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From the Vodka bars of Russia to the surreal landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords, venture into some seriously impressive & historical places while on tour. Sit lakeside in Lillehammer, see the famous Circus in colourful Moscow, polar plunge in the Arctic Circle, tour the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, visit Brest Fortress in Belarus & tour the Jewish Ghetto in Warsaw (& that’s just the start!). There’s so much happening here & with 8 fascinating countries to visit in 26 days, get ready for sights & experiences like no other!
| Length: | 28 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hostel, Hotel, Overnight Cruise as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | Germany (start Berlin option), Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Belarus, Poland |
| Transportation: | Modern, air-conditioned coach & ferry |
Depart for EuropeJet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!
Arrive BerlinCheck-in to the hostel, meet your Contiki Team & head straight out into Berlin to get a feel for the city’s style.
Berlin to Copenhagen (or meet us in Copenhagen)This morning we make our way from Berlin to Denmark's harbor-side capital, Copenhagen. Get to know the group over dinner and head out into Copenhagen’s diverse nightlife – with live jazz, pumping clubs and chilled-out bars, there’s heaps of choice. You can also choose to start this tour in Copenhagen instead of Berlin, making the tour 1 day shorter. Just contact our Reservations team or your local travel agent about starting in Copenhagen instead of Berlin.
CopenhagenFull of history, Copenhagen is a compact city with a really festive feel. Jump start your travels with a look into Denmark’s culture on our city tour, as your Tour Manager tells you the story behind the Little Mermaid statue, the Resistance Museum and the Royal Palace. Later, use your free time to explore the waterways and streets of Copenhagen, where the major sites are all within walking distance. Put your feet up, treat yourself and order some Danish pastries, cake and coffee. If you’re feeling up for something different, opt for a tour of the Carlsberg Brewery for a look in at how they make this famous brew. Later, maybe find a spot waterside & indulge in some typical Danish food or kick back with a beer & do a bit of people watching.
Copenhagen to GothenburgTake some time this morning to do a bit more sightseeing on your last morning here. This afternoon it’s a change of scene as we cross into Sweden and journey to fun-loving Gothenburg. With Europe’s busiest port and a lively student population, Gothenburg is down to earth and serves up cafés, culture and the good times.
Gothenburg to GjovikWe pull into small-town Gjovik, which is set on Norway’s largest lake, for an overnight stop. Walk around the picturesque town and get a feel for traditional Norwegian village life.
Gjovik to Geiranger FjordCruise past old farms and unspoilt wilderness to the alpine ski resort of Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Olympics and the impressive 136 metre ski jump! If you’re up for a bit of Olympic action yourself, have a go at bobsledding in an adrenalin-pumping optional activity. Then it’s on to Lom, with it’s rich & extensive history, where you’ll take a look at its famous 12th century wooden stave church, one of the oldest remaining in Europe. Constructed in the medieval times, this amazing structure is over 850 years old. This afternoon it’s your chance to get a taste of some awe-inspiring views as we jump on board a cruise and get out on the water of the Geiranger Fjord. The picture perfect scenes keep coming, complete with dramatic waterfalls pouring down the sides of massive sheer rock walls.
Geiranger Fjord to VossTravel 25km (15.3 miles) through the impressive man-made marvel, the Laerdal Tunnel, which is the longest road tunnel in the world . You’ll also get back to nature on our journey through Norway’s rugged wilderness and take in the spectacular Boyabreen glacier, as well as the 200km long Sognefjord. You’ll be blown away by the sheer beauty of the mountains, fjords & glaciers as we head towards the adventure hub of Norway, Voss.
VossChill out today or get into the action sports this region is famous for. You could take a hike through the mountains or try some adrenalin sports like whitewater rafting. You could even take a short train ride to picturesque Bergen - Norway’s second largest city.
Voss to OsloSee beautiful rugged landscapes as we journey through the Hardangervidda plateau to Norway’s capital, Oslo. As Scandinavia’s oldest capital, this easy-going city oozes culture and has some amazing museums to visit. With free time, get inspired at Aker Brygge, Oslo’s cultural hub and central gathering spot for locals. Once an old ship yard, it’s now a popular shopping area with a sea-front promenade, galleries, cinemas and food stalls. Otherwise, find out about a fellow adventurer, Thor Heyerdahl at the Kon-Tiki Museum (no, it’s not ours! Kon-Tiki was the raft Heyerdahl used to cross the South Pacific) or explore the medieval dungeons, banquet halls and crypts of Akershus Castle.
Oslo to HonningsvågYour Tour Manager will introduce you to one of Oslo’s most famous spaces, the Vigeland Sculpture Park in Frogner Park. Packed with over 200 sculptures and bronzes, this outdoor gallery serves up heaps of local art and gorgeous greenery. Later, it’s time to catch a flight to the Arctic Circle, home to 24-hour daylight & the famous Northern Lights – a gorgeous display of lights only visible in the polar regions & a truly spectacular sight to behold. Tonight we stay in Honningsvåg with your chance to visit Europe’s most northern point.
