Walks of the Baltics and Finland

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Description

Summary

Starts
Vilnius
Duration
12 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
16 years

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.

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Included

All isted activities.

Free group arrival and departure transfers available.

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Normally four to 20, plus local leader and driver.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Destinations

Helsinki cityscape with Helsinki Cathedral and port, FinlandHelsinki
Trakų seniūnija - region in LithuaniaTrakai
Saulkrasti - city in LatviaSaulkrasti
Saare maakond - region in EstoniaKuressaare
Porvoo - city in FinlandPorvoo
Liepāja -  in LatviaLiepaja
Courland - state in LatviaKuldīga
Scenic summer view of the Old Town and sea port harbor in Tallinn, Estonia.Tallinn
Pärnu maakond - region in EstoniaPärnu
Kernavė
Aerial view of Vilnius old city.Vilnius
Riga - city in LatviaRiga

Map

Attractions

Kuressaare CastleKuressaare Castle
photo of vilnius, lithuania. View of bell tower and facade of cathedral basilica of st. Stanislaus and St. Vladislav on cathedral square, Famous landmark, Showplace In sunny summer under blue sky with clouds.Vilnius Cathedral
Photo of Sibelius Monument (artist Eila Hiltunen, 1967) dedicated to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius in Helsinki Sibelius Park, it consists more than 600 hollow steel pipes, Helsinki, Finland.Sibelius Monument
photo of trakai. Trakai island castle. Trakai castle is a castle of vytautas and subsequent lithuanian princes on an island in lake galve, opposite the more ancient castle of keistut.Trakai Island Castle
Žemaitijos nacionalinis parkasŽemaitijos nacionalinis parkas
Kaali kraater
Photo of St. John's Church in Helsinki, Finland is a Lutheran church in the Gothic Revival style.St. John's Church in Helsinki
Cathedral Square, R-1529146, R-968952, R-977317, R-72596Cathedral Square
Karja church
Raiskums Red Cliffs, Pārgaujas novads, Vidzeme, LatviaRaiskums Red Cliffs
photo of Mannerheim Museum in Helsinki, Finland.Mannerheim Museum
Old Church Park, Kamppi, Southern major district, Helsinki, Helsinki sub-region, Uusimaa, Southern Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandOld Church Park
Riga Castle is a castle on the banks of River Daugava in Riga, the capital of Latvia.Riga Castle
Angla Windmill Park
Photo of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn Old Town, Estonia.Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Särkiniemenpuisto
Hiiumaa Military Museum, Tahkuna küla, Hiiumaa vald, Kõrgessaare osavald, Hiiu maakond, EstoniaHiiumaa Military Museum
Finlandia HallFinlandia Hall
photo of dome cathedral in Riga, Latvia.Riga Cathedral
Photo of Tallinn Zoo, Estonia.Tallinn Zoo
Suomenlinna Church
Kemeri National Park Fund, Ķemeri, Jūrmala, Vidzeme, LatviaKemeri National Park Fund
photo of oginskių dvaras - plunge manor in Lithuania, samogitian art museum.Plungė Park
Alsunga Castle, Alsunga, Alsungas novads, Courland, LatviaAlsunga Castle
Photo of aerial view ancient of Toompea castle in old town of Tallinn, Estonia.Toompea Castle
Panga Cliff
Tabasalu trail
photo of vilnius, Lithuania. The gate of dawn, The religious, Historical and cultural monument, The only surviving gate of ancient city walls and the chapel with miraculous image of our lady of mercy.Gate of Dawn
Tahkuna lighthouse, Tahkuna küla, Hiiumaa vald, Kõrgessaare osavald, Hiiu maakond, EstoniaTahkuna lighthouse
Senate Square, Kruununhaka, Southern major district, Helsinki, Helsinki sub-region, Uusimaa, Southern Finland, Mainland Finland, FinlandSenate Square
Karmazinai moundKarmazinai mound
photo of aerial beautiful spring morning fog view of vilnius tv tower Lithuania.Vilnius TV Tower
photo of neris river as seen from the hill fort of naujoji reva in silenai cognitive park near vilnius, Lithuania. This touristic nature trail is a part of neris regional park.Neris Regional Park
Photo of Botanic garden building in Tallinn, Estonia.Tallinn Botanic Garden
Raina Park, Sigulda, Siguldas novads, Vidzeme, LatviaRaina Park
Town Hall SquareTown Hall Square

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

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.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Vilnius and Beyond

  • Vilnius
  • Kernavė
  • Trakai
  • More
  • Vilnius Cathedral
  • Trakai Island Castle
  • Cathedral Square
  • Gate of Dawn
  • Karmazinai mound
  • Vilnius TV Tower
  • Neris Regional Park
  • More

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.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: From Vilnius to Liepaja

  • Vilnius
  • Trakai
  • Liepaja
  • More
  • Mažeikių muziejus
  • Varniai Regional Park
  • More

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).

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: From Liepaja to Riga

  • Riga
  • Liepaja
  • Kuldīga
  • More
  • Latvian War Museum
  • Riga Castle
  • Riga Cathedral
  • Alsunga Castle
  • Kuldīga brick bridge over Venta
  • More

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).

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Gauja National Park

  • Riga
  • More
  • Turaida Castle
  • Langu klintis
  • Raina Park
  • More

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).

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Saaremaa

  • Riga
  • Saulkrasti
  • Pärnu
  • Kuressaare
  • More
  • 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).

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Hiiumaa

  • Kuressaare
  • More
  • Sääre tirp
  • Tahkuna lighthouse
  • More

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).

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Saaremaa to Tallinn

  • Tallinn
  • Kuressaare
  • More
  • Kuressaare Castle
  • Kaali kraater
  • Karja church
  • Angla Windmill Park
  • More

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).

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Discovering Tallinn

  • Tallinn
  • More
  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Toompea Castle
  • Tabasalu trail
  • Tallinn Botanic Garden
  • Town Hall Square
  • More

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).

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: From Tallinn to Helsinki

  • Tallinn
  • Porvoo
  • Helsinki
  • More

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).

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Helsinki Highlights

  • Helsinki
  • More
  • Sibelius Monument
  • St. John's Church in Helsinki
  • Mannerheim Museum
  • Old Church Park
  • Särkiniemenpuisto
  • Finlandia Hall
  • Suomenlinna Church
  • Helsinki Market Square
  • More

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).

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Helsinki

  • Helsinki - Departure day
  • More

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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