Best of the Baltics - 10 day tour

Welcome to Estonia and the capital Tallinn. Upon arrival at Tallinn airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the hotel lobby, at around 7pm.
Overnight: Tallinn

Tallinn - Tartu - Cesis (Latvia). Departing Tallinn this morning we make our way to Lahemaa National Park. Located just 70km from the Estonia capital this national park encompasses 475 sq km of stunning pine forest, lakes and cultural attractions. This morning we'll visit the manor house in Palmse, this beautiful baroque mansion dates back over 300 years with a fascinating history and a number of restorations over that period bringing to its current splendor. We will also visit Vihula manor house.

Later we'll continue to Tartu, a university town which holds great significance in Estonian history. We will explore the charming old town as well as the university which was founded in 1632. Our next stop is Cesis in Latvia, a Hanseatic city with winding streets, castle ruins and beautiful gardens.
Overnight: Cesis  |  Breakfast

Cesis - Vilnius (Lithuania). After breakfast we depart Cesis and drive through the luscious green canopy of Gauja National Park en route to Sigulda. Sigulda is a popular holiday resort where we see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and the Castle of the Knights of the Sword, originally built in 1207. Crossing the border into neighbouring Lithuania we continue our journey to Vilnius, stopping en route at Siauliai and Hill of Crosses, one of the holiest sites of Catholic Lithuania. After we've explored this impressive site we travel on to Vilnius.
Overnight: Vilnius  |  Breakfast

Vilnius - Nida. Known for its medieval architecture and home to over 1,200 buildings and 48 churches that date back to this period, Vilnius is a beautiful capital and one that's bursting with fascinating history. This morning we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights, visiting the old town we'll explore Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, the Peter and Paul Church, St Anne's Church, the Old University and the Gates of Dawn. Departing Vilnius we travel on to the Curonian Spit and Nida, where we arrive late in the afternoon. This evening there's an optional authentic fisherman's dinner.
Overnight: Nida  |  Breakfast

Nida - Liepaja (Latvia). This morning there's an optional half-day tour of the beautiful Curonian Spit, a thin, 100 km stretch of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon with small fishing villages, pine forests and endless sand dunes. On the tour we'll see the spectacular Parnidis Dune and Naglis Dune, the Hill of Witches in Juodkrante and Thomas Mann’s summerhouse.

After the optional tour we head towards Liepaja in Latvia, where we arrive in the early afternoon. The evening there's the option of a casual dinner at a beach café Red Sun Buffet, right on the wide sandy beach.
Overnight: Liepaja  |  Breakfast

Liepaja - Riga. Liepaja takes its name from the numerous lime trees in the city. We start the day with a short stroll through the Old Town with its Trinity Church. We visit Jurmala Park and the former Naval Port area with its famous Orthodox Cathedral. Then we continue through Southern Latvia to the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. After a guided tour of the palace we travel on to Latvia's charming capital Riga, arriving late afternoon. This evening there's an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Today we explore Riga, the largest of the Baltic capitals it boasts a fantastic array of architectural styles and practices. Riga's foundation dates back to 1201 when the German bishop Albert arrived. On our walking tour of the Old Town this morning we'll visit Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gates along with other fascinating parts of the city which demonstrate its rich history.

This afternoon is free for you to further explore Riga independently or to join an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian seaside resort. This evening there will be the opportunity to join an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Three.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Riga - Tallinn (Estonia). After breakfast we continue our journey, making our way along the coastal highway we cross back into Estonia. Arriving into Parnu, we'll explore this popular Estonian summer resort before continuing to Tallinn. Once we've checked in to our hotel in Tallinn the rest of the day is at leisure to explore independently.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast

With its exciting blend of medieval tranquility and modern urban life, Tallinn is a fantastically interesting capital city. The medieval Old Town is unsurprisingly a bustling place during the summer months with people going in and out of the various shops, galleries and cafes. Our sightseeing tour today starts by exploring the old city walls before we head into the heart of the Old Town, visiting the Toompea Castle, now home to the Estonian Parliament, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Great Guild Hall.

This afternoon is free for you to further explore Tallinn independently or to join an optional visit to Kadriorg Park and the newly built KUMU. This evening there will be the opportunity to join an optional medieval dinner at the 'Maikrahv' restaurant.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast