Baltic Start to Finnish - 10 day tour

Welcome to the Baltics. Upon arrival at Vilnius airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the city before your a welcome meeting is held this evening, in the lobby, at around 7pm.
Overnight: Vilnius

Home to more than 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches, Vilnius is an incredible city to explore. This morning we'll pay visits to some of the highlights of this beautiful city and discover the old town on foot. We'll pass Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St Annes church which was built between 1495 and 1500. We'll also get to view the Old University and the beautiful Gates of Dawn.

This afternoon is free for you to further explore Vilnius independently or to 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 will be the opportunity to join an optional folklore dinner at a 19th Century style restaurant .
Overnight: Vilnius  |  Breakfast

This morning we depart the beautiful city of Vilnius and make our way to the Hill of Crosses, an incredibly poignant and important holy site for Catholics in Lithuania. It's believe around 100,000 crosses have been placed on the site. We then make our way across the border into Latvia and reach the magnificent Rundale Palace. This palace was the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland and we'll enjoy a guided tour of the exquisitely decorated building.

This afternoon we make our way through the rolling hills of the Latvian countryside until we reach the capital, Riga.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Today we explore the breathtaking city of Riga, which was founded in 1201 by the German Bishop Albert and is home to a kaleidoscope of architectural styles. Our walking tour takes us past some of the highlights including Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral and St Peters Church. We'll also visit the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers and the Large and Small Guilds before ending at the Freedom Monument.

This afternoon offers the opportunity to join an optional tour to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian seaside town, famous for it's wooden architecture and sandy beaches.

This evening you'll have the opportunity to partake in an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Today offers free time to further explore Riga independently.

Alternatively you might wish to join an optional tour to see some of medieval Latvia this morning. Our optional tour today takes us into the stunning scenery of Gauja National Park and on to the town of Sigulda. We'll visit the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and the Castle of the Knights of the Sword as well as hearing the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida.

This afternoon you have the opportunity to join an optional visit to the Riga Motor Museum which houses an impressive collection of vintage cars including a unique collection of Soviet limousines.

This evening there will be the option to enjoy a delicious Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Forest.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Departing Riga we make our way along the coastal highway this morning. Crossing the border in to Estonia we'll reach the summer resort of Parnu where we'll enjoy a short tour before we continue through the forests of Northern Estonia to the bustling capital of Tallinn.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast

Today we explore the charming city of Tallinn, a quaint blend of medieval and modern architecture. Our walking tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the heart of the Old Town where we'll get the opportunity to see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the medieval Old Town Hall and the Great Guild Hall.

This afternoon offers free time to further explore Tallinn at your own pace or you may wish to join an optional excursion to Kadriorg Park to visit KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian Art musuem, home to a fantastic collection of classic and contemporary art.

This evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast

Today you have the opportunity to explore Tallinn on your own or choose to join an optional tour to Lahemaa National Park.

Our optional tour to Lahemaa National Park sees us visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, as well as the Sagadi Manor. We'll also visit the charming 16th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum before returning to Tallinn.

This afternoon the group will reconvene to board the ferry to Helsinki. Arriving into the Finnish capital we'll be met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Helsinki  |  Breakfast

We explore the incredible city of Helsinki today. Located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern Europe, it's a city that reflects the mixture of cultures that have influenced it. We'll take a tour of this green and lively capital, starting with the harbour we'll head to the Senate Square home to the Luthern Cathedral. We'll continue down central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building on to the Finlandia Hall. Our tour will also stop at the Sibelius Monument and the famous Church in the Rock.

The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural treasure which construction was started in the 18th century as a sea fortress. Located on an island, fortress is a unique attraction for visitors. The evening offers optional Finnish dinner at Restaurant Salve.
Overnight: Helsinki  |  Breakfast