13-Nights The Baltic States & Scandinavia from $2,699

Cosmos

OFFER ID 1475375

On this Baltic States and Scandinavia tour package, you'll journey from Denmark to Sweden traveling through Germany, Poland, Finland, and the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Along the way, you'll experience UNESCO World Heritage Sites, old cities, beautiful scenery, and fascinating historic sights-with overnights in Poznan and the capital cities of Copenhagen, Berlin, Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, and Stockholm. In Copenhagen, see the famous Little Mermaid statue. Walk through Vilnius’ Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to the 11th century and with historic Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical style buildings. In Riga, walk through the Old City, founded in 1201 and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a variety of architectural styles. Tallinn's Old Town also joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites thanks to its watchtowers, cobbled lanes, and medieval houses. Helsinki's sightseeing highlights include the Lutheran Cathedral, completed in 1852. Your affordable tour includes ferry crossings from Denmark to Germany, and from Tallinn to Helsinki, as well as an overnight cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm with music, dancing, and shopping on board. Visit Latvia’s 16th-century baroque Palace of Rundale, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Stroll on the sandy beach in Parnu, Estonia’s lively historic seaside town. Throughout your budget-minded Baltic States and Scandinavia tour, you’ll be spoiled by so many scenic landscapes. Enjoy an adventure of a lifetime; it’s a perfect vacation for value-minded travel lovers who want to experience it all.

13 nights from $2,699 per person

Itinerary

The Baltic States & Scandinavia

Day 1 ARRIVE IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Danish capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)

Day 2 COPENHAGEN–FERRY CROSSING–BERLIN, GERMANY A morning of sightseeing with a Local Guide to enjoy the famed charms from the past and present, including the Little Mermaid statue and the Rococo Amalienborg complex of royal palaces. In the afternoon, head to Gedser for the 2-hour ferry crossing to Rostock. Then, onward by road to Berlin.
Today’s Distance by coach: 286 mi/ 460 km (B)

Day 3 BERLIN–POZNAN, POLAND Enjoy a morning at leisure in Berlin or join the optional sightseeing—a must for all who wish to learn about the German capital’s fascinating mix of history-laden past and confident present. This afternoon, cross the Oder River into Poland on the way to Poznan.
Today’s Distance: 180 mi/ 290 km (B,D)

Day 4 POZNAN–WARSAW Touring eastwards this morning through pleasant agricultural lowlands, reach the Polish capital, Warsaw. Discover the city on your own or find out more about its sights and history on the optional sightseeing tour. This is an excellent introduction to Warsaw’s historic hub, and you’ll see why Warsaw is considered a phoenix “par excellence,” as European cities go.
Today’s Distance: 190 mi/ 305 km (B)

Day 5 WARSAW–VILNIUS, LITHUANIA Journey northeast towards Augustów and Suwalki to reach the biggest of the three Baltic states, Lithuania. Overnight in quaint Vilnius—the pretty wedding-cake capital since the 13th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today’s Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km (B,D)

Day 6 VILNIUS On the included sightseeing walk, discover the historic streets of the old town. Later, enjoy some leisure time or take the optional excursion to visit medieval Trakai Castle on the shores of a picturesque lake. This evening, how about an optional Lithuanian folklore dinner? (B)

Day 7 VILNIUS–PILSRUNDALE, LATVIA–RIGA An interesting journey as you travel right across Lithuania into Latvia for a stop in Pilsrundale to visit the restored baroque Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The palace was built by the great architect Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Enjoy more lovely countryside before reaching the capital of Latvia, Riga.
Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km (B,L)

Day 8 RIGA On the included tour of the old city with a Local Guide, walk through the narrow streets to the town center. Founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert, head of the Order of Teutonic Knights, Riga still boasts a multicultural population. (B)

Day 9 RIGA–PÅRNU, ESTONIA–TALLINN Visit the lively historical seaside town of Parnu, then take a stroll on the sandy beach before continuing to Tallinn.
Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km (B,D)

Day 10 TALLINN Start the day with an included walking tour to appreciate Tallinn’s history and beauty. The Old Town, now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is certainly the most interesting part of the city. Worth noting are the Hanseatic merchant houses, the mile-long town wall, the medieval Town Hall, and the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. (B)

