Walks of the Baltics and Finland
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the enchanting Baltic States and Finland, where history, culture, and nature intertwine. Begin your journey in Vilnius, Lithuania, and explore its rich heritage before venturing into Latvia's picturesque landscapes and vibrant capital, Riga. Discover Estonia's serene islands and medieval charm in Tallinn, then cross the Baltic Sea to Finland's lively capital, Helsinki. Each day offers unique experiences, from historical sites and national parks to local delicacies and cultural insights. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour promises an enriching adventure through Northern Europe's hidden gems.
Included
All isted activities.
Free group arrival and departure transfers available.
Normally four to 20, plus local leader and driver.
On this Baltics and Finland adventure, we mostly stay in three- and four-star hotels, ideally located for access to the key sites. Below are the properties we typically use.
Vilnius: City Hotels Algirdas (nights 1-2)
In the New Town of Vilnius, this modern hotel has 41 rooms with Scandi-style décor. It sits on a peaceful street within walking distance of the Old Town, and there’s a supermarket just a two-minute stroll away.
Liepaja: Liva Hotel (night 3)
In the heart of Liepaja, Liva Hotel has 115 comfortable rooms and half a century of history. There's also a bar and restaurant, which offers an international menu, and a fitness room.
Riga: Islande Hotel (nights 4-5)
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.
Kuressaare, Saaremaa: Staadioni Hotel (nights 6-7)
The well-located Staadioni Hotel is close to the highlights of Kuressaare, including the 14th-century castle-fortress. Though modest, it's only a 10-minute walk to town and has 27 spacious rooms with views to the castle and seaside. There is also a sauna in the house.
Tallinn: Go Schnelli (nights 8-9)
Go Schnelli is near 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.
Helsinki: Original Sokos Hotel Albert (nights 10-11)
Our nights in Helsinki are spent in the Original Sokos Hotel Albert. It is a relaxed, small property in the heart of the Punavuori district, at the corner of Uudenmaankatu and Albertinkatu. If you have time, there’s a sauna to enjoy.
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.
Travel is by private bus and scheduled boat services. The journey times vary and there are some longer distances to cover (up to 186mi/300km), which will mean several hours on the bus. However, we feel this is essential to cover the highlights of the four countries.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Vilnius
- Vilnius - Arrival day
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Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation at the Panorama Hotel (or similar). In the evening, join your tour leader for a welcome briefing, setting the stage for the exciting days ahead. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the charming streets of Vilnius at your leisure.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Vilnius and Beyond
- Vilnius
- Kernavė
- Trakai
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- Vilnius Cathedral
- Trakai Island Castle
- Cathedral Square
- Gate of Dawn
- Karmazinai mound
- Vilnius TV Tower
- Neris Regional Park
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Embark on a guided tour of Vilnius, exploring its historical treasures such as the Old Town, Gates of Dawn, Vilnius University, and Cathedral Square. After a leisurely lunch, journey to Kernavė, a city steeped in myth, to admire its hill forts and the scenic Neris River. Continue to Neris Regional Park for a nature walk along the White Hill Educational Trail. Conclude your day with a visit to the enchanting Trakai Island Castle before returning to Vilnius for the night.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Vilnius to Liepaja
- Vilnius
- Trakai
- Liepaja
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- Mažeikių muziejus
- Varniai Regional Park
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Set out on a scenic drive to Žemaitija National Park for a day of exploration. Discover the intriguing Cold War Museum, housed in a former Soviet missile base, and delve into the history of the Cold War era. After this enlightening visit, continue your journey to the coastal city of Liepaja, where you will spend the night at the Liva Hotel (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: From Liepaja to Riga
- Riga
- Liepaja
- Kuldīga
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- Latvian War Museum
- Riga Castle
- Riga Cathedral
- Alsunga Castle
- Kuldīga brick bridge over Venta
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Cross the border into Latvia and visit Kuldīga, renowned for its picturesque charm. Witness the stunning Venta Rapid and stroll along the historic brick bridge. Later, enjoy a wine and cider tasting at a local vineyard. Continue to Riga, Latvia's capital, for a walking tour that includes Riga Castle, Riga Cathedral, and the Latvian Parliament Building. Spend the night at the Islande Hotel (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Gauja National Park
- Riga
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- Turaida Castle
- Langu klintis
- Raina Park
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Venture into Gauja National Park, Latvia's largest and oldest national park. Traverse hidden trails to the Līču–Laņģu sandstone cliffs and, optionally, visit Turaida Castle, which offers panoramic views and a rich history. Return to Riga in the afternoon for some leisure time to explore or relax. Overnight at the Islande Hotel (or similar).
