Treasures of the Baltic States

Arrive in Vilnius and take your private transfer to the hotel. Once you have settled in, head out and explore the city.

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Enjoy a guided tour of Vilnius known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The Old Town consists of the areas of the three castles (Upper, Lower and Curved) as well as another area encircled by a wall in the Middle Ages. The historic buildings are a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical, laid out in medieval style, thus giving the city its distinct appearance.

Visit the most impressive sites of the old town: Vilnius Cathedral Basilica; the oldest street in the old town, Pilies street with its original buildings dating from between the 14th and 19th centuries; the Gothic architecture ensemble of St. Anne’s, Bernardine’s and St. Michael’s churches; and the 16th century Gates of Dawn, which originally formed part of the town fortifications and house a holy image of the Virgin Mary that is famous in the religious community because of the legendary miracles that it helped perform.

Continue further to the Orthodox church of the Holy Spirit, built in the 17th century and now home to the preserved bodies of the three martyred saints Anthony, Ivan and Eustachius. Then stop at the town hall and town hall square, the former marketplace and place of public executions, and visit Vilnius University with its 13 courtyards and a variety of architectural styles, which dates back to 1579.

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After breakfast at the hotel restaurant, head off on a half day tour to Trakai Castle, 25 kms from Vilnius. The reconstructed 14th century castle stands on an island in the middle of a large lake, in very picturesque surroundings. It currently houses a museum of archaeology and medieval life.

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After breakfast, check out and begin your journey north to Latvia. En route stop at the Hill of Crosses (no guide), a unique place in Lithuania where millions of crosses and rosaries are placed on two hills by Lithuanians and visitors from all over the world in an expression of spontaneous faith.From here the Pope blessed all the people of Lithuania and all of Christian Europe. When the wind blows, rosaries swing on the crosses and make a haunting sound, a strange music that strengthens the impression that you are in a truly exceptional place.

After your visit, continue onwards to Latvia.

On the way to Riga, visit the splendid 18th century Rundale Palace. The Palace, built between 1736 and 1740 as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland Ernst Johann Biron, is the most outstanding monument of Baroque and Rococo art in Latvia. The palace is an important example of the early work of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli famed for creating St Petersburg's Winter Palace. 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.

Arrive around 18.00-19.00 and check-in to the hotel.

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Today is your day to discover the centre of Riga. The capital city of Latvia, and the largest of the three Baltic capitals, is a beautiful, ancient Hanseatic city with its Old Town full of picturesque cobble-stone streets dating back to the 13th-15th centuries. Since the 19th century, the medieval core has been expanded with the construction of imposing wooden buildings in neoclassical style, and later the construction of elaborate Art Nouveau style stone buildings. In fact, the quantity and quality of Riga’s amazing Art Nouveau architecture remains unparalleled anywhere in the world. It is no wonder that Riga is often called ‘the Paris of the Baltics’.

The Old Town of Riga can be seen as a beautiful open-air museum in itself; it is a living illustration of European history. Our walking tour encompasses the most significant sights of Riga. Visit the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter, the old Guild-Houses, Riga Castle, and the Swedish gate, and view the many wonderfully restored houses. This tour also includes a tour by vehicle. Enjoy the elegance of the Art Nouveau buildings on Alberta Street and take a drive along the central boulevards and avenues of Riga.

The afternoon is yours to explore Riga at your own pace. A visit to the city's vibrant Central Market is highly recommended. Housed within five impressive former Zeppelin hangars, the market is one of Europe's largest and offers a fascinating glimpse into local life. Wander through the bustling stalls, sample regional delicacies, browse fresh produce and artisanal goods, and experience where locals come to shop for their everyday essentials.

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After breakfast departure to Pärnu via Sigulda. You will again travel back to the romance of the Middle Ages, a time of castles and chivalrous heroes. Drive through gently undulating farmland to the beautiful Gauja River valley. On the outskirts of the old town of Sigulda stand the ruins of a 13th century Crusader Castle, and fabled sandstone caves guarded by statuesque birch trees. The wild beauty of the Turaida Nature Reserve stretches out below you as you gaze down from the tower of Turaida Castle.

After the visit continue to Pärnu. This private transfer to Pärnu is without a guide (just your driver).

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After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby for a walking tour of Pärnu, Estonia's beloved summer capital. Stroll through leafy parks, charming avenues and the historic town centre, while learning about the city's long tradition as a spa and wellness destination. With its sandy beaches, shallow coastal waters and elegant spa hotels, Pärnu offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere that has attracted visitors for generations.

Enjoy some free time for lunch and perhaps indulge in one of the town's renowned spa treatments. Later, meet your driver for the journey to Estonia's capital, Tallinn.(no guide for transfer)

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After breakfast, join a sightseeing tour around Tallinn’s Old Town – a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The town was founded in the 13th century and still retains its medieval urban plan of narrow winding streets and impressive public and private buildings. This is a busy place, especially in the summer, with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafes and restaurants. After exploring Tallinn’s atmospheric Old Town, continue by car with your guide to the elegant Kadriorg district and the seaside area of Pirita. Visit the beautiful Kadriorg Palace and surrounding parklands. Please note that interior admission to the palace is not included.

The tour ends at your hotel and you can relax or head out to explore more of Tallinn this afternoon.

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After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Lahemaa National Park, Estonia's largest and oldest national park. Located along the Gulf of Finland east of Tallinn, Lahemaa is renowned for its diverse landscapes of dense forests, coastal bays, wetlands, limestone formations and glacial boulders.

Enjoy a gentle walk along the Oandu Beaver Trail, a scenic nature path that winds through the Altja River valley, offering opportunities to observe the region's rich flora and fauna. Continue to one of Lahemaa's beautifully restored manor houses, such as Palmse or Sagadi Manor, where you can gain insight into the lives of the Baltic German nobility who shaped the region for centuries.

Before returning to Tallinn, visit the charming seaside village of Käsmu, once an important centre of Estonia's maritime heritage. Known as the "Captains' Village", Käsmu has a long seafaring tradition, with many local families connected to life at sea.

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After breakfast, transfer to the port or airport for your onward journey. Continue by ferry across the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki, or depart on an international flight to your next destination.

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