HonningsvågMeaning North Cape, with a free day in Nordkapp there’s your chance to explore this area in depth. Explore the city, or if you’re feeling like going local & doing something totally out of the ordinary you could go fishing for king crabs, the largest crabs in the world. There are lots of other outdoor activities on offer, like a hike to the northernmost point in Europe if you’re feeling up for it. Later, you could wind down & enjoy a drink in the famous local Arctic ice bar.
Honningsvåg to OsloThis morning we travel through Lapland, home to reindeer & the Sami people, before boarding our flight back to Oslo. Tonight you could head out & meet some locals along the stunning new district around the Oslo Opera House.
Oslo to StockholmInto Sweden today, we stop at the massive Lake Vanern and cruise through woodlands, lakes and gorgeous natural surrounds. With down-time on the coach, chat to your new friends and keep your camera handy for photo ops of bears, moose and wolves. Get ready for the dramatic scenery of Sweden’s cosmopolitan capital, Stockholm. Surrounded by forests, deep blue waters and 24,000 islands, this cutting-edge city is one of Europe’s hot, creative capitals. Enjoy a night out with the group and order some chilled vodka at the world-famous Ice Bar. This place is made entirely out of ice and kept at a cool -5 degrees all year round. Keep it moving and head to the modern and lively district of Norrmalm, for a more upbeat vibe.
StockholmThis morning, there’s an option to visit to Stockholm’s stunning town hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize banquet is held. Learn about its unique architecture with our Local Guide. With its 8 million red bricks and 19 million gold mosaic tiles, this place will make your jaw drop. Then, your Tour Manager gets you right to pretty Gamla Stan’s (the old town) core spots, as the group explores the quarter’s quaint medieval streets. You’ll see the Royal Palace and perhaps the changing of the guard – a tradition dating back to the 16th century. The old town is a great place to pull up a seat and try out classic Swedish food like salmon, herring or game as you take in the atmosphere. Free time means a chance to explore the many trendy boutiques, galleries, and cool vintage stores of the hip island of Södermalm or window-shop the big label and design stores of grand Drottningatan. Tonight, why not ask your Tour Manager for some tips about some other cool places to head for a fun night out in the city.
Stockholm & sail to HelsinkiFree time this morning in the city to grab your last dose of Swedish cool then live the high life this afternoon as we board our luxurious cruise to Helsinki. Kick back with a drink on the deck and watch the sun set over the Baltic Sea, check out the shops of the promenade deck or maybe try your luck at the casino tonight.
HelsinkiA blend of Finnish and Russian influences, Helsinki is a 21st century city with a lot of quirky aspects. Your Tour Manager will take you to check out Temppeliaukio, a church cut out of solid rock, and to see the famous Sibelius Monument, a gravity-defying sculpture made out of 600 steel pipes. Round off your Helsinki introduction with a drive past the Olympic Stadium and the historical heart of Senate Square. Helsinki is all about location, so with free time on your hands, head harbour side to soak up the great views and mingle with the locals at South Harbour Market. Rummage through stalls selling flowers and local foods, handicrafts, fresh fish and tasty baked goods. You could visit Suomenlinna, the fantastic and impressive sea fortress where Swedes and Russians once fought.
Helsinki to St. PetersburgLeaving Helsinki today, the coach travels through pine forests and Finland’s vast wilderness, before crossing over the border into Russia, the world’s biggest country. Get ready for arrival at the imperial city of St. Petersburg, sitting right at the crossroads of Europe and Russia. Built by Italians, dreamt up by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg has been the home town to many original thinkers. With its fantastic cultural heritage, Venice-like canals, wide avenues and phenomenal buildings, this grand city will give you goose bumps.
St. PetersburgGet a feel for the city’s UNESCO World Heritage centre and a look into Peter the Great’s imagination as our Local Guide uncovers many of St. Petersburg’s best-known sites. You’ll see the stunning Church of the Spilt Blood and the Admiralty, where Alexander II was killed. Make a visit to Petrodvorets, Peter the Great’s summer palace. This place is breathtaking! Explore the spectacularly manicured grounds, cottages, fountains and palace. Choose to visit St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress in our fascinating optional, where the remains of many Tsars are held. The group takes a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit one of the world’s top art collections at the Hermitage gallery. The Hermitage itself is a gorgeous palace and was once home to Tsar Royalty. It makes a scene-stealing backdrop for the priceless works inside, which are the remains of Catherine the Great’s personal collection. There’s free time to walk along St. Petersburg’s main street, Nevsky Prospekt. There’s a bit of everything along this street: palaces, lavish shops, museums, churches and buildings from many different eras. Take off down Nevsky Prospekt for a slice of glitzy new Russia and see how the country is shaking off its past with style. Take advantage of an optional cruise on the Neva River and get another angle on the city from the water. There’s also a chance to get up close to St. Petersburg’s traditional art and romance in an evening excursion to the Russian ballet, where world-class dancers perform classics such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Otherwise liven things up with your new friends and head to a bar or club to try out Russia’s national drink, vodka.
