Baltic Start to Finnish - 10 day tour

Upon arrival at Vilnius airport you'll be met and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the Lithuania's capital. The rest of the day is at free for you to independently explore. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the lobby, at approx 7pm.
Overnight: Vilnius

Historic Vilnius is home to over 1200 medieval buildings and 48 churches and this morning we explore the Old Town on a guided tour and discover some of the highlights of this captivating city, which dates back to the early 14th century. Starting with a visit to Vilnius Cathedral, built in 1783, we then continuing to Gediminas Tower, a small castle that has withstood many attacks over the years. We'll also visit the Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne's Church, the Old University and the Gates of Dawn.

This afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure or join an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania. Here you'll visit the magnificent Trakai Castle which stands on an island in Lake Galve.

This evening there's an optional folklore dinner at a 19th Century style restaurant .
Overnight: Vilnius  |  Breakfast

Vilnius - Riga (Latvia). Today we travel to Riga, stopping en route to visit the revered Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace. The Hill of Crosses is a striking pilgrimage site, located in Northern Lithuania, where over 100,000 crosses of varying sizes have been placed on a small hill. Crossing into Latvia we continue our journey north to the magnificent Rundale Palace, built for the Duke of Courland. Started in 1736 and completed in 1768 this Baroque palace is surrounded by manicured gardens. After a guided tour of the palace we travel across the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to Riga, arriving in the capital late afternoon.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

This morning we explore Estonia's charming capital, Riga. Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, it is the largest of the three Baltic capitals. On a walking tour of the city we take in some of the Old Town's beautiful architecture and multi-coloured buildings. Our first stop is Riga Castle which sits on the banks of the River Daugava. Next we'll visit the Dome Cathedral and St Peters Church. Continuing on we'll explore the areas that are home to the Three Brothers as well as the Large and Small Guild buildings.

This afternoon is free for you to explore Riga independently. Alternatively you can join an optional excursion to Jurmala, a vibrant Latvian seaside resort, famed for it's sandy beaches and pretty wooden architecture.

This evening there is an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Today offers free time to further explore Riga independently or you can discover medieval Latvia on an optional morning excursion to stunning Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. Hear the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before returning Riga.

This afternoon there's an optional trip to the Riga Motor Museum, with its impressive collection of vintage cars, and this evening there is an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Three.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Riga - Parnu - Tallinn (Estonia). We continue along the coastal highway this morning, crossing the border into Estonia and making our way to the beautiful summer resort town of Parnu. We enjoy a short tour of Parnu before making our way through the lush forests of Northern Estonia. Arriving into Tallinn this afternoon the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast

This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of the third Baltic capital. This picturesque city is a delightful blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The beautiful Old Town is a friendly, bustling place during the summer months with locals and tourists sampling the many fantastic cafes, galleries and shops. Starting at Toompea Castle we make our way to the Dome Church and onward to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built between 1894 and 1900 in a typical Russian Revival style. Then we visit the striking, medieval Old Town Hall which dates back to the early 1400's.

This afternoon is free to explore Tallinn independently or you may wish to join an optional excursion to Kadriorg Park and a visit to the KUMU, the award winning new Estonian art museum.

This evening an optional medieval dinner will be offered at the 'Maikrahv' restaurant.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast

Tallinn - Helsinki. This morning there's an optional day excursion to Lahemaa National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour ends with a visit to the charming 16th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. After a break for lunch we head back to Tallinn to take the ferry to Helsinki. Enjoy the scenery en route as we travel through the Finnish archipelago en route to Finland's seaside capital. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Helsinki  |  Breakfast

This morning we explore Helsinki, the green and lively Finnish capital. Our guided tour takes us around the harbours and Senate Square with its Lutheran Cathedral, we will also see the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and the Sibelius Monument before visiting the famous Church-in-the-Rock.

In the afternoon there's an optional excursion to the 18th century Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural gem set on an island. For the final night of our tour there's an optional Finnish dinner at Restaurant Salve.
Overnight: Helsinki  |  Breakfast