Northern Capitals

4.6/5 Based on 14 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
Our Price From 6,437 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,260 Per Person
 Trip Length
14 Days
 Trip Starts
Berlin
 Trip Finishes
Warsaw
14 Day Northern Capitals Itinerary (Insight Vacations)
Trip Style
Regional Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
E947

Overview

Read 14 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Insight Vacations 14 Day Northern Capitals. Experience the city of Berlin from both sides of the now crumbling wall, as your Local Expert guides you through the history of this once divided city, and the stories behind Berlin icons like the Brandenburg Gate, the Tiergarten and the Reichstag. Across the North Sea in Denmark, explore the enchanting Tivoli Gardens and absorb the opulence contained within Christiansborg Palace—the historic seat of Danish power. Journeying onwards into Finland, the famed and fashionable...read more Helsinki food market is home to an abundance of aromatic stalls, serving up local delicacies, like smoked reindeer and licorice.

Itinerary

Welcome to the vibrant city of Berlin.

In the afternoon, perhaps visit the KaDeWe department store - the shopping center of West Berlin which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West.

In the evening, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your Travel Director and travel companions at the Kreuzberger Himmel restaurant. Discover how this establishment helps support refugees as they integrate into German society over a Welcome Dinner with wine. (DW) Stay: Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin.

In the morning, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University and Opera House. Stop a while on Museum Island before passing Brandenberg Gate, a symbol of the reunification. See Norman Foster's glass dome which crowns the Reichstag building before embarking on a journey through the Tiergarten. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure or relaxing at your hotel. (B)

Depart Berlin and continue through northern Germany to Rostock for the sea crossing to Denmark. A peaceful journey through the Danish countryside brings you to the capital, Copenhagen.

In the evening, delight in the enchanting atmosphere of the famous Tivoli Gardens. (B) Stay: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.

With a Local Expert, begin your sightseeing with a visit of Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Government, to marvel at the opulent interior. Journey past Copenhagen Cathedral and the university to see Rosenborg Castle, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and Amalienborg Palace, home of the royal family. Visit the waterfront to admire Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing across the harbor. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Enjoy a view of Kronborg Castle, reputedly the Elsinore home of Hamlet, during the short ferry crossing to Sweden. Your journey then continues through fertile farmlands, dotted with neat farmhouses and barns. Travel along the shores of peaceful Lake Vättern to Stockholm, beautifully situated on an island studded bay. (B) Stay: Clarion Hotel Amaranten

With a Local Expert, visit the imposing City Hall with its impressive Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, covered with 18 million gilded mosaic tiles and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, is the venue for the Nobel Prize banquets. Cross the harbor to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city to see the cathedral and the Royal Palace.

In the afternoon, board your cruise ship for the overnight voyage to Finland. Enjoy dinner onboard and then take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery from the comfort of your A-Class, sea-view cabin, while the northern sun hangs over the horizon, showing almost no sign of setting in mid-summer. (B/DW) Stay: Serenade/Symphony—Tallink & Silja Line Ships.

Disembark your Baltic cruise and explore Helsinki, the trendsetting city of top fashion and design, alongside a Local Expert. Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market and sample local produce like liquorice or smoked reindeer. (B) Stay: Klaus K Hotel, Helsinki.

Venture into the lush Finnish countryside and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Bosgård Organic Farm. Learn about their sustainable practices and try some authentic produce from the farm.

Later, visit the picturesque town of Porvoo, one of the most photographed places in Finland. Spend the evening at leisure back in Helsinki. (B)

This morning cross the sea to Estonia. Choose between a stroll with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, a scene straight out of a fairy-tale and hear about Estonian arts and crafts. Or join your Local Expert to walk up Toompea Hill for panoramic views of the city and afterwards visit the market square with its old German weighing house, pharmacy and Town Hall. Enjoy free time this afternoon to browse Tallinn's shops, famous for fine amber and silver jewelery. (B) Stay: Swissotel Tallinn.

Today you make your way to the Latvian capital of Riga. Explore Riga's Old Town with your Local Expert, including a visit to the old aircraft hangars that now house the Riga Central Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors when sampling some of the local delicacies as you wander through the maze of stalls. (B) Stay: Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, Riga.

Cross into Lithuania and visit the Hill of Crosses before arriving in the capital city of Vilnius. Walk along the streets of bohemian Užupis, a Vilnius neighborhood that proclaimed itself a republic in 2002. A member of the government introduces you to its quirky history and artistic flair. Choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. (B/DW) Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Vilnius.

Pass lakeside Augustow during a scenic journey through Masuria, a region blessed with a plethora of lakes and forests. Your destination will be the Polish capital, faithfully rebuilt after the devastation of World War II. (B/DW) Stay: The Westin Warsaw.

Join a Local Expert for an exploration of the city. Pass the tiered Palace of Culture and stroll through Łazienki Park to the Chopin Memorial. Take a moment to reflect at the Monument to Ghetto Heroes, before walking to the Market Square in the Old Town.

