Tour Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard Overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)

Guide

Services of your Expat tour leader who will be on hand with advice and tips and ensure that you get the most from your trip.

Accommodation

16 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms, 1 night’s accommodation in twin share cabin with private bathrooms Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room/cabin (subject to availability)

Meals

17 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Others

Visit a local Dutch cheese farm and clog factory Enjoy a cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals Welcome dinner in Amsterdam Feel the festive atmosphere at Hamburg’s Christmas market Tour Copenhagen; the capital of Denmark Cruise from Helsingør to Helsingborg by ferry Enjoy a scenic drive through the Swedish countryside Visit Gothenburg; Sweden’s second city See the highlights of Oslo with a local guide Visit Örebro in the heart of Sweden Explore Stockholm with a local guide Enjoy dinner in Stockholm Visit Sigtuna; Sweden’s oldest town Catch an overnight ferry to Finland Discover the highlights of Helsinki with a local guide Enjoy a festive Christmas group dinner in Helsinki Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing Enjoy a walking tour of Tallinn with a local guide Sightsee in Pärnu; a resort city in Estonia Learn about Latvian history at the Latvian Military Cemetery See Riga on an orientation tour See the Hill of Crosses; Lithuania Explore Vilnius on an orientation tour Visit Užupio Respublika; a self-proclaimed republic in Vilnius Stop at Trakai, Europe’s only historic national park See Warsaw’s highlights on a driving tour Explore Warsaw’s Old Town with a local guide Explore Old Market Square in Poznan See iconic sights on a walking and driving tour of Berlin Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Berlin

Not included:

Optional

Optional excursions are not included in the tour cost. All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result. Some optional excursions need to be pre-booked, please contact us to find out more

Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide Expat Explore with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. The requirements include the following coverage: Trip Interruption Trip Delay Medical Expenses Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation The insurance must also cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. Before you book your tour, you’re welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radar’s insurance partner, Cover Genius.

Others

International flights Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. Travel insurance For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the 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. Click here for more information.

Flights

You will be responsible for booking your own international and/or domestic flights. We additionally recommend you do not book your airfare until your place on the tour is confirmed. Please make sure to check the times that your tour will start and end before booking your flights.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and get ready for 18 days of festive adventure! Meet up with the tour leader at the hotel this morning. The Christmas tour adventures begin with a trip to the gorgeous Dutch countryside. Visit a local farm and learn how Dutch cheese and iconic Dutch clogs are crafted. Afterwards, choose to continue exploring the Dutch countryside on the Volendam & Zaanse Schans optional excursion or return to the city. This evening, set out on a canal cruise of the city! Drift along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals and drink in the sights from the water as you hear interesting stories and facts from the onboard commentary. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner before free time to explore Amsterdam’s festive atmosphere after dark!

Cheese and clogs demonstration: See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand, and taste a variety of fantastic Dutch cheese. Purchase some unique and authentic Dutch souvenirs during the visit!

Amsterdam canal cruise: Sail along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight and admire the top attractions along the waterside as you go. This is the perfect introduction to Amsterdam, as you take in the city’s well-known and iconic sights from the water.

Welcome dinner: Celebrate the first night of the tour with a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the centre of town. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know more about your fellow travellers.

Meals: supper
Day 2 Day 2: Amsterdam - Hamburg - Northern Germany
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Amsterdam - Hamburg - Northern Germany

Wave Amsterdam farewell and travel to Hamburg. Settle in for a scenic drive through the countryside of the Netherlands and North-Western Germany. Arrive in Hamburg and get ready to do some exploring! At this time of year, the city is filled with glorious Christmas markets. Take some time this afternoon to explore the inviting stalls along the Town Hall Square. Grab a mug of glühwein, spiced hot wine, to warm your heart and body as you explore all the sights. This is where German Christmas spirit comes alive! After a few hours in Hamburg, head north to our hotel for the night.

Visit a Christmas Market in Hamburg: Stroll through a Christmas market in Hamburg’s Town Hall Square and soak in the festive atmosphere! Take a look at all of the items on sale, try out some German snacks and make sure you try some traditional German glühwein to keep you warm and cosy!

Meals: breakfast
Day 3 Day 3: Northern Germany - Copenhagen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Northern Germany - Copenhagen

Cross the border into Scandinavia and travel towards Copenhagen this morning. Drive through forested Denmark and cross over Øresund Bridge - Europe’s longest bridge! Today’s final destination is Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen. Arrive and check into the hotel for the evening. Then, embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See highlights like the Little Mermaid statue and Rosenborg Castle and discover what makes Copenhagen one of the world’s most liveable cities! Afterwards, enjoy some free time to wander around Copenhagen’s beautiful Christmas market. Marvel at the twinkling lights, pay Santa a visit and indulge in delicious local festive treats.

Orientation tour of Copenhagen: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the Danish capital, Copenhagen which is colourful, charming and the definition of “Scandi Cool”. Tour the city and see top sights including the impressive Frederick’s Church (popularly known as the Marble Church), Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen Town Hall, and the bronze Little Mermaid statue.

Meals: breakfast
Day 4 Day 4: Copenhagen - Helsingør - Gothenburg - Oslo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Copenhagen - Helsingør - Gothenburg - Oslo

Farvel Copenhagen! Get ready to visit three countries today: Denmark, Sweden and Norway! Set off at dawn towards the port town of Helsingør. Enjoy views of Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, from the water aboard a ferry to Sweden. Back on dry land, travel from the port of Helsingborg through beautiful rural Swedish scenery filled with lakes and forests towards Gothenburg. Arrive in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second city and enjoy an orientation tour with your tour leader before finding a lunch spot. Then, cross the border into our third and final country of the day, Norway! Arrive in Oslo, the capital city. Discover the stunning scenery, cultural attractions and unique architecture with a free evening in the city.

Ferry trip from Helsingør to Helsingborg, Sweden: Hop aboard a ferry for a short trip across the Øresund (“The Sound”) to Helsingborg in Sweden. Admire the views of Kronborg Castle on the Danish side of the bay as your cruise!

Scenic drive through the Swedish countryside: Admire the views of Sweden’s beautiful rural scenery during a drive from Helsingborg to Gothenburg.

Visit Gothenburg: Enjoy a visit to Gothenburg. This is Sweden’s second-largest city and is well-known for its rich heritage, historical sites and for being the birthplace of Volvo cars!

Meals: breakfast
Day 5 Day 5: Oslo: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Oslo: Free Day

Grab some breakfast before joining a locally guided tour of Oslo! Norway’s capital city seamlessly blends modern city life with easy access to extraordinary nature. See some of Oslo’s top attractions such as Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace and the Oslo Opera House. Once the city tour is over, the rest of the day is free to spend however you wish! Get to know more about this captivating Scandinavian city on the Oslo+ optional excursion and see some of Olso’s top attractions including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Fram Museum and more! Alternatively, wander around and admire the architecture and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Be sure to taste some local cuisine for lunch or dinner, Norwegian salmon anyone?

Guided tour of Oslo: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Oslo. Explore the city and gain deeper insight into the Norwegian capital and its history. Highlights include the Oslo Opera House, Kvadraturen, the Parliament building, Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace.

Meals: breakfast
Day 6 Day 6: Oslo - Örebro - Stockholm
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Oslo - Örebro - Stockholm

Say adjø to Norway as the tour returns to Sweden today! Travel through incredible natural beauty and diverse landscapes on the way. Drive through the city of Karlstad located on the shores of Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake, before stopping in Örebro for some free time. Wander through the beautiful historic city centre, catch a glimpse of the stunning castle and grab lunch before hopping back on the coach. Next, the tour continues onwards to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden! Arrive and enjoy a walking and driving tour with a local guide. Tonight, enjoy an included group dinner in this incredible modern yet historic city.

Visit Örebro: Enjoy a visit to Örebro, located in the heart of Sweden. This beautiful city is the sixth largest in Sweden and is steeped in history! The city centre and stunning Örebro Castle are well worth exploring.

Explore Stockholm on a driving and walking tour: Join a local guide to discover Sweden’s capital city which is located across 14 islands! Learn about Stockholm’s history and see some of its top sights!