Day 11 TALLINN–HELSINKI, FINLAND Leave Tallin on a ferry to reach Helsinki, Finland’s capital city. On arrival, take advantage of the Included sightseeing of the Finnish capital, covering the Empire-style palace on Senate Square and the cathedral. (B)

Day 12 HELSINKI–OVERNIGHT BALTIC SEA CROSSING TO STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN Most of today is free for your own exploration. This evening, embark on the ferry to Stockholm. On board, you can enjoy music, dancing, and shopping.
Today’s Distance by coach: 31 mi/50 km (B)

Day 13 STOCKHOLM Dock in Stockholm, perhaps the most beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals. The effect of its crystalline waters flowing through the city’s intersecting canals gives a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks. Your city sightseeing takes in all the highlights including the city hall. (B,D)

Day 14 STOCKHOLM Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Featured Destinations

Warsaw

Riga

Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and one of the country's oldest cities. It stretches along both banks of the fast flowing Neris River, and is set among hills pine forests. Vilnius is very old city indeed. The honor for founding Vilnius is justly given to Gediminas (a Lithuanian Duke) in the year 1323. Having declared Vilnius his "royal town", Gediminas created the conditions for its subsequent growth as the political, economical and cultural center of Lithuania. The fortress on Castle Hill was used for defense purposes and was called the Upper Castle.
Following the craftsmen in other European towns at the end of the 15th century, Vilnius craftsmen began to join together by professions into guilds. Many Catholic churches and monasteries appeared in the town. Stone buildings sprang up inside the Lower Castle. The new Cathedral was among them. Crafts and trade continued to develop in the 16th century. Many beautiful new buildings in the late Gothic and Renaissance style appeared in the town. The most significant event in the cultural life of 16th century Lithuania was the founding of the Vilnius Academy in 1579, which was endowed with the rights and privileges of a university. In 1795 Vilnius became the center of a new gubernia consisting of the lands annexed to the Russian Empire. A number of new Classical style buildings were built, including the Cathedral, which had been reconstructed at the end of the 18th century, a new town hall, and the Governor-Generals' Palace. In 1860, a railway, the first in Lithuania, crossed Vilnius and connected with St. Petersburg and Warsaw.

During World War I Vilnius was occupied by the Kaiser's troops for three and a half years. On 16 February, 1918, Lithuanian Council in Vilnius proclaimed an independent Lithuanian Republic. In the autumn of 1920, Vilnius and the region to which it belonged were occupied by Poland. On October 10th, 1939, Lithuania and the Soviet Union signed a treaty on mutual aid, in accordance with which Vilnius and the Vilnius Region were returned to Lithuania. In 1940, Vilnius became the capital of Soviet Lithuania, which meant it was an administrative center of occupied Lithuania.

On March 11th, 1990, the Supreme Council restored Lithuania's independence.

Helsinki

Often referred to as "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat city is known for impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Grand Senate Square, dominated by exquisite Tuomio Church and onion domes of Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, is an example of neo-Classical, Empire-style impressive architecture. Visit the lively harborfront market and Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church), which was created in the 60's from man-made and natural materials. Finland’s musical heritage comes alive in great Finlandia Hall, designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland’s beloved composer, Jean Sibelius, is remembered by a beautiful monument on Helsinki’s outskirts. Helsinki has good museums displaying everything from art to architectural design. Open-air Museum - the small wooded island of Seurasaari - has a collection of vernacular buildings assembled from all over Finland which provide insight into how country folk lived until recently. Suomenlinna Fortress is the largest in the world and often called Gibraltar of the North.

Excursions

Helsinki City tour – 3 Hours

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa. As a result of the war of 1808-1809, Sweden was forced to cede Finland to Russia. In 1812 Tsar Alexander declared Helsinki the capital of autonomous Finland. In 1917 the city was to become the capital of the independent Republic of Finland. In safeguarding its historical heritage, Helsinki has again and again been forced to reassess the past. Cultural influences from both East and West have molded the life of the city, which has nevertheless preserved an outlook on life that is inherently Finnish. Over the years the city has spread, and its population multiplied, yet nature is still close at hand - the sea and islands are dominant features of the landscape.
Among the most striking features of the Helsinki architecture are the largish areas built in a uniform style. The city thus has whole blocks and even districts representing Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, National Romantic, functional or modern architecture. The oldest area in Helsinki that has been preserved intact is the Senate Square. Reminiscent of St. Petersburg in its neoclassical style.
In the 1970s Helsinki acquired some important new public buildings - e.g. the Finlandia Hall, the City Theatre, the new National Opera, the official residence of the Finnish President and the Temppeliaukio Church - which are now important landmarks on the Helsinki street scene.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts. Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays.

