Helsinki To Warsaw

Helsinki To Warsaw

1,145 Views
10 Days From

$1845

$1404

Helsinki To Warsaw

10 Days Starting in Helsinki and ending in Warsaw

Visiting: Finland, Helsinki, Tallinn, Pärnu, Saulkrasti, Latvian War Cemetery, Riga, Hill of Crosses, Vilnius, Trakai, Gdansk, Poland, Malbork Castle, Toruń, Warsaw

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

HW

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural

Activities:

Sightseeing

From:
$1845
$1404 (USD) Operator discount: -$441

Tourhub Members Discount - Sign In

-24%

NB: Prices correct on 15-May-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This expertly curated tour ticks off some of the best-loved attractions across Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Cross the Gulf of Finland on a ferry from Helsinki, visit the mysterious Hill of Crosses and marvel at the rich tapestry of Baltic architecture that developed in the wake of multiple world wars. In between, enjoy scenic drives, locally-guided tours of fascinating cities like Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw and visit the region’s most fascinating monuments! Look forward to 10 days of travel excitement, from Helsinki to Warsaw!
If you'd like to explore Scandinavia in addition to the Baltics, consider the Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics tour - click here.

Highlights

  • Experience the scenic Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing 

  • Visit the mysterious Hill of Crosses faith monument 

  • Enjoy locally-guided tours of Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Gdansk, Helsinki and Warsaw

  • Enjoy free days in Helsinki and Gdansk

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Of Tour In Helsinki

Location: Finland, Helsinki

Meals Included: Dinner


Welcome to Finland! Start in Helsinki, a vibrant seaside city known for its beautiful islands and great green parks. Settle in at your harbourside hotel, and meet up with your tour leader and the group before setting off on a guided walking tour around the city. Led by an expert local, get ready to encounter some of Helsinki’s most famous sights! This includes the likes of the Havis Amanda, as well as the Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour mates this evening so you can all get acquainted in the lead-up to your epic adventure from Helsinki to Warsaw!


Walking tour of Helsinki: Visit the Havis Amanda, the famous art nouveau fountain that 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.


Welcome dinner: This evening, meet up with your group over a welcome dinner at the hotel. This is the ideal time to get acquainted with your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Helsinki: Free Day

Location: Finland, Helsinki

Meals Included: Breakfast


Look forward to a free day to discover more of Helsinki as you wish! Helsinki is a central hub for unique Finnish design, culture, historic points of interest and architectural innovation. You’ll find a great balance of city-based adventures and green spaces. Why not venture outdoors and discover the Suomenlinna walking trails and museum? Or, seek out one of the many saunas around town and enjoy a few hours of blissful relaxation. A stroll around the city with stops at local restaurants, shops and cafés is a great way to absorb the laid-back Finnish vibe. Perhaps you'd like to visit the fascinating Seurasaari Open-Air Museum or take in some modern art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma? The choice is yours!


Day 3: Helsinki - Tallinn

Location: Helsinki, Tallinn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Today, let’s take this Baltic States group tour across the Gulf of Finland! Enjoy the last hour or two in Helsinki before heading to the ferry terminal. Board the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry with the group, settle in and enjoy a cruise to Estonia’s capital city. Upon arrival, it’s time to enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant in the Old Town Square. Next, join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Tallinn. Tallinn is a fantastic combination of historic charm and modern culture. See highlights such as Tall Hermann Tower and St Olav's Church. Afterwards, make the most of a free evening to explore more of Tallinn!


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.  


Lunch at a medieval restaurant in Tallinn: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town Square.  


Guided tour of Tallinn: Join a local guide for a tour of Tallinn, Estonia’s lively capital! Filled with mediaeval 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.

Day 4: Tallinn - Pärnu - Latvian Military Cemetery - Riga

Location: Tallinn, Pärnu, Saulkrasti, Latvian War Cemetery, Riga

Meals Included: Breakfast


Bid farewell to Tallinn as it’s time to head towards Riga, the capital of Latvia! Along the way, the tour will stopover in the resort city of Pärnu in Estonia to sightsee and shop. Next, the tour continues across the border to the coastal town of Saulkrasti in Latvia which is a scenic destination on the Gulf of Riga. Later, arrive in Riga and learn about Latvia’s WWI history during a visit to the Latvian Military Cemetery before checking into the hotel for tonight. Take some time to freshen up before heading out on an orientation tour of Riga. See Riga’s Old Town and many highlights of this Baltic capital including the Riga Dom Cathedral, Parliament House and more!


