A Beginner’s Guide to the Baltic Countries

The Baltic countries or simply the Baltics, consist of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in North-Central Europe. Starting in Tallinn and ending in Vilnius, you will get to explore the culture and history of the capital cities Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius including a day trip to Helsinki, capital of Finland. This tour is an excellent way to get an overview of all the Baltic countries. 

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Overnights: Tallinn (3) – Riga (2) – Vilnius (2)

Programme:

Day 1: Arrival in Tallinn.
Arrive to Tallinn – the capital of Estonia.
Meet with private coach and check-in at your hotel. Overnight in Tallinn.

Day 2: Tallinn
Tallinn’s Top sights on this 3-hour sightseeing.
Traveling by air-conditioned coach, admire the best parts of the Old Town, busy city
centre, classical Soviet style housing quarters, idyllic wooden districts, mansions of
the wealthy citizens and shabby suburbs. This special tour includes all most
important landmarks in Tallinn and many places that are not included in any regular
city tour. In Old Town you will visit the Upper Town, look at marvelous Dome Church
and Alexander Nevskijs‘ Cathedral and enjoy the picturesque city panorama views from Toompea viewing platform. This morning or afternoon tour is perfect for first-time visitors as it offers a well-rounded
introduction to the city’s sights.

3-hour afternoon visit of Kadriorg Palace.  The centerpiece of Kadriorg is Estonia’s only Baroque Palace and Park Ensemble, built more than 300 years ago on the orders of Russian Tsar Peter the Great. Stroll the green promenades, enjoy views of the swan pond, take time out in the rose garden, or admire the landscaping of the Japanese garden. In the majestic halls of Kadriorg Palace, you can get acquainted with the Estonian Art Museum’s collection of foreign art. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in Tallinn.

 

Day 3: Helsinki
After breakfast transfer to the harbor for a day-trip to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It takes 2,5-3 hours to reach Helsinki by ferry. Helsinki 3-hours city sightseeing starting from the harbor. The tour consists of the main sights of Helsinki – the “Daughter of the Baltic Sea”. The tour takes you to the open Market Place and on the neoclassic Senate Square with the elegant Lutheran Cathedral from 1852. The tour goes by the Esplanade shopping streets, to the park area where most of the embassies are situated, then to the ship yards. Ship construction is one of the Finnish main industries. Many cruise ships and ice breakers have been built at this ship yard.

The tour continues on the main street called Mannerheimin tie, where are located the Parliament House, the National Museum, the Opera house and the Finlandia Hall designed by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The tour goes by the Olympic Stadion, the scene of the Olympic Games in 1952. You will visit the unique Temppeliaukio Church blasted into solid rock. The tour includes a visit to the Sibelius Park where you can see and photograph the monument of 527 steel pipes, which honors the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

After the sightseeing free time for shopping or discovering the town on your own. Transfer to the harbor.  Buffet dinner on board including beer, white and red wine, and soft drinks.

In Tallinn transfer from the harbor to a hotel.  Overnight in Tallinn.

Day 4: Tallinn-Riga
After breakfast departure to Riga, the capital of Latvia (ca 5 hours of driving).  Arrival in Riga, panoramic city sightseeing tour in Riga. Bus tour will take you to the embankment of the Daugava river with wonderful views of the city. You will also see the university building, National Opera House, Central Market, the Zeppelin hangars and pavilions. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gates, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument. View the masterpieces of early 20th century Art Nouveau architecture. Overnight in Riga.

Day 5: Jurmala/Riga
After breakfast 3 hours Jurmala sightseeing tour. Jurmala is the biggest resort city in the Baltic States. The city is characterized by its wooden architecture with woodcut accents, cottage-style buildings, and resort centers. After arrival in Riga, free time to explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Riga.

 

Day 6: Riga-Vilnius

 

After breakfast departure to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The first stop before crossing the border is at the splendid 18th century Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The palace boasts a beautiful French-style park. En route to Vilnius you will visit the Hill of Crosses with more than thousand crosses.  This is one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania.
Overnight in Vilnius.

Day 07: Vilnius
After breakfast 3-hours panoramic tour of Vilnius including walking tour of the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anna’s Church, the Old University and the Gates of Dawn.

Free afternoon or an optional tour to Trakai, the ancient Lithuanian capital, famous for its 15th century. Gothic Castle on the island of Lake Galve, now housing a historic Museum. Visit of the Trakai Castle. Drive back to Vilnius. Overnight in Vilnius.

 

Day 08: Departure from Vilnius
Breakfast at a hotel. Transfer to the airport.

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