Angel of Užupis. This is one of the e of Vilnius’s oldest districts and dates back to the 16th century.
Check out after breakfast and depart with your onward departure arrangements
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