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Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 1/20

Itinerary for Northern Explorer & New Year Tour • Expat Explore

Start Point: End Point:

Holiday Inn Express - Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam -

Schiphol, Schiphol,

Jupiterstraat 162 - 200, 2132 HH Hoofddorp, Jupiterstraat 162 - 200, 2132 HH Hoofddorp,

Netherlands, Tel: +31 20 797 9190 , Tel: +31 20 797 9190

10:00 hrs 10:00 hrs

DAY 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and get ready for 18 days of festive season adventure! Meet up with your tour

leader at your hotel accommodation - there is a complimentary airport shuttle service to the hotel

available to make your trip even more convenient! Check-in, gather the group and set out on a

canal cruise of the city. Enjoy a delicious pizza dinner while drifting along Amsterdam’s iconic

canals. Drink in the sights from the water as you hear interesting stories and facts from the on-

board commentary. Head to the city-centre and enjoy some free time to explore after dark - you

could even visit the red light district - before heading back to the hotel with the coach.

Experiences Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 2/20

Amsterdam canal cruise: Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals at , and enjoy the views

as you cruise. Watch the city drift past and listen out for tips and interesting insights into the city

from your tour leader. This is the best way to be introduced to the vibrant capital of the

Netherlands!

Welcome dinner in Amsterdam: Head to a local restaurant to celebrate the first night of the

European Vistas tour! Enjoy a great meal, and get to know your new travel companions over dinner.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Best Western Plus Plaza Almere

DAY 2: Amsterdam - - Northern

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 alive with glorious Christmas markets. Take some

time this afternoon to explore the inviting stalls along the Town Hall Square. Grab a mug of

glühwein, 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, we head north to our hotel for

the night. Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 3/20

Experiences

Visit a Christmas Market in Hamburg: Stroll through a Christmas market in Hamburg’s Town

Hall Square and soak in the festive atmosphere! Take a look at all of the items on sale, try out

some German snacks and make sure you try some traditional German glühwein to keep you warm

and cosy!

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Good morning + Bad Oldesloe

DAY 3: Northern Germany -

Cross the border into and travel towards Copenhagen this morning. Drive through

forested and cross over Øresund Bridge - 's longest combined road and rail bridge,

as well as many other bridges that connect the many islands of Denmark. The final island

destination of today, is Zealand which is to the , Copenhagen. Arrive and embark

on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See highlights like the Little Mermaid statue and

Rosenborg Castle. After the sun has gone down, drive to the hotel and check-in. This evening, opt-in

to join a Danish dinner in the heart of the city or relax at the hotel.

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Orientation tour of Copenhagen: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the Danish

capital, Copenhagen. Tour the city and see top sights including the impressive Frederick's Church

(popularly known as the Marble Church), Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen Town Hall, and the bronze

Little Mermaid statue.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Park Inn Copenhagen Airport

DAY 4: Copenhagen - Helsingør -

Farvel Copenhagen! Set off at dawn to travel to the town of Helsingør. From here, catch a short

ferry to . Enjoy views of Kronborg Castle (the setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet') along the

way. Back on the dry land of Sweden, drive to Stockholm and travel through beautiful rural Swedish

scenery filled with lakes and . Arrive in Stockholm and enjoy an evening stroll through Gamla

Stan - the - to see the top sights. Enjoy some free time before journeying on to the hotel.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Gamla Stan: Enjoy an orientation tour of Gamla Stan with your tour leader -

make sure to keep note of the sights you wish to see on your free morning the next day. See sights

such as the Nobel Museum, The Royal Palace, Riksdagshuset (Parliament) and more! Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 5/20

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Motel L Älvsjö

Scandic Skärholmen

DAY 5: Stockholm Optional Free Morning - (Overnight Ferry)

Grab some breakfast before joining your tour leader on an orientation driving tour of Stockholm.

Explore more of Djurgarden island, where you can spot old ships in the harbour and visit some of

the art galleries. During free time this morning, opt-in on an optional visit to the Vasa Maritime

Museum. Catch the changing of the guards by the Royal Palace and enjoy some free time for lunch.

Make your way to the overnight ferry this afternoon. Tonight we will be sailing through the night

across the towards . An optional buffet dinner can be enjoyed aboard as well as a

bit of karaoke or disco dancing!

Experiences

Orientation driving tour of Stockholm: Embark on a guided orientation driving tour of

Stockholm with your tour leader and see more of this beautiful harbourside town, with free time at

Djurgarden island. Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 6/20

Overnight ferry to Helsinki: Hop on a ferry and enjoy an overnight cruise across the Baltic Sea.