Basis: Private tour.

Duration: City center Hotel or address.

Start/End: 3 hours.

Vehicle: 01^st Class.

Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.

Entrances: Temppeliaukio Rock Church.

Meals: None.

Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.

Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki Suomenlinna Fortress tour – 3 Hours

Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours

Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours

Interior of the Temppeliaukio Church, which was designed by ...
This tour allows you to see the best of Helsinki and also learn more about the past and present of its Jewish citizens.

A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorable venue for concerts.

A visit to the local Synagogue is made during the tour. You will be able to see its rooms located in the local Jewish Community Center.

The center of the Helsinki is majestic with its classical style Senate Square. It offers a view to the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki University, National Library and the Government Palace. The statue to the Russian czar Alexander II is located in the middle of the square.

Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church and Helsinki Synagogue cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays. In the event of religious services. Tour order may be adjusted based on Rock Church and the opening hours of Helsinki Synagogue.

Basis	Private
Start / End	City center Hotel or address.
Duration	4 hours
Vehicle	01^st Class.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances	Temppeliaukio Rock Church & Synagogue.
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours

Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours

Helsinki offers you a unique and fascinating journey through the centuries and across cultures through its buildings and architecture. The city’s architecture is typified by Nordic minimalism and refinement, and with its modernism, functionalism it also encompasses the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe.

For many Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is synonymous with Finland with architecture and with design.
After qualifying as an architect from Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921, Aalto set up his first architectural practice in Jyväskylä. His early works followed the tenets of Nordic Classicism, the predominant style at that time.

During the tour, pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts.

The Senate Square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.

The Central Railway Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1909 and the station was opened in 1919. The station is mostly clad in Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues holding the spherical lamps, lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance.

The City Hall was designed by C.L. Engel as a hotel in 1833, the building has been the City Hall since the 1930s. The Helsinki coat-of-arms can be seen on the tympanum.

Basis	Private tour
Start / End	City center Hotel or address.
Duration	6 hours
Vehicle	01^st Class.
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrance	Temppeliaukio Rock church & the Alvaro Aalto Studio & House tour (shared tour).
Meals	None
Difficulty	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours

Helsinki Canoe and Hike in Nuuksio National Park and visit to Reindeer Park - 6 hours

Our tour starts driving towards Nuuksio area in the district of Espoo. Our first stop will be at Nuuksio reindeer park, where will get to experience a touch of northern magic in Finland's southernmost reindeer park in Nuuksio. We will feed and learn about these characteristic animals.
In this tour you will explore the area of Nuuksio Hawk Nest, in Nuuksio National Park.
Once we get to the national park, our guide will provide you the necessary equipment and introduce to you the basics of canoeing, an old Indian way of moving along the waterways of wild nature. This first part of the tour will take place on The Hawk Lake which is only a very small lake, so the paddling distance is not long. Canoes are stable and fit two people each.
After canoeing we will go on a guided hike following the marked trails of Nuuksio National Park. The length of the guided hike is about 5km, and the pace is easy. This tour is more about enjoying the Finnish nature than covering long distance.
After the activities you will get a sandwich and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while resting after having explored the forest like a true Finn!
On our way back,

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      6 hours (3 hours canoeing & hiking, 1 hour visit to the Reinder park and time for transfers).
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        01^st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking canoeing instructor and guide.
Entrances:     None.
Meals: Water bottle and snack (sandwich).
Difficulty:    Grade Moderate. Canoeing at leisure pace, walking required over uneven surfaces. No experience required, but you should be able to swim. No previous paddling or hiking experience required. The canoes are stable and easy to paddle.
Notes:         Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Kids from 6 years are welcome. Canoeing equipment will be provided. Please bring: Hat, Sun Cream, Sunglasses, Waterproof Clothes, Spare Clothes, Swimming Suit, Towel.

Tallinn

Copenhagen

Wonderful Copenhagen is a city of bridge-spanned canals, copper-roofed buildings and manicured parks. This famous Baltic seaport is one of Europe’s loveliest capitals and the seat of the oldest monarchy in the world. Copenhagen is a focus for commerce, culture, industry and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The locale of Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting tale of The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen is known as Denmark’s fairy-tale city. Its impressive theaters, museums and churches are of interest to many visitors; the best-loved attractions include the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, the Langelinie Harbor with its Little Mermaid statue and the busy shopping promenade known as Strøget.

