
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam Schiphol (or similar)
- Amsterdam
Discover Scandinavia, Central Europe and the Baltic states over 18 days on our Northern Europe tour!
Discover Scandinavia, Central Europe and the Baltic states over 18 days on our Northern Europe tour!

Explore ten countries across Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Central Europe! Absorb the culture of hip cities from Amsterdam and Copenhagen to Warsaw and Berlin. Experience the Scandi-cool sophistication of Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki. Journey through the beautiful Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania on our 18-day Northern Explorer tour!
21 YEARS ON TOUR
“THE BEST PART OF A GROUP TOUR? THE GROUP.”
JAKES MARITZ, CO-FOUNDER
All the flexibility to book on your terms.
Your tour is going ahead. Every single one, guaranteed.
10% secures your seat. Pay the rest with interest-free instalments or all at once.
Plans change? We've got you. Get in touch and we'll help you work through your options.
Changed your mind? We'll refund every penny.
Need us? We're there. Day or night, on the road or off it.
Not sure how to spend your free day? Explore the city on your own, or choose from these handpicked optional experiences designed to show you the best of the region.
Unless marked as "Pre-Book", all optional experiences can be booked directly with your tour leader on tour, payable in cash or by card in the stated currency. Prices and availability are subject to change.
18 days itinerary trip from Amsterdam to Amsterdam visiting 10 countries
We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard.
All rooms are twin share with private, en suite bathrooms. Solo travellers will be paired with another traveller of the same gender. Single supplements are available upon request at checkout. A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Amsterdam, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.





























Welcome to Amsterdam and your Northern Explorer tour! Meet your tour leader at the accommodation this morning before heading to a local farm and see how clogs and Dutch cheese are made. Enjoy a welcome lunch before an Amsterdam canal cruise! This afternoon, join the Timeless Holland excursion for more classic Dutch experiences. The rest of the night is free.

See how these traditional shoes are made by hand, and taste Dutch cheese. Purchase some unique and authentic Dutch souvenirs during the visit!

Celebrate the first day on tour and get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome lunch at a restaurant in the centre of town.

Cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic canals. Enjoy a unique way of sightseeing while you admire the city’s top landmarks from its beloved waterways.

Visit Volendam's fishing village, ferry to Marken for a coastal dinner, then soak up panoramic Amsterdam views at A'dam Lookout, drink included.

Depart Amsterdam this morning and travel to Germany! Arrive in Hamburg in the late afternoon and embark on an orientation tour. Hamburg is an impressive harbour town and top cultural destination home to over 50 museums! Enjoy time to grab dinner, why not try some local cuisine or an eponymous hamburger? Later, travel on to the accommodation for the night.

Hamburg is an important harbour town, lying on three rivers and home to more bridges than any other city in the world!

After breakfast, cross the border into Denmark and head towards the capital, Copenhagen. The drive offers fantastic views and crosses Europe's longest bridge! En route, visit Odense, the birthplace of fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen! Arrive in Copenhagen and enjoy an orientation tour. Discover why this charming city has been voted one of the world's most liveable!

Learn more about Odense’s history as well as its most famous inhabitant, Hans Christian Andersen. See if you can spot some of his fairytale inspirations!

Embark on an orientation tour of Copenhagen and see top sights including the impressive Frederick's Church, Rosenborg Castle, Town Hall, and the Little Mermaid statue.

Visit three countries today! Drive to Helsingør, home to Kronborg Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. See the castle from the water on a ferry to Sweden. Then, drive through stunning scenery towards Gothenburg. Here, enjoy an orientation tour and free time. Next, cross the border into Norway and travel to Oslo, the capital! Enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Cruise across the Øresund to Helsingborg in Sweden. Admire the views of Kronborg Castle on the Danish side of the bay!

Admire the views of Sweden’s beautiful rural scenery during a drive from Helsingborg to Gothenburg.

Enjoy a visit to Sweden’s second-largest city which is well-known for its rich heritage, historical sites and for being the birthplace of Volvo cars!

Explore Oslo today! Begin with a locally guided tour of Norway’s cool, compact and captivating capital city. See the city’s highlights including Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace and the Oslo Opera House. After, the rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Join the Oslo+ excursion to experience some of the city’s impressive museums and green spaces!

Embark on a walking tour and gain deeper insight into Oslo’s history. Highlights include the Opera House, Parliament building, Akershus Castle and Royal Palace.

Explore top Oslo sights with your tour leader! Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park, the scenic Bygdøy peninsula and the Fram and Kon Tiki museums.

Wave farewell to Norway and travel back to Sweden. Stop in Örebro, a charming town known for its medieval castle and beautiful parks, before continuing to Stockholm, Sweden's gorgeous capital. Arrive in the evening and absorb the city's vibrant atmosphere. Tonight, tuck into a hearty, included dinner and taste authentic Swedish meatballs!

