Discover castles, cathedrals and coastal resorts, historic cities and lush national parks on this 10 day small group tour which takes in the best of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Along with the three Baltic capitals of Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga, visit the charming towns of Cesis, Liepaja and Nida on the beautiful Curonian Spit.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Lahemaa NP, Tartu & Cesis
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
Sigulda & The Hill of Crosses
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 city tour
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 Anna'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
Optional Curonian Spit Tour
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 & Rundale Palace
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
Riga city tour
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
Summer Resort of Parnu
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
Tallinn Tour
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
Tallinn
Our Baltic experience ends after breakfast this morning and hotel check out. A transfer will be provided to take you to Tallinn Airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia, Tallinn
This centrally located hotel offers tastefully decorated guestrooms with modern conveniences such as high-speed WiFi, 24-hour room service and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can enjoy an elegant Mediterranean dinner at the on-site Senso Restaurant or lighter bites at the delightful Café Boulevard. On the top floor you’ll find Club 26, where you can take a refreshing swim in the pool, work out in the well-equipped gym or relax in the sauna, all whilst admiring magnificent views over Estonia’s capital.
Hotel Cesis, Cesis
Boasting an excellent central location, Hotel Cesis offers rooms with views of both May Park and the Place de la Concorde. Each guestroom is also tastefully furnished and benefits from free WiFi and a private bathroom. In the Pagrabiņš Café, guests can enjoy a cosy atmosphere and a variety of pizzas, sandwiches and other snacks, whereas in the hotel’s restaurant you’ll find delicious Latvian and international dishes. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can also dine on the terrace and soak up wonderful views of May Park.
Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva, Vilnius
Standing on the banks of the River Neris, the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva is in the heart of Lithuania’s capital. Its sleek and modern-style guestrooms are equipped with plenty of amenities including free high-speed WiFi. Guests can enjoy a fresh meal at any time of day, with the onsite Riverside Restaurant serving a wide-ranging buffet of international favourites. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre, Nordic sauna, jacuzzi and beauty salon, with the Skybar being the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and the beautiful city views.
Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija, Riga
Ideally situated in the centre of Riga just 400 meters from the historical old town, the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija offers impressive views over the city. The contemporary styled guestrooms are spacious and well equipped to cater for those visiting for leisure, business and even families with children. Guests can soak up the fabulous city views in the stylish Skyline bar located on the 26th floor. Or why not relax and visit the brand new and conceptually unique Spa Riga.
At a Glance
Hello All at On the Go. Just wanted to let you know that my client Steve has returned on Monday, and was very, very happy with his trip and accommodations.
He was extremely pleased with his guide Mr. Janis Liekmanis He said that he was excellent! Please make sure that he gets accolades for his services.
Thank you for all of your help in making this trip come to fruition during the tumultuous COVID pandemic! ”