Baltic Experience
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the enchanting landscapes and rich histories of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and natural beauty. Begin your adventure in Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, before crossing the Gulf of Finland to the medieval charm of Tallinn. Discover the captivating cities of Riga and Klaipeda, each with its own unique allure, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Curonian Spit and Aukstaitija National Park. With guided tours, leisure time for personal exploration, and comfortable accommodations throughout, this tour promises an enriching experience of the Baltic region's diverse heritage and stunning landscapes. Join us for an adventure that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for this fascinating part of the world.
Included
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.
Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
EUROPEAN LEADERS:
Intrepid trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe.
We also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Tallinn - Leader led orientation walk
Sigulda - Gauja River Cable Car
Sigulda - Day Trip
Sigulda - Turaida Castle Guided Tour
Riga - Leader led orientation walk
Siauliai - Hill of Crosses
Curonian Spit - Bike Ride
Curonian Spit - Full Day Trip to the National Park
Aukstaitija National Park - Guided Kayak Trip
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Hotel (9 nights), Homestay (2 nights)
hotel: 9 night(s), home-stay: 2 night(s);
TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
Public bus , Ferry , Canoe , Private vehicle , Train , Tram , Cable car
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Helsinki
- Helsinki - Arrival day
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- Finnish National Theatre
- Suomenlinna Church
- Senate Square
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Helsinki, where your Finnish adventure begins. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome meeting at 6 PM. If you arrive early, explore the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, admire the architecture at Senate Square, or enjoy a performance at the National Theatre. Consider purchasing the Helsinki Card for convenient access to public transport and free entry to numerous attractions. After the meeting, enjoy an optional dinner with your group to kick off your journey.
Day 2 – Day 2: Helsinki to Tallinn
- Tallinn
- Helsinki
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- Tallinn Town Hall
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After breakfast, embark on a scenic ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, Estonia's captivating capital. Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your hotel before taking a guided orientation walk through the city's medieval streets. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Tallinn's charming squares, vibrant cafes, and culinary delights. With its rich history and stunning architecture, Tallinn promises an unforgettable experience.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Tallinn
- Tallinn
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- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Toompea Castle
- Polli Zoo
- Kadriorg Park
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Today, delve into the heart of Tallinn's Old Town, where history comes alive. Discover the gothic town hall, the legendary Old Thomas, and the ancient pharmacy of Raapteek. Venture to Upper Tallinn for breathtaking views and visit the majestic Toompea Castle and the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Alternatively, relax at Pirita Beach or explore the opulent Kadriorg Palace. With so much to see and do, Tallinn offers a perfect blend of history and modernity.
Day 4 – Day 4: Tallinn to Riga
- Tallinn
- Riga
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Bid farewell to Tallinn and journey by bus to Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia. Arrive in the early evening and settle into your accommodation. Riga is renowned for its friendly locals and impressive art nouveau architecture. Spend the evening exploring the lively Old Town, where you can enjoy a drink at one of the many bars and soak in the city's welcoming atmosphere.
Day 5 – Day 5: Riga to Sigulda
- Sigulda
- Riga
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- Turaida Castle
- Raina Park
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Travel to the picturesque town of Sigulda, nestled on the edge of Gauja National Park. Take a thrilling cable car ride across the river to Turaida Castle, a striking red-brick fortress dating back to 1214. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle grounds, adorned with sculptures set amidst lush woodlands. Embark on a scenic hike along the Gauja River, breathing in the fresh air and marveling at the beauty of the Latvian forest. Return to Riga for a relaxing evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discovering Riga
- Riga
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- House of the Black Heads
- Riga Cathedral
- Freedom Monument
- Cat House
- Aspazijas māja
- St. Peter's Church
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Embark on an orientation tour of Riga, exploring its iconic landmarks such as the Doma Cathedral, St Peter's Basilica, and the House of Blackheads. Stroll through the Swedish Gate and admire the architectural beauty of The Great Guild & Small Guild and the whimsical Cat House. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Consider visiting the Museum of Occupation of Latvia for a deeper understanding of the country's history, or indulge in local delicacies at the Central Market Halls.
Day 7 – Day 7: Riga to Klaipeda
- Šiauliai
- Klaipėda
- Riga
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- Hill of Crosses
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Set off on a journey to Lithuania, stopping at the renowned Hill of Crosses in Siauliai, a powerful symbol of faith and resilience. Continue to Klaipeda, a city known for its sculptures and jazz culture. Once a member of the Hanseatic League, Klaipeda serves as the gateway to the stunning Curonian Spit. Upon arrival, explore the charming Old Town with its 18th-century wooden buildings and historic monuments. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 8 – Day 8: Curonian Spit Adventure
- Klaipėda
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- Nida Lighthouse
- Curonian Spit National Park
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Embark on a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit National Park, a unique landscape of beaches, sand dunes, and forests. Explore the quaint village of Nida by bike, taking in the stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the distant Russian border. Discover the legend of the girl giant Neringa, who is said to have created the spit. For lunch, savor the local specialty of smoked pike. Return to Klaipeda for a relaxing evening.
Day 9 – Day 9: Klaipeda to Ginuciai
- Klaipėda
- Ignalina
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- Grazutes regioninio parko direkcija
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Travel through the picturesque Lithuanian countryside to the town of Ignalina, then continue to Aukstaitija National Park. Arrive in the charming village of Ginuciai, where you'll enjoy a homestay experience with a local family. With its abundance of lakes, hills, and forests, Aukstaitija is a nature lover's paradise. Relax and savor the hospitality and home-cooked meals of your host family, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the region.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Aukstaitija
- Ignalina
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- Ginučiai hillfort
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Embark on a guided kayak adventure through the serene lakes and rivers of Aukstaitija National Park. Paddle past quaint villages and lush forests to an ancient pagan site with a wishing tree, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Spend the rest of the day exploring local attractions, such as the 19th-century Ginuciai Watermill, or enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in a traditional sauna experience with your host family.
Day 11 – Day 11: Ginuciai to Vilnius
- Vilnius
- Ignalina
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- Cathedral Square
- Pilies Island
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Journey to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, a city rich in history and culture. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk with your guide, exploring Cathedral Square and the charming Pilies Gatve, lined with baroque churches. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Consider visiting the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights for a poignant insight into Lithuania's past, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city's beautiful gardens.
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Vilnius
- Vilnius - Departure day
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As your Baltic adventure comes to a close, enjoy a leisurely morning in Vilnius. With no scheduled activities, you are free to depart at your convenience. If you wish to extend your stay and explore more of this captivating city, please speak to your booking agent. Safe travels!
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