Good afternoon globe-roamers and welcome to your first stop of memory-making magic. After a bit of a mingle with the new squad we'll be getting into the spirit of our imminent adventures in Copenhagen. We've got all day tomorrow to suss out the city, so after a drive out to the Little Mermaid Statue for a group photo, tonight can stay reserved for Contiki hangs if you're feeling social.
Locals on bicycles, Danish pastries in cute cafe windows, Renaissance architecture - welcome to Copenhagen. First things first, we'll take an orientation tour of this wonderful city's old town. Then you have the option to explore it even further on a bike tour (just like the locals!).
Before you go bursting out of your travel clothes thanks to your new-found pastry dependency, we're bailing on Denmark. Next stop: Norway! To the call of castles, fresh seafood, & pretty parks, we respond! Today we're taking on Norway.
Oslo, both the capital and biggest city of Norway, is a riverside metropolis back-dropped by mountains of greenery and filled with easy-going culture. We'll get to know Oslo this morning on an orientation tour and then can potter around museums and pretty buildings for the rest of the day. You also have the option to go on a fjord cruise - from the forest to the fjord!
Today, we'll head to the traditional city of Elverum - but not without a stop at the world's largest single artist sculpture park on the way. Hey hey, Lillehammer! Upon arrival we can check out the ski jump, take a stroll through the city and then find a spot for dinner. With plenty of churches and lakes, things are bound to feel authentically Scandinavian here in Elverum, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Rise and shine! More adventures await us today. We're crossing the border from Norway to Sweden, so keep an eye out for the famous Vasaloppet start line. We’ll head out for a hike during the day (with snowshoes if there’s snow). We’ll also be joined by some huskies…so be prepared for a cuteness overload. You also have the option to unwind at a Swedish sauna this evening. For dinner tonight, we’ll tuck into a traditional speciality – reindeer stew served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry. It’s enough to warm the cockles of your heart.
Today you'll wake up in Torgåsgården - a Contiki Special Stay renowned for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. Skiing, anyone? How about snowboarding? Maybe indoor swimming and high-speed water slides sound good? Whatever you fancy, you can choose to do it here!
Leaving Dalarna behind and bidding farewell to the orange Dala horse (Sweden's national symbol), we're headed to the capital today. Stockholm, here we come! After an orientation tour of the city, it's time to check into our stylish Generator accommodation and then find a good spot for dinner.
Morning folks. You're free to wander the quaint medieval streets of Gamla Stan & try to catch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace. If you're after a little culture, the iconic Vasa Museum or the fabulously fun ABBA Museum are well worth a visit. All that ground covered will earn you some Swedish salmon & an Absolut on the rocks – but don’t forget to save room for your evening meatballs….
This morning we'll leave Sweden behind and fly across the Baltic Sea to Estonia. Welcome to Tallinn, Estonia’s chic capital! Today, spend some time exploring like a local. Tonight, we’ll dig into a shared feast at F HOONE - think healthy, seriously tasty Estonian dishes served up with good vibes all around.
Tallinn is all yours for the day, and this morning we'll explore this beautiful Baltic city on an orientation tour given by your TM. One of Europe's hidden gems, this early medieval era creation is now a fascinating mix of old and new. From bike tours to cooking classes - you've got loads of optional experiences to pick from. If not, stop by the Estonian Open-Air Museum or take a walk to Toompea Hill for a chance to see the Old Town in all its splendour.
This morning we're setting our sights on Tartu... A town known for its upbeat nightlife, bunting-clad town square, its wealth of cultural activities, and its 17th Century university, Tartu is an Estonian hidden gem. Take the day to explore every nook and cranny alongside your new pals and Trip Manager (or join us for a street art tour!). We'll meet back in the evening for a locally prepared meal held in a unique beer restaurant.
Tartu, it's been emotional, but today we're heading for Latvia. An iconic tour, tasting & lunch awaits at Valmiermuiža Brewery, where we'll become acquainted with the cornerstones of brewing beer. Next, we'll stop by to visit the Cēsis Castle, one of the most iconic and best preserved castles in Latvia. Here we are in Riga! After a quick tour of the city with your Trip Manager, you have a free evening around Latvia's capital, resting quietly on the Baltic Sea. Sitting at the border between tradition and cutting edge modernism, this city will no doubt charm you with its art nouveau architecture and vibrant nightlife.
You've got beautiful Riga all to yourself today, so make the most of it! Take a stroll through the Old Town and discover the House of the Black Heads (a 14th century landmark). Or check out some of the many shops and restaurants that fill the cobblestoned streets. Need a quiet escape from the city side chaos? There's also an optional bogshoe hike on the agenda.
...and we're on the road again. Today we're visiting the Hill of Crosses, an epic pilgrimage site which boasts a collection of over 200,000 ornate crosses, statues and effigies erected on a small hill in Northern Lithuania. Well hello, Kaunus! Here in this southern Lithuanian gem, we'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to river views and impressive cathedrals. Don't miss Kaunas Castle or the epic 9th Fort.
So long, Kaunas. We’re making our way to our next awesome destination today, and it’s none other than vibrant Vilnius! Welcome to Trakai Castle, a 14th century fortress built on an island on the glittering Lake Galve. This place looks just like a fairytale, so cameras at the ready… Our journey ends here in Vilnius but not without a tour of the stunning baroque architecture that'll inspire you to remodel your own home. Take advantage of the street art lining the cobblestone streets, grab pancakes with your crew and say your farewells over dinner.
...and this is where our journey sadly ends. Exchange contact information with your fellow travellers, who have now probably become friends. Time to lock in your next adventure!
