18 days tour

Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year - 18 Days

Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year - 18 Days

This tour includes:

Guide

Services of your Expat tour leader who will be on hand with advice and tips and ensure that you get the most from your trip.

Meals

17 breakfasts, 6 dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request *Option to exclude pork and/or beef *Jain and Kosher are not available for this tour.

Others

30 Experiences! Visit a local Dutch cheese farm and clog factory Enjoy a cruise along Amsterdamโ€™s iconic canals Welcome dinner in Amsterdam Feel the festive atmosphere at Hamburgโ€™s Christmas market Visit Odense; birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen Tour Copenhagen; the capital of Denmark Cruise from Helsingรธr to Helsingborg by ferry Enjoy a scenic drive through the Swedish countryside Visit Gothenburg; Swedenโ€™s second city See the highlights of Oslo with a local guide Visit Sigtuna; Swedenโ€™s oldest town Stockholm Sweden dinner Explore Stockholm with a local guide Catch an overnight ferry to Finland Discover the highlights of Helsinki with a local guide Enjoy a festive Christmas group dinner in Helsinki Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing Enjoy a walking tour of Tallinn with a local guide Sightsee in Pรคrnu; a resort city in Estonia Visit Saulkrasti; a Latvian seaside town Learn about Latvian history at the Latvian War Cemetery See Riga on an orientation tour See the Hill of Crosses; Lithuania Explore Vilnius on an orientation tour Visit Uลพupio Respublika; a self-proclaimed republic in Vilnius Stop at Trakai, Europe's only historic national park See Warsawโ€™s highlights on a driving tour Explore Warsawโ€™s Old Town with a local guide Explore Old Market Square in Poznan over lunch Driving tour of Berlin, capital of Germany Celebrate New Yearโ€™s Eve in Berlin All taxes and fees included Free Expat Explore tour souvenir โ€“ a memorable gift of your once in a lifetime trip

Transport

Modern air conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) Please note the coach buses are not wheelchair accessible.

Accommodation

16 nights' accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities 1 night's accommodation in a twin-share cabin with private en-suite facilities We use a variety of hotels in each of the destinations on this tour, hotels are selected closer to departure. Once booked, a confirmed list of hotels will be sent to you along with your Tour Leader announcement, 3-5 days prior to departure.

Not included:

Flights

You will be responsible for booking your own international and/or domestic flights. We additionally recommend you do not book your airfare until your place on the tour is confirmed. Please make sure to check the times that your tour will start and end before booking your flights.

Others

Arrival and departure airport transfers are not included in the tour cost. Please contact us for a link to Welcome Pickups Pre and post-tour accommodation is not included in the tour cost. Please contact us for a link to booking.com. Single supplement (Optional). Please contact our Travel Experts for a quote. Tipping.

Optional

Optional excursions are not included in the tour cost. All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result. Some optional excursions need to be pre-booked, please contact us to find out more

Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide Expat Explore with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. The requirements include the following coverage: Trip Interruption Trip Delay Medical Expenses Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation The insurance must also cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. Before you book your tour, you're welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radar's insurance partner, Cover Genius.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year - 18 Days

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam

      Arrive in Amsterdam and get ready for 18 days of festive adventure! Meet up with the tour leader at the hotel this morning. The Christmas tour adventures begin with a trip to the gorgeous Dutch countryside. Visit a local farm and learn how Dutch cheese and iconic Dutch clogs are crafted. Afterwards, choose to continue exploring the Dutch countryside on the Volendam & Zaanse Schans optional excursion or return to the city. This evening, set out on a canal cruise of the city! Drift along Amsterdamโ€™s picturesque canals and drink in the sights from the water as you hear interesting stories and facts from the onboard commentary. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner before free time to explore Amsterdamโ€™s festive atmosphere after dark!

  • Day 2 Day 2: Amsterdam - Hamburg - Northern Germany
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Amsterdam - Hamburg - Northern Germany

      Wave Amsterdam farewell and travel to Hamburg. Settle in for a scenic drive through the countryside of the Netherlands and North-Western Germany. Arrive in Hamburg and get ready to do some exploring! At this time of year, the city is filled with glorious Christmas markets. Take some time this afternoon to explore the inviting stalls along the Town Hall Square. Grab a mug of glรผhwein, spiced hot wine, to warm your heart and body as you explore all the sights. This is where German Christmas spirit comes alive! After a few hours in Hamburg, head north to our hotel for the night.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Northern Germany - Odense - Copenhagen
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Northern Germany - Odense - Copenhagen

