Explore the highlights of Scandinavia before travelling south into the Baltic states on this epic 32-day adventure through northern Europe. As well as hitting the hubs of Oslo, Helsinki and Stockholm, discover the lesser-known but no less fascinating cities of Riga and Klaipeda, as well as Aukstaitijia and Curonian Spit national parks. The countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are a few of the continent’s last true undiscovered secrets – the fairy-tale turrets and cobbled lanes of old Tallinn, the baroque flair of Vilnius and the poignant history of Soviet occupation are not to be missed. This really is a one-of-a-kind itinerary.
Copenhagen, Denmark – Vilnius, Lithuania
Explore Copenhagen like a local and hop on a bike. There is no better way to see the major sites, as well as explore hidden corners of this beautiful city.
Aukstaitija National Park offers unique opportunities for both activity and relaxation. Canoe across pristine lakes, indulge in home-cooked meals and cleanse yourself in a traditional sauna.
Norway’s fjords feature some of the most stunning scenery on Earth. Cruise past waterfalls and snow-capped peaks through the narrow Naeroyfjord
Discover Stockholm’s maritime history at the Vasa Museum, which houses an original wooden war ship from 1628. This impressive vessel gives you a rare glimpse into the naval power Sweden was once famous for.
With its perfectly preserved medieval wall and watchtowers, Tallinn’s quaint Old Town is a great place to explore with your small group.
There is a reason ‘baltic’ is used as slang to describe chilly weather. Areas visited on this trip can be very cold throughout the year, especially in the evening and at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including thermal layers, a warm hat, gloves, a scarf, a raincoat and/or an umbrella etc.
Scandinavia can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to optional activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Please bear this in mind when booking this trip. Your leader will be at hand to advise on how to save money.
As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, but if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge in most occasions. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don’t have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.
This trip is designed to give you a fair amount of free time so you can explore each destination at your own pace. We will, however, take you on regular orientation walks, so you’ll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries.
This trip involves some long journeys by bus, train and ferry, so please read the itinerary carefully for estimates. Using public transport is better for the environment and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life, plus it’s a good chance to grab a nap or watch the world go by.
As this is a combination of 3 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in Oslo and also in Helsinki. Please see Day 7 and 21 in the daily itinerary for more details.
There are no meals included on this day.
The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you’re going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We’ll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you can’t arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you’re able to attend the welcome meeting. We’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Please note that rooms in hotels in Scandinavia can often be smaller and more basic in comparison to accommodations in other parts of Europe.
Please note that our accommodation in Gothenburg has shared facilities. As Gothenburg has topped the Global Destination Sustainability Index for a number of years now, the city is considered one of the greenest hotel cities in the world. Our hotel is no exception and holds an official eco-certification.
Please note that today’s kayaking activity takes place only during the summer months from May to September, and is subject to weather conditions. During the winter months from October to April you will explore the island on a guided island tour instead.
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary so please attend, and this is also a great chance to meet the new group. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1000 whales are still being killed every year, as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.
Please note that this morning’s guided walk is on a join-in basis, which means that there will be other participants apart from our group members. For later in the day it might be a good idea to purchase a 24 hour Bergen Card. It gives you free and discounted access to a range of attractions and museums, as well as included travel on light rail and buses. You can book this online before you arrive.
The accommodation for the next two nights is in rustic cabins on a camp site in peaceful surroundings. All cabins have electricity, running water, a kitchen for self-catering and bathroom facilities that are shared between the rooms in each cabin. Linen and towels are provided. If you have booked a single supplement, please note that the nights at the cabins are an exemption and you will share a room with one of your fellow travellers.
There are no meals included on this day.
Please note that the Flam Railway should be booked in advance during the busy summer months. Your leader will be able to advise of the best time for this excursion should you wish to prebook this.
There are no meals included on this day.
Please note that the bicycle tour is weather dependent.
We recommend you book your tickets to the Abba Museum in advance at: abbathemuseum.com/en/
Please note that your cabins for the night are bunk bed cabins, however we have booked one cabin per 2 passengers to allow for a bit more room. Each cabin has a private bathroom. If you have booked a single supplement, please note that the night on the overnight ferry is an exemption and you will share a cabin with one of your fellow travellers.
There are no meals included on this day.
Upon your morning arrival check-in at our hotel in Helsinki may not yet be possible. In this case, you will store your luggage at the hotel and head out for an orientation walk. You will be able to check into your room later on.
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary so please attend, and this is also a great chance to meet the new group. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Our hotel in Riga is located about 15 minutes on foot from the old town, in local residential area. Alternatively there are frequent and inexpensive trolley buses heading into town.
The included kayaking activity is weather dependent and may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions. There is a flat fee to start up the sauna, which can be divided by the number of guests who partake.
