Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to the vibrant city of Berlin.
In the afternoon, perhaps visit the KaDeWe department store - the shopping center of West Berlin which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West.
In the evening, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your Travel Director and travel companions at the Kreuzberger Himmel restaurant. Discover how this establishment helps support refugees as they integrate into German society over a Welcome Dinner with wine. (DW) Stay: Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin.
In the morning, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University and Opera House. Stop a while on Museum Island before passing Brandenberg Gate, a symbol of the reunification. See Norman Foster's glass dome which crowns the Reichstag building before embarking on a journey through the Tiergarten. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure or relaxing at your hotel. (B)
Depart Berlin and continue through northern Germany to Rostock for the sea crossing to Denmark. A peaceful journey through the Danish countryside brings you to the capital, Copenhagen.
In the evening, delight in the enchanting atmosphere of the famous Tivoli Gardens. (B) Stay: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
With a Local Expert, begin your sightseeing with a visit of Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Government, to marvel at the opulent interior. Journey past Copenhagen Cathedral and the university to see Rosenborg Castle, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and Amalienborg Palace, home of the royal family. Visit the waterfront to admire Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing across the harbor. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Enjoy a view of Kronborg Castle, reputedly the Elsinore home of Hamlet, during the short ferry crossing to Sweden. Your journey then continues through fertile farmlands, dotted with neat farmhouses and barns. Travel along the shores of peaceful Lake Vättern to Stockholm, beautifully situated on an island studded bay. (B) Stay: Clarion Hotel Amaranten
With a Local Expert, visit the imposing City Hall with its impressive Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, covered with 18 million gilded mosaic tiles and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, is the venue for the Nobel Prize banquets. Cross the harbor to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city to see the cathedral and the Royal Palace.
In the afternoon, board your cruise ship for the overnight voyage to Finland. Enjoy dinner onboard and then take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery from the comfort of your A-Class, sea-view cabin, while the northern sun hangs over the horizon, showing almost no sign of setting in mid-summer. (B/DW) Stay: Serenade/Symphony—Tallink & Silja Line Ships.
Disembark your Baltic cruise and explore Helsinki, the trendsetting city of top fashion and design, alongside a Local Expert. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer. (B) Stay: Klaus K Hotel, Helsinki.
Venture into the lush Finnish countryside and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Bosgård Organic Farm. Learn about their sustainable practices and try some authentic produce from the farm.
Later, visit the picturesque town of Porvoo, one of the most photographed places in Finland. Spend the evening at leisure back in Helsinki. (B)
This morning cross the sea to Estonia. Choose between a stroll with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, a scene straight out of a fairy-tale and hear about Estonian arts and crafts. Or join your Local Expert to walk up Toompea Hill for panoramic views of the city and afterwards visit the market square with its old German weighing house, pharmacy and Town Hall. Enjoy free time this afternoon to browse Tallinn's shops, famous for fine amber and silver jewelery. (B) Stay: Swissotel Tallinn.
Today you make your way to the Latvian capital of Riga. Explore Riga's Old Town with your Local Expert, including a visit to the old aircraft hangars that now house the Riga Central Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors when sampling some of the local delicacies as you wander through the maze of stalls. (B) Stay: Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, Riga.
Cross into Lithuania and visit the Hill of Crosses before arriving in the capital city of Vilnius. Walk along the streets of bohemian Užupis, a Vilnius neighborhood that proclaimed itself a republic in 2002. A member of the government introduces you to its quirky history and artistic flair. Choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. (B/DW) Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Vilnius.
Pass lakeside Augustow during a scenic journey through Masuria, a region blessed with a plethora of lakes and forests. Your destination will be the Polish capital, faithfully rebuilt after the devastation of World War II. (B/DW) Stay: The Westin Warsaw.
Join a Local Expert for an exploration of the city. Pass the tiered Palace of Culture and stroll through Łazienki Park to the Chopin Memorial. Take a moment to reflect at the Monument to Ghetto Heroes, before walking to the Market Square in the Old Town.