It’s time to indulge in a Swedish classic - meatballs! Join the group to enjoy this hearty, included dinner tonight.

Discover the highlights of Stockholm today! Discover the top attractions and learn all about Sweden’s capital on a locally guided tour. See the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman Ship and take a walk through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s famous Old Town. This afternoon, join the Stockholm Heritage & Vasa Discovery optional to explore two of Stockholm's most celebrated museums.

See the top sights of Sweden’s capital city. Admire the Royal Palace, the AF Chapman ship and Gamla Stan, the city’s historic heart.

Explore Viking treasures, the legendary Gold Room and a 17th-century sunken warship across two of Stockholm's most iconic museums, with lunch included.

This morning, discover Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town, where Viking-age ruins and the country's oldest Main Street await. Soak up the charm of this medieval gem before heading back to Stockholm. This afternoon, board the overnight ferry to Helsinki and settle in for a night of great onboard entertainment as you sail across the Baltic Sea, arriving in Finland tomorrow morning.

Founded by King Erik the Victorious in 970 AD, Sigtuna is Sweden’s oldest town and is home to the oldest Main Street in the country.

Travel from Stockholm to Helsinki and spend the night on the water! Hop aboard, enjoy stunning scenery and onboard entertainment. Arrive in Finland tomorrow morning.

Tuck into a Swedish buffet with unlimited drinks on your overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki!

Arrive in Helsinki in the late morning and head off on a tour with a local guide. See highlights like the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. Take the afternoon to explore the Finnish capital at your own pace. Alternatively, join this afternoon’s optional excursion to explore the stunning Suomenlinna Island!

Visit Havis Amanda Fountain, neoclassical Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, and Kauppatori Market for Finnish crafts and souvenirs.

Enjoy a guided tour and picnic lunch on Suomenlinna island, then indulge in a Finnish pastry and coffee at a famous café.

Today, catch a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia. With a strong mediaeval history combined with modern structures, Tallinn is one of Europe's most enchanting cities! Enjoy lunch at a medieval restaurant before exploring Tallinn with a local guide on a walking tour. Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, see Town Hall Square, St Olav’s Church and more!

Enjoy a comfortable cruise across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia. Take in the scenic views as the ferry makes its way to Tallinn.

Delight in a delicious local lunch at a historic restaurant in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town Square.

Filled with medieval architecture, cobbled walkways and a vibrant culture, Tallinn is a photographer's dream. Highlights include St Olav's church and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Depart Tallinn and head to Riga, Latvia’s capital. En route, visit Pärnu, a scenic Estonian resort town, and explore Latvia’s seaside town of Saulkrasti before a sombre visit to the Latvian Military Cemetery, dedicated to the soldiers who fought in WWI. Later, arrive in Riga. Embark on a walking tour to discover Riga’s buzzing atmosphere and spellbinding Art Nouveau architecture.

Enjoy a stop in the resort city of Pärnu, a seaside city overlooking Pärnu Bay which is beloved for its colourful houses and scenic beach.

This Latvian seaside town is a great local spot to drink in the beauty of the Latvian coastline without the tourist crowds.

Also called the Brothers' Cemetery, this national monument commemorates 2,000+ Latvian soldiers who fought in World War I and the Latvian War of Independence.

Admire Riga’s striking Art Nouveau architecture and top sights including the Riga Dom Cathedral and the House of the Black Heads on an orientation tour.

Lithuania is calling today! The first stop is the Hill of Crosses - a pilgrimage site loaded with around 100,000 crosses. Next stop is Trakai, home to an exquisite brick-built island castle. Later, arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, and enjoy an orientation tour. During your free time, discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the self-proclaimed artists’ republic of Užupis.

Pilgrims have been flocking to this religious sight for centuries and today there are 200,000+ crosses, carvings and shrines.

Stop at Trakai National Park, home to lush forests with the crowning jewel being Trakai Island Castle, located in the centre of a beautiful lake.

Embark on an orientation tour of Vilnius. Learn about the city's storied history, discover Cathedral Square and marvel at the Old Town’s, UNESCO-listed Baroque architecture.

This morning, wave farewell to Lithuania and head to Poland! Arrive in Warsaw, the capital, in the afternoon and check into the hotel. Then, gain an in depth insight into this fascinating city on a driving tour. Spot some the city’s top sights including the Presidential Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. Later, enjoy a group dinner.

Discover Poland’s colourful capital! Warsaw astounds with modern skyscrapers, a charming Old Town, impressive monuments and world-class museums.

Tour Warsaw’s Old Town with a local guide this morning. Take in a number of highlights and see the bustling square at the heart of the old town. This afternoon is yours to spend as you wish! Join one or both of the unmissable optional excursions on offer to experience Warsaw’s fascinating culinary, musical and royal culture.