Enjoy the optional buffer dinner available on board and even finish the night off with some karaoke

or dancing! Arrive in Helsinki, Finland in the morning.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Viking Line

DAY 6: Helsinki - Optional Free Afternoon

Terve (Hey!) Helsinki! Embark on a tour of the city with an expert local guide. Discover the city and

see top sights from Uspenski Cathedral to Senate Square. After this introduction to Finland’s capital,

enjoy a few hours’ free time to explore the city, and peruse the glittering Finnish Christmas market

at your leisure. The Finns are renowned for their wonderful art and design - it's the ideal place to

enjoy the festive atmosphere and pick up unique gifts and keepsakes to take home. Enjoy an

included dinner with the group before heading to the hotel.

Experiences

Explore Helsinki with a local guide: Enjoy a local guided tour of Helsinki, Finland’s capital city.

This vibrant and quirky seaside city is a hub of culture. See highlights including Uspenski Cathedral,

the harbour area, Olympic Stadium, the Sibelius monument, and Esplanadi Park, before finishing in Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 7/20

Senate Square.

Visit a Christmas Market: Spend a few hours perusing the Christmas market at Senate Square.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere and pick up some unique Christmas gifts.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Radisson Blu Hotelli Espoo

DAY 7: Helsinki - St. Petersburg

Travel from Finland to today. Depart Helsinki in the early morning, reaching the Russian

border before day break. Once across the border, we will make straight for the sparkling city of St

Petersburg. Arrive, make a quick shopping stop and then get ready to discover more of St

Petersburg. Board a comprehensive city tour with our local guide and see St Petersburg’s iconic

sights. Marvel at the neoclassical and architecture and learn more about the city’s

fascinating history. Look forward to an authentic Russian experience - a complimentary vodka

tasting. Tonight, sit down to an included Russian dinner in the city center with the group.

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Guided city tour of St Petersburg: Enjoy a driving tour of St Petersburg with an expert local

guide, giving you a comprehensive view of the city. Admire notable sights including the Church of

the Saviour on Blood, Rostral Columns and the Winter Palace.Your Russian tour guide will arrange for

a complimentary vodka tasting. Take note of all the sights to revisit during the next two full free

days in St Petersburg.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Matisov Domik Hotel

DAY 8: St Petersburg: Free Day

Choose your own adventure today - spend a free day exploring the delights of St Petersburg, or join

in on a pre-booked optional full-day excursion to the Russian capital of . If you're headed for

Moscow, get ready to meet up with a local guide who will introduce you to the city's major sights.

This includes the Kremlin grounds and the orthodox churches of the . Take free time for lunch

before heading on a city tour. Explore the Red Square and board the high-speed train back to St

Petersburg. This trip encompasses a full day and you will be accompanied by an English-speaking

local guide.

Please note: this excursion must be pre-booked; contact us for more information. Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 9/20

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Matisov Domik Hotel

Optional Excursions

Moscow Day Trip: € 245

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 9: St Petersburg (Christmas Day): Free Day

Enjoy Christmas Day in St Petersburg! Take a free day and make the most of the festive atmosphere

in St Petersburg. Wrap up warmly and stroll the streets in the chilly weather, visit the city’s

Christmas market or even enjoy a bit of ice skating! The city has many fascinating sights to explore.

Keen on an organised outing? Join in on the optional tour of the Hermitage Museum with a local

guide. The museum was founded by Catherine the Great, and is considered one of the oldest in the

world! Round off your Russian experience with a traditional Christmas dinner with the group this

evening.

Included Meals Accommodation Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 10/20

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Matisov Domik Hotel

Optional Excursions

Hermitage & Peterhof: € 90

Russian Folkshow: € 50

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 10: St Petersburg -

Head back to the Russian border and cross over into . Travel to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city,

meet up with a local guide and embark on a walking tour of the city. Discover UNESCO World

Heritage Sites, see how locals make and blow , and shop for souvenirs. Tallinn is a city

filled with a fascinating variety of architecture - including strong medieval influences and buildings

as well as modern buildings. Tonight, sit down to a group dinner and head out afterwards to enjoy

some of Tallinn’s nightlife if you please.

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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

walking tour of Tallinn takes in some of its best-loved highlights, including St Olav's church, the

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tall Hermann , Town Hall Square and more.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hestia Hotel Seaport

Hotel Metropol

DAY 11: Tallinn -

Reunited as a group, it's time to leave Estonia behind and travel to a new country - ! Travel to

Riga and get ready to encounter all that this vibrant Baltic city has to offer. Drink in the buzzing

atmosphere and energy of its citizens. Embark on an orientation tour of Riga with your tour leader

to seek out the city's most famous sights and landmarks. This evening, enjoy a drink at the Skyline

Bar and toast to the exceptional views of the city!

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Orientation tour of Riga: See the top sights of Riga, Latvia’s capital city, with your tour leader.

Riga is a cultural hub that is home to destinations such as the House of the Black Heads, Freedom

Monument and a captivating medieval Old Town. Admire Riga’s wooden buildings alongside the Art

Nouveau architecture.

Visit to the Skyline Bar: Pay a visit to the Skyline Bar, where you will enjoy a complimentary drink

and incredible views of the city's skyline this evening.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hestia Hotel Jugend

DAY 12: Hill of Crosses -

This morning, hit the road and travel to . 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, Lithuania’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 , and more!

