Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 1/11
Itinerary for Helsinki to Warsaw • Expat Explore
Start Point: End Point:
Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel,
Ruoholahdenranta 3, 00180 Helsinki, Finland plac Artura Zawiszy 1, 02-025 Warszawa,
10:00 hrs Poland
10:00 hrs
DAY 1: Arrive in Helsinki
Welcome to Finland! Start in Helsinki, a vibrant seaside city known for its beautiful islands and great
green parks. Settle in at your harbourside hotel and meet up with your tour leader for an orientation
chat. Meet up with your tour mates this evening for a welcome dinner so you can all get acquainted
in the lead-up to your epic adventure.
Experiences
This evening you meet up with your tour mates over a welcome dinner at the hotel. This is the ideal
time to get acquainted with your fellow travellers.
Included Meals Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 2/11
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
DAY 2: Helsinki
Join your Expat Explore tour leader on a walking tour of Helsinki that will introduce you to some of
the city's most famous sights. This includes the likes of the Havis Amanda, as well as the Senate
Square and Helsinki Cathedral. Not to mention Uspenski Cathedral and Kauppatori Market! The
afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Helsinki: Visit the Havis Amanda, the famous art nouveau fountain features a
lady in the nude. It is said to symbolise the birth of the city of Helsinki. Also explore the famous
Senate Square and its buildings, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. In the city’s
historic centre, visit Helsinki Cathedral - Finland's most photographed building and yet another
neoclassical marvel. Set foot in Uspenski Cathedral, the largest orthodox church in Western Europe.
Finish with a walk through Kauppatori Market, the ideal place to pick up some keepsakes and well-
priced Finnish crafts.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 3/11
Optional Excursions
Helsinki Canal Cruise: € 25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 3: Helsinki - Tallinn
Today we take this Baltic States group tour across the Gulf of Finland. Travel to the port and board
the Helsinki to Tallinn ferry with your group. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy an included lunch in a local
restaurant close to our hotel. After checking our bags in, your tour leader will be ready to introduce
you to your local guide. A guided tour of Tallinn will introduce you to the city's major sights,
including Tall Hermann Tower and St Olav's church. After the guided tour you'll have some free time
to enjoy the delights of the Estonian capital.
Experiences
Guided walking tour of Tallinn: Join a local guide on a walking tour of the city. The proud
European capital of Tallinn is a photographer's dream. Think medieval churches, cobbled walkways
and a vibrant, contemporary culture that draws you in from the moment you set foot in the city. This Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 4/11
walking tour of Tallinn takes in some of its best-loved highlights, including St Olav's church, the
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tall Hermann Tower, Town Hall Square and more.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Metropol
DAY 4: Tallinn - Parnu - Latvian War Cemetery - Riga
Off to Riga in Latvia! Stop over in the resort city of Parnu in Estonia to sightsee and shop; and enjoy
the beach in Saulkrasti after we've crossed the border into Latvia. Upon arrival in Riga, explore the
Brothers' War Cemetery before check in. Once settled in, it's time for an orientation tour of the old
town and its popular attractions. This could include Riga Dom Cathedral, the Old City Wall & more.
Experiences
See Saulkrasti. The seaside town of Saulkrasti is a great place to drink in the beauty of the Latvian
shoreline without huge crowds. This is where the locals head when they go to the beach.
Latvian War Cemetery. Also called the Brothers' Cemetery or Cemetery of the Brethren, the
Latvian War Cemetery is a national monument that commemorates the sacrifice of 2,000+ Latvian
soldiers who gave their lives for their country during 1915 - 1920, fighting in World War I and the Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 5/11
Latvian War of Independence.
Orientation tour of Riga. Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and has a cosmopolitan
atmosphere that makes for wonderful exploration. Take a walking tour that introduces you to some
of its most popular attractions. This includes Riga Dom Cathedral, the Three Brothers, Parliament
House and the Old City Wall.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hestia Hotel Jugend
DAY 5: Riga - Hill of Crosses - Vilnius
After a bright and early start cross the border to a country that very few people know of - Lithuania,
a beautiful Baltic state in northern Europe. First stop is a chance to explore a famous religious sight,
the Hill of Crosses. Then continue onwards to the capital of Lithuania - Vilnius. Upon arrival this
afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of the beautiful baroque city. The attractions will include
iconic sights like the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the Vilnius Cathedral and the Church of
St. Anne. After the tour, take some free time to explore and then meet up with your fellow travellers
for dinner.