Enjoy dinner in Stockholm: Sit down for a group dinner in Stockholm and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 7 Day 7: Stockholm: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Stockholm: Free Day

Enjoy a full free day to explore Stockholm! Choose to learn about Sweden’s nautical history and enjoy a winter cruise on today’s optional excursion. A visit to the fascinating Vasa Museum and a sightseeing cruise around Stockholm’s inner archipelago are included in the optional. Alternatively, soak up the history in Gamla Stan or wrap up warm and stroll through one of the city’s many outdoor spaces. Be sure to try the local cuisine today. You’ll find many delicious options at one of the city’s Christmas markets! Get into the Christmas spirit, do some last-minute Christmas shopping or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. Warm up with a glass of glögg, Swedish mulled wine, and gingerbread!

Meals: breakfast
Day 8 Day 8: Stockholm - Sigtuna - Helsinki (Overnight Ferry)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Stockholm - Sigtuna - Helsinki (Overnight Ferry)

This morning, it’s time to visit another fantastic Swedish destination! Travel through the countryside to Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town. Arrive and enjoy an orientation tour to see Sigtuna’s highlights including Stora Gatan, Sigtuna’s main street. Afterwards, make the most of free time to spend as you wish. In the afternoon, get ready to travel towards a brand new country, Finland! Take an overnight ferry, enjoy a buffet dinner on board and spend Christmas Eve admiring the views from the water. Arrive and wake up in Helsinki, Finland’s capital city tomorrow, on Christmas Morning!

Visit Sigtuna: Enjoy a visit to Sweden’s oldest town! Founded by King Erik the Victorious in 970 AD, Sigtuna is home to the oldest Main Street in the country.

Overnight ferry trip to Finland: Travel from Stockholm to Helsinki and spend the night on the water! Hop on board and enjoy the stunning scenery while it’s still light out, as well as the onboard entertainment. Arrive in Finland the following morning.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 9 Day 9: Helsinki (Christmas Day)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Helsinki (Christmas Day)

Merry Christmas or hyvää joulua! Wake up in Helsinki, Finland’s gorgeous capital city and get ready for a festive Christmas Day on tour! After arriving in the late morning, set off on a city tour with a local guide. Discover the many architectural and design delights of Helsinki and see top attractions such as the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Finns are a festive bunch and there will be an abundance of Christmas spirit in the air! Wander around and admire the creative Christmas decorations or visit a local Christmas market. This evening, look forward to a memorable, included festive dinner with the group!

Guided tour of Helsinki: Discover the highlights of Helsinki with a local guide. Visit the Havis Amanda, the famous Art Nouveau fountain features a lady in the nude. It is said to symbolise the birth of the city of Helsinki. Also explore the famous Senate Square and its buildings, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. In the city’s historic centre, visit Helsinki Cathedral - Finland’s most photographed building and yet another neoclassical marvel. Set foot in Uspenski Cathedral, the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. Finish with a walk through Kauppatori Market, the ideal place to pick up some keepsakes and well-priced Finnish crafts.

Christmas dinner in Helsinki: Sit down for a traditional festive dinner with the group on Christmas Day in Helsinki! Join the group for what promises to be a memorable evening full of delicious food and festive memories!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 10 Day 10: Helsinki - Tallinn
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Helsinki - Tallinn

After making many festive memories, it’s time to bid farewell to Finland and head to the Baltic States! Take an included transfer to the port, and board a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia. Cross the Gulf of Finland and arrive in Tallinn, Estonia’s magical capital. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Then, explore the city’s highlights with a local guide! Tallinn is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities, with a strong medieval influence contrasting with its more modern buildings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallinn’s Old Town offers intriguing history while also managing to be a shopper’s paradise. See top attractions such as Town Hall Square, St Olav’s Church and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing: Hop aboard and enjoy a cruise across the Gulf of Finland, from Finland to Estonia. Be sure to take in the scenic views as the ferry makes its way to Tallinn.

Guided tour of Tallinn: Join a local guide for a tour of Tallinn, Estonia’s lively capital! Filled with medieval churches, cobbled walkways and a vibrant, contemporary culture, Tallinn is a photographer’s dream. Highlights include St Olav’s church, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tall Hermann Tower, Town Hall Square and more.

