Explore the three Baltic capitals, Helsinki, St Petersburg and more on this 13 day tour. Starting in Lithuania's charming capital Vilnius travel north through Latvia and Estonia, taking in the best of the Baltics. From the revered Hill of Crosses and Riga's beautiful art nouveau architecture, to picturesque Tallinn, with its enchanting Old Town and gothic spires. Then head across the Gulf of Finland to explore vibrant Helsinki, before ending in Russia's beautiful and historic City of the Tsars.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Vilnius
Sunday. Upon arrival at Vilnius airport you'll be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel in the Lithuanian capital. The rest of the day is at free to spend at leisure. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the lobby at approximately 7pm.
Overnight: Vilnius
Vilnius Tour
Known for its medieval architecture and home to over 1,200 buildings and 48 churches that date back to this period, Vilnius is a beautiful capital and one that's bursting with fascinating history. This morning we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the highlights, visiting the old town we'll explore Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, the Peter and Paul Church, St Anna's Church , the Old University and the Gates of Dawn.
This afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure or join an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania. Here you'll visit the magnificent Trakai Castle which stands on an island in Lake Galve.
This evening there's an optional folklore dinner at a 19th Century style restaurant .
Overnight: Vilnius | Breakfast
Hill Of Crosses
Vilnius - Riga (Latvia). Bidding farewell to Vilnius begin our journey north, stopping to visit the revered Hill of Crosses, a unique pilgrimage site in Northern Lithuania, where over 100,000 crosses of varying sizes have been placed on a small hill. Crossing into Latvia we then continue north to the magnificent Rundale Palace, which was built for the Duke of Courland. We enjoy a guided of this beautiful Baroque palace which dates back to 1736 and is surrounded by manicured gardens. Then we travel across the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to Riga, arriving in the capital late afternoon.
Overnight: Riga | Breakfast
Riga Old Town
Today we explore Riga, the largest of the Baltic capitals, which boasts a diverse array of architectural styles. On our walking tour of the Old Town this morning we 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 excursion to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian seaside resort. This evening there's an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.
Overnight: Riga | Breakfast
Riga
Spend the morning at leisure in Riga or discover medieval Latvia on an optional morning excursion to stunning Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. Hear 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 returning Riga.
This afternoon there's an optional trip to the Riga Motor Museum, with its impressive collection of vintage cars, and this evening there is an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Three.
Overnight: Riga | Breakfast
Parnu
Riga - Parnu - Tallinn (Estonia). We continue along the coastal highway this morning, crossing the border into neighbouring Estonia and making our way to the beautiful summer resort town of Parnu. We enjoy a short tour of Parnu before making our way through the lush forests of Northern Estonia en route to Tallinn. Arriving in Estonia's enchanting capital this afternoon, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore.
Overnight: Tallinn | Breakfast
Tallinn
This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of the third Baltic capital. This picturesque city is a delightful blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The beautiful 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 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. Then we visit the striking, medieval Old Town Hall which dates back to the early 1400's.
This afternoon is free to explore Tallinn independently 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
Tallinn to Helsinki
Tallinn - Helsinki. This morning there's an optional 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. After a break for lunch we head back to Tallinn to take the ferry to Helsinki. Enjoy the scenery en route as we travel through the Finnish archipelago en route to Finland's seaside capital. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Helsinki | Breakfast
Helsinki
This morning we explore Helsinki, the green and lively Finnish capital. Our guided tour takes us around the harbours and Senate Square with its Lutheran Cathedral, we will also see the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and the Sibelius Monument before visiting the famous Church-in-the-Rock.
In the afternoon there's an optional excursion to the 18th century Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural gem set on an island. For the final night of our tour there's an optional Finnish dinner at Restaurant Salve.
Overnight: Helsinki | Breakfast
Helsinki to St Petersburg
Helsinki - St Petersburg (Russia). Bidding farewell to Finland we travel eastbound today, crossing the border into Russia and driving through Vyborg en route to St Petersburg. Arriving late afternoon, check in to our hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: St Petersburg | Breakfast
St Petersburg city tour
This morning we explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, with its wonderful canals, world-class museums and galleries, exquisite palaces and impressive monuments. On our sightseeing tour we explore Peter & Paul Fortress and admire many of the city's most iconic buildings, included magnificent St Isaac's Cathedral, Nevsky Convent, the grand Winter Palace and the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood.
This afternoon there's an optional excursion to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo, which is famous for its spectacular Amber room, bedecked in gold and amber. This evening enjoy an optional visit to the Nikolaevsky Palace to watch a Russian folklore show, with Russian champagne and snacks.
Overnight: St Petersburg | Breakfast
Optional Peterhof and Hermitage Museum
Enjoy a free day exploring St Petersburg or join our optional excursions. This morning there's an optional excursion to Peterhof and the Grand Palace on the Gulf of Finland. Often referred to as the 'Russian Versailles’, Peterhof is most famous for its gardens with the spectacular Grand Cascade, gold fountains and sweeping vistas.
Returning to the city centre there's an optional tour of the Hermitage Museum this afternoon, which houses one of the biggest and best art collections on earth. Then this evening you can sample some tasty Russian cuisine at our optional dinner at Restaurant Pryanosti & Radosti.
Overnight: St Petersburg | Breakfast
St Petersburg
Friday. Our tour comes to an end today with an included transfer to St Petersburg airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva, Vilnius
Standing on the banks of the River Neris, the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva is in the heart of Lithuania’s capital. Its sleek and modern-style guestrooms are equipped with plenty of amenities including free high-speed WiFi. Guests can enjoy a fresh meal at any time of day, with the onsite Riverside Restaurant serving a wide-ranging buffet of international favourites. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre, Nordic sauna, jacuzzi and beauty salon, with the Skybar being the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and the beautiful city views.
Hotel Wellton Riverside, Riga
With views overlooking the Daugava River, the Hotel Wellton Riverside is perfectly located just a short walk from the old town. All rooms at this bright modern hotel are furnished with TV's, spacious private bathrooms and large comfortable beds. A fitness centre including a sauna can be found within the hotel, as well as an indoor pool, offering numerous options for those looking to expend some of their energy. Alternatively, a bar and lounge area gives a relaxed area for people to unwind.
Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia, Tallinn
This centrally located hotel offers tastefully decorated guestrooms with modern conveniences such as high-speed WiFi, 24-hour room service and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can enjoy an elegant Mediterranean dinner at the on-site Senso Restaurant or lighter bites at the delightful Café Boulevard. On the top floor you’ll find Club 26, where you can take a refreshing swim in the pool, work out in the well-equipped gym or relax in the sauna, all whilst admiring magnificent views over Estonia’s capital.