Northern Explorer

Welcome to Amsterdam, the starting point of your Northern Explorer tour! This morning, meet your tour leader at the accommodation and get ready to explore the countryside with a visit to a local Dutch farm to witness how clogs and local cheeses are made. Afterward, join the optional excursion to delve deeper into the Dutch countryside. This evening, embark on a captivating canal cruise, offering a unique perspective of Amsterdam's iconic sights. End the day with a delightful welcome dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the night is yours to enjoy at leisure. Stroll along the canals, explore Dam Square, or experience the infamous red light district, the choice is yours!

• Visit a local Dutch cheese farm and clog factory

• Enjoy a cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals

• Welcome dinner in Amsterdam

Depart Amsterdam this morning and travel towards Germany. Arrive in Hamburg in the late afternoon and enjoy an orientation tour of the city. Home to over 50 museums, this impressive harbour town is a top cultural destination. Your tour leader will reveal some of the city’s highlights and give you tips on what to explore during your free time in the city. This evening, spend at your leisure and grab some dinner, perhaps a namesake "hamburger" before travelling to tonight's accommodation in a quaint town in Northern Germany. Rest up as tomorrow the tour makes its way to Denmark where more adventures await!

• Explore Hamburg; Germany’s second-biggest city

After breakfast, the journey continues to Scandinavia, crossing into Denmark towards Copenhagen. Enjoy scenic views and cross Europe's longest bridge before stopping in Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the famous fairytale author! Arrive in Copenhagen and set off on an orientation tour of the city and discover why this charming city consistently ranks among the world's most liveable. It’s clean, safe, easy to navigate, and has an abundance of cosy cafés and world-famous restaurants!

• Visit Odense; birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen

• Discover Copenhagen; capital of Denmark

Today's journey spans three countries: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway! This morning, depart Copenhagen and take a short drive to the port town of Helsingør which is home to Kronborg Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet! Admire the castle from the water as the tour takes a short ferry ride to Sweden. Next, enjoy a scenic drive from the port of Helsingborg through the rural Swedish countryside while travelling towards Gothenburg. Upon arrival in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city and the home of Volvo, join an orientation tour before finding a spot to enjoy lunch. Afterward, cross the border into Norway and travel north to Oslo. Enjoy a free evening to discover Norway’s capital — full of Scandinavian culture and charm!

• Cruise from Helsingør to Helsingborg by ferry

• Enjoy a scenic drive through the Swedish countryside

• Visit Gothenburg; Sweden’s second city

Look forward to a full day of discovering Oslo today! Start with a guided tour and immerse yourself in the charm of Norway’s vibrant capital, renowned for its stunning scenery, compact size, green spaces, and rich culture. Led by a local expert, uncover gems like Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace, and the iconic Oslo Opera House. Following the city tour, the day is yours to wander freely. Consider visiting one of the city’s famous museums, strolling the streets to admire architectural wonders, or savouring local cuisine at cosy eateries.

• See the highlights of Oslo with a local guide

Leaving Norway behind, the tour journeys back to Sweden. Witness Sweden's natural splendour and see why it is ranked one of the most naturally beautiful countries in Europe during a scenic drive through its diverse landscapes. Pass Karlstad along Lake Vänern's shores before reaching Örebro for lunch. After lunch, the tour heads to Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest medieval town, boasting ancient church ruins and the nation's oldest main street, Stora Gatan. Next, continue to Stockholm, the breathtaking Swedish capital. Arrive in the evening and soak up the lively ambiance of this Scandinavian gem. End the day with an included group dinner.

• Visit Sigtuna; Sweden’s oldest town

• Eat Swedish meatballs in Stockholm

Unveil Stockholm's delights today! Embark on a guided tour to uncover the city's treasures, including the Royal Palace, the iconic AF Chapman Ship, and a stroll through Gamla Stan; Stockholm's famous Old Town. Afterward, enjoy free time from lunchtime onwards. Join the Royal Sweden & Vasa Museum optional, spanning two days, to delve into Sweden's royal legacy and historical artefacts. Today, the optional visits the Vasa Museum. Alternatively, unwind amidst Stockholm's lush green spaces or indulge in delectable local fare at your leisure.

• Explore Stockholm with a local guide

Dive into Stockholm's charm this morning! Explore the city's numerous islands that make up the town, with enchanting strolls, particularly through Djurgården. If you've opted for part two of the Royal Sweden & Vasa Museum experience, look forward to a visit to the magnificent Drottningholm Palace this morning. Otherwise, marvel at historic ships in the harbour and delve into world-class museums and art galleries at your leisure. Don't miss the chance to witness the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace! This afternoon, set sail for the next adventure — Finland! Board an overnight ferry, destined for Helsinki, and arrive bright and early tomorrow morning.

• Catch an overnight ferry to Finland

Helsinki awaits! Arrive in the late morning and set off on a guided tour to see the city’s highlights such as the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. This afternoon, explore this effortlessly cool city at your own pace. Indulge in elegant cafés, delve into magnificent museums, and admire the impressive Art Nouveau architecture, creating an unforgettable cityscape. Helsinki prides itself on being slightly off-the-wall and plays with decor and design traditions to humorous effect — it is a one-of-a-kind! The afternoon is free to explore on your own or to join the optional excursion which features top attractions and local cuisine. Enjoy an included group dinner tonight, savouring the flavours of Helsinki with your fellow travellers!