Excursions

Copenhagen Private City Tour – 4 Hours

Roskilde tour – 5 Hours

North Zealand Tour – 7 Hours

Malmö and Lund – 7 Hours

Walking tour of Copenhagen – 3 Hours

Culinary experience walking tour – 4 Hours

Copenhagen Bicycle tour – 3 Hours

Copenhagen Walking tour in the pursuit of Hygge – 4 Hours

Copenhagen Jewish tour – 4 Hours

Christianshavn & Dragør tour – 4 Hours

Copenhagen Urban Dining - 4 hours

Copenhagen Kayak Tour in Copenhagen channels with lunch and Rickshaw transfers – 4 hours

Copenhagen Art Tour with visit of Karen Blixen Museum, Louisiana Museum and traditional Danish lunch – 6 hours

Copenhagen Family day tour at Camp Adventure – 6 hours

Copenhagen -Historical Spa and visit to the Cistern– 5 hours

Copenhagen Meet the Big Friendly Giants – 6 Hours

Stockholm

Stockholm is Sweden’s strikingly elegant and beautiful capital. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia’s most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts natural beauty - with one-third of the city’s total land area devoted to parks. As the country’s major city, Stockholm offers a wealth of monuments and sites, fine museums, and a rich culture. There are also hundreds of excellent restaurants, as well as a great selection of trendy boutiques and exciting nightclubs. Visitors should start their exploration of Stockholm with the Gamla Stan, the Old Town on Stadsholmen; an island in the center of the city, it has retained its medieval charm. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets, full of art studios, boutiques, antique shops, nightclubs and bars, is best explored on foot.

Excursions

Stockholm Drottingholm Castle tour - 4 Hours

Stockholm City tour – 4 Hours

Sweden’s magnificent capital Stockholm is a city renowned for its characteristic structure, built on 14 islands magnificently bathed by the waters of lake Mälaren. Your tour will introduce you to the most characteristic locations and the most architecturally significant buildings.
You will by visiting the green island of Djurgården with its numerous historic buildings, monuments, museums, galleries, an exciting theme park and a magnificent open-air museum.

While on the island, you will have the opportunity to visit the Vasa Museum. Here you will admire the Swedish warship ‘Vasa’, once considered one of the world’s largest and the pride of Sweden's mighty navy. It was built around the 17th century under the commission of the King of Sweden, Gustav II Adolf, whose aim was to increase the military might of his country. Although the Vasa was expected to be one of the most powerful ships of its time, it was, ironically, not sunk by enemy guns, but by a gust of wind. Even more humiliating for the Swedes was the fact that the Vasa sunk just shortly after it left the harbor of Stockholm on its maiden voyage in full view of the inhabitants of Stockholm who came to watch the spectacle.
Its discovery in 1956 and subsequent salvage in 1961 is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. Painstakingly restored to much of its original magnificence, ‘Vasa’ represents an authentic piece of living history.

Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan) is located on a small island in the very heart of the city. Within its bounds are a multitude of historical sites, including the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the House of Nobilities, as well as the world's longest established bank, the Bank of Sweden that was founded in 1656.

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      4 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances:     Vasa Museum.
Meals: None.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Stockholm Uppsala and Sigtuna tour - 6 Hours

