Nordic & Baltic Escape
Nordic & Baltic Escape
$2370
Nordic & Baltic Escape
11 Days Starting in Hotel in Helsinki and ending in Hotel in Copenhagen
Visiting: Helsinki, Tallinn, Pärnu, Riga, Trakai District Municipality, Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Karlshamn, Malmö, Copenhagen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the natural beauty, charming cities and unique local culture of the Baltics, Finland and Scandinavia. This 11-day Nordic & Baltic Escape tour features more time to explore with free days in the captivating capitals of Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius. Embark on escorted tours in the Baltic states and Finland, uncover hidden gems in Lithuania, visit Malmo in Sweden and end the tour in Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital city. From architectural wonders to quaint seaside towns and cosmopolitan capital cities, this Nordic & Baltic guided tour has it all!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Meals Included: Dinner
Your Nordic & Baltic Escape tour begins today in Helsinki, the charming capital of Finland! Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel this morning. After a brief introduction, set off on a driving and walking tour. Discover the many gems of this seaside city such as the Havis Amanda, Senate Square and the iconic Helsinki Cathedral. Witness the impressive Uspenski Cathedral and enjoy some free time to explore the Kauppatori Market. This is the perfect spot to get a taste of local cuisine. This evening, get to know the group with an included dinner.
See the sights on a driving tour of Helsinki; Finland’s capital city
Join a local guide for a walking tour of Helsinki
Day 2: Helsinki: Free Day
Location: Helsinki
Meals Included: Breakfast
Look forward to a free day to discover the highlights of Helsinki at your own pace. To truly immerse yourself in local Finnish culture, be sure to pay a visit to Oodi, the Central Library which offers a wide array of free activities, or sweat it out at a sauna! This afternoon, choose to join the Suomenlinna Fortress optional and experience the fascinating history of this island with a guided tour. Another unmissable optional excursion is An Evening in Helsinki which includes a visit to Amos Rex, Temppeliaukio Church and Sibelius Monument as well as a delicious Finnish dinner with an ocean view!
Day 3: Helsinki - Tallinn
Location: Helsinki, Tallinn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wave farewell to Finland as the tour makes its way to the first of the Baltic States today! Enjoy a comfortable ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, Estonia’s enchanting capital city! Arrive in Tallinn and soak up the city’s incomparable medieval charm at a local restaurant in the Old Town Square. Then, join an expert local guide on a walking tour of the UNESCO-protected Old Town. Be enchanted by the towering spires and well-preserved medieval architecture. Later, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Catch a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
Enjoy lunch at a medieval restaurant in Tallinn
Discover Tallinn with a local guide
Day 4: Tallinn: Free Day
Location: Tallinn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take your time in Tallinn today with a whole free day to explore at your own pace. The Old Town’s cobblestone streets are full of captivating sights. Why not climb up St. Olav’s church tower or the Kiek in de Kök Tower for panoramic views? Or, experience the more modern side of Tallinn with a visit to the ultra-hip Telliskivi Creative City. However you choose to spend this free day, Tallinn is sure to capture your heart with its blend of unique cultural highlights and age-old charm.
Day 5: Tallinn - Pärnu - Latvian Military Cemetery - Riga
Location: Tallinn, Pärnu, Riga, Riga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The next Baltic capital is on the cards today as the tour travels from Tallinn to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Before crossing the border, enjoy a stop in the quaint Estonian resort city of Pärnu. Then, it’s on to Latvia! First stop is the seaside town of Saulkrasti on the Gulf of Riga. After soaking up some ocean air, depart for Riga. Arrive and pay a visit to the Latvian Military to learn about the country’s history. After checking into the hotel, set off on an orientation walking tour of Riga’s UNESCO-listed Old Town which is famed for its exceptional Art Nouveau architecture!
Sightsee in Pärnu; a resort city in Estonia
Visit Saulkrasti; a Latvian seaside town
Learn about Latvian history at the Latvian War Cemetery
Discover Riga; Latvia’s vibrant capital
Day 6: Riga: Free Day
Location: Riga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today offers a full free day to roam through Riga! For an authentic taste of local cuisine and culture, don’t miss out on a visit to the Central Market. This is Europe’s largest indoor market and you could spend hours wandering through its stalls and tasting local and international treats. Riga is also home to a number of fascinating museums such as the renowned House of the Blackheads or the informative Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Take your time to stroll through the Old Town, grab a coffee at a café or wander through one of the city’s impressive green spaces.
