14 Days in Baltics
… including NIDA, KLAIPEDA, KIHNU ISLAND and SAAREMAA
An all-in comprehensive tour in the Baltics that allows you to discover everything that makes Baltic States special. It encompasses most of the highlights included in our 7 day tour of the Baltics, but has some interesting extra stops: beautiful Nida area, UNESCO protected Kihnu Island and Estonians favourite vacation spot, the 2nd biggest island in Baltic Sea – Saaremaa.
14 Days in Baltics Itinerary (April-September)
DAY 1 VILNIUS
- Arrival in Tallinn. Meet with private 49-seater coach and transfer to the hotel with English speaking assistent.
- Dinner at the hotel (3 course)
- Overnight in Vilnius
DAY 2 VILNIUS
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning sightseeing tour in Vilnius with English peaking guide
VILNIUS – the capital of Lithuania, situated on the banks of the rivers Neris and Vilnia, first time was mentioned in 1323 when Grand Duke Gediminas built a Castle there. Today the tower of this Castle is one of the landmarks and symbols of the city. The old Town of Vilnius is oneof the biggest (360 ha) and oldest in Eastern Europe.
The magic atmosphere, the magnificent splendid architectural blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism styles makes this wonderful city to explore. In 1994 Vilnius Od Town was included into UNESCO heritage register.
- Lunch at a local restaurant (2-course)
- Afternoon free time in Vilnius
- Dinner at a local restaurant (3-course)
- Overnight in Vilnius
DAY 3 VILNIUS-TRAKAI-KAUNAS
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Departure towards Kaunas. Visit Trakai Castle en route, excursion with English speaking guide.
- Entrance to Trakai Castle
Trakai History Museum and Island Castle are the objects representing Lithuanian culture and history, there come almost all delegations that are for a visit in Lithuania. The Castle was honoured with the visit paid by Danish Queen Margaret II, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustav together with Queen Silvia, the presidents of Hungary, Estonia, Greece, Kazakhstan, China, Latvia, Poland, Macedonia, Portugal, Ukraine and Uzbek; Prime Ministers, Ministers, Ambassadors of many countries paid their visits to Trakai History Museum and Island Castle. In the Great Chamber of Island Castle some intergovernmental treaties were signed.
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Trakai (2-course)
- Arrival to Kaunas, check in at the hotel, free time.
- Dinner at a local restaurant (3-course)
- Overnight in Kaunas
DAY 4 KAUNAS-KLAIPEDA
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning sightseeing tour in Kaunas with English speaking guide.
Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the centre of a county in Trakai Municipality of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. In the Russian Empire, it was the capital of the Kaunas Governorate from 1843 to 1915. It became the only temporary capital city in Europe during the interwar period. Now it is the capital of Kaunas County, the seat of the Kaunas city municipality and the Kaunas District Municipality. It is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kaunas. Kaunas is located at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers, the Nemunas and the Neris, and near the Kaunas Reservoir, the largest body of water entirely in Lithuania.
- Sightseeing tour includes the entrance to Sugihara Memorial Museum and Kaunas Castle.
- Lunch at a local restaurant (2-course)
- Departure towards Klaipeda
- Arrival to Klaipeda, check-in, dinner at the hotel (3-course)
- Overnight in Klaipeda
DAY 5 KLAIPEDA-NIDA-KLAIPEDA
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Meet with English speaking guide and proceed for a full day sightseeing tour to Curonian spit, Nida and Klaipeda.
The Curonian Spit is a unique and vulnerable, sandy and wooded cultural landscape on a coastal spit which features small Curonian lagoon settlements. The Spit was formed by the sea, wind and human activity and continues to be shaped by them. Rich with an abundance of unique natural and cultural features, it has retained its social and cultural importance. Local communities adapted to the changes in the natural environment in order to survive. This interaction between humans and nature shaped the Curonian Spit cultural landscape.
