Baltic Coastal Highlights - 13 day tour

Welcome to Gdansk, upon arrival you'll be met at the airport 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.
Overnight: Gdansk

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

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 - 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

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

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

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

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

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 - 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

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

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