• Discover the highlights of Helsinki with a local guide

Travel to the Baltic States today! Board a ferry from Helsinki's port, and cross the Gulf of Finland to reach Tallinn, Estonia. With its captivating blend of medieval charm and contemporary architecture, Tallinn stands as one of Europe's most mesmerising cities! Enjoy an included group lunch at a local eatery before embarking on a guided walking tour. Discover Tallinn's historic treasures, including the UNESCO-listed old town, Town Hall Square, and the iconic St. Olav's Church. The evening is yours to explore further and uncover more of the city's allure at your leisure.

• Catch a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn

• Enjoy lunch in Tallinn

• Take a tour of Tallinn with a local guide

Journey to Latvia today! Depart Tallinn and make your way to Riga, the dynamic capital of Latvia. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops in Pärnu, a picturesque resort town in Estonia, and Saulkrasti, a charming seaside town in Latvia. Next, visit the Latvian Military Cemetery, a solemn tribute to soldiers who served in WWI. Later, arrive in Riga, a truly vibrant Baltic capital. As the largest city in the Baltics, Riga exudes a bustling atmosphere and boasts impressive Art Nouveau architecture! Join your tour leader for a walking tour and discover iconic landmarks such as the bustling central markets and its many magnificent churches.

• 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

Today, Lithuania beckons! Begin the day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Hill of Crosses, a powerful pilgrimage site adorned with approximately 100,000 crosses. Next, arrive in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and embark on an orientation tour to acquaint yourself with the city's highlights before indulging in some free time. Vilnius, with its captivating Old Town charm, has earned its place on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Amidst the medieval allure, traces of Vilnius' tumultuous history linger, from the remnants of the ghettos where the Jewish community lived during Nazi occupation to the influence of the Soviet Union. Unveil the layers of this intriguing city at your leisure!

• Visit the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

• Explore Vilnius; capital of Lithuania

This morning, depart for the final destination in Lithuania, Trakai National Park, and witness the main attraction — the iconic brick-built castle, situated on an island surrounded by pristine waters! Then, journey towards the Polish border. Along the way to Warsaw, your tour guide will provide fascinating insights into the city and its surroundings on a driving tour. As Poland's cultural hub, Warsaw pulsates with vitality, racing to rebuild after the devastation of World War II. Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in and join the group for an included dinner this evening.

• Stop at Trakai, Europe's only historic national park

• See Warsaw’s highlights on a driving tour

Explore Warsaw's charming Old Town on a guided tour this morning. Meet your local guide at the hotel and embark on a journey through the city's highlights, immersing yourself in the bustling square at the heart of the Old Town. This afternoon, enjoy free time in the city! Visit the esteemed museums, such as the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, the Chopin Museum, or the National Museum's extensive collections. On Sundays, enjoy complimentary access to the Royal Palace and the occasional music concert in Łazienki Park. Alternatively, continue your discovery of the Old Town, making the most out of every moment in this enchanting city!

• Discover Warsaw’s Old Town with a local guide

Head west through Poland and make a stop in Poznań, a city renowned for its historic old town. Enjoy free time for lunch and admire the vibrant buildings and exquisite architecture of the Old Market Square before continuing to Germany. Upon arrival in Berlin, Germany’s capital, explore the city's vibrant present, but also its sobering past with a driving tour. See iconic landmarks including Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie and gain insight into the echoes of history that permeate this city.

• Explore Old Market Square in Poznań

• See iconic sights on a walking and driving tour of Berlin

Berlin beckons for a full day of exploration today! Enjoy the freedom to either revisit yesterday's tour highlights, embark on your own exploration on new grounds, or join the intriguing Berlin+ tour for a journey into Berlin’s turbulent past and vibrant present. For a breathtaking aerial perspective, ascend the Berlin TV tower near Alexanderplatz, an icon of the capital. Museum enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Museum Island, home to five world-famous museums in the heart of Berlin's downtown. Foodies should join the Berlin Food Tour for a taste of one of Berlin’s coolest neighbourhoods. As evening descends, indulge in Berlin's vibrant nightlife, offering a variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment ranging from theatre to cabaret!

Following breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to Berlin as the tour takes a scenic drive through German and Dutch landscapes back to the Netherlands. Arrive back at the Amsterdam hotel for the night before making the most out of a free evening in the city. Celebrate the final night of the tour and say your goodbyes in Expat style with an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travellers, tour leader, and driver!

Today, the tour comes to an end after breakfast. After 18 days of exploring some of Northern Europe’s most captivating countries, making unforgettable memories, and forging bonds with your new-found travel companions, it’s time to say the last goodbyes. Be sure to swap contact details with your fellow travellers before parting ways to stay in touch! Safe travels and may the memories made continue to inspire and delight in the days ahead!