Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki & Karelia

Upon arrival at Riga airport you'll be met and transferred to our hotel in the heart of Latvia's capital. The rest of the day is at free for you to independently explore. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the lobby, at approx. 7pm.

This morning we explore Latvia's charming capital, Riga. Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, it is the largest of the three Baltic capitals. On a walking tour of the city we take in some of the Old Town's beautiful architecture and multi-coloured buildings. Our first stop is Riga Castle which sits on the banks of the River Daugava. Next we'll see 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 can join an optional excursion to Jurmala, a vibrant Latvian seaside resort, famed for it's sandy beaches and pretty wooden architecture.

This evening there is an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.

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.

The afternoon offers an optional visit to the Ethnographical Open-Air Museum, a spacious exposition of 18th century country life.

Riga - Parnu - Tallinn (Estonia). We continue along the coastal highway this morning, crossing the border into Estonia and making our way to the beautiful summer resort town of Parnu. We enjoy a short tour of Parnu before making our way through the lush forests of Northern Estonia. Arriving into Tallinn this afternoon the rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Tallinn, the third Baltic capital. This picturesque city offers a charming blend of medieval and modern. The beautiful 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 is free 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 in the Old Town.

Tallinn - Helsinki (Finland). This morning there's an optional day excursion to Lahemaa National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour ends with a visit to the charming 16th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. After a break for lunch we head back to Tallinn to take the ferry to Helsinki. Enjoy the scenery en route as we travel through the Finnish archipelago en route to Finland's seaside capital. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel.

This morning we explore Helsinki, the green and lively Finnish capital. Our guided tour takes us around the harbours and Senate Square with its Lutheran Cathedral, we will also see the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and the Sibelius Monument before visiting the famous Church-in-the-Rock.

In the afternoon there's an optional excursion to the 18th century Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural gem set on an island.

Tallinn - Lappeenranta. This morning we board a train to Lappeenranta in South Karelia, arriving shortly after midday. Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Saimaa, Lappeenranta was an important Swedish fortress town in the 18th century. In the recent years, the picturesque town has become a popular resort. We explore Lappeenranta on a walking tour, taking in the historical Old Town, the port area, Lappeenranta fortress, wooden Orthodox Mary the Virgin Church and more.

Late afternoon we walk to the pier and embark on a 3 hour long evening cruise on Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal. The ship has a restaurant, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks or a meal while enjoying spectacular views of the lake.

Lappeenranta - Helsinki. Today is free to spend at leisure exploring this resort town. Our hotel is located between the Old Town and the port area which are both easily accessed. Check out the small boutique shops in the Old Town and grab a Karelian lunch at one of the local restaurants or simply enjoy the atmosphere and the picturesque views at the port. In the late afternoon we transfer to the train station and travel by train back to Helsinki for our final night.

Our tour ends after breakfast today with an included transfer to Helsinki airport.