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.


Enjoy a stop in Saulkrasti: The seaside town of Saulkrasti is a great place to drink in the beauty of the Latvian shoreline without huge crowds. This is where Latvian locals spend days by the beach.


Visit the Latvian Military Cemetery: Also called the Brothers' Cemetery or Cemetery of the Brethren, the Latvian Military Cemetery is a national monument that 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: Embark on an orientation walking tour of Riga, Latvia’s exciting capital city. See the impressive architecture and learn more about Latvia’s history and culture. Riga boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere combined with Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture. The city is home to popular landmarks like the Riga Dom Cathedral, the Houses of the Black Heads, Parliament House, the Three Brothers, the Old City Wall and the Freedom Monument.

Day 5: Riga - Hill Of Crosses - Trakai - Vilnius

Location: Riga, Hill of Crosses, Vilnius

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a bright and early start, cross the border to a country that very few people know of; Lithuania, a beautiful Baltic state in northern Europe. Today’s first stop is the mysterious and famous religious sight, the Hill of Crosses. Then, visit the town of Trakai, home to the majestic Trakai Island Castle! Finally, continue onwards to the capital of Lithuania; Vilnius. Upon arrival this afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of the beautiful Baroque city. The top attractions will include iconic sights like the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Vilnius Cathedral and the Church of St. Anne. After the tour, take some free time to explore, and then meet up with your fellow travellers for dinner.

Visit the Hill of Crosses:  Experience a visit to the Kryziu Kalnas Hill of Crosses in Lithuania which has been one of the world’s most singular expressions of human faith and sacrifice for over 100 years. Pilgrims have been flocking to the sight for centuries and today there are 200,000+ crosses, carvings and shrines. The tradition of leaving crosses on the hill began only in 1831 by relatives of rebels who died fighting the Russian tsar of the time.


Discover Trakai Castle: Discover the magical Trakai Island Castle located in the Trakai National Park. This Gothic castle was built on an island in Lake Galve and the beautiful scenery and lapping waters of the lake make it a truly scenic destination! Enjoy some time to explore the castle or get some lunch in the town of Trakai.


Orientation tour of Vilnius: Join your tour leader for an orientation tour of Vilnius. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers centuries of history to explore, and has a long and storied past. Learn about the history and see more of this city’s Baroque-style architecture and medieval buildings and monuments. Highlights include the Vilnius Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the Vilnius Town Hall and the Adam Mickiewicz statue. You can also cross the river into the Užupio Respublika, a self-proclaimed republic within Vilnius which has its own constitution and an army of 11 men.

Day 6: Vilnius - Masurian Lake District - Gdansk

Location: Vilnius, Trakai, Gdansk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Get ready to visit another exciting European destination today - Poland! Wave farewell to Vilnius this morning, cross the border into Poland and head to today’s first stop, the Masurian Lake District. This region is home to spectacular scenery and over 2,000 lakes. Enjoy some free time to explore or grab some lunch. Hop back aboard the coach and travel onwards to Gdansk - a beautiful and historic port city. Get to know Gdansk and admire its charming architecture on an orientation tour before enjoying free time for dinner this evening.

Masurian Lakes scenic drive: Admire the gorgeous natural scenery of Poland’s Masurian Lake District before enjoying free time for lunch in the area. The 2,000 lakes and beautiful outdoor areas make this a popular tourist spot in Poland. 


Orientation tour of Gdansk: See the highlights of Gdansk on an orientation tour with your tour leader. The harbour city boasts unique historic Dutch-style architecture, a beautiful “Royal Way” in the main town, great museums and scenic cobbled streets winding alongside the River Motława.

Day 7: Gdansk: Free Day

Location: Poland, Gdansk

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover the history, charm and unique Dutch influence found in Gdansk today! Begin by getting to know the city’s highlights and important historic areas on a locally guided walking tour. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure. More of Gdansk is waiting to be explored! Visit the Old Town, stroll around Long Market square and admire the impressive architecture. For insight into Poland’s wartime history, visit the Museum of the Second World War as well as the European Solidarity Centre which features fascinating exhibitions on Poland’s fight for freedom from the USSR. Tonight, experience the Polish Riviera by joining the optional excursion and cruising to the nearby beach town of Sopot.