In the evening, join your newfound friends and Travel Director for a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a fine selection of local dishes, with wine. (B/DW)
Time to say goodbye to your new friends as your journey through Poland comes to an end. (B)
Welcome to Helsinki. Head out to explore the city before meeting your fellow travelling companions for a wonderful dinner with wine and time to hear the exciting plans awaiting you during your Northern Capitals tour. (DW)
Helsinki is yours to stroll through leisurely and enjoy Finland's quaint capital or take the opportunity to cruise across the Baltic Sea to Estonia where you will visit Tallinn, its fairytale capital city. Take in the panoramic views from Toompea Hill before visiting the market square with its old German weighing house, pharmacy and Town Hall. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to browse Tallinn's shops, famous for fine amber and silver jewellery before returning to Helsinki. (B)
Explore Helsinki, the trendsetting city of top fashion and design, alongside a Local Expert. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer.
This afternoon, board your cruise ship for the overnight voyage to Sweden. Take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery from the comfort of your A-Class, sea-view cabin while the northern sun hangs over the horizon as you enjoy dinner on board. (B/D)
Disembark your Baltic cruise and explore Stockholm with a Local Expert, visit the imposing City Hall with its impressive Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, covered with 18 million gilded mosaic tiles and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, the venue for the Nobel Prize banquets. Cross the harbour to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city, to see the cathedral and the Royal Palace. (B/D)
Stockholm, beautifully situated on 14 islands. Curate your day with Insight Choice. Dive into the exciting world of the Swedish music scene at ABBA The Museum where you can experience the Swedish pop group which became a world sensation. Or immerse yourself in Sweden's culture when you travel through history at Skansen. (B)
Journey past Lake Vänern, the largest lake in Sweden and enjoy a scenic drive through Norway's lush forest landscapes to Oslo, Norway's fascinating capital. (B/DW)
Sightseeing with a Local Expert includes views of Akershus Castle and the Royal Palace. Walk around the Opera House and marvel at the striking contemporary architecture of the new Bjorvika district. Wander through Frogner Park, with its intriguing sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The afternoon is at your leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the most modern ski jump in the world? Maybe explore City Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony is held or walk upon the famous architecture of Oslo Opera House. (B)
Journey south through the Nordic countries from Oslo to Denmark taking in the lush scenery along the route. Pass the city of Gothenburg to board the ferry for a short cruise to Denmark. Enjoy a view of Kronborg Castle, reputedly the Elsinore home of Hamlet as you enter the Kingdom of Denmark and onwards to Copenhagen. (B)
With a Local Expert, begin your sightseeing at Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Government, to marvel at the opulent interior. Journey past Copenhagen Cathedral and the university to see Rosenborg Castle, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and Amalienborg Palace, home of the royal family. Visit the waterfront to admire Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully at the water.
The rest of the day is at your leisure. Wonderful Copenhagen is a treat for food lovers and this evening your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Cofoco restaurant group will delight your taste buds when you enjoy a Celebration Dinner of sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients, as you toast to the end of your Scandinavian adventure. (B/D)
Time to say goodbye to your new friends as your journey through the Nordic countries comes to an end. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Berlin: You Local Expert provides a tour of this vibrant city. Drive along the Ku'Damm, passing the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and through Tiergarten to the Reichstag building. See the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and visit Alexanderplatz.
- Gedser: Cross the Baltic Sea from Germany to Denmark.
- Copenhagen: Make the most of the long summer nights at the glittering Tivoli Gardens, the world-famous entertainment park, full of fantasy, fun and charm.
- Copenhagen: With a Local Expert, witness the regal interior of Christiansborg Palace, with its stunning tapestries, furnishings and decor.
- Copenhagen: With your Local Expert, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and the unusual Rundertaarn, which is the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe.
- Elsinore: See the Kronborg Castle, referred to as the home of Hamlet.
- Stockholm: With a Local Expert, step inside the City Hall where the fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall is covered by 18 million gilded mosaic tiles. You'll also see the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held.
- Stockholm: With your Local Expert, visit Gamla Stan to see the cathedral where Swedish kings have been coronated and wander the narrow streets of the Old Town.
- Helsinki: Admire the beautiful views from your high-class, sea-view cabin as your cruise through the largest archipelago in the world, from Stockholm to Helsinki.