Explore the bustling market square, cobblestone alleyways and mediaeval architecture of this UNESCO-listed historic centre which was carefully reconstructed after the 1944 Warsaw Uprising.

Savour authentic pierogi at a local restaurant! Then, explore Warsaw’s 14th-century Royal Castle, rich in history and architectural splendour.

Experience a Chopin concert in Warsaw’s Royal Castle, followed by a three-course Polish dinner at a cosy restaurant in the Old Town.

Heading back to Germany, stop in Poznań, a city famous for its colourful old town. Then, continue to Germany’s capital! Reminders of Berlin’s dark past are everywhere, but this captivating city has been reborn and is filled with vibrant modern culture today. Take a walking and driving tour and see famous landmarks, including Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie!

Faithfully reconstructed following the Second World War, this beautiful square is home to the Town Hall, colourful townhouses and the Pranger, a 16th-century punishment device.

Uncover this vibrant city’s turbulent past with a local guide and discover must-see sights, including Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall and Reichstag.

Today is a free day in Berlin. Revisit some of the sights from yesterday's driving tour, or discover more of the city for yourself. Alternatively, join the fascinating Berlin+ tour for a trip into Berlin’s turbulent past and thriving present. Visit the East Side Gallery and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the iconic Berlin TV tower!

Discover Berlin’s fascinating history and modern culture. Visit the East Side Gallery, Berlin Wall Memorial, Hackescher Markt and Berlin TV Tower!

After breakfast, say goodbye to Berlin and travel back to the Netherlands, enjoying the beautiful German and Dutch landscapes during the drive. Arrive back at the Amsterdam hotel for the night. To celebrate the last night of the tour, and say farewell to your tour leader and fellow passengers, join the optional Diversely Dutch Dinner featuring delicious international dishes!

Pull up a chair for a last evening in Amsterdam. Dinner, dessert, and a drink of your choice included.

Today, the tour concludes after breakfast. By now, you will have enjoyed 18 days on tour, visiting amazing countries and making unforgettable memories! Be sure to share your contact details with your fellow travellers. We hope you've enjoyed your Northern Explorer Tour as much as we have!
Mac
Northern Discovery ?
Tour Guide and Driver Hans and Ken were excellent in ensuring we had a most efficient, engaging, exhilarating , educational and entertaining tour. Yes, it was fast paced and you yearned for more time in some places such as Copenhagen, but you sorta knew ahead and we had enough to fuel our imagination and self research. The expert local tour guides were all very well chosen and were appreciated. Accommodation and food all met expectation. Would highly recommend this tour as very good value for money.
Bella
Highly recommend
Great tour with the lovely Mika and driver greyory.Mikas knowledgeable and as a high standard of organisation skills. Her history knowledge was excellent, she was funny,happy and always available for any questions by the passagers.we had 20 in our group from around the world,so ample seats on the bus on long days of greyory driving us from countries to countries, 10 countries we visited in 17 days. Hotels were good and breakfast was fairly nice. Poland hotel had best breakfast. Saw so much on this tour. Lots of optional tours at extra cost, l thought some were overpriced. We had some lunches and dinners included, which was lovely. Mika was wonderful guide and she really enjoyed her new job of 3 years. I had a wonderful experience on this tour and meet lovely people as well.
MBB
Excellent Tour all around.
Highly recommended
MaTe

Dewi (our guide) & Hans (our driver) were both amazing partners. Hans was the best driver, patient & kind. He is very helpful especially with the luggage of the group. Dewi, on the other hand is an amazing tour guide. Her deep knowledge, passion, and engaging storytelling really brought the history and culture to life. She has great local recommendations, and even goes above and beyond to make our vacation seamless & memorable.
Mer

Every expat tour is different (I've been in three). Northern Explorer was FUNtastic.. hectic but full of experiences and excitement. The hotels were all good. The TL and driver was superb
Elaine

I would recommend Expat Explore always if one would like to visit Europe. This was my second tour and it did not disappoint. Looking forward to booking more tours with Expat. The scenic drives and beautiful towns & cities visited was amazing. The excursions was mostly exciting
Diana S.

Northern Explorer tour was so amazing. So many wonderful places to explore but not enough time. Our tour guide Will & the bus driver Hanz was so amazing & very lovely people. I'll definitely go back again for another tours. Cheers!!!
Monet

Thank you to our tour leader Andjela and our coach driver Victor. Both professional at its finest! The tour is amazing! Did meet my expectations! I enjoyed the group tour/travel as it's my first time to join as such as I always travel on my own. The next tour with Expat is definitely on the agenda! Thank you once again to Andjela and Victor, very much appreciated! 😊♥️
Price is based on a sharing twin room.
Private Room Upgrade (optional) +€1,245 pp
This departure features a special, festive version of the itinerary!
Price is based on a sharing twin room.
Private Room Upgrade (optional) +€1,655 pp
Instalment option available for as little as €640 per month
Price is based on a sharing twin room.
Private Room Upgrade (optional) +€1,655 pp
Instalment option available for as little as €512 per month
Price is based on a sharing twin room.
Private Room Upgrade (optional) +€1,655 pp
Instalment option available for as little as €394 per month
Price is based on a sharing twin room.
Private Room Upgrade (optional) +€1,655 pp
Instalment option available for as little as €377 per month
Personalise Your Trip
Explore the optional experiences available at each stop, find the ones that match your interests and get an idea of the cost before you go.
Note: This tool is for estimation only.
When You Arrive
Everything you need to know about meeting your Tour Leader, when to arrive, where you’ll finish and who to contact if you need help along the way.
Every Travel Chasers tour departure is guaranteed to run. We'd only cancel in circumstances that prevent us from operating safely.
Once you've booked, we've already planned around you being there, so you can secure your flights and tell your friends. It’s confirmed.
See our Terms & Conditions for all the details.
Full days, zero filler. Most mornings start with breakfast before heading out to the main sights with your Tour Leader or a local guide. Afternoons often include free time to wander, find a coffee or join an Optional Experience. Expect a good amount of walking too. On some days, you could spend two to three hours on your feet. Comfortable shoes are your best friend.
People from all over the world. Different ages, different backgrounds, same instinct to see more. Classic groups have on average between 35-45 Chasers. By day three, you’ll already know everyone's name.
Your accommodation, transport, Tour Leader and driver, breakfast most mornings, select lunches and dinners, and the Included Experiences on the tour page. Everything else is yours to choose. Check the individual tour page before you book for the exact inclusions.
Clean, comfortable and well located. Mostly 3 to 4 star, with private en-suite bathrooms. They're chosen so you can sleep well and feel ready for the next day. They're not the centrepiece. The destinations are. But they're never an afterthought.
All travellers carry their own bags, including up hotel stairs where needed. Walking tours can last up to three hours, and some sites involve a fair number of steps. Read through the itinerary to decide if the pace is right for you.
Optional Experiences happen during your tour's free-time slots, and your Tour Leader will tell you about what's on offer during the tour. Most can be booked on the day, but some are pre-sold and must be purchased before your tour begins, so it's worth checking the tour page beforehand to see what's available and get in touch with our team to book anything in advance.
Maximum value, not minimum comfort. Twenty-one years of supplier relationships mean we know where to find the best for less, and we pass that directly to you. Comfortable hotels, included meals and local experiences, without paying for the premium tier.
Yes. Free time is built into Classic itineraries, giving you space to wander and explore at your own pace. Your Tour Leader can point you towards the places worth your time, so you're never left completely to figure it out yourself.
Absolutely. Many Chasers travel solo, and there’s no compulsory single supplement when you travel with us. For accommodation, solo travellers share a twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer your own room, you can choose to pay a single supplement instead. Check the individual tour page for pricing.
You might arrive alone. You won't feel that way for long.
Yes. You don't need any previous group travel experience. Your Tour Leader is with you throughout, and you'll have a whole group of people discovering the destination alongside you. If you're not sure which Classic tour is right for you, we can help.
No. Flights aren't included, giving you flexibility over how you get there and when you travel. Your tour information will tell you where and when to meet the group on day one.
Yes. Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Your policy should cover the full duration of your trip, including medical expenses, cancellation and repatriation. Find out more about our travel insurance requirements here.
Our 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee gives you 10 days to decide after booking. Change your mind? Full refund, no questions asked.
After this point, your deposit is non-refundable. However, you can always change your tour or departure date free of charge, as many times as you like, up to 60 days before departure on Classic tours and up to 90 days before departure on Premium and Signature tours. Changes may incur an amendment fee. The current website price applies to any new tour or date.
See our Terms & Conditions for all the details.
Your Tour Leader is there to look after you during your tour. They know the places most people walk straight past, they'll have a restaurant recommendation ready before you've asked, and they'll sort anything that comes up along the way. All transport and accommodation are arranged for you.
You'll also have a 24-hour emergency contact number and our head office team.
Travel Chasers is a member of ABTA (No. Y6593) and ABTOT (No. 5517). Both organisations have codes of conduct and standards that members are required to meet, giving you an extra layer of confidence when you travel with us.
Our Classic & Premium tours have a minimum age of 10 years old, while our Signature tours have a minimum age of 18 years old. We may consider younger children on certain tours on a case-by-case basis. Get in touch in writing and we'll let you know what's possible.
Before the tour starts, we'll email you to ask about any dietary requirements. A vegetarian option is available at all included meals. We can't guarantee vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free options, so if your requirements are strict, it's worth bringing snacks as backup.
For visa requirements, pre-departure information and everything else you need to know before you travel, visit our Help Centre.

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