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Visit the Hill of Crosses: On our way to Vilnius, make a stop at the Hill of Crosses, an astounding

site of pilgrimage. Containing more than 100,000 crosses, they were first placed here back in 1831

by the relatives of those who fell during the local rebellion.

Enjoy an orientation tour of Vilnius: Take a tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of

Vilnius, which offers centuries of history, a medieval Old Town and to explore.

Our sightseeing tour will include attractions such as the Vilnius Town Hall, the Palace of the Grand

Dukes of Lithuania, statue and . Cross the river into the Užupio

Respublika, a Bohemian of Vilnius and self-proclaimed republic, with its own

constitution and an army comprising of 11 men.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Green Park Hotel Vilnius

DAY 13: -

Depart Vilnius and travel towards Warsaw in today. Along the way, make a stopover at Trakai

Historical National Park. Opt to explore the iconic 14th-century fortress in the middle of Lake Galvė

before the crowds arrive. Hop back aboard the coach and travel onward to Warsaw. Listen in and

look around as your tour leader offers guides a driving tour en route to Warsaw. Arrive in Warsaw, Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 14/20

Poland’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 we will explore the old town - it’s set

to be another bumper day of inspiring exploration!

Experiences

Visit Trakai Historical National Park: Make a stop at Trakai, Europe's only historic national park.

The small national park encompasses a number of Trakai’s historic monuments, lakes and forests,

including the Trakai Island Castle.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Radisson Blu Sobieski

DAY 14: Warsaw

Explore Warsaw’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 Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 15/20

from! Visit museums that exhibit the history of this incredible city. Wander around the Chopin

Museum or the Museum of the History of Polish . Marvel at the extensive collections of the

National Museum. Visit the Royal Palace, and perhaps there’ll be a market or free music concert in

Łazienki Park.

Experiences

Guided walking tour of Warsaw’s Old Town: Join a local guide for a morning tour of the Old

Town. Over three hours, listen in as the local guide offers insight into the Old Town’s history and

culture as well as the traditions of Warsaw and Poland. The old town is home to a bustling central

square plus cobblestone alleys and medieval buildings, many of which were reconstructed after

being damaged during WWII.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Radisson Blu Sobieski

Optional Excursions

Communist Nysa tour: € 25

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 15: Poznan - (New Years Eve) Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 16/20

Spend the last day of the year heading west to Berlin with a stopover in Ponzan, Poland. Take some

free time to grab lunch in the historic old town of the 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 we ring in the

new year German style!

Experiences

Lunch stop in Poznan: Enjoy free time to sample some delicious Polish cuisine and explore the

Old Market Square in Poznan. Faithfully reconstructed following the Second World War, this beautiful

square is home to many of the city's most famous landmarks and monuments, including the Town

Hall, colourful townhouses and the Pranger, a 16th century punishment device. Poznan was once

the site of of early Polish kings!

Driving tour of Berlin: Enjoy a driving tour of this vibrant city with your tour leader. Learn more

about the city’s history and see top sights, including the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg

Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Reichstag. Take a note of those you want to explore further on

your free day tomorrow!

Celebrate New Year in Berlin: Ring in the New Year in a Bavarian-style beer hall! Join the group

and celebrate the start of a whole new year in a totally unique way! Enjoy dinner and drinks - make

sure to try out some traditional German food like sauerkraut and bratwurst. Don't forget to try a pint

of German beer if you’d like! Say Prost and celebrate! Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 17/20

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Ibis Berlin Ostbahnhof

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 us on a 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.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Ibis Berlin Ostbahnhof

Optional Excursions Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 18/20

Hop on hop off bus tour: € 28

Berlin+ Tour: € 50

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 17: Berlin - Amsterdam

Say “Auf Wiedersehen” (goodbye) to Berlin as we leave Germany for the long trip back to the

Netherlands. Look forward to some quintessential Dutch experiences this afternoon. Head to a local

cheese farm for some cheese tasting as well as a clog-making demonstration! Learn how both these

Dutch staples are made and stock up on great gifts for friends and family back home. After

checking-in to a hotel for the final time, celebrate the last night of this magical tour with an optional

group dinner with all your travel friends around you.

Experiences

Cheese and clogs demonstration: Visit a local farm in the Dutch countryside. Enjoy a

complimentary cheese tasting and see how “klompen” (clogs) are traditionally made by hand. Of

course, there will be a chance to shop and stock up on some unique souvenirs after the

demonstration!

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Best Western Plus Plaza Almere Expat Explore - Version: Thu Sep 23 2021 10:36:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 19/20

Optional Excursions

Farewell dinner: € 30

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

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! For those who are travelling onwards today, there is a

complimentary airport transfer available at the end of the tour. We hope to see you back aboard an

Expat Explore coach soon!

Included Meals

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