Day 7: Riga - Hill Of Crosses - Trakai - Vilnius
Location: Riga, Trakai District Municipality, Trakai District Municipality, Vilnius
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tick off the last (but certainly not least) of the three Baltic capitals today and head to Vilnius! After breakfast, hop on the coach and cross the border into Lithuania. Today’s first stop is the mysterious Hill of Cross, a religious pilgrimage site full of thousands of crosses and religious figures. Next stop is the dreamy town of Trakai, home to the fairytale Trakai Island Castle! Finally, arrive in Lithuania’s vibrant capital, Vilnius. Embark on a guided tour through some of the city’s top sights including the Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower, the Palace of the Grand Dukes and the Church of St. Anner. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own before sitting down for an included dinner.
Visit the famous Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
Marvel at Trakai Island Castle
Explore Vilnius; capital of Lithuania
Day 8: Vilnius: Free Day
Location: Vilnius
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience the many hidden gems and highlights of Vilnius during your free day today. For a full-day exploration of the city, join the Vilnius+ optional excursion. Set off on a tour of the quirky, self-proclaimed artists republic of Užupis, enjoy a delicious local lunch, explore a former prison-turned-event-venue and visit an Amber Museum! Alternatively, wander through the city at your own pace. Tick off the many Baroque architectural delights of the Old Town, take a stroll through the lush Bernardine Gardens or find a cute café to relax in.
Day 9: Vilnius - Kaunas - Klaipeda - Overnight Ferry
Location: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Vilnius
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, experience more Lithuanian highlights before leaving the Baltics behind. This morning, head to Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city. Learn more about this fascinating city which was, at one point, the country’s temporary capital. Enjoy some free time to admire the Kaunas Castle and grab lunch. This afternoon, hop back on the coach towards Klaipeda, a charming port city. Arrive and enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town which is known for its unique 18th-century wooden houses. Then, take some time to visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum which is housed in a 19th-century fort! This evening, climb aboard an overnight ferry to Karlshamn, Sweden!
Experience the rich culture of Kaunas
Discover the quaint port city of Klaipėda
Day 10: Karlshamn - Malmö - Copenhagen
Location: Karlshamn, Malmö, Copenhagen
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast on the ferry this morning before arriving in Karlshamn. Arrive and hop back on the coach for a scenic journey towards the coastal city of Malmö. Discover this cosmopolitan city, which is Sweden’s third-largest, on an orientation tour. Then, enjoy some free time for lunch. Swedish meatballs, anyone? Afterwards, head to Copenhagen and keep your eyes peeled for the impressive Øresund Bridge on the way! Arrive in Denmark’s captivating capital city with some free time to spare before tonight’s optional farewell dinner. This is the perfect way to say goodbye after an unforgettable trip!
Marvel at the stunning Swedish coastal city of Malmö
Visit Copenhagen, capital of Denmark
Day 11: End Of Tour In Copenhagen
Location: Copenhagen
Meals Included: Breakfast
This memorable Scandinavian and Baltic group tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be sure to exchange contact details with your new travel buddies before saying goodbye! Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onward and hopes to see you on tour with us again soon.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
1 nights in cabin with private bathroom -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Overnight ferry from Lithuania to Sweden
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request -
Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Overnight ferry from Lithuania to Sweden
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
9 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
1 nights in cabin with private bathroom
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Experiences
See the sights on a driving tour of Helsinki; Finland’s capital city
Join a local guide for a walking tour of Helsinki
Catch a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
Enjoy lunch at a medieval restaurant in Tallinn
Discover Tallinn with a local guide
Sightsee in Pärnu; a resort city in Estonia
Visit Saulkrasti; a Latvian seaside town
Learn about Latvian history at the Latvian War Cemetery
Discover Riga; Latvia’s vibrant capital
Visit the famous Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
Marvel at Trakai Island Castle
Explore Vilnius; capital of Lithuania
Experience the rich culture of Kaunas
Discover the quaint port city of Klaipeda
Marvel at the stunning Swedish coastal city of Malmo
Visit Copenhagen, capital of Denmark
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.
In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, As detailed in the itinerary
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your parWill I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?ticular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.