Experiences Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 6/11
Hill of Crosses tour. The Kryziu Kalnas Hill of Crosses in Lithuania has been one of the world’s
most singular expressions of human faith and sacrifice for over 100 years. Religious pilgrims have
flocked here for centuries, but the tradition of leaving crosses only started in 1831. This is when the
Russian tsar was put down and relatives of rebels who lost their lives in the fighting left crosses on
the hill to honour the fallen. Today there are 200,000+ crosses carvings and shrines all over this hill
of hope.
Orientation tour of Vilnius. The city of Vilnius is a place of true authenticity. It proudly displays its
battle scars and honours its turbulent history with museums and monuments dedicated to the
losses its people suffered during the Holocaust and KGB regime. Yet, it's also beautiful - 40% of the
city is given over to green spaces and its wonderful old buildings now house contemporary cafes,
boutiques and galleries. Our sightseeing tour will include attractions such as the Vilnius Town Hall,
the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Adam Mickiewicz statue and Vilnius Cathedral.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Green Park Hotel Vilnius
Optional Excursions
Trakai Castle: € 15
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 6: Vilnius - Minsk Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 7/11
Spend this morning discovering Vilnius. It’s one of the largest medieval towns in Eastern Europe and
is often referred to as the baroque capital of Europe. There is plenty of landmarks and attractions to
see including two botanical gardens, several churches and, of course, the Old Town. Depart for
Minsk this afternoon, arriving in time for a tour of the city with a local guide. See sights such as
Independence Square and the Palace of the Republic. This afternoon, take some free time to wander
around Minsk by yourself. Dinner is enjoyed as a group.
Experiences
Guided tour of Minsk. The capital of Belarus is perhaps best-known for its impressive Stalinist
architecture. Yet, although it shoulders the heavy burden of a turbulent history, the city is
progressive and modern with fashionable eateries, clubs and shopping destinations. Our guided tour
will include forays to attractions such as Independence Square, the Church of Saints Simon and
Helen, the Palace of Republic, and Victory Square.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Belarus
DAY 7: Minsk: Free Day Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 8/11
Today you have the full day to explore Minsk at your leisure. Visit the Red Church - the Roman
Catholic center of faith in Belarus. Seek out the Lenin statue outside of the Minsk Government
House and find other Soviet sculptures, juxtaposed against the contemporary cityscape. See if you
can catch a matinee at the National Academic Bolshoi Opera & Ballet Theatre. Explore the
fascinating rhombicuboctahedron architecture of the National Library, or simply find a green space
to relax and do some people-watching. The choice is yours!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Belarus
Optional Excursions
Minsk National Lunch and Folklore Show: € 40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 8: Minsk - Brest Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 9/11
Onward to Brest! Leave Minsk behind and travel to the border city on the cusp of Belarus and
Poland. Visit Brest Hero Fortress Complex with a local guide. Check in and then enjoy some free time
to explore the rest of the city as you wish.
Experiences
Brest Hero Fortress Complex. This place is about as impressive as it gets. The sheer size and
scope of the monuments and living museum installations you'll find here is mind-blowing. The Brest
Fortress has existed in some shape and form for at least a 1,000 years, but it's really known for its
association with World War II. When the current structure was built in 1833 the entire population of
Brest had to move 2km to the east! The memorial complex was opened in 1971, after nearly 15
years of research on the part of the main historians involved with the project.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Bug
DAY 9: Brest - Warsaw Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 10/11
Cross the border into Poland and make your way to the fascinating city of Warsaw, which played a
pivotal role in World War II. A local guide is on hand to escort you on a walking & driving tour of
Warsaw that features some of the city's foremost attractions. Warsaw's architecture pays testament
to the gritty historical tapestry that shaped it. Gaze in wonderment at Gothic churches sidled up to
neoclassical palaces and stark Soviet-era apartment blocks, juxtaposed against a tangle of modern
skyscrapers. Explore by yourself this afternoon, before we meet for our final dinner.
Experiences
Local-guided tour of Warsaw. Explore the city in the slipstream of a seasoned Warsaw travel
guide. From the Royal Castle with its incredible museum, to the verdant Lazienki Park, the Palace of
Culture and Science and the UNESCO-accredited Old Town that was rebuilt after the war based on
18th century paintings by Italian artist Canaletto, there are plenty of attractions to keep you
mesmerised for an entire afternoon (and more!).
Farewell dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Warsaw this evening, the last night of the tour.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Radisson Blu Sobieski
DAY 10: End of tour in Warsaw Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 30 2021 16:24:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 11/11
Today is the final day of your small-group Baltic States tour and vacation in Warsaw. Enjoy a final
breakfast with your tour group and get ready to head back home. We hope you to see you back on
an Expat Explore coach very soon!
Experiences
The tour ends after breakfast. Make sure you have exchanged contact details with your new-found
travel friends, and share your amazing tour memories with us online using the hashtags
#ExpatExplore and #BetterTogether.
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: