Follow the beautiful Baltic coast from Poland to Russia on this incredible 13 day tour. Starting in the Polish city of Gdansk, cross the border into the fascinating enclave of Kaliningrad before visiting the picturesque town of Klaipeda in Lithuania. Explore the Baltic capitals of Riga and Tallinn before crossing the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki. Your trip finishes in the ornate and captivating city of St Petersburg.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Gdansk to Kaliningrad
Gdansk - Kaliningrad. Gdansk is a like a mini-state, located on the Baltic sea it has a unique feel. With it's cultured, wealthy and cosmopolitan lifestyle it sets itself apart from many other parts of Poland. This morning we'll explore the city on foot, we'll start by heading down Dlugi Targ, once the city's most important market, continuing on we'll stop by St Mary's and St Bridget's churches. Our final stops on the tour take us to Artus Court, built in 1350 as a meeting place for merchants, and Gdansk Town Hall, an imposing red brick building located in the heart of the city.
This afternoon we head for a interesting piece of European geography, the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, surrounded by Poland to the South and Latvia to the North and East.
Overnight: Kaliningrad | Breakfast
Explore Kaliningrad
Kaliningrad - Klaipeda. Formerly known as city of Konigsberg from 1255 to 1946, Kaliningrad once reveled in it's regal architecture and cosmopolitan culture but today it is undeniably a Russian City. You'll find old Prussian buildings intermixed with Soviet blocks of flats, brand-new Orthodox churches, and glass high-rises. This morning we'll enjoy a tour of the city, taking in Victory Square and Kant's Island before heading to the impressive Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Next we'll visit the lively Central Market before ending at the fascinating Museum of Amber, which house around 14,000 individual pieces.
This afternoon we make our way along the Baltic coast and across the incredible Curonian Spit, a 100km thin stretch of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. We'll make our way to the picturesque fishing town of Nida and then on to Klaipeda, our stop for the night.
This evening there will be the opportunity to join an optional Lithuanian dinner at the restaurant '19th Century'.
Overnight: Klaipeda | Breakfast
Klaipeda and Samogitia National Park
Klaipeda - Samogitia National Park - Riga. This morning we discover the charming town of Klaipeda. It first became a part of Lithuania in 1923 and had for a long time before this been a German town with the name of Memel. Strolling through the old town with its narrow, cobblestone streets and old guild house we reach the Theatre Square and the Aennchen Von Tharau Fountain.
Leaving Klaipeda we make our way to Samogitia National Park, here we'll discover the beautiful Lithuanian countryside and will take a peaceful walk around one of the lakes within the national park, Lake Plateliai. We'll then continue to Siauliai and the Hill of Crosses, one of the most revered and holiest sites of Catholic Lithuania. Next we'll head north and cross into Latvia, arriving into Riga late this afternoon. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.
Overnight: Riga | Breakfast
Discover Riga
The charming city of Riga was founded in 1201 by the German bishop, Albert. The largest of the three Baltic capitals the city is a beautiful kaleidoscope of architectural styles. We'll head out in to the old town to explore some of the highlights on a walking tour this morning. We'll visit the impressive Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St Peters Church and Swedish Gates. We'll then continue to the Three Brothers, the oldest housing complex in Riga, before continuing to the Large and Small Guild House and finishing the Freedom Monument.
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 'Forest' restaurant.
Overnight: Riga | Breakfast
Summer Resort of Parnu
Riga - Tallinn. We enjoy a scenic drive today, following the coast we cross the border into Estonia and make our way to the delightful summer resort of Parnu. We'll enjoy a short tour of the town and see the relaxed nature that both locals and visitors possess.
This afternoon we'll make our way through the beautiful forests of Northern Estonia before reaching the capital Tallinn.
Overnight: Tallinn | Breakfast
Tallinn Old Town
Today we explore the bustling city of Tallinn. An enchanting blend of medieval tranquility and modern urban life, Tallinn is quickly becoming one of the tech hubs of Europe. Our sightseeing tour today starts by exploring the old city walls before we head into the heart of the Old Town, where we'll see Toompea Castle, now home to the Estonian Parliament, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the medieval Old Town Hall and the Great Guild Hall.
This afternoon you'll have the opportunity to join an optional tour to Kadriorg Park where you can visit KUMU, the award winning art museum which was opened in 2006.
This evening there will be the opportunity to join an optional medieval dinner at the 'Maikrahv' restaurant.
Overnight: Tallinn | Breakfast
Helsinki
Tallinn - Helsinki. Today offers free time to independently explore the beautiful city of Tallinn.
Alternatively you might wish to join an optional excursion to Lahemaa National Park, home to the beautiful Sagadi Manor and Palmse Manor, a memorial to the Von Pahlen family. You'll make your way through the stunning forest landscapes until you reaching the stunning 16th century Vihula Manor. There also be a stop at the Vodka Museum before returning to Tallinn.
This afternoon the group will come together again to head for the ferry port where we take our ferry across the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki we'll be transferred to our hotel for the night.
Overnight: Helsinki | Breakfast
Fantastic Finland
Today we explore the incredible city of Helsinki, sitting at the crossroads between Western and Eastern cultures this lively capital city is full of incredible architecture, green open spaces. Our sightseeing tour starts in the harbour, a very important part of the city, we then continue to the Senate Square where we'll find the Lutheran Cathedral taking pride of place overlooking the other buildings. We'll head up Mannerheim street and head past the Parliament Building, Finlandia Hall and the Sibelius Monument. We'll finish with a visit to the famous Church in the Rock or Temppeliaukio Church, opened in 1969 it's a fantastic architectural spectacle that every visitor to Helsinki must see.
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, the fortress is a unique attraction for visitors.
Overnight: Helsinki | Breakfast
Helsinki to St Petes
Helsinki - St Petersburg. Today we depart Helsinki and head along the Finnish coast to the border with Russia. After making our way into Russia we'll continue to Vyborg, a historically rich city that has passed back and forth between Finland and Russia a number of times. We'll have a short sightseeing tour of the city including a stop at the beautiful Vyborg Castle before continuing to the majestic city of St Petersburg.
Overnight: St Petersburg | Breakfast
Searching St Petersburg
With some of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in all of Europe, along with fantastic Neo-Gothic buildings and Soviet era dwellings, St Petersburg is a feast for the eyes. From imperial palaces to world famous museums and the many canals that intersect the city, there is plenty to see and do in this fascinating city. We'll explore the city this morning, visiting some of the incredible highlights of the city including the Peter-Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace, St Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of the Bleeding Saviour and the Nevsky Convent.
This afternoon offers an optional trip to Zarskoye Selo with the impressive Catherine’s Palace.
This evening you'll have the option to visit Nikolaevsky Palace to witness a Russian Folklore show with Russian "Champagne" and snacks.
Overnight: St Petersburg | Breakfast
St Petersburg
Today offers free time for you to explore St Petersburg at your own pace.
There will also be an optional tour to Peterhof this morning and in the afternoon you will have the option to join a tour to the incredible Hermitage Art Museum. This evening an optional dinner will be offered at the Pryanosti & Radosti Restaurant.
Overnight: St Petersburg | Breakfast
St Petersburg
Today marks the end of your incredible journey along the Baltic coast. A departure transfer will provided to take you to the airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' is compulsory for solo travellers or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room and the amount needs to be added to the per person price. The single supplement offers the comfort of your own room and is also available to any other person wanting their own room.
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 Mercure Gdansk, Gdansk
Located close to the Old Town Square and Gdansk’s main monuments, Hotel Mercure Gdansk is the highest building in the city. Boasting picturesque views over the famous Gdansk Shipyard, it offers comfortable guestrooms with individually controlled air-conditioning and WiFi access. The Winestone restaurant serves European cuisine and a choice of wines for you to enjoy, while the lobby bar is the hub of the hotel. A well-equipped fitness centre completes the list of amenities.
Holiday Inn Kaliningrad, Kaliningrad
Occupying an enviable riverside location, the Holiday Inn Kaliningrad is a stylish, modern hotel with fantastic facilities. The hotel is just a short walk from the B-413 Submarine Museum, Estacada Bridge & the Park of Sculptures. You'll find a number of dining options close by and within the hotel itself whilst the rooms are spacious and bright with en-suite bathrooms.
Hotel National, Klaipeda
Set in the heart of Klaipeda’s old town, Hotel National boasts an excellent location within walking distance of Anika Square and the Old Ferry. The 19th century building offers spacious and comfortable guestrooms, equipped with free WiFi and private bathrooms with heated floors. A buffet breakfast is served in the onsite restaurant, which specializes in local Lithuanian food. The hotel is also connected to a popular bar known as the ‘Fat Cat’, which is a great spot to kick back with a beer and meet other travellers.
Hotel Wellton Riverside, Riga
With views overlooking the Daugava River, the Hotel Wellton Riverside is perfectly located just a short walk from the old town. All rooms at this bright modern hotel are furnished with TV's, spacious private bathrooms and large comfortable beds. A fitness centre including a sauna can be found within the hotel, as well as an indoor pool, offering numerous options for those looking to expend some of their energy. Alternatively, a bar and lounge area gives a relaxed area for people to unwind.
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.
GLO Hotel Art, Helsinki
Located in the trendy Design District of Helsinki and housed in a 1900s Art Noveu Castle, the GLO Hotel Art is a fantastic place to stay in this buzzing city. In the Glo Art's restaurant you'll find a delicious menu taking inspiration from both European and Nordic influences. All rooms are stylish in decor and offer comfortable beds and furnishing along with en suite bathrooms.
Sokos Hotel Vasilievsky, St Petersburg
The grand facade of the Sokos Vasilievsky is a welcoming sight of this boutique style property. Guest rooms are distinctively decorated with beautiful colours and luxury hard wood floors. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is a popular restaurant serving delicious French-Russian fusion food. Head to the Irish Pub, the 8th Line for a relaxed evening and a few refreshing beverages. Well located in thr historic centre of St Petersburg close to the Vasileostrovskaya Metro Station. Some of St Petersburg's most popular attractions are just a 10 - 15 minute walk away.