Embark on this Baltic States tour that packs an incredible array of distinct culture and tradition into a remarkably compact geography. The capitals of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are study in contrasts with towering cathedrals, art-nouveau architecture and medieval monuments among the treats in store. Combined with the unique landscapes, languages and temperaments of each region, this 9-day excursion is perfect for anyone seeking a truly memorable experience.
Begin in the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. Small in population (at just over half a million residents) this capital is cosmopolitan but never stuffy and features nearly 1,500 historic buildings in its Old Town centre. A former site of Gestapo headquarters; in Vilnius tour the KGB Museum and marvel at towers and church structures that date from the 14th century. The nearby town of Trakai has its own charms including a picturesque lakeside location and two historic castles.
En route to Riga stop, in what was briefly Latvia's capital during the interwar period, Kaunas. Truly stunning for its architectural marvels from another era, and located at the confluence of Lithuania's largest rivers, the town features a 17th century Baroque Town Hall in its centre. Then it's on to the Hill of Crosses, a stirring testament to devout Christians and their sacrifice during German and Soviet occupation.
Modern culture aficionados will find much to digest in Riga, the largest of the three Baltic capitals, and a highlight of our Baltic States tour. Restoration to pristine condition of its many faded art-nouveau buildings makes for a truly exhilarating experience. In fact there's an art-nouveau museum located in a painstakingly restored apartment.
That, alongside a thriving culinary and arts scene with plenty to offer discerning travellers, marks Riga as a particularly delightful city. History buffs to will be satisfied with a number of attractions including St. Peter's Church (with an elevator to the top) and the impressive Riga Cathedral in Dome Square.
Outside town, time is allotted for a visit to an enormous traditional market as well as sightseeing along the embankments that tower over the town, with excellent views and a stop at the Latvian Ethnographic Museum included in the itinerary.
Estonia beckons and on the way stop in the resort town of Parmu before arrival in the Black Sea, harbour capital, Tallinn. With a UNESCO-listed Old Town, ancient churches and medieval streetscapes the city is ridiculously photogenic. Among attractions during a guided walking tour are Alexander Nesvsky Cathedral, the 13th century Toompea Castle site and Dominican Monastery.
Departure for this Baltic States tour is via Helsinki, with a walking tour of the vibrant Finnish city included.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Your Travel and Accommodation Arranged For You
Tips Included for Driver, Restaurant Staff, Local Guides
Authentic Local Experiences With Lots Of Inclusions.
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Optional Single Supplement: $550 USD (number of singles limited).
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Day 1 Arrive in Vilnius
Arrival in Vilnius, capital of Lithuania.
In 1994 the Old Town of Vilnius was included on UNESCO's World Heritage list. With its diverse architecture and colourful history, Vilnius is a cosmopolitan place, though with just 543,000 inhabitants, it has an almost village-like atmosphere, making it an easy place to get to know.
Overnight in Vilnius.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Vilnius & Trakai
This morning we have a walking tour of Vilnius.
Sweden, Poland, France and Russia have all ruled Vilnius in the past, and today we will witness the influences that this has had on this beautiful city. The Old Town is one of the largest in Europe, with nearly 1,500 historic buildings of note built over several centuries creating a splendid blend of many different architectural styles.
Our walking tour will take us to Cathedral Square in the heart of the city. Inside the cathedral we see the famous chapel of Saint Kazimieras, considered an architectural gem. Rising in the distance behind Cathedral Square is the Gedimino Tower, once part of the 14th century defense system. We will also see the baroque Peter and Paul Church, originally built in the 14th century. The Gates of Dawn, on the eastern side of the Old Town, were one of the original nine gates into the city. The original Gothic defensive wall was once over 2 km (1.5 miles) long. From this remaining gate we will walk down through the streets of the old town. Nearby is the Jewish Quarter, with its cobblestone lanes and hidden courtyards.
While in Vilnius we'll also visit the KGB Museum (aka the Museum of Genocide Victims). For Lithuanians, the KGB Museum symbolises the 50-year-long Soviet occupation. During World War II it was the site of Gestapo headquarters and later of the KGB. The museum building is as intact as it was in 1991, when the KGB left the premises. You will see KGB rooms authentically furnished and secret KGB spying equipment.
After a full morning and a break for lunch, we we'll travel to Trakai, a former capital of Lithuania. The town, situated on the shores of several lakes, has two prominent castles built to fend off German knights in the 14th century.* Trakai is famous for its population of Kara-Kalpak people. Brought to Trakai from the Crimean Peninsula by the Grand Duke Vytautas in the late 14th century, the Kara-Kalpak still hold their Jewish religious services in the yellow Kinessa, built in 1812. Our tour here includes a visit to the Trakai Historical Museum, housed within the main rooms of Trakai's island castle.
* PLEASE NOTE that the castle will be under renovation until 2027, during which time specific parts of the complex will have limited access and certain parts will be closed on a rotational basis. Parts of the exterior will also be under scaffolding. Though it is unpredictable, should a visit become impractical, we may substitute the visit with something else of interest in the city or the surrounds.
