Scandinavia and Best of Baltics

Good afternoon globe-roamers and welcome to your first stop of memory-making magic. After a bit of a mingle with the new squad we'll be getting into the spirit of our imminent adventures in Copenhagen. We've got all day tomorrow to suss out the city, so after a drive out to the Little Mermaid Statue for a group photo, tonight can stay reserved for Contiki hangs if you're feeling social.

Locals on bicycles, Danish pastries in cute cafe windows, Renaissance architecture - welcome to Copenhagen. First things first, we'll take an orientation tour of this wonderful city's old town. Then you have the option to explore it even further on a bike tour (just like the locals!).

Before you go bursting out of your travel clothes thanks to your new-found pastry dependency, we're bailing on Denmark. Next stop: Norway!  To the call of castles, fresh seafood, & pretty parks, we respond! Today we're taking on Norway. We'll be eating Krumkaker pastries before we can say "jeg elsker Norge!" (that's "I love Norway," folks).

Oslo, both the capital and biggest city of Norway, is a riverside metropolis back-dropped by mountains of greenery and filled with easy-going culture. We'll get to know Oslo this morning on an orientation tour and then can potter around museums and pretty buildings for the rest of the day. You also have the option to go on a fjord cruise - from the forest to the fjord!

Though you'll feel like you know Norway inside out by now, you can't really grasp the country until you've witnessed its great open plains & small country towns. But first, we'll head to Frogner Park to gawk at some impressive sculptures! Before we arrive in our overnight hub, we'll coast through the rugged river and rock landscapes of Telemark and Hardangervidda regions, with nature worthy of an Instagram or two... Tonight's stop, Voss is the adventure capital of Norway. After getting to know the crew in our lakefront lodge, you'll have the chance to explore the local area tonight - but first, fill up on your included group dinner.

The adventure capital of Norway is ours to explore today! We recommend getting the endorphins pumping with a good ol’ hike. There’s also white water rafting for the hardcore adventurers, plus the option to ride the legendary Voss Gondola. After a breathless day of adventure, you're free to grab dinner at one of the many cute restaurants here.

The outdoor vibes don't end today, we'll be getting back to nature from sun up 'til sun down. Wild animals and spectacular scenery are on the cards so keep that camera of yours charged to full.  Norwegian countryside and pretty waterfalls will highlight our journey to the 200km long Sognefjord, a sight set to take your breath away. After visiting Boyabreen glacier - which will see you pondering more rural life goals - we'll continue our journey to the UNESCO listed Geiranger Fjord, where we'll head out for a cruise. We'll make our way to Grotli to spend the night surrounded by some of mother nature's finest.

We've got more spectacular natural beauty to check out today. We'll pass by wild waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and vibrant green foliage, before making a morning tea stop in Lom. After managing to close our jaws again, we'll stop at the alpine ski resort of Lillehammer. Upon arrival we'll have the chance to hop on the Lillehammer Olympic Track bobsleigh, Northern Europe's only artificial frozen bob, before taking a stroll through the city and grabbing a bite to eat. We've got more epic surprises tomorrow, so we'll head to our special stay in Torgås to tuck into an included dinner.

Dalarna County is set to take our breath away. The centrepiece is the shimmering lake, so we'll let you enjoy this for a few hours (canoeing, kicking a ball or maybe just relaxing, depending on your vibe). Want to experience more of the area's natural beauty? You’ll have the chance to take a short hike through the forest with fika and huskies in between. Bask in your surroundings and learn all about Swedish history and folklore from a local guide.

Leaving Dalarna behind and bidding farewell to the orange Dala horse (Sweden's national symbol), we're headed to the capital today. Stockholm, here we come! Hello Stockholm! We'll take an orientation tour of the city before checking into our stylish Generator accommodation. What next? Free time to really get to know the Venice of the North and grab dinner of your choice.

Morning folks. Feeling a bit adventurous this morning? How 'bout an optional kayaking tour? Then you're free to wander the quaint medieval streets of Gamla Stan & try to catch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace. All that ground covered will earn you some Swedish salmon & an Absolut on the rocks – but don’t forget to save room for your evening meatballs….

This morning we'll leave Sweden behind and fly across the Baltic Sea to Estonia. Welcome to Tallinn, Estonia’s chic capital! Today, spend some time exploring like a local. Tonight, we’ll dig into a shared feast at F HOONE - think healthy, seriously tasty Estonian dishes served up with good vibes all around.

Tallinn is all yours for the day, and this morning we'll explore this beautiful Baltic city on an orientation tour given by our TM. One of Europe's hidden gems, this early medieval era creation is now a fascinating mix of old and new. From bike tours to cooking classes - you've got loads of optional experiences to pick from. If not, stop by the Estonian Open-Air Museum or take a walk to Toompea Hill for a chance to see the Old Town in all its splendour.

This morning we're setting our sights on Tartu... A town known for its upbeat nightlife, bunting-clad town square, its wealth of cultural activities, and its 17th Century university, Tartu is an Estonian hidden gem. Take the day to explore every nook and cranny alongside your new pals and Trip Manager (or join us for a street art tour!). We'll meet back in the evening for a locally prepared meal held in a unique beer restaurant.

Tartu, it's been emotional, but today we're heading for Latvia.  An iconic tour, tasting & lunch awaits at Valmiermuiža Brewery, where we'll become acquainted with the cornerstones of brewing beer.  Next, we'll stop by to visit the Cēsis Castle, one of the most iconic and best preserved castles in Latvia.  Here we are in Riga! After a quick tour of the city with your Trip Manager, you have a free evening around Latvia's capital, resting quietly on the Baltic Sea. Sitting at the border between tradition and cutting edge modernism, this city will no doubt charm you with its art nouveau architecture and vibrant nightlife.

You've got beautiful Riga all to yourself today, so make the most of it! Take a stroll through the Old Town and discover the House of the Black Heads (a 14th century landmark). Or check out some of the many shops and restaurants that fill the cobblestoned streets. Need a quiet escape from the city side chaos? There's also an optional bogshoe hike on the agenda.

...and we're on the road again.   Today we're visiting the Hill of Crosses, an epic pilgrimage site which boasts a collection of over 200,000 ornate crosses, statues and effigies erected on a small hill in Northern Lithuania. Well hello, Kaunas! Here in this southern Lithuanian gem, we'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to river views and impressive cathedrals. Don't miss Kaunas Castle or the epic 9th Fort.

So long, Kaunas. We’re making our way to our next awesome destination today, and it’s none other than vibrant Vilnius!  Welcome to Trakai Castle, a 14th century fortress built on an island on the glittering Lake Galve. This place looks just like a fairy tale, so cameras at the ready… Our journey ends here in Vilnius but not without a tour of the stunning baroque architecture that'll inspire you to remodel your own home. Take advantage of the street art lining the cobblestone streets, grab pancakes with your crew and say your farewells over dinner.

...and this is where our journey sadly ends. Exchange contact information with your fellow travellers, who have now probably become friends. Time to lock in your next adventure!