Combine Baltic and Nordic, city and countryside, on this compact adventure in northern Europe. You’ll see the best of Tallinn, Estonia, and Helsinki, Finland, with your expert tour leader unravelling their history and culture, while also venturing into the wild surrounds for gentle walks within national parks. For an extra-magical adventure, come in winter to soak up the Christmas spirit of both capitals, enjoying the twinkling lights and seasonal cheer.
Day 1: Start in TallinnBegin your adventure in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where the historic old town rubs shoulders with an innovative tech scene.
Around 6pm, say tere to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Estonian welcome by arranging dinner at a great local restaurant.
Want to explore Tallinn further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Go Shnelli Hotel/Metropol Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Tour Tallinn old town • Explore Lahemaa National ParkBegin today with a walking tour of the medieval old town. Guided by our expert tour leader, we explore the key monuments, including Toompea Palace and Castle, the Town Hall Square, and the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
It’s worth picking up a boxed lunch here too, which we can eat on our transfer (one hour) to Lahemaa National Park. Our drive offers a glimpse at the scenic Estonian countryside, and we stop en route at Käsmu Museum, a fascinating maritime museum in an old sea captain’s village.
Arriving at Lahemaa, the oldest national park in the former Soviet Union, we explore the wilderness on a 2.5mi (4km) hike. It takes us to Jägala Waterfall, the widest natural waterfall in Estonia at 26ft (8m), where we can enjoy breathtaking views and rock formations.
After, we head back to Tallinn with the rest of the evening to enjoy at leisure.
Accommodation: Go Shnelli Hotel/Metropol Hotel (or similar)
Day 3: To Helsinki • Hike trails in Sipoonkorpi National Park • Explore historic PorvooBid farewell to Tallinn, catching the ferry (at approximately 7.30am) to Helsinki. Arriving around 9.30am, we transfer (40-60 minutes) to Sipoonkorpi National Park, a blissful wild spot where Helsinkians come when they want to escape the city.
Here, we stretch our legs with a 3mi (5km) hike, mostly along the Fisktrack trail. Over 1hr 30min, we pass through spruce woods, mixed forests and wooded mires.
After, we stop in the city of Porvoo, where you have three hours of free time to explore and enjoy lunch. We recommend strolling through the beautiful Old Town, wandering among the riverside warehouses and cobbled streets
After, we head to Helsinki. Arriving around 4pm, we have the rest of the day to explore.
Accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Albert/Hotel Arthur (or similar)
Day 4: Tour the harbours and landmarks of Helsinki • Visit Suomenlinna island fortressDiscover Helsinki on a walking tour this morning, making use of the public transport (ticket included). Our tour leader takes us past the harbours, into Mannerheim Street, and to the landmark buildings, such as Parliament Building, Finland Hall and the Rock Church
After, we hop on a ferry for the 15-minute journey to Suomenlinna, an 18th-century island fortress built by the Swedish. Here, we can soak up history as we tour the stone walls, bunkers and cannons, while also visiting the museum to learn about the fascinating story of the fortress.
Returning to Helsinki, we have free time for further exploration.
Accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Albert/Hotel Arthur (or similar)
Day 5: Adventure ends in HelsinkiThe adventure ends in Helsinki after breakfast. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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