      Cross the border into Scandinavia and travel towards Copenhagen this morning. Drive through forested Denmark and cross over ร˜resund Bridge - Europe's longest bridge! On the way, enjoy a lunch stop in Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, author of beloved fairy tales such as The Ugly Duckling and The Little Mermaid. Todayโ€™s final destination is Denmarkโ€™s capital city, Copenhagen. Arrive and embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See highlights like the Little Mermaid statue and Rosenborg Castle and discover what makes Copenhagen one of the worldโ€™s most liveable cities! Later, drive to the hotel, check-in and relax.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Copenhagen - Helsingรธr - Gothenburg - Oslo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Copenhagen - Helsingรธr - Gothenburg - Oslo

      Farvel Copenhagen! Get ready to visit three countries today: Denmark, Sweden and Norway! Set off at dawn towards the port town of Helsingรธr. Enjoy views of Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet, from the water aboard a ferry to Sweden. Back on dry land, travel from the port of Helsingborg through beautiful rural Swedish scenery filled with lakes and forests towards Gothenburg. Arrive in Gothenburg, Swedenโ€™s second city and enjoy an orientation tour with your tour leader before finding a lunch spot. Then, cross the border into our third and final country of the day, Norway! Arrive in Oslo, the capital city. Discover the stunning scenery, cultural attractions and unique architecture with a free evening in the city.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Oslo: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Oslo: Free Day

      Grab some breakfast before joining a locally guided tour of Oslo! Norwayโ€™s capital city seamlessly blends modern city life with easy access to extraordinary nature. See some of Osloโ€™s top attractions such as Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace and the Oslo Opera House. Once the city tour is over, the rest of the day is free to spend however you wish! Get to know more about this captivating Scandinavian city on the Oslo optional excursion and see some of Olsoโ€™s top attractions including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Fram Museum and more! Alternatively, wander around and admire the architecture and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Be sure to taste some local cuisine for lunch or dinner, Norwegian salmon anyone?

  • Day 6 Day 6: Oslo - ร–rebro - Stockholm
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Oslo - ร–rebro - Stockholm

      Say adjรธ to Norway as the tour returns to Sweden today! Travel through incredible natural beauty and diverse landscapes on the way. Drive through the city of Karlstad located on the shores of Lake Vรคnern, Swedenโ€™s largest lake, before stopping in ร–rebro for some free time. Wander through the beautiful historic city centre, catch a glimpse of the stunning castle and grab lunch before hopping back on the coach. Next, the tour continues onwards to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden! Arrive and enjoy a walking and driving tour with a local guide. Tonight, enjoy an included group dinner in this incredible modern yet historic city.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Stockholm: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Stockholm: Free Day

      Enjoy a full free day to explore Stockholm! Choose to learn about Swedenโ€™s nautical history and enjoy a winter cruise on todayโ€™s optional excursion. A visit to the fascinating Vasa Museum and a sightseeing cruise around Stockholmโ€™s inner archipelago are included in the optional. Alternatively, soak up the history in Gamla Stan or wrap up warm and stroll through one of the cityโ€™s many outdoor spaces. Be sure to try the local cuisine today. Youโ€™ll find many delicious options at one of the cityโ€™s Christmas markets! Get into the Christmas spirit, do some last-minute Christmas shopping or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. Warm up with a glass of glรถgg, Swedish mulled wine, and gingerbread!

  • Day 8 Day 8: Stockholm - Sigtuna - Helsinki (Overnight Ferry)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Stockholm - Sigtuna - Helsinki (Overnight Ferry)

      This morning, itโ€™s time to visit another fantastic Swedish destination! Travel through the countryside to Sigtuna, Swedenโ€™s oldest town. Arrive and enjoy an orientation tour to see Sigtunaโ€™s highlights including Stora Gatan, Sigtunaโ€™s main street. Afterwards, make the most of free time to spend as you wish. In the afternoon, get ready to travel towards a brand new country, Finland! Take an overnight ferry, enjoy a buffet dinner on board and spend Christmas Eve admiring the views from the water. Arrive and wake up in Helsinki, Finlandโ€™s capital city tomorrow, on Christmas Morning!

  • Day 9 Day 9: Helsinki (Christmas Day)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Helsinki (Christmas Day)

      Merry Christmas or hyvรครค joulua! Wake up in Helsinki, Finlandโ€™s gorgeous capital city and get ready for a festive Christmas Day on tour! After arriving in the late morning, set off on a city tour with a local guide. Discover the many architectural and design delights of Helsinki and see top attractions such as the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Finns are a festive bunch and there will be an abundance of Christmas spirit in the air! Wander around and admire the creative Christmas decorations or visit a local Christmas market. This evening, look forward to a memorable, included festive dinner with the group!