Uppsala is located 72 kilometres north of Stockholm and as early as the 6th century it was a political and religious centre.
It was from here that the old pagan kings ruled. Legend has it that there was a splendid temple here that was decorated with gold.
The large historical Uppsala Cathedral was consecrated in 1435. Several famous scientists and kings have their chapels here. There is a fine museum in the north tower full of ecclesiastical textiles and gold and silver objects. In one of the cathedral's chapels lie the holy relics of Sweden's patron saint, St. Erik, in a gold Casket.
Uppsala University is the oldest University in Scandinavia. In the 17th and 18th centuries the university became a centre of research, mainly in the field of natural history. Many are the geniuses that have spread Uppsala's reputation worldwide and to date six Uppsala scientists have received the Nobel prize. The Gustavianum museum is housed in Uppsala University's oldest preserved building. Exhibited at the museum are the Augsburg Art Cabinet, discoveries from the Viking period, the history of the University of Uppsala, mummies and much more.
Sigtuna is a town north of Stockholm that sits beside Lake Mälaren, in the lush landscape of Uppland. The area prospered during the Viking Age, leaving a heritage of rune stones, graves and monuments, which to this day still stand in and around the town. Sigtuna is said to be home to the most rune stones in the world. They were erected during the Viking era to commemorate deceased men.
Sigtuna is Swedens first town and was founded in AD 980, as Christianity arrived, uniting Sweden as a single kingdom. With a royal mint and a bishop, Sigtuna was effectively the capital of Sweden until power shifted towards Stockholm and Uppsala in the 13th century. Three historic church ruins, St. Olof, St. Lars and St. Per, from the 12th and 13th century can be found in the medieval centre of Sigtuna. Here, you will also find the brick Church of Maria, which was built in 1247 as a Dominican monastery.
After three fires in the 17th century, Sigtuna was a ghost town for 250 years but was later revived in the 1910s as a nationalist project. The 18th century Town Hall can be found on Sweden's oldest street, Stora Gatan (over a thousand years old). It is allegedly the smallest town hall in Scandinavia and is nowadays used as a museum. At Stora Gatan, you will also find clusters of interesting little shops selling fashion, design and local handicrafts.

Basis: Private tour.

Duration: 6 hours.

Start / End: City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).

Vehicle: 01^st Class.

Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.

Entrances: Uppsala Cathedral & Gustavianum Museum.

Meals: None.

Difficulty: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.

Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Stockholm Old Town walking tour – 3 Hours

Enjoy the old town of Stockholm with an enjoyable walk through it’s old narrow cobblestoned streets, the beating heart of the historic city that dates back to the 13th century.

Here you will be struck by the contrast between the small characteristic cobbled streets that wind between elegant historic buildings and picturesque squares, and the majestic and imposing Royal Palace that suddenly appears on the horizon.

When exploring these streets, it is easy to imagine that you have travelled back in time to a medieval city. In a constant game of contrasts, we'll investigate the entrance to the narrowest street in Stockholm, just 90 cm wide and with 36 steps, known as Mårten Trotzigs gränd, then visit the fascinating main square of Gamla Stan, as majestic as it is elegant, around which the city was developed back in the 1300s.

A walk through Gamla Stan is not complete without a visit to Stockholm’s Cathedral. Stockholm’s medieval Cathedral, built in 1279, houses unique objects such as the St George and the Dragon sculpture (1489), the legendary Vädersoltavlan (1535) and Lena Lervik’s sculpture ”Joseph and Mary” (2002).

Other points of interest during the tour are Stortorget and the Great Square, the hub of the Old Town which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy.

Basis	Private tour
Duration	3 hours
Start / End	Stockholm city center hotel or address
Vehicle	None
Guide	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances	Stockholm Cathedral.
Meals	none
Difficulty	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Stockholm Bicycle tour – 3,5 Hours

Stockholm Jewish tour – 4 Hours

Sweden’s Jewish community holds a very unique place in the continental European Diaspora. During the mid-20th century, Sweden was one of the only European countries to actually witness a growth in their Jewish population. During the Second World War there was no systematic persecution by the neutral Swedish government, and, in fact, the country gave asylum to thousands of Jewish refugees from Denmark and Norway. The community has continued to exist relatively undisturbed over the generations.
Today, the Swedish Jewish community is the largest in Scandinavia and is primarily composed of descendants of pre-war refugees and Shoah survivors who arrived after the war. Most Swedish Jews live in the capital Stockholm. It is a unified community and all three synagogues in the city belong to the same organization.
Today’s first stop is at the impressive panoramic viewpoint Fjallgatan. Here you can take some photographs while your guide points out the main sights of the city before your scenic drive towards Gamla Stan (Old Town), where you can get an insight into the long-lasting German influence and the many attacks of the Danes during the Middle Ages. Due to the Swedish neutrality nothing has been destroyed here in the last 400 years.
You will then experience the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, passing the Royal Palace and on to Tyska Brunnsplan square, named after the German community that once occupied this area. Here stands the building, which was Stockholm's first synagogue, founded in 1790.
Next stop is the Jewish Museum. Here you will learn about the story of Jewish thought, Jewish practices, and Swedish history deepening your knowledge as far as concerns Jewish history and Swedish-Jewish heritage.
Leaving the Jewish Museum, you pass by the beautiful Jewish cemetery whilst taking in the main sights and highlights of the city.

