ITINERARY: 13 DAYS IN FINLAND AND BALTICS
DAY 1 VILNIUS
- Arrival in Vilnius;
- Meet English speaking guide at airport and transfer to hotel;
- Welcome dinner with traditional folklore show;
- Overnight in Vilnius
DAY 2: VILNIUS
- Breakfast at hotel;
- Vilnius city tour: 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.
- Lunch on own;
- Workshop in Art Center of Baltic Amber
- Overnight in Vilnius.
DAY 3: VILNIUS-TRAKAI
- Breakfast at hotel;
- 4h excursion by car to Trakai
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.
- Lunch on own;
- Return to Vilnius;
- Overnight in Vilnius.
DAY 4: VILNIUS – HILL OF CROSSES – RUNDALE – RIGA
- Breakfast at hotel;
- Transfer from hotel to Hill of Crosses with guide assistance
The Hill of Crosses, located near Šiauliai in Lithuania, is a powerful symbol of faith, hope, and resilience. Adorned with thousands of crosses, it holds deep religious significance for Catholics. Despite attempts to destroy it during Soviet rule, the site has remained a testament to spiritual endurance. Pilgrims from around the world visit, adding their own crosses as prayers and expressions of remembrance. The Hill of Crosses stands as a lasting symbol of devotion and resistance against oppression.
- Transfer to Rundale Palace;
- Lunch on own;
- Rundale Palace tour
- Overnight in Riga.
DAY 5: RIGA
- Breakfast at hotel;
- 3h Riga city tour, including entrance to Dome Cathedral
- Afternoon for leisure and shopping;
- Overnight in Riga.
DAY 6: RIGA – JURMALA
- Breakfast at hotel;
- 6h excursion by car to Jurmala including shopping visit in Via Jurmala Outlet Village (https://viajurmala.com/)
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.
- Lunch on own;
- Return to Riga;
- Overnight in Riga.
DAY 7: RIGA – SIGULDA
- Breakfast at hotel;
- Transfer from hotel to Turaida Castle with guide assistance;
- Turaida Castle tour
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.
- Lunch on own;
- Check-in to hotel in Cesis;
- Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 8: SIGULDA – TALLINN
- Breakfast at hotel
- Hiking tour in the hiking trail nearby (around 1 hour, difficulty level – easy)
- Transfer to Tallinn;
- Lunch on own en-route;
- Overnight in Tallinn.
DAY 9: TALLINN
- Breakfast at hotel;
- 3h Tallinn city tour, including entrance to St.Mary’s Dome Church
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.
- Marzipan workshop
Marzipan, a beloved tradition in the city, is used to create intricate designs on edible canvases. During the workshop, you’ll learn the techniques behind marzipan painting, crafting your own colorful and delicious designs. This hands-on experience offers a fun and creative way to connect with Tallinn’s rich culinary heritage, leaving with a sweet keepsake of your artistic creation.
- Lunch on own;
- 3h Tallinn excursion by car around Kadriorg and Pirita areas, including entrance to Kadriorg Palace
The palace, constructed as a gift by Peter the Great to his wife Catherine I in the 1720s, is an excellent example of Baroque architecture.
- Overnight in Tallinn.
DAY 10: TALLINN
- Breakfast at hotel;
- 6h excursion by car to Lahemaa National Park, including entrance to Palmse Manor
As you explore the park, you’ll enjoy its stunning landscapes, including forests, lakes, and coastline. The journey includes a visit to Palmse Manor, a beautifully preserved 18th-century estate showcasing grand architecture and lush gardens. Learn about the history of the manor and its role in Estonian nobility. This excursion combines nature, history, and culture for a truly memorable experience.
- Lunch on own;
- Overnight in Tallinn.
DAY 11: TALLINN – HELSINKI
- Breakfast at hotel;
- Ferry transfer to Helsinki;
- Check-in to the hotel;
- Overnight in Helsinki.
DAY 12: HELSINKI
- Breakfast at hotel;
- 3 hours city tour of Helsinki by car and by foot, including entrance to Cathedral
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.
- Lunch on own;
- Afternoon free for shopping in the city;
- Overnight in Helsinki.
DAY 13: HELSINKI
- Breakfast at hotel;
- Transfer to the airport.