Human habitation of this elongated sand dune peninsula, 98 km long and 0.4-4 km wide, dates back to prehistoric times. Throughout this period it has been threatened by the natural forces of wind and waves. Its survival to the present day has been made possible only as a result of ceaseless human efforts to combat the erosion of the Spit, dramatically illustrated by continuing stabilisation and reforestation projects.
- Sightseeing tour includes the entrance to Thomas Mann Museum.
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Nida (2-course)
- Departure back in Klaipeda, for a short sightseeing tour.
- Dinner at a local restaurant in Klaipeda (3-course)
- Overnight in Klaipeda
DAY 6 KLAIPEDA-SIAULIAI-RUNDALE-LIEPAJA
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Departure Klaipeda towards Latvia, Liepaja via Siauliai and Pilsarundale.
- Visit Siauliai, Hill of Crosses en route
The Hill of Crosses (Lithuanian: About this sound Kryžių kalnas is a site of pilgrimage about 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania. The precise origin of the practice of leaving crosses on the hill is uncertain, but it is believed that the first crosses were placed on the former Jurgaičiai or Domantai hill fort after the 1831 Uprising. Over the generations thousands of tiny effigies and rosaries have been brought here by Catholic pilgrims. The exact number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put it at about 55,000 in 1990 and 100,000 in 2006.
- Arrival to Pilsarundale and enjoy 2-course lunch at Rundale Palace restaurant.
- After lunch, proceed for a short route excursion of Rundale Palace with museum English speaking guide.
The Rundale Palace is set amidst the fertile Zemgale Plains in the south of Latvia. Most of the interior decorations were created between 1765 and 1768 when a sculptor from Berlin Johann Michael Graff, and Italian painters from St. Petersburg Francesco Martini and Carlo Zucchi worked at the palace.
The representation rooms in the eastern wing of the palace – the Gilt Hall, the White Hall, and the Great Gallery – are open to the public. The central block accommodates the Duke’s suite with reception parlours and private rooms, and the eastern block – a fully restored suite of Duchess’s rooms.
Continue the route to Liepaja.
- Arrival to Liepaja, check-in, dinner (3-course) at the hotel.
- Overnight in Liepaja
DAY 7 LIEPAJA-KULDIGA-RIGA
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Meet with English speaking guide and proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Liepaja and Kuldiga.
Set on Latvia’s ruggedly beautiful west coast, Liepaja (Liepāja) is a proud port city with an artistic soul. With its pristine Blue Flag beach, market stalls offering fresh local fish and the local specialty cod dish Liepājas menciņi on every menu, Liepaja is a place with the sea running through its veins.
And its affectionate nickname “the city where the wind is born” reflects a town with a strong individualistic streak.
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Liepaja (2-course)
- Departure towards Kuldiga and continue the full day sightseeing tour.
Long ago bypassed by a busy world, Kuldiga (Kuldīga) is an architectural gem preserved amidst magnificent natural landscapes.
Nicknamed “the Venice of the North,” Kuldiga is an endearing blend of flowing water and historic buildings on the candidate list for UNESCO world heritage listing.
Having enjoyed its heyday in the 17th century as part of the Duchy of Kurzeme, the centre of Kuldiga hosts magnificent Baroque structures like the Town Hall.
- Arrival to Riga, dinner at a local restaurant (3-course)
- Overnight in Riga
DAY 8 RIGA
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning sightseeing tour in Riga with English speaking guide.
The biggest metropolis in the Baltics, Riga perfectly blends timeless tradition and cutting edge cool.
In its 800 years of turbulent history, everyone from German knights to Swedish kings and Soviet commissars have left their footprints, and today Latvia’s capital is an exciting European metropolis at the crossroads of eastern and northern Europe.
Riga’s astonishing skyline tells the story, as the timeless Gothic spires in the Old Town mingle with the fantastic facades of one of the world’s richest collections of Art Nouveau on the grand boulevards.
Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobblestones and breathtaking river views, as well as Europe’s Wifi capital with almost 1,000 spots to get online for free.
