ITINERARY: 9 DAYS IN THE BALTICS
DAY 1: VILNIUS
- Arrival in Vilnius;
- Meet English speaking guide at airport and transfer to hotel;
- Overnight in Vilnius.
DAY 2: VILNIUS
- Breakfast at hotel;
- Enjoy Vilnius city tour (walking & driving, duration: 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.
- After free time for lunch, meet driver and continue to Trakai and Insular castle (till 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.
- Overnight in Vilnius
DAY 3: VILNIUS – KAUNAS – KLAIPEDA
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Drive to Kaunas;
- Kaunas City Tour
- Futher way to Klaipeda
- Klaipeda City Tour upon arrival
Klaipeda is often called “Gateway to The Sea”, because it is the main Seaport of Lithuanian State. City tour including the Old Post Office, historical Old Town full of handicraft shops, the Old Theatre and Simon Dach square are worth seeing.
- Overnight in Klaipeda
DAY 4: NIDA
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Tour of Nida
Nida, a serene resort town on Lithuania’s Curonian Spit, lies between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. It’s the westernmost point of Lithuania and a perfect getaway for peaceful vacations. Ideal for all ages, Nida offers relaxation, scenic beauty, and activities for everyone.
- Free time for lunch;
- Visit to the Thomas Mann house
In 1929, Thomas Mann visited Nida and later built a summer house on “Mother-in-law” Hill, inspired by traditional fisherman homes. From 1930 to 1932, he spent summers there, finding inspiration and writing essays, letters, and the novel Joseph and His Brothers.
- Return to Klaipeda;
- Overnight
DAY 5: KLAIPEDA – HILL OF CROSSES – RUNDALE – RIGA
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Transfer to Hill Of Crosses;
- Hill of Crosses
The Hill of Crosses, is a powerful symbol of faith, hope, and resilience. Adorned with thousands of crosses, it holds deep religious significance for Catholics. The Hill of Crosses stands as a lasting symbol of devotion and resistance against oppression.
- Transfer to Rundale
- Rundale Palace Sightseeing tour
This Baroque and Rococo masterpiece, designed by architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, is known for its opulent interiors, lavish gardens, and intricate details. Built in the 18th century, the palace has served as a summer residence for the Dukes of Courland and as a military hospital during World War I. Today, it stands as one of Latvia’s top cultural landmarks, offering visitors a chance to explore elegant halls, ornate rooms, and beautifully landscaped grounds.
- Transfer to Riga, the capital city of Latvia;
- Overnight in Riga
DAY 6: RIGA
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Riga city tour
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.
Continue to Art Nouveau area, once home to many of Latvia’s most famous artists, writers, and scholars. You will see why Riga came to be known as one of Europe’s leading exponents of the late 19th and early 20th century architectural style of Art Nouveau. Riga boasts greatest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, which are among the finest and best-preserved in the world.
- Afternoon Jurmala excursion
Jurmala, a historic resort town, offers a peaceful escape with its fresh sea breeze, pine forests, and golden beaches. Known for its 150-year-old tradition, it invites visitors to enjoy its curative waters, mud baths, and Art Nouveau wooden houses. Surrounded by nature, the town’s charm remains timeless, providing a relaxing getaway with a touch of history.
- Overnight in Riga
DAY 7: RIGA – TURAIDA – PARNU – TALLINN
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Further travel to Turaida and visit the castle
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.
- Further travel to Parnu;
- Parnu Sightseeing tour
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.
- Further travel to Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia;
- Overnight in Tallinn
DAY 8: TALLINN
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Tallinn Sightseeing tour
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.
- Afternoon visit to Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum
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: DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer to the airport
- Departure