Walking tour of Gdansk: Find out more about this unique port city on a walking tour. Join a local guide who will point out the top attractions and provide some historic insight into Gdansk’s past as well as its present. Gdansk underwent major reconstruction after most of the city was destroyed during WWII.


Day 8: Gdansk - Malbork Castle - Toruń - Warsaw

Location: Gdansk, Malbork Castle, Toruń, Warsaw

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Say do widzenia to Gdansk and travel to today’s first stop - Malbork Castle. This 13th-century landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is officially the world’s largest castle! Experience the history and explore the grounds of this impressive fortress. Next, it’s time to visit Toruń - another beautiful mediaeval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toruń is renowned for its Museum of Gingerbread and is the hometown of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Here, have some fun with a traditional and interactive gingerbread workshop! Afterwards, travel onwards to the capital of Poland; Warsaw! Arrive at the hotel and enjoy an included dinner. 

Malbork Castle visit: Explore the world’s largest castle on an audio-guided tour. The mighty fortress was completed in the early 1400s and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.


Toruń Gingerbread Experience: Attend a fun gingerbread making workshop in Toruń - a town famous for its Museum of Gingerbread!

Day 9: Warsaw

Location: Warsaw

Meals Included: Breakfast

It may be the last night of the tour but the travel excitement is far from slowing down! Today offers an in-depth look at Poland’s fascinating and historic capital city, Warsaw. This morning, set off on a driving and walking tour, led by an expert local guide. Learn more about Warsaw’s pivotal role in WWII and see the city’s highlights. The city’s architecture is a testament to its gritty history that has shaped it into the city it is today. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Explore more of the city on your own, visit a museum, grab some last minute souvenirs or savour the local food!

Guided tour of Warsaw: Join a seasoned local guide for a city tour of Warsaw. Gain insight into the fascinating and turbulent history as you walk the streets. Admire Gothic churches, Neoclassical Palaces, modern skyscrapers and stark Soviet-era buildings. Highlights include the Royal Castle, the Palace of Culture and Science and the reconstructed Old Town which was rebuilt after the war based on 18th-century paintings by Italian artist Canaletto.

Day 10: End Of Tour In Warsaw

Location: Warsaw

Meals Included: Breakfast


Today is the final day of your group Baltic States tour and vacation in Warsaw. Enjoy a final breakfast with your tour group, and get ready to head back home. We hope you have had an incredible time exploring Europe from Helsinki to Warsaw and hope to see you back on an Expat Explore coach again very soon!


What's Included

  • Accommodation

    9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
    Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

  • Transport

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

  • Meals

    9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

  • Experiences

    Guided walking tour of Helsinki; Finland’s capital
    Welcome dinner in Helsinki
    Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing
    Lunch in Tallinn’s Old Town Square
    Discover Tallinn; Estonia’s capital city
    Shop and sightsee in Pärnu
    Enjoy the coastal atmosphere in Saulkrasti
    Visit the Latvian Military Cemetery
    Explore Riga; capital city of Latvia
    Visit the famous Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
    Discover Trakai Island Castle
    Explore Vilnius; capital of Lithuania
    Enjoy a scenic drive through the Masurian Lake District
    Discover Gdansk; a unique port city in Poland
    Explore Gdansk with a local guide
    Explore Malbork Castle; the largest castle in the world
    Visit Torun; a medieval town in Poland
    Enjoy a gingerbread workshop in Torun
    Explore Warsaw with a local guide

What's Not Included

International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.


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.

Mode of Transport


  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard 

  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Accommodation


  • 9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms

  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.


Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.


Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.


We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.


For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.


With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.


For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.

  • Children on tour?

    Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc

Reviews of this operator

Roger  

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer  

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy  

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma  

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY  

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson   United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo  

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash  

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed  

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

Dates & Availability

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Wednesday - Friday

Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024
$1845 $1623 (USD)

Operator discount: -$222 (USD)

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Wednesday - Friday

Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
$1845 $1404 (USD)

Operator discount: -$441 (USD)

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Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 09, 2025
$1845 $1540 (USD)

Operator discount: -$305 (USD)

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Tuesday - Thursday

Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
$1845 $1404 (USD)

Operator discount: -$441 (USD)

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Tuesday - Thursday

Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025
$1845 $1404 (USD)

Operator discount: -$441 (USD)

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Tuesday - Thursday

Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025
$1845 $1404 (USD)

Operator discount: -$441 (USD)

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Tuesday - Thursday

Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025
$1845 $1404 (USD)

Operator discount: -$441 (USD)

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.

    Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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