Begin your adventure from London with a rail and ferry journey linking the Baltic cities of Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga. Travel through the heart of Europe, stopping in Brussels for a night to explore its historical charm, before heading to Hamburg. Here, immerse yourself in the city’s unique blend of old and new, from the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt to its lively modern districts.
From Hamburg, continue your journey by train and ferry, crossing the Baltic Sea in comfort. Enjoy overnight ferry crossings, discovering Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, Riga’s stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and Stockholm’s rich maritime history along the way. In select locations, we've chosen quality hotels near train stations for your comfort and convenience. While some hotels may not be directly at train stations, they are strategically located near the heart of each city. You can also enhance your journey with a variety of excursions, all tailored to your preferences by our Travel Specialists.
Begin your train adventure with a Eurostar journey from London St. Pancras to Brussels, traversing the Channel Tunnel into continental Europe. Enjoy an overnight in Brussels, where you can explore the stunning Grand Place, the heart of Brussels, and indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates and waffles.
Today take a German ICE (InterCity Express) a high-speed train bound for Hamburg via a change of trains in Cologne, passing through the landscapes of Belgium and western Germany. Upon arrival check in to IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof or similar for an overnight stay. Explore the historic Speicherstadt district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or visit the lively St. Pauli quarter with its vibrant nightlife and cultural venues. (B)
This morning arrive in Stockholm, take a short walk to Scandic Grand Central or similar and leave your luggage. Set off to explore Sweden’s beautiful capital. (B)
Spend your free day exploring Stockholm or speak to our specialist about adding some guided excursions. Begin at the Royal Castle and the nearby Storkyrkan, Stockholm's national church. Don't miss the Vasa Museum, home to a stunningly preserved 17th century warship. Stroll through Skansen, the oldest open-air museum showcasing Swedish history and wildlife. Admire Millesgården’s striking sculptures and panoramic views of Stockholm’s harbour entrance. For a cultural experience, visit Stockholm’s Town Hall and the Blue Hall, where Nobel celebrations take place. End your day with a leisurely walk through the picturesque Gamla Stan, the city's historic Old Town brimming with cobblestone streets and quaint cafés. (B)
On your final day in Stockholm perhaps visit Djurgården, a tranquil island that’s home to fascinating attractions such as the ABBA Museum and the Nordic Museum. Explore the lush greenery of Rosendals Trädgård or take a scenic walk along the island’s waterfront. If time allows, enjoy a fika at a local café or indulge in shopping for Swedish design in Östermalm.
As evening approaches, board the overnight ferry to Helsinki. Relax in your private cabin or enjoy the ship’s amenities, including restaurants, bars, and scenic deck views as you sail on the Baltic Sea. (B)
Arrive in Helsinki, take a local taxi to the Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki or similar. Check in for two nights. Head out and explore Helsinki begin at Senate Square, home to the striking, white-domed Cathedral and historic architecture. Nearby, enjoy coffee and cake at Café Engel. Stroll through Esplanadi Park, vibrant with outdoor concerts in summer, and visit Kauppatori market for fresh produce, handcrafts, and souvenirs. From the harbour, take a ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress. For relaxation, head to Allas Sea Pool, open year-round with saunas offering city views, a heated pool, and the bold option of a Baltic Sea dip. Its café and bar are perfect for unwinding, especially on one of Helsinki’s best summer terraces. (B)
Discover Helsinki's vibrant Kallio district, a bohemian hub of cafés, pubs, and saunas. Visit the striking Kallio Church, a granite landmark from 1912. Art lovers can explore the Ateneum Art Museum, reopening this April, to admire works by Finland’s greatest artists in its stunning neo-Renaissance building. For a deep dive into Finnish design, head to the Design Museum. Architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Oodi Library’s spruce-clad facade, the subterranean Temppeliaukio Rock Church carved into bedrock, or Finlandia Hall, clad in Carrara marble and one of Alvar Aalto’s masterpieces. (B)
Today, head to Helsinki West Harbour Terminal 2 for your ferry to Tallinn. You can easily take a taxi (15 minutes by car) or Tram 9 from the city centre (about 40 minutes). We recommend travelling with Tallink-Silja Line ferries.
For ferry enthusiasts, the Megastar, Tallink’s LNG-powered flagship, is a state-of-the-art vessel at 212.2m in length, accommodating up to 2,800 passengers. Its Business Class, located at the front, features stunning panoramic windows. Upon arrival in Tallinn, take a local taxi or enjoy a leisurely walk to your hotel and check in to My City Hotel or similar. (B)
Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, with its cobbled streets, Town Hall Square, and the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, is a must-see. However, don’t miss the Rotermann Quarter, a transformed industrial district between the Old Town and the Ferry Port. Stroll through lanes flanked by old brick warehouses and chimneys, now home to boutique shops and trendy eateries.
We recommend Pull, a restaurant by one of Estonia’s top grill masters. For sweet treats, visit Kalev Chocolate Shop, Estonia’s oldest chocolate brand. Still hungry? Head to RØST for mouthwatering cinnamon buns and some of the best sourdough bread in Tallinn. (B)
New for 2025 Estonian and Latvian railways have co-ordinated their timetables and it's possible to travel between Tallinn & Riga on a comfortable daily train service, with one simple cross-platform change of train on the border at Valga. The train still takes longer than the bus at around seven hours and nine minutes, with a one hour and 46-minute wait at Valga. On arrival either take a local taxi and enjoy a 15 minute walk to the Hotel Neiburgs or similar. Check in for a two-night stay. (B)
On your free day in Riga, explore the charm of the Old Town, dating back to 1201. Stroll down pedestrian Kalku Street, admire medieval buildings in Livu Square, and visit iconic landmarks like the Dome Cathedral, Small and Great Guild Houses, and the Blackheads House. Discover Riga’s architectural beauty with a walk through the Art Nouveau District, especially along Alberta and Elizabetes Streets. Alternatively, visit the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum to experience traditional Latvian life. Don't miss the Latvian National Museum of Art or the Central Market, where you can shop for fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique crafts. (B)
Your journey comes to an end today in Riga. You may choose to return to the UK by flight, continue your travels onward, or the train back to the UK via Vilnius and Poland. War. Speak to one of our travel specialists to explore your options for onward travel or flight bookings, and they’ll be happy to assist with any arrangements. (B)
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Price Notes
This is an example itinerary staying at our favourite four-star hotels, accompanied by a guide price. If you would like alternative options staying in three or perhaps five-star hotels, or if you have a higher or lower budget than the guide price, please ring one of our travel specialists on 0207 666 1290 and we can tailor this trip to suit your precise requirements.
For single room supplements and solo travellers please contact us for prices