Overnight in Vilnius.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 3 Vilnius - Siauliai, Lithuania - Rundale Palace, Latvia - Riga
Today we travel to the Hill of Crosses, located just north of the small industrial city of Siauliai. Siauliai is the Lithuanian national pilgrimage center, and a city of famous cultural traditions and legends. On a small hill stand thousands of crosses that represent Christian devotion and act as a compelling resistance memorial to the German and Soviet occupation. Today newlyweds often come here after their wedding ceremony to ask for God's blessing.
We then proceed to the border and continue on to Riga stopping at Rundale Palace in time for lunch. We then visit the palace, an architectural pearl created by architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, designer of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. Construction of the palace was completed only in 1768 and now it is a magnificent sample of baroque style with elements of classicism, with crystal chandeliers, rich stucco moulding, silk wallpaper, collection of paintings, and frescoes by Italian artists. This is the place where leaders of the state, wishing to receive high guests with really regal honours, hosted the royal couple from Denmark when they visited in Latvia.
We continue to Riga for dinner and overnight.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Riga: City Touring
Today we will enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Riga, getting us to some of the top sights and giving us a real feel for the city.
Over the last decade Riga has been going through a restoration phase, revitalizing many of its faded art nouveau buildings into pristine gems. While these buildings can be found throughout the central downtown area, the best place to see them is in a neighbourhood of streets centered around Alberta Street. Riga literally has hundreds of buildings in this flamboyant style as it experienced a period of unprecedented wealth at the beginning of the 20th century when art nouveau was all the rage in Europe.
While exploring this part of the city we will visit the Art Nouveau Museum, which is a completely restored art nouveau apartment. Our walk will include a stop at the mighty Freedom Monument, dedicated to those who fought for Latvia’s independence. We will pass by the Latvian National Opera House as well as the Powder Tower. Kalku Street is the main 'semi-pedestrian' thoroughfare, and it slices straight through Old Town leading us to Livu Square, created after the destruction caused by World War II. Today this is one of the Old Town’s most bright and cheerful corners. Bastion Hill Park runs along the northeastern edge of the city. Once the old city’s fortifications, Bastion Hill was replaced with this romantic park full of gardens, canals, and ornate bridges. The park makes a great transition space between downtown Riga and the historic center.
Working our way through the backstreets of the Old Town we come to a fixture of Riga’s skyline, St. Peter’s Church. The tallest church in the city, this large Gothic church dates back to 1209, although little of the original church is actually left. Another of Riga’s enchanting city squares is the Dome Square which sits out below the impressive Riga Cathedral. Throughout the city of Riga there are a lot of exceptionally well-preserved buildings, but the Three Brothers are quite unique in that they are the oldest residential buildings in the city. These three adjoining buildings date from between the 15th to 17th centuries and are home to local craftsmen. We will pass by Riga Castle, which today houses the offices of the Latvian president.
One of the last remaining segments of the city’s defenses is the Swedish Gate, a small gateway through what looks like a row of traditional residences. We will stop at the Town Hall Square to see the iconic House of the Blackheads where we admire the stunning design of its facade. Built for members of a merchant guild known as the Blackheads in the 14th Century, this is one of Riga’s most picturesque landmarks.
This afternoon is yours free to explore.
Overnight in Riga.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Riga: City Touring
Today we will get to some of the landmarks which lie outside the city’s Old Town, including a drive through modern Riga.
We will start with a visit to the massive Central Market. This visit will help to give you a sense of what local life is like in today's Riga. This bustling indoor & outdoor market focuses on several large 1920s pavilions and the area around them. Here we discover plenty of local Latvian goods, from meats and fish to loads of other locally grown produce.
We continue with a panoramic drive around Riga that will take in some of the most famous sights. Our route along the embankment of the River Daugava provides us with wonderful views of the city, and we will drive through the modern part of the city where we see the University Building, the Academy of Arts and the central train station. Along Riga’s riverfront we will come to the Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum which details the city’s history of the Holocaust. Set inside an outdoor courtyard, this museum details what happened to the local Jewish population during the city’s Nazi occupation. The exhibits here focus on individuals' stories and photographs.
Built during Latvia’s period under Soviet rule, the towering figure of the Latvian Academy of Sciences is hard to miss. Here we will take the elevator up to its observation deck for great views of Riga with the church tower visible amongst the skyline.
You will have some free time this afternoon before our evening meal.
Overnight in Riga.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Riga, Latvia - Tallinn, Estonia
This morning we depart Riga for Tallinn, making a lunch stop in Parnu, "the Summer Capital of Estonia." From the middle of the 19th century, Parnu developed as a resort town with its good beaches and relatively good weather. During the Soviet era, Parnu's guesthouses, inns and hotels were converted to sanatoria. We continue to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
Historically, Tallinn has been attacked, sacked, razed and pillaged on numerous occasions. Although extensively bombed by Soviet air forces during the latter stages of World War II, much of the medieval Old Town still retains its charm. The Tallinn Old Town became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1997.