  • Day 10 Day 10: Helsinki - Tallinn
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Helsinki - Tallinn

      After making many festive memories, it's time to bid farewell to Finland and head to the Baltic States! Take an included transfer to the port, and board a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia. Cross the Gulf of Finland and arrive in Tallinn, Estoniaโ€™s magical capital. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Then, explore the cityโ€™s highlights with a local guide! Tallinn is one of Europe's most enchanting cities, with a strong medieval influence contrasting with its more modern buildings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallinnโ€™s Old Town offers intriguing history while also managing to be a shopper's paradise. See top attractions such as Town Hall Square, St Olavโ€™s Church and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Tallinn - Riga
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Tallinn - Riga

      It's time to leave Estonia behind and travel to a new country - Latvia! Travel towards Riga, Latviaโ€™s capital city. On the way, stop over in Pรคrnu in Estonia. Then, learn about a piece of tragic Latvian history at the Latvian War Cemetery, dedicated to the soldiers who fought in WWI. Later, get ready to encounter all that the vibrant Baltic city of Riga has to offer! Drink in the buzzing atmosphere and energy of its citizens and admire its incredible Art Nouveau architecture. Embark on an orientation tour of Riga with your tour leader to seek out the city's most famous sights and landmarks such as its massive central market.

  • Day 12 Day 12: Hill Of Crosses - Vilnius
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Hill Of Crosses - Vilnius

      This morning, hit the road and travel to Lithuania. The first stop of today is the Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania. This famous pilgrimage site features 100,000 crosses, the first of which were placed here in 1831 after a local rebellion. Continue on towards Vilnius, Lithuaniaโ€™s capital city. Arrive and enjoy a brief orientation tour of Vilnius with your tour leader followed by free time to explore the city as you wish. The Lithuanian capital offers plenty to see and do - castles, cathedrals, churches, artist ghettos, and more!

  • Day 13 Day 13: Trakai - Warsaw
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Trakai - Warsaw

      Depart Vilnius and travel towards Warsaw in Poland today. Along the way, make a stopover at Trakai Historical National Park. Have your cameras ready to snap unforgettable photos of Trakai Castle, a 14th-century fortress in the middle of Lake Galvฤ—. Afterwards, hop back aboard the coach and travel onward to Warsaw. Listen in and look around at the amazing sites as your tour leader guides a driving tour en route to Warsaw. Arrive in Warsaw, Polandโ€™s cultural hub which is an enticing and eclectic mix of old and new. Check into the hotel before grabbing dinner with the group at the hotel. Tomorrow the group will explore the old town - itโ€™s set to be another bumper day of inspiring exploration!

  • Day 14 Day 14: Warsaw: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Warsaw: Free Day

      Explore Warsawโ€™s charming Old Town this morning with a local guide. The Old Town is the beating heart of Warsaw. See the market square which dates back to the 13th century, admire the Royal Castle, the Presidential Palace and more. After the walking tour, make the most of your free day in Warsaw. Make your way to one of the city's epic museums - there are almost too many to choose from! Visit museums that exhibit the history of this incredible city. Wander around the Chopin Museum or the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Marvel at the extensive collections of the National Museum. Visit the Royal Palace, and perhaps thereโ€™ll be a market or free music concert in ลazienki Park.

  • Day 15 Day 15: Poznaล„ - Berlin (New Yearโ€™S Eve)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Poznaล„ - Berlin (New Yearโ€™S Eve)

      Spend the last day of the year heading west to Berlin with a stopover in Ponzaล„, Poland. Take some free time to grab lunch in the historic old town of the coronation city of the early Polish kings. Continue on to Germany and bustling Berlin! Take an after-dark driving tour through the city upon arrival and see famous sights like the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. Settle in at the hotel and get ready for dinner at a Bavarian-style beer hall in the city centre. Tonight itโ€™s time to ring in the new year, German style!

  • Day 16 Day 16: Berlin: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Berlin: Free Day

      Wake up to a brand-new year in the heart of Berlin. Today is yours to explore as your wish. Lace up your walking shoes and go exploring on your own, or join the optional Berlin guided tour of the city. Your guide will lead you on a journey into the past to discover Berlin's most sought-after visitor destinations. Check out the Eastside open-air gallery along the Berlin Wall and make your way to the exceptional museum in the old Jewish quarter. There is so much to explore, and this guided trip of Berlin will make the most of your time in the city.

  • Day 17 Day 17: Berlin - Amsterdam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Berlin - Amsterdam

      Say Auf Wiedersehen to Berlin as the tour leaves Germany for the long trip back to the Netherlands. Enjoy the scenery as the coach travels through various landscapes. Later, arrive back in Amsterdam. After checking in to the hotel for the final time, choose to celebrate the last night of this magical and festive tour with an optional group dinner with all your travel friends around you.

  • Day 18 Day 18: End Of Tour In Amsterdam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: End Of Tour In Amsterdam

      After an incredible 18 festive-filled days, your Northern Explorer Christmas & New Year tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Swap contact details with your new tour mates so you can share photos and memories after returning home! We hope to see you back aboard an Expat Explore coach soon!

+15
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 10 / Max: 90

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required

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