- Riga: Sightseeing of Riga's Old Town with a Local Expert includes a visit to the Domkirk and seeing the city walls, the House of the Three Brothers and the castle of the Livonian Knights.
- Warsaw: Your Local Expert will show you the city's highlights. See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.
- Vilnius: Visit Užupis, a quirky neighborhood of Vilnius, with a member of its government. Learn how a small community of artists created this self-proclaimed republic in order to revitalize post-communist Vilnius.
- Tallinn: Walk through the fairytale Old Town with your Local Expert and hear about Estonian arts and crafts.
- Tallinn: Join your Local Expert for a scenic walking tour of the city with panoramic views and a visit to the Town Hall Square.
- Berlin: Savor the warm atmosphere of your delicious Welcome Dinner at Kreuzberger Himmel. This popular local restaurant actively supports refugees' integration into German society, providing apprenticeships.
- Helsinki: Venture into the lush Finnish countryside and visit Bosgård Organic Farm. Learn about their sustainable practices and try some authentic produce from the farm.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Cruise in high-class cabins with sea views.
- Complimentary transfers from Berlin Tegel Airport are available at scheduled times, on arrival day. Complimentary transfers to Moscow's Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports are available at scheduled times, on departure day. If your flights are outside these times or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way.
- Helsinki: Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market with your Local Expert and sample local produce, like liquorice or smoked reindeer.
- Vilnius: Your Travel Director offers you a varied selection of charming restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening, a culinary experience not to be missed.
- Warsaw: The Polish capital is currently enjoying a culinary renaissance - find out what the buzz is all about during your end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine at a favorite restaurant.
- Dining Summary: 5 Dinners with Wine (DW), 13 Breakfasts (B)
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Helsinki: Your Local Expert will show you the sights of the harbour city. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer before enjoying free time to explore the harbour of this fascinating city of design.
- Stockholm: With a Local Expert, step inside the City Hall where the fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall is covered by 18 million gilded mosaic tiles. You'll also see the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held.
- Oslo: With your Local Expert, see Akershus Castle, Oslo Harbour and the Royal Palace.
- Oslo: On your orientation of Oslo city, see the Oslo Opera House and the new Deichmann Librabry in the contemporary Bjørvika district.
- Copenhagen: With a Local Expert, witness the regal interior of Christiansborg Palace, with its stunning tapestries, furnishings and decor.
- Copenhagen: With your Local Expert, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and the unusual Rundertaarn, which is the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe.
- Stockholm: Explore the world of ABBA during a visit to the museum housing memorabilia and costumes from the iconic band. Hear the stories behind the band and relive their many moments of success. Step into the shoes of Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Benny or Björn as you virtually try on ABBA's costumes, sing, play quizzes, mix original music and stand on stage with avatar versions of the members of ABBA.
- Stockholm: Experience Swedish culture at the world's oldest open-air museum when you travel through history at Skansen. Walk through time from 1720 to the present day and visit the houses and the authentically dressed interpreters who'll explain how life was in their time.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Cruise in high-class cabins with sea views.
- Complimentary transfers from Berlin Tegel Airport are available at scheduled times, on arrival day. Complimentary transfers to Moscow's Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports are available at scheduled times, on departure day. If your flights are outside these times or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Stockholm: Explore the world of ABBA during a visit to the museum housing memorabilia and costumes from the iconic band. Hear the stories behind the band and relive their many moments of success. Step into the shoes of Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Benny or Björn as you virtually try on ABBA's costumes, sing, play quizzes, mix original music and stand on stage with avatar versions of the members of ABBA.
- Stockholm: Experience Swedish culture at the world's oldest open-air museum when you travel through history at Skansen. Walk through time from 1720 to the present day and visit the houses and the authentically dressed interpreters who'll explain how life was in their time.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (14) View All Most Recent 'Northern Capitals' Reviews
The journey to Rostock was scenic and the crossing to Denmark was smooth sailing. In Copenhagen we went to the Tivoli Gardens which was pleasant but not a highlight. It was busy and is basically a theme park with a 1950 feel. On our second night we dined by ourselves along the picturesque canal. The restaurants are a little pricey but the food was of a good standard. Stockholm was interesting and we did the optional dinner which was expensive however we dined at a small restaurant on the edge of a lake. It was very beautiful and the quality of the food was good. We did the optional tour to see the Vasa, which was very interesting. The Baltic Cruise overnight was good, cabins were small but of a reasonable standard. Helsinki was nice. Enjoyed the city tour and the markets near the harbour.
