Discover the Baltics
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the enchanting Baltic region, exploring the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to discover the unique charm of each destination. From the medieval streets of Tallinn to the artistic heart of Cesis, the romantic allure of Riga, the serene beauty of the Curonian Spit, and the historical treasures of Vilnius, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, insightful guided tours, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse heritage of the Baltic states. Whether you're wandering through ancient castles, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, this tour is designed to captivate and inspire.
Included
All transport and listed activities
Normally four to 20, plus local leader and driver.
On this trip, we stay in three-star hotels, ideally located for access to the key sites. Below are the properties we typically use.
Tallinn: Go Shnelli Hotel (nights 1-2)
We begin our adventure by staying near to the medieval old town of Tallinn and Balti Jaam Market. When you’re not out exploring, the first-floor hotel restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows with views over both and serves breakfast plus an à la carte dinner menu.
Tartu: Hotel Tartu (night 3)
In the city centre, Hotel Tartu is within walking distance of the old town and the Vanemuine Theatre (the oldest theatre in Estonia). It also has a 70-seat cafe on the ground floor plus a sauna centre (additional cost) with Finnish and steam saunas. If you plan on using the sauna centre, you need to bring flip flops (or purchase them from the hotel for €3).
Riga: Islande Hotel (nights 4-6)
Near the Daugava River, the Islande has a magnificent panoramic view of Riga Old Town. It’s located in a green area of Ķīpsala island, a 12-minute walk from the Old City, and offers a wide range of amenities, including a bowling alley, sauna, gym, two restaurants and a summer terrace.
Klaipeda: Old Mill Hotel or Memel Hotel (nights 7-8)
In the port city of Klaipeda, we stay at either the Old Mill Hotel or Memel Hotel(above), which are both ideally located for our ferry ride to the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit. The former was once the biggest rice mill in Lithuania, before being converted into a 32-room hotel in 2008. The latter takes over a property built in 1876, and offers 50 comfortable rooms.
Kaunas: Best Western Santaka Hotel (night 9)
Our night in Kaunas is spent in the 92-room Santaka Hotel. It’s located between the city centre and old town and, if you have time, there’s a sauna to enjoy.
Vilnius: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (nights 10-11)
With an industrial style and music theme, our Vilnius hotel has plenty of personality. The 80 rooms are all air conditioned with underfloor heating in the bathroom, plus the Mellow restaurant serves a menu packed with local produce. Other nice additions are a free-to-use gym and a lobby shop selling beers, snacks, sandwiches and more.
Worth knowing
If you opt for the single supplement, please note that in some hotels, this may mean having a room with a single bed.
There will be buffet breakfasts in the hotels offering plenty of choice including cold meats, cheese, eggs, bread, jams, juice and coffee.
Lunches will be a mixture of picnics bought from local shops and cafe stops.
Dinners will be taken in the hotel restaurants or in local restaurants and will be hearty meals. Cuisine in this area is often centred around pork, veal, fish, potatoes, sauerkraut, and soups such as borsch (beetroot soup – in Lithuania this is also served cold). Dumplings are also popular and in Trakai, large and delicious baked dumplings called kibinai are traditionally served.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
Travel will be by private bus and scheduled boat services. The journey times vary and there are some longer distances to cover (up to 211mi/340km), which will mean several hours on the bus. However, we feel this is essential to cover the highlights of the three countries.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Tallinn
- Tallinn - Arrival day
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Begin your Baltic adventure in the charming capital of Estonia, Tallinn. Settle into your accommodation at the Go Shnelli Hotel (or similar) and join your tour leader for an evening briefing. Enjoy some free time to wander the city’s enchanting streets or join an optional group dinner to meet your fellow travelers.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Tallinn
- Tallinn
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- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Toompea Castle
- St Olaf's church
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Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Tallinn. Begin with a guided tour of the Old Town, where you'll explore architectural gems like Toompea Palace and Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Dome Church, and St Nicholas Church. The afternoon is yours to wander the cobblestone streets and uncover hidden corners of this medieval city. Overnight at Go Shnelli Hotel (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Tartu via Lahemaa
- Tallinn
- Tartu
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- Arkna mansion
- Lahemaa National Park
- Porkuni manor
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Depart Tallinn for Tartu, stopping at the stunning Lahemaa National Park. Discover its sandy beaches, waterfalls, and cultural sites like Palmse Manor and Altja Fisherman's Village. After lunch, continue to Tartu, the cultural heart of southern Estonia, for a guided tour. Spend the night at Hotel Tartu (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: Cesis and Gauja National Park
- Vidzeme
- Riga
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- Cēsis Castle
- Raina Park
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Explore the artistic town of Cesis, renowned for its medieval castle. Opt to visit the castle museum before heading to the picturesque Gauja National Park, often called Latvian Switzerland. Later, transfer to Riga and settle into the Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Riga
- Riga
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- Riga Castle
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Delve into the captivating old town of Riga with a guided tour. Discover its winding alleys, elegant boulevards, and numerous art nouveau buildings. Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking up the city's romantic atmosphere. Overnight at Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel (or similar).
Day 6 – Day 6: Seaside Retreat in Jurmala
- Riga
- Jūrmala
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- Jurmala Beach
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Travel to Jurmala, the largest seaside resort in the Baltic states, known for its healing mineral waters and unique wooden architecture. After exploring, return to Riga for the night. Accommodation at Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel (or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: From Rundale Palace to Klaipeda
- Riga
- Klaipėda
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- Rundale Palace Museum
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Visit the magnificent Rundale Palace, designed by the architect of St Petersburg's Winter Palace. Cross into Lithuania to explore the Hill of Crosses before heading to Klaipeda for a tour of its quaint old town. Overnight at Green Park Hotel (or similar).
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring the Curonian Spit
- Klaipėda
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- Nida Lighthouse
- Hill of Witches
- Curonian Spit National Park
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Take a ferry to the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore Europe's largest drifting dunes. Visit the Hill of Witches and the resort town of Nida, where you can climb the Great Dune for stunning views. Return to Klaipeda for the night at Green Park Hotel (or similar).
Day 9 – Day 9: Cold War History and Kaunas
- Klaipėda
- Kaunas
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- Kaunas Castle
- Cold War Museum
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Visit the Cold War Museum in the Plokstine forest, housed in a former Soviet missile base. Continue to Kaunas for a walking tour of its charming old town, featuring a 13th-century castle and historic churches. Overnight at Best Western Santaka Hotel (or similar).
Day 10 – Day 10: Trakai and Arrival in Vilnius
- Kaunas
- Vilnius
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- Trakai Island Castle
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Explore the picturesque Trakai Castle, set on an island in a serene lake. Continue to Vilnius, where you'll spend the night at Comfort Hotel LT - Rock'n'Roll Vilnius (or similar).
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Vilnius
- Vilnius
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- Vilnius TV Tower
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Spend the day exploring Vilnius, starting with a guided tour of its historic old town. Discover diverse architecture, narrow streets, and notable landmarks like the castle complex and cathedral square. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Overnight at Comfort Hotel LT - Rock'n'Roll Vilnius (or similar).
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Vilnius
- Vilnius - Departure day
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Conclude your Baltic journey with breakfast in Vilnius. Begin your return trip home or consider extending your stay to further explore this captivating city.
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