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Saaremaa
- Riga
- Saulkrasti
- Pärnu
- Kuressaare
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- Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum
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Depart for Estonia, stopping in Saulkrasti to enjoy a walk along the seashore boardwalk. Continue to the coastal resort of Parnu for a delightful lunch. Complete your journey to Saaremaa, Estonia's largest island, and settle into your accommodation in Kuressaare at the Staadioni Hotel (or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Hiiumaa
- Kuressaare
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- Sääre tirp
- Tahkuna lighthouse
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Discover the serene island of Hiiumaa, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Walk the Sääretirp trail, a narrow headland adorned with diverse flora. Visit Kardla, a tranquil town set within an ancient meteorite crater, and explore the historic Tahkuna and Kopu lighthouses. Return to Saaremaa for an overnight stay at the Staadioni Hotel (or similar).
Day 8 – Day 8: Saaremaa to Tallinn
- Tallinn
- Kuressaare
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- Kuressaare Castle
- Kaali kraater
- Karja church
- Angla Windmill Park
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Explore Saaremaa's unique attractions, including the Kaali Crater, Angla Windmill Park, Karja Church, and the iconic Kuressaare Episcopal Castle. After a morning of discovery, transfer to Tallinn, Estonia's capital, with time to relax or explore upon arrival. Enjoy an Estonian meal and perhaps some shopping or nightlife in the vibrant city. Overnight at the Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar).
Day 9 – Day 9: Discovering Tallinn
- Tallinn
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- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Toompea Castle
- Tabasalu trail
- Tallinn Botanic Garden
- Town Hall Square
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Immerse yourself in Tallinn's medieval charm with a walking tour of its historic sites, including Toompea Palace, Town Hall Square, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Explore the trendy Kalamaja district and visit the bustling Balti Jaama Market for local delicacies and crafts. Enjoy free time for lunch and perhaps visit Fotografiska Tallinn or Kadriorg Palace and Park. Overnight at the Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar).
Day 10 – Day 10: From Tallinn to Helsinki
- Tallinn
- Porvoo
- Helsinki
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Cross the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, Finland's lively capital. Explore Sipoonkorpi National Park, with its stunning lakes and forests, on the Fiskträsk trail. Continue to Porvoo, Finland's second oldest city, for a walk through its historic streets. Arrive in Helsinki for an overnight stay at the Arthur Hotel/Sokos Albert (or similar).
Day 11 – Day 11: Helsinki Highlights
- Helsinki
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- Sibelius Monument
- St. John's Church in Helsinki
- Mannerheim Museum
- Old Church Park
- Särkiniemenpuisto
- Finlandia Hall
- Suomenlinna Church
- Helsinki Market Square
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Embark on a sightseeing tour of Helsinki, passing iconic landmarks such as Mannerheim Street, the Parliament Building, Finland Hall, Market Square, the Sibelius Monument, the Rock Church, and the Oodi Library. In the afternoon, enjoy free time or visit the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress. Overnight at the Arthur Hotel/Sokos Albert (or similar).
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Helsinki
- Helsinki - Departure day
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After a hearty breakfast, check out of your hotel and prepare for your journey home. If you wish to extend your stay in Helsinki, arrangements can be made to explore more of this captivating city.
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