- Lunch at a local restaurant (2-course)
- Afternoon free time in Riga
- Dinner at a local restaurant (3-course)
- Overnight in Riga
DAY 9 RIGA-SIGULDA-PÄRNU
- Breakfast at the hotel
- After breakfast, departure towards the summer capital of Estonia, Pärnu.
En route, stopover in Sigulda, enjoy a walk in Gauja National Park and entrance to Turaida Castle, excursion with Turaida Castle English speaking guide.
The territory of Museum Reserve covers 43.63 ha and is rich in archaeological, architectural and art monuments, which provide information about historical events of one thousand years, starting from the 11th century. The aim of the museum reserve is to preserve for future generations one of the oldest sets of cultural monuments inLatvia– the one that is found in the historical centre of Turaida. The region has been declared to be a specifically protected cultural monument with specific historical, scientific and cultural values which are a part of the national wealth of the Republic of Latvia.
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Sigulda (2-course)
- After lunch, continue the route towards Pärnu
- Afternoon sightseeing tour in Pärnu with English speaking guide.
The rich history of Pärnu and the joyful daily life offer something for everyone. The centre of Pärnu, the lovely parks and the resort area with its famous sandy beach and promenade invite you for long walks. There are sights to be seen dating to the distant Middle Ages, the elegant early years of the resort, the long Soviet era as well as the modern times with their fast-paced development.
- Dinner at a local restaurant (3 course)
- Overnight in Pärnu
DAY 10 PÄRNU-KIHNU ISLAND-PÄRNU
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Meet the coach in front of the hotel and transfer to the pier for ferry to Kihnu for a full day tour to Kihnu Island.
The island Kihnu is part of the Parnu Country in Estonia, and is part of one of the smallest municipalities in Estonia. Along with other islands in its neighborhood, Kihnu forms the Kihnu Parish. Even though the island is small, it is still the largest in the Gulf of Riga, and the seventh largest in Estonia. The area size of Kihnu is 16,4 km2, with length of 7km and width of 3.3km.
What is special about this small island is that it is operated solely by women. Kihnu is the only island in the world where women have absoluute power! There are 604 people living on the island, 69 of whom are school pupils. The four villages of the island are Saare, Lemsi, Rootsikula and Linakula. The reason why women govern the island is simple. From ancient times, men of the island go out to the sea and stay there for months, leaving their wives and children at the island. The survival instinct has forced women to take over control of the island and govern it as best as they can.
Women power is a term often associated with strong women in the Western culture and feministic movements. But on island lost in the Baltic Sea off Estonia’s coast, the term is also figural and metaphorical. Kihnu, a small island in the Baltic Sea, is an island where women have absolute power, as men are mostly focused on fishing and are off to the sea.
Kihnu’s clothes, especially the traditional stripped skirts, mittens and troi are famous in many other countries in the world. In November 2003, UNESCO proclaimed the island as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The cultural heritage of the island includes traditions, games, music, dances, handcrafts and clothes. Music is one of the key parts of the tradition on the island. Women on the island sing and dance during religious feats and other type of celebrations. Traditional clothing of the island symbolizes the poems and the legends of the island.
Full day tour to Kihnu includes:
• Return ferry tickets Pärnu-Kihnu-Pärnu;
• English speaking guide services;
• Traditional lunch in a local restaurant (3-course);
• Local transportation by a truck car;
• Entrance to Kihnu church.
- Arrival back from Kihnu to Pärnu, transfer to a local restaurant for a dinner (3-course)
- Overnight in Pärnu
DAY 11 PÄRNU-VIRTSU-KUIVASTU-KOGUVA-KURESSAARE
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Departure Pärnu towards Virtsu, to take the ferry for the biggest island of Estonia, Saaremaa.
Meet with guide at Kuivastu pier, transfer to a local restaurant for a 2-course lunch and then proceed for a sightseeing tour of Saaremaa.
Saaremaa – the biggest island of Estonia is known as a good recreation place with unique nature and a lot of sights. Saaremaa has retained its uniqueness due to its location and insulation. In the villages there are still stone fences and houses with thatched roofs, beautiful national costumes and dialectal language are still used. Junipers, dolomite, windmills and the famous local home-brewed beer are considered the symbols of Saaremaa.
Because of its mild maritime climate and soil rich in lime, Saaremaa has very rich flora and fauna Besides Viidumae and Vilsandi Nature Reserves, there are over two hundred single nature objects under protection – parks, high cliffs, large trees, erratic boulders and unique marshy lowlands. The meteorite crater at Kaali is the biggest in Europe and easily approachable for visitors.
Although there are not many post windmills left in Saaremaa’s landscape, they are considered one of the most important symbols of Saaremaa. The post windmill built of stones and standing on a high post, the oldest type of windmills of Europe is characteristic of the West-Estonian islands. In the 19’1′ century nearly each bigger farm in Saaremaa and Muhumaa had its own windmill. Now the way a windmill works can be seen on the island of Muhu at Eemu farm near the dam of Vaike vain (the Small strait).
- Dinner at a local restaurant (3-course)
- Overnight in Kuressaare
DAY 12 KURESSAARE-HAAPSALU-TALLINN
- Breakfast at the hotel
- After breakfast, thansfer to the pier for the ferry back to mainland.
- Arrival to mainland, lunch at a local restaurant in Haapsalu (2-course).
- After lunch, departure towards Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
- Arrive to Tallinn, check in at the hotel.
- Dinner at a local restaurant (3-course)
- Overnight in Tallinn
DAY 13 TALLINN
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning sightseeing tour in Tallinn with English speaking guide.
Visitors from all over the world drop around to admire the beauty of Tallinn, the best preserved medieval city in Northern Europe boasting Gothic spires, winding cobblestone streets and enchanting architecture.
Once a home to wealthy merchants settling from Germany, Denmark and beyond, Tallinn Old Town today is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, with restaurants, bars, museums and galleries bringing much life to this historical city centre.
Spend a day in an authentic medieval milieu and you will soon realise why so many visitors have described Tallinn Old Town as mystical, mesmerising and addictive.
- Entrance to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Lunch at a local restaurant (2-course)
- Afternoon free in Tallinn, dinner at a local restaurant (3-course)
- Overnight in Tallinn
DAY 14 TALLINN
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport with English speaking assistant
Hiiumaa and Haapsalu
The natural beauty and idyllic life of the Estonian islands still attract many visitors. There you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the slow pace of life. Traditions and the contemporary world come together on Estonian islands.
Tour Programme
Day 1 (170 km)
We will take the coastal road from Tallinn to Haapsalu. We will make a stop on Türisalu Cliff (31m) which is one of the most popular day-trip destinations for the people in Tallinn. A coffee break and a short excursion in Keila-Joa Manor.
We will then continue through Padise to Rohuküla harbour and take a ferry to Heltermaa harbour in Hiiumaa. Accommodation in Käina. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2 (160 km)
An excursion in Hiiumaa. We will visit Vaemla old wool factory where they produce yarn with 100-year-old machines. We will continue to the island of Kassari whose beauty and stories have been recorded by Estonian-Finnish writer Aino Kallas who had a summer house there for years. We will enjoy the sea views and search for lucky stones. Hiiumaa is an island of legends. We will hear stories, for instance, about the hero of the island, Leiger.
From Kassari, we continue through Orjaku harbour and Emmaste to Kõpu. The symbol of Hiiumaa – Kõpu lighthouse (from the 16th century) – is the third oldest lighthouse still in use today. From Kõpu, we will continue to the town of Kärdla. We will pass Reigi church and the Cross Hill (Ristimägi) telling us stories about the life of Estonian Swedes. Lunch and tour in Kärdla.
We will take a ferry from Heltermaa back to the continent. Accommodation in Haapsalu.
Day 3
Before noon, we will have a tour in the historic Bishop’s Castle of Haapsalu, we will walk on the lovely sea promenade, listen to P. Tchaikovsky’s music on his memorial bench and visit the elegant Kuursal.
Driving back to Tallinn. We will make a stop in Luhtre farmstead to take a light lunch and enjoy a tour in the farm and museum. A ship from Tallinn to Helsinki.
Further information:
Inquiries and booking: incoming@gotravel.ee
Family Fun Package in Tartu!
Make your family holiday fun for you and the kids in Hotel Pallas & AHHAA Science Centre in Tartu. AHHAA Science Centre is for families who are looking for surprises and excitement, and want to try everything themselves.
Ask for a price on your travel dates!
Price includes:
- 1-night accommodation for 2 adults and 2 kids
- Surprise for the kids upon arrival
- Family entrance to AHHAA Science Centre
- Full & healthy breakfast
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
Sightseeings in Lithuania
Vilnius
Whoever you are – a businessman who has arrived in Vilnius to sign an agreement, a tourist on vacation or an experienced traveler looking for new adventures – several days stay in Vilnius will be sufficient to make you fall in love with this city.
Here are some examples of our tours.
City tour in Vilnius
The tour is partly by coach and partly a walking tour. Vilnius is extremely rich in churches – over 30 roman catholic, over 10 orthodox and some reformed evangelical churches. You can admire extremely rich baroque decorations of St. Peter and Paul with over 2000 stuccoed figures, classic Cathedral with Duke Casimi’s chapel, the chapel the Gates os Dawn etc. Worth od visiting is Vilnius University founded in 1579, Amber shop-museum, KGB Museum etc.
Trakai
Trakai is the ancient capital of Lithuania – is 27 km west from Vilnius. The old castle of Dukes of Lithuania is on the island of the lake Galve. The old red tile castle is a historical museum. The small town Trakai is famous also with ethnographical Karaim’s settlement. Karaims built their houses with three windows facing the street, every window with a purpose: one for the Duke Vytautas, one for God, and the third for the Karaim himself.
Geographical centre of Europe
The centre is defined by national Geographic Institute of France in 1989, 26 km away from Vilnius, in the direction of Moletai. You can touch the memorial stone, visit the museum and get your personal certificate verifying that you have been to the Centre of Europe.
Kaunas
Kaunas lies about 100 km from Vilnius. The city was the capital of Lithuania in 1920-1940 while Poland annexed Vilnius by breaking Suwalki Peace Agreement after World War I. Kaunas with its 380 000 inhabitants is still a small city and the best way to get acquainted with it is by foot. The city has a wonderful range of oddities and curiosities – old abandoned forts, wacky museums and a nude statue proudly airing its apparatus right next to a church. Kaunas is the most authentic Lithuanian city. The percentage of native Lithuanians who live in Kaunas is greater than in any other Lithuanian city. Beside the walking tour in Kaunas Old Town there are also two museums worth visiting.
Devil Museum
This museum was founded by Antanas Žmuidzinavičius (1876-1966) who collected over 2,000 depictions of devils from all over the world. There are also wood carvings, soft toys and loads of references to music and alcohol. There are also Hitler and Stalin devils, making a dance of death over helpless Lithuania.
M.K.Čiurlionis State Art Museum
Painter, composer, mystic and depressive are some of the words that have been used to describe this Lithuanian artistic hero. During his short lifetime Čiurlionis (1875-1911) churned out the first Lithuanian symphony (“In the Forest”), painted prolifically and even found time to get married and have a daughter.
Druskininkai
Druskininkai is about 100 km from Vilnius. In 1837, when Ignacy Fonberg, professor of Vilnius University, analyzed the chemical composition of mineral water and published the results, the emperor Nicholas I of Russia approved the project of Druskininkai resort. Todays` Druskininkai is a modern and distinctive international resort, providing high-quality wellness, recreation and tourism services, famous for sound resort treatment traditions as well as rapidly developing tourism service infrastructure. More than 10 SPA-s and sanatoriums offer different health and wellness services.
Mineral spring waters are efficient in healing many different diseases. Also remedial mud is used for several treatments. Mild climate and ionized air is another remedial factor of the resort. Because of the pine forests and dozens of water bodies surrounding Druskininkai, as well as absence of industry, the air is very clean here, and abundant negative (light) ions are the fundamental evidence of clean air.
Grūtas Park
From 1989-1991, during the restoration of Lithuanian independence, many idealized monuments from the Soviet times were dismantled and, with the absence of any storage procedure, piled in storehouses and backyards, most frequently on the premises of utility companies.
Grūtas Park is situated 5 km from Druskininkai on a 20 ha area, exhibiting 86 works of those Soviet monuments by 46 authors. Such a large concentration of monuments and sculptures of ideological content in a single out-door exposition is a rare and maybe even unique phenomenon in the world.
The aim of this exposition is to provide an opportunity for Lithuanian people, visitors as well as future generations to see the naked Soviet ideology, which suppressed and hurt the Lithuanian people for many decades.
Sightseeings in Estonia
Photo Hunt in Tallinn
This tour is a non-traditional experience and different way to get to know Tallinn. The tour group is divided into four groups – 4-8 persons per group. Groups will visit the same spots at different time where they solve different tasks and riddles. Having completed the tasks on the spot, the game instructor gives a hint or riddle about the next destination. The group must find the way from one spot to another!
Groups have no facilitators but they can call any time for help line. Game instructors in medieval costumes will judge and assist the teams on the spot. They give points according to results. The final destination is at the front of Town Hall where the teams give the Game Passports. Winner is the team who has achieved the most points. The winning team is announced in a small ceremony during the dinner in the medieval restaurant.
KUMU – Estonian art museum
Opened in 2006, KUMU is the largest art museum in the Baltic States and one of the largest art museums in the Northern Europe. The designer of this impressive new main building is Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori. KUMU presents both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. The main collection covers Estonian art from the 18th century onwards including works from the occupation period (1941–1991). Temporary exhibitions comprise of both foreign and Estonian modern and contemporary art.
Trip to Kadriorg Palace
During this tour you visit the magnificent Northern Baroque palace built by Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine I, in the early 18th century. The grandiose palace and surrounding manicured gardens are a humbling example of Tsarist extravagance. The palace is also home to the foreign art collection of theArt Museum of Estonia.
Patarei prison
Sea fortress Patarei is a unique monument of architectural monument built in 1840. In 1919 the fortress became a prison. Because of its two meter walls it suited very well for that purpose. It was also used by all foreign powers occupying Estonia. In 2002 the last inmates of the prison were moved to a new facility in Tartu and the Patarei was finally closed down. Today Patarei has preserved its original Soviet interior, which interests both local people and tourists. Visitors can explore the hallways to see cells, work areas, exercise yards etc. Patarei prison is not a regular museum.
Passages Under the Ingermanland and Swedish Bastions
The numerous and mysterious passages in Tallinn’s fortifications were built along with the bastions in the 17th and 18th centuries. The passages were probably commenced already in the 1630s. The passages also served as observation posts to spy the enemy’s activities in mining explosives. The tunnels for the passages were made of limestone. They were 1.5 m wide and 2.5-3 m high and as a rule covered by barrel vaults. The total length of the passages is hundreds of meters and 380 m of them are open to the visitors. In 1857 the earth bastions were erased from the list of fortifications and after that the Municipality turned them into parks.
During the years of Soviet occupation they were provided with separate electricity and ventilation systems, running water and telephone communications. The network became an underground township with bedrooms and toilets included. In 1970s the youth movement Kodulinn did some cleaning in the passages. In the 1980s the passages under the Ingermanland Bastion (Harjumägi) were used as a store for sculptures belonging to the Art Foundation but the danger of thieves forced the authorities to move the sculptures elsewhere. Since then the passages have been empty. Beginning from the 1990s some homeless people found shelter in the deserted passages.
Three-hour sail on Tallinn Bay
During this three – hour cruise in Tallinn bay you can enjoy the view of Tallinn from the sea. Passenger port and the historical Patarei prison will be passed and the historical steam icebreaker – “Suur Tõll” and the submarine “Lembitu” will be also visited. A small meal at the sea can be arranged.
Rocca al Mare with Folklore
A bus will take you to the open air museum “Rocca al Mare”. The museum is located only four miles from the city centre. After 15-20 minutes drive tourists start a walking tour through a beautiful forest area on the sea coast. During the tour you will see numerous buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries which reflect the rural life-style of the Estonian culture of that time. You will have a chance to see the farmhouses, country pubs, windmills, chapels etc., which are displayed together with corresponding furniture and household appliances. A folklore group will perform typical dances and provide musical entertainment. In the tavern you can enjoy typical Estonian refreshments. You also have the opportunity to view and purchase local art and craft.
National park Lahemaa
In the National Park Lahemaa you can see coastal lowlands, pine forests, limestone cliffs, stone fields, waterfalls and rapids. After one hour’s drive from Tallinn you will make a short hike through the Viru bog. Your tour continues to the captains’ village of Käsmu, one of the best known resorts in the Northern Estonia – Võsu and to an old fishing village of Altja. At Altja tavern you can enjoy a typical Estonian lunch. After lunch you will see the Palmse manor, which is an 18th century baronial property of the von Pahlen family. Back in Tallinn you will be taken to the upper town. On the Dome Hill you will visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900 and the 13th century Gothic style Dome Cathedral, which still has numerous cote of arms of families of German-Baltic descend on display. You will have a chance to take a look over the rooftops of the Lower Town from a scenic viewpoint.
Sightseeings in Latvia
Riga
While being in Riga you can find several possibilities to get acquainted with the biggest capital of the Baltic States and its neighbourhood. Some examples of our tours:
Walking tour in Old Riga
Riga castle, medieval churches (Dome Church, St.Pieter’s Church), Town Wall, the Merchant’s Guild houses, newly built Town Hall, the House of Blackhead’s Brotherhood and Latvians famous Freedom Monument
Riga’s Open Air Museum
Founded in 1924. In 100 ha the life as it used to be is exposed: farmsteads, windmills, fishing villages, churches have been removed here from all over Latvia.
Trip to Rundale
The baroque palace of Curonian Duke Ernst Johan von Biron, designed by Bartholomeo Rastrelli. The palace complex consists of the palace with its inner courtyard, the semicircular stables with a large household yard, and a formal park surrounded by a canal. The professionaly renovated palace interiors are decorated with authentic 18th cent. furniture, paintings and china.
Trip to Jurmala
Jurmala – the largest resort city in the Baltic States is well-known for its natural treasures – the mild climate, sea, healthy air, curative mud and mineral water. The attraction of Jurmala hides in its almost 33 km long white sand beach, large pine forests and the natural border of the city – the river Lielupe. In Jurmala You will discover a combination of charming wooden houses built in the beginning of the last century and modern resort buildings.
Trip to Turaida and Sigulda
This is a step back to Latvian ancient and medieval times. Turaida was settled by ancient Livs, later it became a siege of Bishop. The remains of Bishop’s castle are preserved. All that area is Natural Preserve of river Gauja with a picturesque landscape.
Trip to Kuldiga – Jaunmoku
Kuldiga is one of the most beautiful towns in Latvia attracting tourist with its peculiar atmosphere: narrow streets, small craftsmen’s shops, wooden doors with amazing variety of ornaments, tile roofs and ancient weather vanes and the brightest waterfall in Europe – famous Ventas Rumba. Jaunmoku is a picturesque hunting mansion built for Mayer of Riga George Armitsted.
Information and booking incoming@gotravel.ee
Riga City Break
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is more than 800 years old and is a blend of medieval and modern cities, mixed together so perfectly that it fits every taste. Riga is the European Capital of Culture 2014 with hundreds of special events taking place all over it.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Programme:
Day 1:
Arrival in Riga airport. Transfer to a hotel. 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.
Day 2:
After breakfast 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, Zeppelin market.
Free time or optional Daugava river cruise/cruise with dinner.
Day 3:
After breakfast half day tour to the splendid 18th century Rundale palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The palace boasts a beautiful French-style park. Evening free time to explore the city on your own or optional Riga Black Balsam tasing programme.
Day 4:
Breakfast at a hotel. Transfer to the airport
Package includes:
- 3 nights ccommodation in twin room at a centrally located 4* hotel
- 3 buffet breakfasts
- transfers airport-hotel-airport
- English speaking tour guide as per programme
- Use of first class coach as per programme
- Entrance to Rundale Palace and garden
Optional tours and meals available.
Wild Wonders of Estonia
Estonian nature is unspoiled and diverse – deserted beaches, deep forests, picturesque lakes and rivers, mysterious swamps and rich flora and fauna are just some of the treasures awaiting you. The different feel of the four seasons presents the country in a new light, making nature tourism an exciting prospect at any time of year. This programme will let you see and feel Estonian nature up close and personally!
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Overnights: Tallinn (2) – Vihula Manor in Lahemaa National Park (1)
Programme:
Day 1:
Arrival in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Transfer and check-in to a centrally located hotel. Medieval Tallinn – combined bus and walking tour. A bus tour introduces Kadriorg Park and the 18th century baroque palace of Peter the Great, Convent of St Bridget in the Pirita suburb and the famous Song Festival Ground. The walking tour gives an introduction to the historical heart of Tallinn.
Dinner at a hotel.
Photo: Liina Guiter
Day 2:
After breakfast transfer to a canoeing trip on the Keila River. Length of the route is appr. 8 km. A shot of adrenaline is added by some modest rapids. Service providers will help beginners, ensure that the necessary equipment is available and show people sights that might otherwise go unseen. Light lunch outdoors. Transfer back to Tallinn. A stop at Keila-Joa waterfall. The waterfall is 6 metres high and tens of metres wide, thus being the third largest waterfall in Estonia after Narva Waterfall and Jägala Waterfall.
Free evening to explore the city on your own. Overnight at a hotel in Tallinn.
Day 3:
After breakfast check-out. Bus-ride through the countryside and coastal lowlands and fisherman villages of North Estonia leads to National Park of Lahemaa. On the way to Vihula Manor, the next lodging place, we will take a trip to Viru bog.
Photo: Sven Zacek
Viru Bog is one of the most accessible bogs in Estonia. Its trail passes through the forest and marsh landscapes typical of Lahemaa National Park and is 3.5 km long. The study trail provides information about the the flora in the bog, the former sand dunes, the ridges and the heath woodland. A boardwalk winds its way through the bog, at the centre of which is an observation tower. Light picnic.
Next stop is Oandu old-growth forest nature trail. The trail introduces old coastal ridges, the different developmental stages of forest, traces of wild animal activities.
Arrival in Vihula Manor. Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa, the first full-service manor resort in the Baltic countries, set amidst wildlife-rich Lahemaa National Park. It is a perfect place to escape from the bustling life of the city. Check-in at the manor hotel followed by Vihula Manor House Tour during which you learn about the thrilling 500-year history of Vihula Manor. Visit of the Vodka museum with a legendary shot is included. Dinner at the manor restaurant.
Day 4:
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.
Package includes:
- 3 nights accommodation in twin room
- 3 buffet breakfasts, 2 dinners, 1 light lunch and 1 picnic
- Use of a first class coach as per programme
- English speaking tour guide on day 1, during canoeing and on day 3, Vihula Manor tour
- Canoeing trip incl.equipment and a bottle of water
- Coffee/tea and museum tickets at the end of canoeing trip
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