St. Petersburg to NovgorodThere’s a definite change of pace as we enter the peaceful, shady streets of Novgorod, an ancient fortress city. Filled with old churches and a Kremlin of its own, this lovely town once suffered terribly at both the hands of Ivan the Terrible and, more recently, the Nazis. Head into central Novgorod with the group and get an insider’s look into the old town, where Russian history is captured in a nutshell - or actually in a bell! The landmark Millennium Bell is a 300 tonne sculpture covered in 127 figures – all of them key players in Russia’s history which our Novgorod Local Guide brings to life with stories.
Novgorod to MoscowEn route to Moscow we make a stop in Klin, the former home of famous Russian composer Tchaikovsky, and see where the creator of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker worked. Later today, we arrive in Moscow, Russia’s economic powerhouse, political point of power and cultural core. As the country’s historical heart, this massive metropolis mixes up extravagance from the time of Tsar Royalty, relics from the Cold War and a new, progressive Russia.
MoscowWith two full days, there’s plenty of time to uncover Moscow. Chalk up a truly local experience with a ride on one of the planet’s busiest subway systems. The Metro is packed with art that was installed under Stalin, meaning that Moscow’s Metro stations double as fascinating historical art galleries. You can learn more about them in an optional tour and get an insider’s look at the art with our expert Local Guide. Discover the city’s centre with our Local Guide, who’ll give you the background on the famous Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral with its iconic onion-shaped domes, and on Lenin’s Mausoleum, where the former leader of the Russian Revolution still lies, preserved in wax. Learn how Russia only came out from behind the Iron Curtain in 1991, and is still opening up. Walk through Russia’s political heart with a visit to the Kremlin, whose construction marked the birth of Moscow. Your Local Guide will reveal the inner workings of the Kremlin as the group explores the grounds of this stunning fortified complex, made up of cathedrals, palaces and treasures. The former home of grand princes as well as to Stalin and Gorbachev, the Kremlin is now the current Russian president’s place of residence. Learn more about it and see treasures up close by joining our fascinating optional through the Kremlin Armoury with our expert Local Guide. In your free time, get a feel for the old Communist regime by heading to the Garden Ring, where grey blocks, former ministry buildings and somber skyscrapers built by Stalin line the roads. For a taste of the Cold War and propaganda, head to the Missile and Military Museum in an optional excursion with the group. Otherwise, make the most of a beautiful shopping experience at GUM, once the favourite shopping mall for Soviet leaders and now a favourite spot for Russia’s elite. There are 150 shops to explore in this elegant turn-of-the-century building, selling anything from designer labels to local products and great souvenirs. If you’re after a market experience, head to the Izmailovo Market, where a massive choice of matryoshkas (Russian dolls), rugs, Soviet posters and local crafts are up for grabs. It’s a great spot to practice your bargaining skills! Food-wise, Moscow mixes it up. You could try out blinis (pancakes) or borshch (beetroot soup) at a street stand, caviar in a gourmet store, or grilled meats in one of the city’s many cafes. While you’re here, get a taste of local culture at the historic and world-famous Moscow Circus. Be amazed by highly-skilled artists, performers and clowns on this fun night out.
Moscow to MinskWe pass by Borodino, where the bloodiest single day of battle took place during the Napoleon led invasion of Russia. Later, pull into the capital of Belarus, Minsk. Torn to the ground in World War II and then rebuilt by Stalin, Minsk became the model Communist city of the Soviet era with its wide avenues, monumental buildings and vast squares. You’ll get a good look into its grand style on our city tour. Check out the Leninsky Prospekt and Victory Square as you get the background on Minsk from our Local Guide.
Minsk to WarsawStart the day with a visit to the 19th century Brest Fortress, a stronghold of Russian resistance during the German invasion of Russia in World War II. Back on the coach, journey on to budding Warsaw. See how Poland’s capital started up again from scratch after World War II and see how it’s now looking to the future. Get a feel for the city’s buzzing café scene, relax with a drink, order some perogies (Polish dumplings) and soak up the vibes of this energetic city.
WarsawGo back in time as our Local Guide gives you a crash-course in Warsaw’s troubled history. You’ll see Warsaw’s Ghetto, Chopin’s park, as well as the old town. Hear how this town has been all about survival, being literally reduced to rubble, and how Warsaw then picked up the pieces, using these ruins to rebuild the city. Check out St. John’s Cathedral and the Royal Palace, which was blown-up during World War II. Free time means a chance to discover Warsaw’s modern, festive side. Relax in Lazienki Park, a favourite haunt with the locals, or dip into the city’s many museums, galleries and theatres. Get some hints on what to explore from your Tour Manager. Tonight, make your last night on tour one to remember and join the group for a final night dinner. Then hit Warsaw’s thriving nightlife. The choice of clubs, live music and bars here is mind-blowing, so be ready for a fun night out!
Depart Warsaw / BerlinThe tour ends after breakfast in Warsaw and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. Otherwise catch a free transfer back to Berlin where your tour ends upon arrival.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!