Highlights of the Baltics
Travel from Vilnius to Tallinn via Riga on this 8 day tour of the Baltic capitals, taking in the highlights of these three captivating cities. Discover medieval old towns, lush green forests and summer resorts on this journey through a less discovered corner of Europe.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Vilnius
Day 1 Vilnius
Welcome to Lithuania and the capital Vilnius. Upon arrival at Vilnius airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the lobby, at 7pm.
Day 2 Vilnius Tour
Day 2 Vilnius Tour
Home to more than 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches, Vilnius is a mesmerising city to explore. This morning we head into the Old Town to discover some of the highlights of a city that began to take shape in the early 14th century. We will start with a visit to Vilnius Cathedral, built in 1783, before continuing to Gediminas Tower, a small castle that has withstood many attacks over the years. We'll also visit the Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne's Church, the Old University and the Gates of Dawn.
This afternoon is free for you to further explore Vilnius independently or to join an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania. Here you'll visit the magnificent Trakai Castle which stands on an island in Lake Galve.
This evening there will be the opportunity to join an optional Lithuanian dinner at Senoji Trobele.
Day 3 Hill Of Crosses
Day 3 Hill Of Crosses
Vilnius - Riga (Latvia). This morning we head for the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site located in Northern Lithuania, where it's reported that over 100,000 crosses have been placed. We'll then cross into Latvia and make our way to the magnificent Rundale Palace, built for the Duke of Courland. Started in 1736 and completed in 1768 this Baroque palace is surrounded by manicured gardens. We then continue through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia reaching Riga in late afternoon.
Day 4 Riga Old Town
Day 4 Riga Old Town
This morning we explore Riga, founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, it is the largest of the three Baltic capitals. We'll enjoy a walking tour of the Art Nouveaux district and the Old Town this morning. Our first stop will be Riga Castle which sits on the banks of the River Daugava. Next we'll visit the Dome Cathedral and St Peters Church. Continuing on we'll explore the areas that are home to the Three Brothers as well as the Large and Small Guild buildings.
This afternoon is free for you to explore Riga independently. Alternatively you will have the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Jurmala, a vibrant Latvian seaside resort, famed for it's sandy beaches and pretty wooden architecture.
This evening you'll have the opportunity to partake in an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.
Day 5 Riga optional excursions
Day 5 Riga optional excursions
Today offers free time to further explore Riga independently or join our optional excursions. In the morning you can discover medieval Latvia on an optional tour of stunning Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before returning to Riga.
In the afternoon an optional visit to the Ethnographical Open Air Museum is offered, with its spacious exhibition of 18th century country life. In the evening there's an optional Latvian dinner at a stylish restaurant in the capital.
Day 6 Parnu
Day 6 Parnu
Riga - Parnu - Tallinn (Estonia). We continue along the coastal highway this morning, crossing the border into Estonia we make our way to the beautiful summer resort town of Parnu. We'll take a short tour of Parnu before we make our way through the lush forests of Northern Estonia. Arriving into Tallinn this afternoon the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 7 Tallinn Old Town
Day 7 Tallinn Old Town
This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Tallinn. This charming city is a delightful blend of medieval and modern urban life. Unsurprisingly the Old Town is a friendly, bustling place during the summer months with locals and tourists sampling the many fantastic cafes, galleries and shops. The sightseeing tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall.
This afternoon offers free time to explore Tallinn independently or you may wish to join an optional excursion to Kadriorg Park and a visit to the KUMU, the award winning new Estonian art museum. This evening there's an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv.
Day 8 Tallinn
Day 8 Tallinn
Our Baltic exploration ends after breakfast this morning and hotel check out. A transfer will be provided to take you to Tallinn Airport.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Standing on the banks of the River Neris, the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva is in the heart of Lithuania’s capital. Its sleek and modern-style guestrooms are equipped with plenty of amenities including free high-speed WiFi. Guests can enjoy a fresh meal at any time of day, with the onsite Riverside Restaurant serving a wide-ranging buffet of international favourites. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre, Nordic sauna, jacuzzi and beauty salon, with the Skybar being the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and the beautiful city views.
Neringa Hotel, located in the heart of Vilnius, Lithuania, offers a harmonious blend of modern comfort and classic elegance. This historic hotel, recently renovated, provides guests with beautifully designed rooms featuring contemporary amenities and stylish furnishings. Enjoy the on-site restaurant, which is renowned for its exquisite Lithuanian and international cuisine, complemented by a welcoming atmosphere. Work out in the fully equipped fitness center, or order a cocktail at the cosy bar for relaxation. Party the night away in the basement bar or roof terrace, with magnificent views of the capital. Its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring Vilnius, with major attractions, shopping, and cultural sites just a short walk away.
Ideally situated in the centre of Riga just 400 meters from the historical old town, the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija offers impressive views over the city. The contemporary styled guestrooms are spacious and well equipped to cater for those visiting for leisure, business and even families with children. Guests can soak up the fabulous city views in the stylish Skyline bar located on the 26th floor. Or why not relax and visit the brand new and conceptually unique Spa Riga.
This centrally located hotel offers tastefully decorated guestrooms with modern conveniences such as high-speed WiFi, 24-hour room service and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can enjoy an elegant Mediterranean dinner at the on-site Senso Restaurant or lighter bites at the delightful Café Boulevard. On the top floor you’ll find Club 26, where you can take a refreshing swim in the pool, work out in the well-equipped gym or relax in the sauna, all whilst admiring magnificent views over Estonia’s capital.
Tour Reviews
Good tour overall, would have like more information especially during bus rides & some more activity options
The tour was excellent particularly thought out guide Elina was brilliant. Mix of optional excursions and group activities was just right giving you the freedom to choose what you did on some days. Saw a lot and learnt a lot in short space of time. Tour companions all really nice lots of other solos
The guide (Janis) was excellent.
The tour was more of a transportation service for me. I opted out of all included guiding because after having a taste of it in Vilnius it was way too slow, boring and subpar. Also during the whole tour there were barely any inside visits and some of the girls on the tour were complaining. I decided to not wast my time and do it on my own so I didn't join any of the city sightseeing at all. Janis the guide was very polite and amiable and answered all my questions quickly. I really didn't ask him to do anything though, and we barely had any contact during the tour. He didn't check up on me and ask if I wanted to join any optional tours. It looked like a more reactive approach than a proactive approach from his end..for example if you didn't remember to ask if you wanted to join an optional excursion then you would miss out. I only expected the basics from him and yet he couldn't deliver something very basic which was ensure I got a room key and a room in Riga. Instead he looked flustered that day and was about to take off when I told him i had no room nor a room key. Then he realised. So this is what I mean. I was shocked also there is no included bellboy and luggage service in the tour which is not normal either.
The tour was what I’d expected, and most things worked. Anything that didn’t was probably beyond your control. Our guide was very good, though she tended to talk a lot and not always wait for people to catch up to her before she started to explain things. We had to pay for every meal but breakfast, and there were too many activities that also required payment. I know why( to give people flexibility), but it was getting expensive towards the end. I would have liked the final dinner to be included.
Extras and add-ons
Dinner Supplement
Highlights of the Baltics Superior Room Upgrade
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