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      4 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances:     Jewish Museum. Mondays closed.
Meals: None.
Difficulty:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Stockholm Millesgården Museum and short Archipelago tour – 4 Hours

Stockholm Skoklosters castle and Sigtuna by car – 6 hours

This tour will offer you a unique insight in the history of Sweden. The tour starts with a visit to the historical city of Sigtuna where you will learn about the earliest days of the history of Sweden. Sigtuna is a town north of Stockholm that sits beside Lake Mälaren, in the lush landscape of Uppland. The area prospered during the Viking Age, leaving a heritage of rune stones, graves and monuments, which to this day still stand in and around the town.
Sigtuna is Sweden’s first town and was founded in AD 980, as Christianity arrived, uniting Sweden as a single kingdom. With a royal mint and a bishop, Sigtuna was effectively the capital of Sweden until power shifted towards Stockholm and Uppsala in the 13th century. Three historic church ruins, St. Olof, St. Lars and St. Per, from the 12th and 13th century can be found in the medieval center of Sigtuna. Here, you will also find the brick Church of Maria, which was built in 1247 as a Dominican monastery.
After three fires in the 17th century, Sigtuna was a ghost town for 250 years but was later revived in the 1910s as a nationalist project. The 18th century Town Hall can be found on Sweden's oldest street, Stora Gatan (over a thousand years old). It is allegedly the smallest town hall in Scandinavia and is nowadays used as a museum. At Stora Gatan, you will also find clusters of interesting little shops selling fashion, design and local handicrafts.
We continue the tour with a visit of Skoklosters Castle, one of the world's greatest baroque castles and probably one of the most beautiful castles in Sweden. Skoklosters is located in a beautiful natural setting by Mälaren's shore. This castle was built between 1654 and 1676 and it is a major monument from the period when Sweden was one of the most powerful countries in Europe. You will be welcomed and guided in a privately arranged tour of the entire castle, and not only the ground floor exhibition and the Wrangel state apartment which is open to the public. Your private tour offers a rare insight into the 17th and 18th Centuries through the extensive collection of weapons, books, silver and textiles among many things

Basis: Private tour.
Duration:       6 hours.
Start / End:   City center Hotel, address or Pier (excluding Nynäshamn Pier).
Inmclusions: 01^st Class vechicle, Guide English-speaking. Other languages on request, Entrance to Skoklosters Castle (Arranged private tour of the collection and castle).
Meals: None.
Physical Activity Level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Tour can operate: afternoon/evening
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes

Poznan

Set on the banks of the Warta River 165 mi/270 km west of Warsaw, 1,000-year-old Poznan, Poland, blends Gothic and baroque in much of its architecture.

Highlights of this industrialized city include the 10th-century Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, Gorka's Palace (that houses the Archaeological Museum), the Greenhouse (10 pavilions that contain more than 17,000 plants), Raczynski Library, the Opera House and the Museum of Musical Instruments (it houses Chopin's pianos). In Old Town Square, a crowd gathers on the hour to watch the clock on the old town hall that dates from 1550.

Poznan has all the requisite charm Americans typically look for when traveling in Europe. Its vibrant Old Town bustles with outdoor bars, restaurants and shops, and the Royal Imperial Route walking trail wends past historical and cultural attractions.

In warm weather, the Old Market Square comes alive with shops and outdoor entertainment, and during the winter holidays, it becomes the site of a picturesque Christmas market, with everything from local crafts to regional food and drink.

There is a modern side to Poznan, too, evidenced by the dramatic, multicolored Freedom Fountain sculpture in Plac Wolnosci that turns colors at night, and the Stary Browar (or Old Brewery) shopping center, a combination art and retail space. Familiar franchises such as Starbucks and Zara may not appeal to visitors, but the center's artful renovation bespeaks the attitude of a city eager to preserve its heritage while moving aggressively into the next century.

One of the Poznan's most notable geographical features is Malta Lake, host to international rowing regattas as well as a place to rent boats or visit a water park. For families, there is an outdoor amusement park, minigolf and even an artificial ski slope, for visitors who can't wait for winter.

In addition, Poznan, located about halfway between Warsaw and Berlin, is accessible from either city in about three hours by train, and flights from Berlin to Warsaw offer additional flexibility for travelers who want to start in one city and depart from another.