In the evening, join your newfound friends and Travel Director for a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a fine selection of local dishes, with wine. (B/DW)

Time to say goodbye to your new friends as your journey through Poland comes to an end. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Berlin: You Local Expert provides a tour of this vibrant city. Drive along the Ku'Damm, passing the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and through Tiergarten to the Reichstag building. See the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and visit Alexanderplatz.
  • Gedser: Cross the Baltic Sea from Germany to Denmark.
  • Copenhagen: Make the most of the long summer nights at the glittering Tivoli Gardens, the world-famous entertainment park, full of fantasy, fun and charm.
  • Copenhagen: With a Local Expert, witness the regal interior of Christiansborg Palace, with its stunning tapestries, furnishings and decor.
  • Copenhagen: With your Local Expert, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and the unusual Rundertaarn, which is the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe.
  • Elsinore: See the Kronborg Castle, referred to as the home of Hamlet.
  • Stockholm: With a Local Expert, step inside the City Hall where the fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall is covered by 18 million gilded mosaic tiles. You'll also see the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held.
  • Stockholm: With your Local Expert, visit Gamla Stan to see the cathedral where Swedish kings have been coronated and wander the narrow streets of the Old Town.
  • Helsinki: Admire the beautiful views from your high-class, sea-view cabin as your cruise through the largest archipelago in the world, from Stockholm to Helsinki.
  • Riga: Sightseeing of Riga's Old Town with a Local Expert includes a visit to the Domkirk and seeing the city walls, the House of the Three Brothers and the castle of the Livonian Knights.
  • Warsaw: Your Local Expert will show you the city's highlights. See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.
  • Vilnius: Visit Užupis, a quirky neighborhood of Vilnius, with a member of its government. Learn how a small community of artists created this self-proclaimed republic in order to revitalize post-communist Vilnius.

  • Tallinn: Walk through the fairytale Old Town with your Local Expert and hear about Estonian arts and crafts.
  • Tallinn: Join your Local Expert for a scenic walking tour of the city with panoramic views and a visit to the Town Hall Square.

  • Berlin: Savor the warm atmosphere of your delicious Welcome Dinner at Kreuzberger Himmel. This popular local restaurant actively supports refugees' integration into German society, providing apprenticeships.
  • Helsinki: Venture into the lush Finnish countryside and visit Bosgård Organic Farm. Learn about their sustainable practices and try some authentic produce from the farm.

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
  • Cruise in high-class cabins with sea views.
  • Complimentary transfers from Berlin Tegel Airport are available at scheduled times, on arrival day. Complimentary transfers to Moscow's Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports are available at scheduled times, on departure day. If your flights are outside these times or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way.

  • Helsinki: Wander through the aromatic stalls of a traditional food market with your Local Expert and sample local produce, like liquorice or smoked reindeer.
  • Vilnius: Your Travel Director offers you a varied selection of charming restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening, a culinary experience not to be missed.
  • Warsaw: The Polish capital is currently enjoying a culinary renaissance - find out what the buzz is all about during your end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine at a favorite restaurant.
  • Dining Summary: 5 Dinners with Wine (DW), 13 Breakfasts (B)

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Trip Reviews (14) View All Most Recent 'Northern Capitals' Reviews

4.6
AVG. RATING 4.6 / 5
14 Reviews
5 Star
71%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
1 Star
Great tour of Russia and more 0 , NSW, Australia, Jul 2019
Northern Capitals and Russia tour was a great tour. The tour starts in Berlin and I would suggest if you haven’t been to Berlin before that you arrive at least a day before to get a good look at Berlin. You get a welcome dinner and a city tour the next day with the afternoon free. Insight offer an optional tour to Potsdam which is a little expensive. ...read more You can catch the train out to Potsdam. We did this when we were in Berlin in 2014. It was easy on the train and we had a very enjoyable day without time constraints.

The journey to Rostock was scenic and the crossing to Denmark was smooth sailing. In Copenhagen we went to the Tivoli Gardens which was pleasant but not a highlight. It was busy and is basically a theme park with a 1950 feel. On our second night we dined by ourselves along the picturesque canal. The restaurants are a little pricey but the food was of a good standard. Stockholm was interesting and we did the optional dinner which was expensive however we dined at a small restaurant on the edge of a lake. It was very beautiful and the quality of the food was good. We did the optional tour to see the Vasa, which was very interesting. The Baltic Cruise overnight was good, cabins were small but of a reasonable standard. Helsinki was nice. Enjoyed the city tour and the markets near the harbour.

The drive to St Petersburg was scenic and an interesting insight into their road rules. We were fortunate or not to have the front row seats on the coach that day. It is a long day in the coach however Alex our tour guide made sure we had a couple of stops and plenty of treats! The Russian border checks took some time and they were not welcoming. We had some rain in St Petersburg however it didn’t stop us from seeing all the sights and we really enjoyed St Petersburg... perhaps they should allow another day in this beautiful city... so much to see. We did the Neva river cruise, Peter and Paul Fortress and the Russian Folklore optionals which we really enjoyed.

