Baltic Treasures: Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

Embark on an unforgettable journey, flying from the UK to the enchanting city of Tallinn. Check into comfortable accommodations like L’Ermitage Hotel for a three-night stay. Then, unwind with a welcome drink, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)

Embark on a mesmerizing tour of Tallinn on foot, beginning with its 15th-century Gothic town hall, the only surviving one in Northern Europe. Explore the adjacent Town Hall Square, the city’s historic heart, which has hosted colorful markets and festive events since the 14th century. Marvel at the grand Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a 19th-century Orthodox church boasting stunning onion domes and intricate mosaics.

Venture to the historic Toompea Castle, a fortress dating back to the 10th century, now home to Estonia’s parliament. Delight in the bustling Balti Jaama market, a revitalized train station turned vibrant marketplace. Uncover the bohemian charm of Kalamaja, an area renowned for its wooden architecture and creative atmosphere. Optionally, enhance the day with a visit to the fascinating Rocca-al-Mare Open-Air Museum, which showcases Estonia’s rural architectural heritage and folk culture.

(B)

Seize the opportunity to explore more of Tallinn’s captivating wonders as you enjoy a free day. Uncover hidden gems like St. Catherine’s Passage, a medieval alleyway with artisan workshops. Venture to the Danish King’s Garden, where it’s said that the Danish flag, the Dannebrog, fell from the sky in the 13th century.

Wander through Kadriorg Park, an 18th-century Baroque-style park commissioned by Russian Tsar Peter the Great. Then, visit the Seaplane Harbor or Lennusadam, home to Estonia’s maritime museum and a vast collection of historic vessels. Finally, immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, savoring local cuisine and uncovering stories at every turn.
(B)

Discover the majestic Sigulda Castle, built in the early 13th century by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. Explore its storied past, learning about the struggles between the Teutonic Order and the ancient Baltic tribes. Then, proceed to the remarkable Turaida Castle, a red-brick fortress erected in the 13th century in the picturesque Gauja Valley.

Admire its impressive tower, which offers panoramic views of the lush surroundings. Next, stop in the coastal town of Parnu, Estonia’s summer capital, known for its long sandy beaches and vibrant cultural scene. Savor a delicious lunch of traditional Latvian cuisine before arriving in Riga. Stay two nights in local accommodations, such as the Opera Hotel Riga.
(B, L)

Tour the mesmerizing city of Riga, starting with its 13th-century cathedral, boasting a magnificent organ built in 1882 with over 6,700 pipes. Enjoy an organ recital that brings the cathedral’s rich acoustics to life. Next, visit the imposing Riga Castle, dating back to 1330, which houses several museums and serves as the official residence of the Latvian president.

Admire St. Peter’s Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture featuring a 123-meter-tall tower with panoramic city views. Explore the iconic House of Blackheads, a 14th-century structure built for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild of unmarried merchants. Conclude with a visit to the bustling Riga Central Market, one of Europe’s largest and oldest markets. Enjoy a free afternoon to uncover more of Riga’s alluring charm.
(B)

Witness the splendor of Rundale Palace, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece designed by the famed Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Admire the opulent staterooms, including the gilded White Hall and the grand Golden Gallery, adorned with intricate stucco work and frescoes. Stroll through the palace’s Versailles-inspired gardens, featuring ornate fountains and sculptures.

Next, visit the mystical Hill of Crosses, a sacred pilgrimage site with hundreds of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, and statues, symbolizing Lithuanian faith and resistance against foreign invaders. After a delightful lunch, head to Vilnius and settle into local accommodations at the Vilnia Hotel for a 2-night stay.
(B, L)

Tour the enchanting city of Vilnius, starting at the magnificent Cathedral Square, where the neoclassical 13th-century Vilnius Cathedral houses an impressive collection of art and sculptures. Venture to the Gate of Dawn, the only remaining city gate of the original ten, which houses the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary. Admire St. Casimir’s Church, the oldest Baroque church in Vilnius, featuring an ornate interior and a crown-topped cupola.

Visit the Holy Spirit Church, a stunning example of Rococo architecture that houses the relics of three 14th-century martyred saints. Explore the dark history of the KGB Museum, which recounts Soviet occupation and resistance in Lithuania. Ascend Gediminas’ Tower, the last remaining part of Vilnius Castle, and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Unearth the artistic side of Vilnius in the district of Uzupis, an independent bohemian republic with its own constitution. Optionally, spend the free afternoon visiting the impressive Trakai Island Castle, a 14th-century fortress surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Galvė.
(B)

As the sun rises on the final day of this unforgettable journey, bid farewell to the enchanting Baltic States. Return to Riga, carrying a heart full of stories to share, and board the flight back to the UK, marking the end of an extraordinary adventure.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)