Warsaw, The Baltics, & Helsinki

Welcome to Warsaw! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner. (D)

Remarkable Restorations Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour to get you acquainted with Warsaw, Poland’s capital city. Walk through history when you visit the UNESCO-listed Stare Miasto (Old Town). As you marvel at the colorful facades look out for symbols of Syrenka, the mermaid warrior who vowed to protect the city. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of the city. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Rebuilt almost entirely after World War II, when about 85% of it was destroyed, Warsaw’s Old Town is less a relic than a deliberate act of resilience. Using detailed 18th century paintings by Canaletto as guides, architects reconstructed its streets with striking precision. What stands today is not just a copy of the past, but a city pieced together from memory.

Shifting Views Sit back and relax for an interesting drive through Poland. Leave the Polish capital behind as you head into more rural areas. Cross the border into Lithuania, the largest of the three Baltic countries and continue to Vilnius. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Traveling between Poland and Lithuania reveals a subtle yet meaningful contrast shaped by history and identity. Once united under the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the two nations today express distinct cultural characters. As the landscape shifts from Poland’s broad plains to Lithuania’s forests and lakes, so too does the atmosphere, offering a quiet reflection of their shared past and individual evolution.

Baroque Masterpiece Start your adventure this morning with a sightseeing tour to get acquainted with Vilnius’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Follow your Local Guide through the narrow winding streets, along the way view important landmarks including the castle and Gediminas Tower. Visit Cathedral Square and the Old University. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to experience more of Vilnius and try some local flavors. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Vilnius is renowned for its beautifully preserved Old Town, one of the largest in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through its cobbled streets reveals a fascinating blend of architectural styles, reflecting the city’s rich cultural history and vibrant creative spirit. At its heart stands Vilnius University, one of the oldest in Central and Eastern Europe, whose historic courtyards and libraries add to the city’s unique intellectual and architectural charm.

Baltic Pearl Enjoy a morning scenic drive, first stop at the “Hill of Crosses” memorial site; a revered pilgrimage landmark boasting over 200,000 crosses, each standing as a powerful symbol of peace, hope, and defiance in the face of Soviet religious persecution. Cross the border into Latvia, and continue to Riga, the capital city, located on the Baltic coast. Later this afternoon, enjoy free time to start getting acquainted with this historic and charming city. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT With one of the finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, Riga has earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The cityscape is further enriched by its remarkably well preserved medieval buildings, creating a striking contrast of styles. Shaped by centuries of Hanseatic, Swedish, and Russian influence, Riga has evolved into a dynamic cultural hub where history and creativity seamlessly intertwine.

Tasty Treats This morning, join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour. Enjoy views of the Freedom Monument and Art Nouveau District, plus a walking tour along the cobbled lanes in the Old Town. [LOCAL FAVORITE] Get a taste for tradition with a coffee cake and Riga Balsam tasting. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Latvia’s famed Black Balsam is as rich in legend as it is in flavor. First created in the 18th century, this dark herbal liqueur is said to have been crafted by an apothecary who blended local botanicals to produce a tonic believed to restore strength and vitality. Over time, it became a beloved national symbol, often shared during celebrations or on cold winter evenings—served neat, with coffee, or even warmed into comforting drinks—offering a true taste of Riga’s heritage in every sip.

City of Spires Start your day with a scenic drive along the Gulf of Riga before crossing the border into Estonia, the most northern Baltic country, and reach Tallinn, its capital city, with its stunning skyline of spires. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, strolling the charming streets, browsing the stores, and sampling local specialties. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Behind the beautiful facade of this medieval, coastal gem, lies an entrepreneurial and pioneering society. Combining an exciting mix of old and new, Tallinn is the capital city of one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world and has gained the accolade of being the “Silicon Valley of Europe” due to its thriving technological businesses.

Storybook Settings Follow your Local Guide this morning to discover the Hanseatic Old Town of Tallinn. Admire the Lühike Jalg Gate, the merchant houses, the medieval walls, and the Town Hall. Visit the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Enjoy free time this afternoon. Perhaps explore St. Catherine’s Passage and browse the artisan shops or try a traditional Estonian pastry in a charming cellar café. This evening, join your travel companions for dinner. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of Tallinn’s most iconic landmarks, its striking onion domes rising prominently above Toompea Hill. Built in the late 19th century, this grand Orthodox cathedral is richly adorned with intricate mosaics and gilded details. Inside, the scent of incense and the glow of candlelight create a serene, almost timeless atmosphere, offering visitors a glimpse into Estonia’s complex history and spiritual heritage.

Friendly Finland Today, board a ferry and cross the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, Finland’s capital city. Meet your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour to discover Helsinki’s main highlights, including the City Hall, Presidential Palace, Lutheran Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, and open-air market. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Finland has often been voted the happiest country in the world, due to its affinity with nature and a strong social support system. The capital city, Helsinki is situated in the south of the country poised on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. Though it is the coldest capital in the Nordic region, its striking architecture and Nordic cuisine don’t fail to give visitors a warm welcome.

Nordic Cool Enjoy a free day in Helsinki to explore the rich art and culture in one of the city’s many museums. Browse stylish boutiques or relax in a café while sampling Finnish pastries and local specialties. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the historic Suomenlinna Fortress. Later, savor the final moments of your vacation with a little last-minute shopping, or sit in a café, watch the world go by, and reflect on the memories made as your unforgettable journey gently comes to a close. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Hop aboard a ferry for a short ride to UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress, located on an island in Helsinki Harbor. Historically an important military base serving three different nations, this "living fortress” is now a lively maritime district.

Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)