Onto Moscow which was a beautiful surprise. The optionals tours were great however expensive but we probably will not go back to Russia so we were happy to see as much as we could. Russia was not what we expected and was the most enjoyable part of our trip. We then travelled to Minsk in Belarus which we viewed as a stopover on the way to Vilnius. The distance to travel to Vilnius is about 400km however it does take most of the day due to the very long queue to cross the border. This border crossing was the longest and most unfriendly of them all.

We enjoyed our time in Lithuania and did both optionals, the dinner which was nice and the KGB tour which was very interesting and sad. Onto Warsaw which was very heavily bombed in the war so lot of the buildings are not the original however they have done a good job at restoring the Old Town. Did the optional tour to Wilanow Palace however we did not do the Chopin concert but fellow travellers said it was really good. Expect some days to be long days travelling in the coach. We would recommend this tour to people who have seen Europe and want to get a taste of the north. This was our 9th tour with Insight Vacations and whilst some of the hotels were average and rooms small they were centrally located.
A little too long but very interesting   0 , NSW, Australia, Jul 2019
We have booked Insight Vacations tours on several previous occasions, so we had a good idea of the standards to expect. This tour was a real mixed bag. The hotels and food in Russia and the Baltic countries were up to the high standard expected of Insight Vacations, however the hotels in the Scandinavian countries did not meet the standard expected ...read more of Insight Vacations. The Scandinavian countries are very expensive and this was reflected in the quality of the hotels. It would appear that the Insight Vacations budget would not stretch to the international chain standard of hotels.

The other disappointing aspect of the tour was the balance between included sightseeing and optional tours. There were a lot of the latter. On the positive side, the countries were amazing, especially Russia. The tour was probably a little too long. It would have been enough to have just the Scandinavian countries and Russia. The Baltic countries (especially Belarus and Lithuania) did not add a great deal extra. Booking with Global Journeys was fabulous. The service was of a high standard, personal and efficient. Questions were answered promptly and all relevant information provided. A highly recommended travel company.
Great way to see Moscow and St Petersburg for the 1st time!   2 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2018
We had a great time. A great way to see Moscow and St Petersburg for the 1st time. We spent 3 days in Berlin before the tour started, which I recommend to have some free time before the tour starts and have a good look around by yourself. I wish we had more time in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. I enjoyed the Baltic cruise. We did most of the the optional ...read more tours. We were prepared to do so, as we wanted to see all we could.

The ones we liked the best were Russian ballet, Russian folklore show, Chopin concert & Wilanow Palace. We both agreed that Russian Mosiac could have been missed. But it depends on what you want to see. Our tour director Piotr worked hard to make sure we enjoyed our holiday. Our coach driver Romulus worked hard to make sure we got to our destinations. Remember it is a tour, so it means early starts, at times rushing about and long coach rides. But still, we enjoyed our time. Special thanks to Hannah at Global Journeys for helping with our holiday. Couldn't have done it without your help. Thanks again!
Fantastic Russia and Scandinavia   1 , NSW, Australia, May 2018
This was our 10th Insight Tour and it was a very well organised tour. Cities and Sightseeing were excellent as was the food. The Hotels were some of the best we have stayed in. We even ventured out by ourselves in St Petersburg and Moscow with no trouble. The only downside was that there was about 3 days that involved very long travel days in the coach, ...read more with the longest being the Moscow to Minsk day that was over 700Km and 10Hrs with only a few stops and a quick lunch break. The next being the Copenhagen to Stockholm at 600Km and over 8 Hrs. But this didn't detract from the overall fantastic tour. Maybe it should be a few days longer.

The Tour Director was average and we only had 26 passengers, he relied a lot on the local guides which were good. The optional extras are always hard to judge if they are worth it. We did those that we thought were reasonable as most of them were expensive. Those that did the Russian Ballet were disappointed and the Lithuanian Dinner didn't have Traditional Dancers and would of been better going to a restaurant ourselves. Overall I would recommend this tour but be prepared for some long bus days. As usual the booking process with Global Journeys and Yvonne was very easy and always recommend them.
Capital Cities, long journeys. 5 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2017
Northern Capitals is an apt description. Unfortunately, journeys between are lengthy and some capitals could be missed! Some are fabulous and more time in Berlin St Petersburg and Russia would be better. Always read the itinerary.
Wonderful tour in every respect! 6 , QLD, Australia, Jun 2017
We were hesitant about doing a coach tour as we normally travel independently but felt this would be the best way to see Russia. We did Insight's "Northern Capitals and Russia" tour in July 2017 and we couldn't recommend it highly enough. We booked more than 12 months in advance and were disappointed that we missed out on the Insight "Fly Free" airfare ...read more deals which were released in September prior to the tour in June. On tour, we were really pleased with what we were able to see and what was included and we saw a lot!

We took most of the Optional experiences, which did mean we were "on the go" most of the time, however we were prepared to put the effort in to see as much as we could whilst away. Most days we walked between 15,000 to 18,000 steps. Piotr (Tour Director) and Werner (Driver) were professional and made everything on tour go smoothly. The accommodation was excellent, we had a triple share room and on some occasions we were given a suite and twice we received interconnecting rooms, which was a real bonus. We would recommend this Insight Tour for anyone wishing to visit Russia, Scandinavia, Lithuania and some eastern European cities.
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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