Begin your day with a hotel breakfast before setting out to discover the Danish capital on a private walking tour.
Strolling through the ambience of Copenhagen’s Old Town, you’ll cross to the island of Slotsholmen to the grounds of Christiansborg – home of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Supreme Court and the King’s working palace – with the peaceful hidden gardens of the Royal Library tucked just behind. Make your way to the colourful waterfront of Nyhavn, where a row of historic townhouses lines the harbour. Soak up the nautical atmosphere and pass by the former home of beloved fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen, who once lived along this famous canal. The tour continues to the Royal residence of Amalienborg, where you’ll see the uniformed palace guards and admire the impressive Marble Church rising above the rooftops. Along the way, you’ll browse charming Christmas markets, learn about Danish holidays and stop in for a hot cup of gløgg (traditional hot spiced wine).
In the evening, visit Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park, the second-oldest amusement park in the world and a bastion of Christmas cheer.
Savour another hotel breakfast before checking out and transferring as a group to the station to board the train to Stockholm.
Settle into first class for a scenic journey between two of Scandinavia’s most celebrated capitals. As the train glides out of Copenhagen, look out for the unbelievable Øresund Bridge – an impressive feat of engineering that connects Denmark and Sweden – before the landscape opens up into the rolling Swedish countryside.
Upon arrival in Stockholm, you will travel to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace – whether that means venturing out from Hotel Rival on the trendy island of Södermalm or staying in for a cosy night of calm.
Travel time: Train – approx. six hours
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before enjoy a day in this beautiful capital at your leisure. A full day of exploration will allow you to appreciate Stockholm’s nearly 800-year history, in combination with its wonderfully vibrant festive atmosphere.
Make your way to Stockholm’s charming Old Town, where medieval cobblestone lanes and colourful historic buildings set a magical backdrop for the city’s beloved Christmas markets. Weave your way through stalls adorned with twinkling lights, browsing handcrafted gifts, traditional Swedish ornaments and seasonal treat. Alternatively, check out the ABBA Museum or visit hidden gems such as the street at at Snosatra.
Yoru day includes a lunch of traditional Swedish meatballs – the perfect chance to get a taste for what makes this country an underestimated European gem.
Another full day in Stockholm awaits after breakfast, ahead of an overnight ferry to Estonia.
December in Stockholm is a magical time – the city is steeped in Christmas spirit, with decorations in the shape of reindeer, angels and mistletoe on every street. A tour of the city’s cheer will see you walking through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, accompanied with a private guide; the Christmas market here is the oldest in Sweden and has more than 40 stalls. Along the way, enjoy another cup of gløgg and learn more about Sweden’s December traditions.
Continue the celebrations with a private candycane making workshop. Not many know that the polkagris – the original candycane – is a Swedish invention, created in the 18th century by Amalia Eriksson, a woman who originally made them as a curative for her sick daughter. Today it’s an enduring symbol of Christmas that is sold throughout the world. Bake your own and feast on your creations.
In the evening, head to Stockholm Värtahamnen Terminal and board your vessel with the Tallink Silja Line for an overnight ferry to Tallinn. As you explore the onboard facilities – including a nightclub, bars, restaurants, sauna and spa – you’ll pass through the Stockholm archipelago and out into the Baltic Sea.
Please note: Tours beginning on 29 November travel directly from Stockholm to Tallinn. For those beginning on 5 December, overnight ferries will travel to Helsinki where guests will transfer to a second vessel on the morning of Day 6 for their onward journey to Tallinn.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 15 minutes; Ferry – approx. 17 hours
This morning, enjoy an onboard breakfast before arriving in Tallinn by approximately 11am. Upon disembarkation, transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage before embarking on a guided Christmas tour.
After a brief introduction to Estonian history, admire the striking onion domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral before passing the stately Houses of the Estonian Parliament and the ancient Dome Church. Climb to the top of Toompea Hill for panoramic views across the Lower Town’s terracotta rooftops and the glittering winter cityscape below.
The tour continues down into the Lower Old Town, past the Gothic architecture of Town Hall Square, the centuries-old Town Council Pharmacy (originally built in 1422!), and at the heart of it all, Tallinn’s celebrated Christmas market. Beneath the world’s oldest public Christmas tree, warm up with a cup of mulled wine as you browse the stalls and soak up the magic of this truly special setting.
The festive spirit continues with a private guided gingerbread decorating workshop. This experience is reserved exclusively for your group, making it a wonderfully personal and memorable experience.
Today is yours to explore Tallinn at your own pace – and with so much festive magic about, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of this medieval city.
Begin with breakfast at the hotel before heading back into the Old Town, where the Christmas market is best enjoyed as the frost burns off in the crisp morning air. Browse the charming stalls for traditional Estonian handicrafts and treat yourself to a freshly baked pastry or a warming cup of glögg.
From there, make your way to the Old Town’s beloved ice skating rink, where you can glide beneath the glow of festive lights in the shadow of St. Nicholas’ Church.
As evening falls, find a warm corner at one of the Old Town’s atmospheric restaurants or wine bars and raise a glass to one of the most magical Christmas destinations in all of Europe.
After another hearty hotel breakfast, make your way to the port to board your ferry to Helsinki.
Upon arrival, embark on a private walking tour through the streets of one of Europe’s most compact capitals – a city perfectly suited to exploring on foot.
Your first stop is the magnificent Senate Square, where the striking white Lutheran Cathedral rises above a neoclassical neighbourhood. During December it becomes the center of the city’s incredible Christmas Market, or ‘Tuomaan Markkinat’ in Finnish – a wonderful chance to eat gingerbread and drink glögi, Finland’s take on the mulled drink. The tour continues through the elegant Esplanade Park, where bright Christmas lights illuminate the city’s heart, past the grand Railway Station and on to Kansalaistori square before heading into the leafy Töölö district.
The highlight of the afternoon is a visit to the famous Oodi Library and extraordinary Rock Church – the Temppeliaukio Kirkko – Helsinki’s most visited landmark, hewn directly into solid bedrock unlike any other place of worship.
The return journey to the city centre is made in style aboard a classic Helsinki tram, offering sweeping views of the city’s beautiful Art Nouveau and diplomatic districts along the way.
Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure with dinner at the hotel Restaurant Haven, or branch out into the streets of Helsinki.
One final breakfast concludes your Christmas adventures through glittering Scandinavia. After a leisurely 12pm checkout, make your way to Helsinki Airport (HEL) for your onward journey.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 30 minutes