ITINERARY: 11 DAYS BALTICS AND FINLAND
DAY 1: VILNIUS
- Arrival in Vilnius;
- Meet English speaking guide at airport and transfer to hotel;
- Overnight.
DAY 2: VILNIUS
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Optional: Private city tour of Vilnius (3 hours)
Vilnius, known as the Baltic Baroque city, is rich in history and architecture. Founded in 1323, its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, visiting landmarks like Cathedral Square, Gediminas Avenue, the Parliament, Vilnius University, St. Anna’s Church, and the Gates of Dawn. This charming city offers a perfect blend of history and beauty.
- Optional: Private Uzupis district visit in Vilnius (1-2 hours, can be added to Vilnius city tour)
Užupis is a quirky, artistic district in Vilnius that declared itself an independent republic in 1997. Known for its creative and free-spirited vibe, it’s home to artists, musicians, and intellectuals. Visitors can explore its colorful streets filled with street art, cozy cafes, and galleries, making it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a unique experience in Vilnius.
- Overnight in Vilnius.
DAY 3: VILNIUS – KAUNAS
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Optional: Private Guided Trakai tour (4 hours)
Trakai, once the capital of Lithuania, is famous for its 14th-century red brick castle on an island in the middle of a lake. The castle now houses an Art Museum and is a prime example of Lithuania’s defensive architecture. The picturesque old town, with its Island and Peninsula Castles surrounded by lakes, is one of Europe’s most stunning locations. Trakai is also home to a small community of Karaites, a Jewish minority believed to have been brought from Crimea by Grand Duke Vytautas.
- Afternoon arrival in Kaunas;
- Optional: Guided Kaunas city tour (2 hours)
Kaunas is a city of contrasts, where the ancient and the modern, the tragic and the joyful, the artistic and the industrial coexist. Explore the charming Old Town, where you can admire the Gothic Kaunas Castle, the elegant Town Hall Square, and the colourful street art.
- Free time in Kaunas.
- Optional: Drive to see The Kaunas Ninth Fort
The Ninth Fort in Kaunas is a historic site and Holocaust memorial. Once part of a 19th-century fortress, it was later used by the Nazis during World War II for imprisonment and executions. Today, it stands as a museum honoring the victims and preserving their memory.
- Overnight in Kaunas.
DAY 4: KAUNAS – RIGA
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Morning drive to Riga;
- Optional: Stop on the way – Hill of crosses (15 – 30 min)
The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, Lithuania, is a powerful symbol of faith and resilience. Covered with thousands of crosses, it survived Soviet attempts to destroy it and remains a site of prayer and remembrance. Pilgrims from around the world visit to add their own crosses and prayers.
- Continue to Riga;
- Optional: Stop on the way – Rundale Palace (2 hours)
This 18th-century Baroque and Rococo palace, designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, is a cultural gem of Latvia. Once home to the Dukes of Courland, it now invites visitors to explore its elegant halls, ornate rooms, and beautiful gardens, showcasing its rich history and stunning architecture.
- Evening arrival and check-in to hotel;
- Overnight in Riga.
DAY 5: RIGA
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Optional: Riga City tour (4 hours)
On this walking tour, explore the charm of Riga’s Old Town with its cobblestone streets and picturesque surroundings. Visit landmarks such as the Dome Cathedral, known for its grand pipe organ, St. Peter’s Church with stunning city views, the Three Brothers architectural ensemble, and the Swedish Gate. You’ll also pass the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle, and discover many beautifully restored buildings now home to cozy cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Riga is a vibrant city where history meets modern life. Its skyline features medieval spires, Art Nouveau gems, and modern skyscrapers. Home to one of the world’s largest Art Nouveau collections, Riga’s buildings showcase ornate designs from its prosperous past.
- Overnight in Riga.
DAY 6: RIGA – SIGULDA
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Optional: Sigulda and Turaida Sightseeing (6 hours)
Sigulda, often called the “Latvian Switzerland,” is a picturesque town just 50 km from Riga in the Gauja River Valley. Located in Gauja National Park, it’s a top destination for nature, winter sports, and history. Explore medieval castle ruins, the 19th-century Kropotkin Palace, and scenic sandstone grottoes while enjoying the stunning valley views.
The Turaida Museum Reserve is a historic site in Turaida, showcasing archaeological, historical, and art monuments from the 11th century. Highlights include the Turaida Church, one of the oldest wooden churches, and the legendary tomb of Roze, a symbol of sacrificial love. The “Folk Song Garden,” with 25 sculptures by Indulis Ranka, honors Latvian folk songs and the work of Krisjanis Barons.
- Afternoon return to Riga;
- Overnight in Riga.
DAY 7: RIGA – PARNU – TALLINN
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Morning drive to Tallinn, Estonia (4.5-hour drive);
- Brief stop in Pärnu for a walk along the beach and a coffee break;
- Optional: Guided Pärnu city tour (2 hours)
Pärnu is the best-known Estonian resort and also a Hanseatic city, a harbour city and a university city. The city is very charming and it contains a nice 19th century shopping district. While walking in the city enjoy its parks and the streets.
- Continue to Tallinn;
- Afternoon arrival and check-in to hotel;
- Overnight in Tallinn.
DAY 8: TALLINN
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Optional: Tallinn Sightseeing tour (3 hours)
Discover Tallinn’s charming Old Town, where medieval streets and Gothic architecture come to life. Visit Toompea Castle, the Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Town Hall Square, and St. Olaf’s Church. The tour also explores the Song Festival Grounds, St. Bridget’s Monastery, and the Pirita area.
- Free time to explore shops or relax at a local café;
- Optional: Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum Sightseeing Tour (2 hours)
Visit the Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum near Tallinn for a glimpse into Estonia’s rural heritage. Explore traditional farmsteads, windmills, and village buildings, and learn about Estonian life from the 18th to 20th centuries. The museum also offers folk performances, craft demos, and seasonal events for an immersive experience.
- Overnight in Tallinn.
DAY 9: TALLINN TO HELSINKI
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki (2-hour ferry);
- Evening arrival in Helsinki, Finland;
- Check-in to hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening
- Overnight in Helsinki.
DAY 10: HELSINKI
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Optional: Helsinki city tour (3 hours)
Explore Helsinki, where history meets modern design. Start at Senate Square and visit landmarks like the Presidential Palace, City Hall, Parliament, Finlandia Hall, and the Opera House. See the Sibelius Monument and, if possible, the Temppeliaukio Church, built into solid rock with a copper dome. Finlandia Hall, designed by Alvar Aalto, is a hub for concerts and conferences and home to the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. This tour offers a perfect mix of architectural wonders and cultural experiences.
- Afternoon free to explore or visit the Design District
- Overnight in Helsinki.
DAY 11: HELSINKI
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Depending on your flight times, private transfer to the airport.