Finally, like many parts of Poland, Poznan is a bargain. The country has not yet adopted the euro, and while some aspects of the tourism infrastructure are more advanced than others, it is not hard to find hotels and restaurants that are up to, but priced below, Western European standards.

Poznan is also home to the Poznan International Fair, which is a large exhibition and trade center that hosts numerous events during the year. For a schedule of these events, see http://www.mtp.pl.

Berlin

Berlin is without doubt the most fascinating city in Germany. Covering around 341 square miles Berlin is a unique landscape. With its numerous parks, lakes and wooded areas it is sometimes easy to forget that Berlin is the capital of Germany. The troubled history of this celebrated capital has for many years attracted tourists from around the world. It is estimated around 80% of Berlin was destroyed during the Second World War; landmarks like the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church stand as a lasting reminder of the mass destruction this city once endured. Perhaps one of Berlin's most famous landmarks is the Berlin Wall, the 'iron curtain' that divided this great city into two halves between 1961 and 1989. The East was governed by communism while the West was allowed to flourish under a democratic capitalist government. Even now, over a decade after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the differences between the former East and West are still very apparent. Berlin has an undeniable air of mystery that has always been and always will be a major draw for tourists from around the world.

Excursions

Full Day Tour (10 - 11 hours) to Berlin - Shore Excursion to Berlin

Our English speaking driver will await you at the harbor of Rostock and takes you to Berlin. The duration of the drive is max 3 hours.
You will start the tour in Berlin at Charlottenburg palace where your personal guide is waiting for you and will show you the wonderful garden of the castle.
Afterwards you will start with the theme tour “Berlin the city of contrasts”:
The historical Berlin
includes the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the boulevard Unter den Linden, the famous Gendarmenmarkt as well as Charlottenburg Palace, the largest and most beautiful Baroque palace in Berlin.
The cultural Berlin
includes the city's three opera houses, two concert halls, numerous theaters and museums as well as the unique Museum Island with five important museum-buildings and the Kultur-Forum, where one of the world's most important collections of European paintings from the 13th till the 19th century is shown.
The political Berlin
includes the government area around the Reichstag with the new Office of the Federal Chancellor and the Paul Löbe Building as well as the Embassy Quarter around Pariser Platz and Tiergarten.
The divided Berlin
Checkpoint Charlie, the former border crossing between East and West Berlin, reminds us of the long period which Berlin was a divided city.
The new Berlin
includes Potsdamer Platz – one of the most popular attractions with its mix of restaurants, stores, theaters, cinemas and business areas, which was predominantly designed by Sony and Daimler-Chrysler during the past 10 years.
The young Berlin
Features exciting night life around the Hackescher Markt, located in Berlin Mitte, the concentrated trendy scene from Oranienburger Straße and its side streets to the courtyard ensemble at Hackesche Höfe. This area is also known as the former Jewish Quarter the Centrum Judaicum/New Synagogue.
After up to 5 hours spend in Berlin, your private driver will bring you back to Warnemünde.

Itinerary
07:30 am: Pick Up by your private car at the port
- 2,5 - 3h Transfer -
10:30am: You will start the tour in Berlin at Charlottenburg palace where your personal guide is waiting for you and will show you the wonderful garden of the castle.
11:00 am: Start of the theme tour “Berlin the city of contrasts"
- 2 hours of guided tour -
12:30 pm: Free time for lunch
01:30 pm: Continue guided tour through Berlin
03:30 pm: End of guided tour & Departure to Warnemünde
- 2,5 - 3 h Transfer -
06:30 pm: Arrival at the ship

Berlin: Historic Berlin - 12 Hours

Explore the Cultural Capital with focus on art (Full day excursion)

Berlin visit with focus on Jewish heritage (Full day excursion)

Explore Berlin with focus history and WWII (Full day excursion)

Highlights of Germany’s Capital City (Full day excursion)

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

09/28/2024 - 10/11/2024

from $2,699 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $2,699 per person

Length

13 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Moderate
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.

Remarks

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1475375

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

EJS Travel LLC

(616) 214-8995

Basis:	Private tour.
Duration:	City center Hotel or address.
Start/End:	3 hours.
Vehicle:	01^st Class.
Guide:	English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances:	Temppeliaukio Rock Church.
Meals:	None.
Difficulty:	Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Notes:	Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.