Meals: breakfast
Day 11 Day 11: Tallinn - Pärnu - Latvian Military Cemetery - Riga
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Tallinn - Pärnu - Latvian Military Cemetery - Riga

It’s time to leave Estonia behind and travel to a new country - Latvia! Travel towards Riga, Latvia’s capital city. On the way, stop over in Pärnu in Estonia. Then, learn about a piece of tragic Latvian history at the Latvian Military Cemetery, dedicated to the soldiers who fought in WWI. Later, get ready to encounter all that the vibrant Baltic city of Riga has to offer! Drink in the buzzing atmosphere and energy of its citizens and admire its incredible Art Nouveau architecture. Embark on an orientation tour of Riga with your tour leader to seek out the city’s most famous sights and landmarks such as its massive central market.

Visit Pärnu: Enjoy a stop in the resort city of Pärnu in southwestern Estonia. Pärnu is a seaside city overlooking Pärnu Bay and is renowned for its street art, colourful houses and scenic beach.

Latvian Military Cemetery: Also known as the Brothers’ Cemetery or Cemetery of the Brethren. This national monument commemorates the sacrifice of 2,000+ Latvian soldiers who gave their lives for their country during 1915 - 1920, fighting in World War I and the Latvian War of Independence.

Orientation tour of Riga: See the top sights of Riga, Latvia’s capital city, with your tour leader. Riga is a cultural hub that is home to destinations such as the House of the Black Heads, Freedom Monument and a captivating medieval Old Town. Admire Riga’s wooden buildings alongside the Art Nouveau architecture.

Meals: breakfast
Day 12 Day 12: Hill Of Crosses - Vilnius
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Hill Of Crosses - Vilnius

This morning, hit the road and travel to Lithuania. The first stop of today is the Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania. This famous pilgrimage site features 100,000+ crosses, the first of which were placed here in 1831 after a local rebellion. Continue on towards Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital city. Arrive and enjoy a brief orientation tour of Vilnius with your tour leader followed by free time to explore the city as you wish. The Lithuanian capital offers plenty to see and do - castles, cathedrals, churches, artist ghettos, and more!

Visit the Hill of Crosses: On our way to Vilnius, make a stop at the Hill of Crosses, an astounding site of pilgrimage. Containing more than 100,000 crosses, they were first placed here back in 1831 by the relatives of those who fell during the local rebellion.

Enjoy an orientation tour of Vilnius: Take a tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vilnius, which offers centuries of history, a medieval Old Town and Baroque architecture to explore. Our sightseeing tour will include attractions such as the Vilnius Town Hall, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Adam Mickiewicz statue and Vilnius Cathedral. Cross the river into the Užupio Respublika, a Bohemian neighbourhood of Vilnius and self-proclaimed republic, with its own constitution and an army comprising of 11 men.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 13 Day 13: Trakai - Warsaw
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Trakai - Warsaw

Depart Vilnius and travel towards Warsaw in Poland today. Along the way, make a stopover at Trakai Historical National Park. Have your cameras ready to snap unforgettable photos of Trakai Castle, a 14th-century fortress in the middle of Lake Galvė. Afterwards, hop back aboard the coach and travel onward to Warsaw. Listen in and look around at the amazing sites as your tour leader guides a driving tour en route to Warsaw. Arrive in Warsaw, Poland’s cultural hub which is an enticing and eclectic mix of old and new. Check into the hotel before grabbing dinner with the group at the hotel. Tomorrow the group will explore the old town - it’s set to be another bumper day of inspiring exploration!

Visit Trakai National Park: Make a stop at Trakai National Park, Europe’s only historic national park. It is home to beautiful monuments, lakes and forests with the crowning jewel being Trakai Island Castle, located in the centre of a beautiful lake.

Warsaw driving tour: Glimpse some of Warsaw’s most iconic sights on a driving tour of the historic city! Warsaw’s top sights include The National Museum in Warsaw, the Palace of Culture and Science, Piłsudski Square and the Warsaw Uprising Museum.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 14 Day 14: Warsaw: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Warsaw: Free Day

Explore Warsaw’s charming Old Town this morning with a local guide. The Old Town is the beating heart of Warsaw. See the market square which dates back to the 13th century, admire the Royal Castle, the Presidential Palace and more. After the walking tour, make the most of your free day in Warsaw. Make your way to one of the city’s epic museums - there are almost too many to choose from! Visit museums that exhibit the history of this incredible city. Wander around the Chopin Museum or the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Marvel at the extensive collections of the National Museum. Visit the Royal Palace, and perhaps there’ll be a market or free music concert in Łazienki Park.

