This tour takes you not only to the main Baltic cities of Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius, but also through the countryside to the charming smaller towns of Tartu, Grasi and Daugavpils.
Itinerary
Day 1 Riga Arrival
Arrival in Riga and private transfer from the airport to Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija or similar. Check-in and early evening welcome meeting. Time at leisure.
Day 2 Riga: Old Town Exploration and Ethnographical Open Air Museum
Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a true kaleidoscope of various architectural styles. Your Old Town walking includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House, and the Freedom Monument. Afternoon visit to the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, a spacious exposition of 18th century country life. Second overnight in Riga. Evening optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Kalku Varti.
Day 3 Riga - Tallinn: Parnu Summer Resort, Forest Landscapes
The tour continues along the coastal highway to the Estonian summer resort of Parnu. After a short tour we continue through the North Estonian land of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon. Check-in at the Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia or similar.
Day 4 Tallinn: Old Town, Kadriorg Park, KUMU Art Museum
Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. Sightseeing tour takes us around the medieval city walls and into the Old Town to see Toompea Castle, the Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to Kadriorg Park and KUMU, the new Estonian art museum. Second overnight in Tallinn. The evening offers an optional Medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv.
Day 5 Tallinn - Laheema National Park - Tallinn
Enjoy a day excursion to Lahemaa National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour ends with a visit to the charming 16th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. Third overnight in Tallinn.
Day 6 Tallinn - Tartu: Estonia National Museum
Today continue to Tartu, the University Town, where Estonia gained its statehood. See the charming Old Town and the University founded in 1632. Check in at Hotel Dorpat or similar. Afternoon visit to Estonia National Museum, dedicated to Estonian cultural history and everyday life, stretching out on a timeline from the present day to the Ice Age.
Day 7 Tartu - Grasi: Talava Cider Brewery
Departing from Tartu, head south and reach Stameriena - the pearl of European romanticism having close links with Italian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. After the visit, continue to Gulbene and visit the small, private Talava cider brewery. Afternoon arrival to Grasi and check-in at Grasi Manor, a picturesque estate in the middle of Latvia. Enjoy dinner this evening at Grasi Manor.
Day 8 Grasi - Aglona - Daugavpils: Historical City Tour
Leaving Grasi the first stop is in Aglona. Visit Aglona Basilica built in late baroque style and a ceramics workshop, an important symbol of Latgalian culture. Continue to Daugavpils, Latvia’s 2nd largest city. Tour the historical city centre and visit the 19th century Daugavpils Fortress and the Mark Rothko Art Centre, the only place in Europe, where the original masterpieces by the famous founder of abstract expressionism can be seen. Just outside the city check-in at Hotel Svente Manor.
Day 9 Daugavpils - Vilnius: Aukstatija National Park and Paluse
Today we continue southwards into Lithuania. Arrive at Aukstatija National Park with its many lakes, rivulets and streams scattered between forests and hills. Explore the park on a light walk through the scenic landscapes and visit the pretty lakeside town of Paluse, famous for its wooden church. Late in the afternoon, we head towards Vilnius. Check-in at Hotel Artis or similar.
Day 10 Vilnius: Walking Tour, The Palace of Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Vilnius is known for its medieval buildings and churches. The morning walking tour takes us to the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. Afternoon visit to The Palace of Grand Dukes of Lithuania where you will learn about the fortifications and the collection of armaments of the castle. Second overnight in Vilnius.
Day 11 Vilnius Departure
Private transfer from hotel to airport and end of arrangements.
2024 departures:
22 May
05, 12, 26 June
10, 17, 31 July
07, 14, 21, 28 August
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 26 persons
