Walks of the Baltics and Finland

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.

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: Panorama Hotel (nights 1-2)

In the Old Town of Vilnius, the Panorama Hotel is ideally located for our adventures and just 3.5mi (5.5km) from Vilnius International Airport. It's just over a five-minute walk from the Gate of Dawn and around a 10 to 15-minute walk from the Town Hall Square and the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society. Shops and restaurants are close, too.

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 basic, 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.

Normally four to 20, plus local leader and driver.

All isted activities.

Free group arrival and departure transfers available.