Guided walking tour of Warsaw’s Old Town: Join a local guide for a morning tour of the Old Town. Over three hours, listen in as the local guide offers insight into the Old Town’s history and culture as well as the traditions of Warsaw and Poland. The old town is home to a bustling central square plus cobblestone alleys and medieval buildings, many of which were reconstructed after being damaged during WWII.

Meals: breakfast
Day 15 Day 15: Poznań - Berlin (New Year’S Eve)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Poznań - Berlin (New Year’S Eve)

Spend the last day of the year heading west to Berlin with a stopover in Ponzań, Poland. Take some free time to grab lunch in the historic old town of the coronation city of the early Polish kings. Continue on to Germany and bustling Berlin! Take an insightful driving and walking tour through the city upon arrival and see famous sights like the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. Settle in at the hotel and get ready for dinner at a Bavarian-style beer hall in the city centre. Tonight it’s time to ring in the new year, German style!

Visit Poznań: Enjoy free time to sample some delicious Polish cuisine and explore the Old Market Square in Poznań. Faithfully reconstructed following the Second World War, this beautiful square is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments, including the Town Hall, colourful townhouses and the Pranger, a 16th-century punishment device. Did you know that Poznań was once used as the coronation city of the early Polish kings?

Walking and driving tour: Enjoy a walking and driving tour of this vibrant city with your tour leader. Learn more about the city’s history and see top sights, including the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Reichstag. Take a note of those you want to explore further on your free day tomorrow!

Celebrate New Year in Berlin: Ring in the New Year in a Bavarian-style beer hall! Join the group and celebrate the start of a whole new year in a totally unique way! Enjoy dinner and drinks - make sure to try out some traditional German food like sauerkraut and bratwurst. Don’t forget to try a pint of German beer if you’d like! Say Prost and celebrate!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 16 Day 16: Berlin: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Berlin: Free Day

Wake up to a brand-new year in the heart of Berlin. Today is yours to explore as your wish. Lace up your walking shoes and go exploring on your own, or join the optional Berlin+ guided tour of the city. Your guide will lead you on a journey into the past to discover Berlin’s most sought-after visitor destinations. Check out the Eastside open-air gallery along the Berlin Wall and make your way to the exceptional museum in the old Jewish quarter. There is so much to explore, and this guided trip of Berlin will make the most of your time in the city.

Meals: breakfast
Day 17 Day 17: Berlin - Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Berlin - Amsterdam

Say Auf Wiedersehen to Berlin as the tour leaves Germany for the long trip back to the Netherlands. Enjoy the scenery as the coach travels through various landscapes. Later, arrive back in Amsterdam. After checking in to the hotel for the final time, choose to celebrate the last night of this magical and festive tour with an optional group dinner featuring delicious Dutch pancakes in a beautiful setting with all your travel friends around you.

Meals: breakfast
Day 18 Day 18: End Of Tour In Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: End Of Tour In Amsterdam

After an incredible 18 festive-filled days, your Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Swap contact details with your new tour mates so you can share photos and memories after returning home! We hope to see you back aboard an Expat Explore coach soon!

Meals: breakfast

+15

18 days tour

Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam

Day 2: Amsterdam - Hamburg - Northern Germany

Day 3: Northern Germany - Copenhagen

Day 4: Copenhagen - Helsingør - Gothenburg - Oslo

Day 5: Oslo: Free Day

Day 6: Oslo - Örebro - Stockholm

Day 7: Stockholm: Free Day

Day 8: Stockholm - Sigtuna - Helsinki (Overnight Ferry)

Day 9: Helsinki (Christmas Day)

Day 10: Helsinki - Tallinn

Day 11: Tallinn - Pärnu - Latvian Military Cemetery - Riga

Day 12: Hill Of Crosses - Vilnius

Day 13: Trakai - Warsaw

Day 14: Warsaw: Free Day

Day 15: Poznań - Berlin (New Year’S Eve)

Day 16: Berlin: Free Day

Day 17: Berlin - Amsterdam

Day 18: End Of Tour In Amsterdam

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