Poland and Baltic Discovery - 13 day tour

Welcome to Poland and the beautiful city of Krakow. Upon arrival at Krakow airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the lobby, at around 7pm.
Overnight: Krakow

This morning we explore the former royal capital of Krakow, holding this title for over 500 years it is a city which holds many traditions, secrets and stories within it. We'll begin in the Old Town at St Mary's Church, dating back to 1347 this basilica towers over the main market square below. We'll then continue to Jagiellonia University, founded in 1364 by Casimir III the Great it is one of the oldest surviving universities in the world. Next stop is the Cloth Halls and on to the Wawel Castle and Cathedral. The fortified area of Wawel has been built over many centuries and is now one of the most interesting parts of the city.

This afternoon is free for your to further explore Krakow independently. There is also the opportunity to join an optional excursion to the impressive Wielizka Salt Mine. This incredible labyrinth of tunnels is often referred to as 'the underground salt Cathedral of Poland' due to its stunning interior.

This evening there will be the opportunity to enjoy an optional Polish dinner at 'Hawelka' restaurant.
Overnight: Krakow  |  Breakfast

Krakow - Czestochowa - Warsaw. This morning we depart for Czestochowa, home to the Jasna Gora Monastery in which you'll find the incredible Black Madonna painting. This painting holds a lot of spiritual significance and its origins before reaching Poland are shrouded in significance. Departing Czestochowa we continue through the flat low-laying plain of Central Poland, we'll reach Warsaw early this afternoon. The rest of the day is free for you to explore independently.
Overnight: Warsaw  |  Breakfast

Today we discover the history of Warsaw, a city which saw near complete destruction by the end of World War Two. In the years since the old town has been meticulously rebuilt to its former glory. We'll begin the day by visiting the Royal Castle, following the Royal Route we'll also make stops at St John Cathedral, the Old Town Market Square and the Barbican.

This afternoon you'll have free time to explore Warsaw independently. You'll also have the opportunity to join a optional excursion to the Royal Lazienki Park, home to Lazienki Palace, also know as the Palace on the Water.

This evening offers an optional Polish dinner at the 'Dawne Smaki' restaurant.
Overnight: Warsaw  |  Breakfast

Warsaw - Biaylistok. Today we continue through Eastern Poland with its dense forests to the Podlasie region and Bialowieza National Park, with its famous European Bison Show Reserve. After a leisurely stroll along the nature trails of the forest, we continue to Biaylistok where we check into our hotel. In the late afternoon we visit Bialystok and its landmark Branicki Palace.
Overnight: Biaylistok  |  Breakfast

Biaylistok - Vilnius. Departing Biaylistok we travel through attractive resort towns into Lithuania and on to its capital Vilnius. We stop en route in Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania, to admire the beautiful Old Town and the elegant white Baroque Town Hall before our late afternoon arrival in Vilnius.
Overnight: Vilnius  |  Breakfast

This morning we'll explore the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, starting with the Old Town we'll visit the Vilnius Cathedral and Gediminas Tower, with the first brick castle completed on this site in 1409. Next we'll visit the Peter and Paul Church, the centrepiece of a former monastery, before continuing to St Annes Church. We'll finish the morning by visiting the Old University, founded in 1579, and the Gate of Dawn, one of the most significant historical and cultural monuments in the city.

This afternoon allows you free time to explore Vilnius independently. There will also be the option of joining an excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania and home to the well preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully perched on an island in Lake Galve.

This evening you'll have the opportunity to indulge in an optional folklore dinner at the 'Belmontas' restaurant.
Overnight: Vilnius  |  Breakfast

Vilnius - Riga. This morning we depart Vilnius and make our way to one of the most holy sites in Lithuania, the Hill of Crosses. It's believed that nearly 100,000 crosses of different sizes and designs have been left here over the years. It's uncertain when the tradition started but it has come to symbolize the fortitude of Catholicism in Lithuania.

This afternoon we make our way across the border into Latvia, reaching the impressive Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. This beautiful baroque palace is ornately decorated and surrounded by stunning gardens. We continue on towards Riga later this afternoon, travelling through the rolling hills of the Southern Latvia.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Today we discover the fascinating city of Riga, the capital of Latvia and the largest of the three Baltic capitals. Officially founded by the German bishop Albert in 1201, Riga is a city full of colorful architecture and mesmerising old world charm. On our walking tour this morning we'll visit Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gates along with other fascinating parts of the city which demonstrate its rich history.

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

Today offers free time to further explore Riga independently. Alternatively the optional tour for this morning takes us to the stunning scenery of the Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before we return to Riga. The afternoon offers an optional visit to the Riga Motor Museum which has an impressive collection of vintage car including a very unique collection of old Soviet limousines from the Kremlin Garage. In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Forest.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Riga - Tallinn. Departing Riga this morning we make our way along the coastal highway, crossing into Estonia. From here we'll journey on to the beautiful summer resort of Parnu where we'll explore this pretty city bisected by the Parnu River. Continuing on towards Tallinn, we make our way through the thick green forests of Northern Estonia. Arriving into Tallinn early afternoon the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast

After breakfast we'll head out on a sightseeing tour of Tallinn. Comprising of a interesting blend of medieval repose and modern city life, Tallinn is a charming city with an rich and varied history, much of which is still on show today. Unsurprisingly the old town is a friendly, bustling place during the summer months with locals and tourists sampling the many fantastic cafes, galleries and shops. Starting at Toompea Castle we'll make our way to the Dome Church and onward to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built between 1894 and 1900 in a typical Russian Revival style. Next we'll visit the medieval Old Town Hall, this impressive building dates back to the early 1400's.

This afternoon offers free time to explore Tallinn indepdently or you may wish to join an optional excursion to Kadriorg Park and a visit to the KUMU, the award winning new Estonian art museum.

This evening an optional medieval dinner will be offered at the 'Maikrahv' restaurant.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast