Highlights of the Baltics

Our day will begin with a walking tour of Vilnius – taking in the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town, the Cathedral, St Anne’s Church and the impressive Vilnius University campus with our expert Tour Leader. After soaking up the views from Gediminas Hill and Tower, we’ll enjoy some free time to lunch at our leisure. Then: we’ll board the mini-coach to Trakai to visit the famous island castle. There will be plenty of free time to explore the 14th-century castle (located in the middle of picturesque Lake Galve) and various exhibitions at the museum – before making tracks back to Vilnius for an evening spent at our leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Vilnia (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast

Before leaving Lithuania, we'll make a stop at the famous Hill of Crosses – a site of pilgrimage where a vast number of rosaries and crosses adorn a small hill. After crossing the border into Latvia, we’ll visit the impressive Rundale Palace – the most outstanding monument of Baroque and Rococo art in the country. After arriving in Riga later this afternoon, we’ll have some time to relax at the hotel before regrouping for a sumptuous included dinner. Accommodation: Hestia Radi Un Draugi (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll board the mini-coach for a driving tour of Riga’s stunning Art Nouveau District. Our expert Tour Leader will point out some of the more significant architectural pieces and explain the rich history behind the area’s artwork as we go. Then: we’ll embark on a walking tour of the city, taking in some of the most important sights including the Dome Cathedral and Freedom Monument along the way. Following an included lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a leisurely boat trip along the Riga City Canal – taking some time to relax and soak up the UNESCO Heritage-listed Old Town from an alternative angle. This evening, we’ll be free to explore the area’s culinary delights at our leisure. Accommodation: Hestia Radi Un Draugi (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today’s agenda will see us exploring the breathtaking Gauja National Park – one of the oldest and largest national parks in Latvia. Enjoy a leisurely morning taking in the diverse natural landforms and picturesque views before we continue to regional Ligatne to visit an underground Soviet Bunker. Built during the Cold War, the bunker shelters a unique exhibit of preserved historical artifacts from Soviet times. Our final destination for the day will be Dikli, where a delicious included meal awaits. Accommodation: Dikli Palace Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today, we’ll set a course for the handsome town of Tartu, making a brief stop for a taste of the local beer at a traditional Estonian brewery. Following that, we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of Tartu with our knowledgeable Tour Leader – before having the evening free to relax back at our hotel or seek out a charming restaurant for some local cuisine. Accommodation: Dorpat Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast

This morning we’ll head towards the Peipsi region, which straddles the border between Estonia and Russia. Near Mustvee, we’ll pay a visit to a fascinating community known as the ‘Old Believers’. After sharing tea and Krendel bread, we’ll enjoy a little fresh air and a tasty picnic before we get back on the road. Our next stop? Estonia's largest national park, Lahemaa, where we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the fascinating ecosystem. Then: the winding streets and ancient castles of Tallinn await. Tonight, we’ll clink glasses over one final meal together and look back over what an incredible adventure it’s been. Accommodation: Hotel L'Ermitage (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning we’ll take the short ferry ride across the Baltic Sea from Tallinn to Helsinki – where our trip will come to a close.

• Meals
  • Breakfast