Scandinavia & Best of Baltics (Winter)

Good afternoon globe-roamers and welcome to 12-days of memory-making magic.

After a bit of a mingle with the new squad we'll getting into the spirit of our imminent adventures in Copenhagen. We've got all day tomorrow to suss out the city, so after an orientation tour of the city, today can stay reserved for Contiki hangs if you're feeling social. (D) Stay: Scandic Sydhaven (or similar)

Constantly named amongst the most liveable cities in the world, Copenhagen is an artwork of locals on bicycles, Danish pastries in cute café windows, & Renaissance architecture. Being a bustling university town and home to the hippie hood of Freetown Christiania, nightlife and unique culture can be found at every turn. (B)

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. We'll be surrounded by 200 bronze statues eating Krumkaker pastries before we can say "jeg elsker Norge! " (that's "I love Norway," folks). (B) Stay: Scandic Helsfyr (or similar)

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. Pottering around museums and pretty buildings will keep us busy by day, while taking a stroll through the city should keep you busy by night. (B)

Oslo, it's been amazing, but today we're making tracks for the traditional city of Elverum, with a brief stop-off along the way. Hey hey, Lillehammer! Upon arrival we could take a stroll through the city or hop on the Lillehammer Olympic Track bobsleigh, Northern Europe's only artificially frozen bob. All done for the day? We've got more epic surprises tomorrow, so make sure to rest up. 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. (B) Stay: Thon Hotel Elgstua (or similar)

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. For dinner tonight, we'll tuck into a traditional Norwegian specialty – reindeer stew served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry. It's enough to warm the cockles of your heart. (B/D) Stay: Torgåsgården (or similar)

Today you'll wake up in Torgåsgården – a Contiki Special Stay renowned for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. We'll head out for a hike during the day (with snowshoes if there's snow, plus lunch cooked over an open fire). We'll also be joined by some huskies… so be prepared for a cuteness overload. (B/D)

Leaving Dalarna behind, and saying farewell to Sweden's national symbol, the orange Dala horse, we're headed to the capital today! Stockholm, here we come! Arriving in Stockholm, we'll take a city tour where we'll have the chance to stroll the quaint medieval streets of Gamla Stan & try to catch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace. (B) Stay: Generator Stockholm (or similar)

Wander the quaint medieval streets of Gamla Stan & try to catch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace. 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…. (B) Stay: Generator Stockholm (Stockholm, Sweden)

Welcome to Tallinn, Estonia's elegant capital. We'll let you explore this beautiful Baltic city for a few hours, after which our TM will give you an orientation tour, followed by a local dinner at F HOONE, with its menu of healthy but seriously delicious local delicacies. (B/D) Stay: Metropol Hotel Tallinn (or similar)

Tallinn is all yours for the day, so go out and find out what makes this place so special. One of Europe's hidden gems, this early medieval era creation is now a fascinating mix of old and new. With one of the best preserved old towns in the world, a charming coastline, and gothic towers scattered around, this city will win your heart in an instant. 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 splendor. (B) Stay: Ibis Tallinn Center (or similar)

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 TM and we'll meet back in the evening for a locally prepared meal full of cultural specialties. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Tartu (or similar)

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! Enjoy 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. (B) Stay: Rixwell Konventa Seta (or similar)

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), some of the many shops and restaurants that fill the cobblestoned streets and the timeless charm of a capital steeped in over 800 years of history. (B)

...and we're on the road again. Today we're visiting the Hill of Crosses, an epic site 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. (B) Stay: Moxy Kaunas Center (or similar)

So long, Kaunas. We're making our way to our next awesome destination today, and it's none other than vibrant Vilnius! The cathedrals, the cobbled streets, the baroque architecture… try not to fall in love with Vilnius. Oh, and have your camera ready for Trakai island castle. (B) Stay: Ibis Vilnius Center (or similar)

...and this is where our journey sadly ends. Exchange contact information with your fellow travelers, who have now probably become friends. Time to lock in your next adventure! (B)