Overnight in Tallinn.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Tallinn: City Tour
Today we have a guided WALKING tour of this important Baltic Sea harbour city. We begin with a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built in the nineteenth century. The cathedral dominates the Lossi Plats, and is an imposing testament to the Russian imperialist influence. We also visit the Dominican Monastery, which played an important role in bringing Christianity to Estonia. We have the opportunity to visit the Toompea Castle site, a 13th century castle where the current parliament of Estonia holds its sessions. In the immediate area we will also visit the Toomkirik Lutheran cathedral, founded in 1233, with its impressive carved tombs inside.
This afternoon you will have some free time to stroll through the picturesque Old Town with its jumble of medieval buildings, turrets and walls. The market in town is also very colourful and lively.
Overnight in Tallinn.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Tallinn, Estonia - Helsinki, Finland
Today we take a fast ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki (HAVE YOUR PASSPORTS HANDY!).
Helsinki is situated at the arrowhead of a peninsula, surrounded by an archipelago of 315 islands, perfectly placed between its two great trading cousins, Stockholm and Moscow. From a European perspective, Helsinki is relatively young (450 years), yet it is Finland's sixth-oldest town. The Swedes, who extended their empire into Finland in 1155, founded the city of 'Helsingfors' (the name still used by the Swedes) in 1550 when King Gustav Vasa needed a site for a strategic, competitively placed trading port. It languished as a coastal backwater until Imperialist Russia invaded in 1809.
On arrival we'll have a walking orientation tour of Helsinki.
Overnight in Helsinki.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Helsinki: City Tour
Affectionately known as the 'Daughter of the Baltic', Helsinki is sited at the arrowhead of a peninsula, surrounded by an archipelago of 315 islands, perfectly placed between its two great trading cousins, Stockholm and Moscow. In a European perspective, Helsinki is relatively young (450 years), yet it is Finland's sixth-oldest town. The Swedes, who extended their empire into Finland in 1155, founded the city of 'Helsingfors' (the name still used by the Swedes) in 1550 when King Gustav Vasa needed a site for a strategic, competitively placed trading port. It languished as a coastal backwater until Imperialist Russia invaded in 1809.
Today we will enjoy a comprehensive walking tour taking in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre and the diplomatic quarters, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, and the Parliament building. We'll stop at Senate Square, and, if possible, Temppeliaukio Church.
During the afternoon you can explore the busy market place or the many souvenir shops close to the harbour. Fans of modern architecture and/or libraries may enjoy a visit to the Oodi Helsinki Library, which occupies a hugely significant site in central Helsinki: facing the steps of the Finnish parliament building. The upper surface of the canopy structure has been used to create a large public terrace, from which one can look directly over the square to the steps and main entrance of parliament. The terrace doubles the amount of public outdoor space provided for library visitors and creates a new destination where people can meet and observe the city below.
Overnight in Helsinki.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Departure from Helsinki
Today we depart from Helsinki.
HYVAA MATKAA!!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily.
All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.
Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered in spring, summer and fall the most popular of which is are spring and fall when temperatures are relatively mild and crowds thinner. Showers quite possible in spring and fall, somewhat less so in summer though can occur any time. Summers can be humid though long daylight hours maximize exploration.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have a couple of full bus days there are plenty of stops of interest. Hydrofoil crossing to Finland.
This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation
Well-located, air- conditioned, mid-range hotels (3-star) throughout. Many are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though most have shower only. Porter service is rarely available; you MUST be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, driver, local step-on guides in various locales.
Group Size
Maximum 18 (plus Tour Leader)
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 5 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Poland & Baltic States tours like no other! Eastern Europe holds numerous rewards for anyone who is not shy of adventure.
Poland has an immaculate scenery like nowhere else and its glorious structures, still standing form a distant history, are spectacles we will never forget.
The closer we get to the Baltic Sea, the closer we move along the storyline to the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian legacies.
The cathedrals of Vilnius, Lithuania, hold stories of royalty and sainthood that live on in the collections of religious icons and artwork.
Walk the streets of Latvia and learn about the evolution of architectural styles and how the city has come so far in terms of development.
The Toomkirik Lutheran Cathedral in Tallinn, Estonia, is home to many legendary tombs and we will be captivated when our tour guide regales us with the tales behind these remains.
While Helsinki, Finland, is a relatively young capital, from a European perspective, we will still enjoy the vibrancy of the present as we walk along the markets that sit along the harbour, or admire the stonework of the government buildings.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 7 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 8 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Regions visited: Central And Eastern Europe and Western Europe
Countries visited: Lithuania; Latvia; Estonia and Finland
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
... /> The hotel has nearly 500 air-conditioned, timelessly stylish rooms. The wide room selection offers a first-class hotel experience and a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. The views from the rooms are unique. Depending on the room, you can admire the National Theatre, Ateneum Art Museum, the city buzz by the station, the beautiful courtyard or the green Kaisaniemi Park.