The drive to St Petersburg was scenic and an interesting insight into their road rules. We were fortunate or not to have the front row seats on the coach that day. It is a long day in the coach however Alex our tour guide made sure we had a couple of stops and plenty of treats! The Russian border checks took some time and they were not welcoming. We had some rain in St Petersburg however it didn’t stop us from seeing all the sights and we really enjoyed St Petersburg... perhaps they should allow another day in this beautiful city... so much to see. We did the Neva river cruise, Peter and Paul Fortress and the Russian Folklore optionals which we really enjoyed.
Onto Moscow which was a beautiful surprise. The optionals tours were great however expensive but we probably will not go back to Russia so we were happy to see as much as we could. Russia was not what we expected and was the most enjoyable part of our trip. We then travelled to Minsk in Belarus which we viewed as a stopover on the way to Vilnius. The distance to travel to Vilnius is about 400km however it does take most of the day due to the very long queue to cross the border. This border crossing was the longest and most unfriendly of them all.
We enjoyed our time in Lithuania and did both optionals, the dinner which was nice and the KGB tour which was very interesting and sad. Onto Warsaw which was very heavily bombed in the war so lot of the buildings are not the original however they have done a good job at restoring the Old Town. Did the optional tour to Wilanow Palace however we did not do the Chopin concert but fellow travellers said it was really good. Expect some days to be long days travelling in the coach. We would recommend this tour to people who have seen Europe and want to get a taste of the north. This was our 9th tour with Insight Vacations and whilst some of the hotels were average and rooms small they were centrally located.
The other disappointing aspect of the tour was the balance between included sightseeing and optional tours. There were a lot of the latter. On the positive side, the countries were amazing, especially Russia. The tour was probably a little too long. It would have been enough to have just the Scandinavian countries and Russia. The Baltic countries (especially Belarus and Lithuania) did not add a great deal extra. Booking with Global Journeys was fabulous. The service was of a high standard, personal and efficient. Questions were answered promptly and all relevant information provided. A highly recommended travel company.
The ones we liked the best were Russian ballet, Russian folklore show, Chopin concert & Wilanow Palace. We both agreed that Russian Mosiac could have been missed. But it depends on what you want to see. Our tour director Piotr worked hard to make sure we enjoyed our holiday. Our coach driver Romulus worked hard to make sure we got to our destinations. Remember it is a tour, so it means early starts, at times rushing about and long coach rides. But still, we enjoyed our time. Special thanks to Hannah at Global Journeys for helping with our holiday. Couldn't have done it without your help. Thanks again!
The Tour Director was average and we only had 26 passengers, he relied a lot on the local guides which were good. The optional extras are always hard to judge if they are worth it. We did those that we thought were reasonable as most of them were expensive. Those that did the Russian Ballet were disappointed and the Lithuanian Dinner didn't have Traditional Dancers and would of been better going to a restaurant ourselves. Overall I would recommend this tour but be prepared for some long bus days. As usual the booking process with Global Journeys and Yvonne was very easy and always recommend them.
We took most of the Optional experiences, which did mean we were "on the go" most of the time, however we were prepared to put the effort in to see as much as we could whilst away. Most days we walked between 15,000 to 18,000 steps. Piotr (Tour Director) and Werner (Driver) were professional and made everything on tour go smoothly. The accommodation was excellent, we had a triple share room and on some occasions we were given a suite and twice we received interconnecting rooms, which was a real bonus. We would recommend this Insight Tour for anyone wishing to visit Russia, Scandinavia, Lithuania and some eastern European cities.
Brochure
Insight Vacations Worldwide (2024-25)
Brochure
Insight Vacations Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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