18 days in the Baltics & southern Finland

Vilnius

Day 1: Welcome to the beautiful Lithuanian capital

Welcome to Vilnius, the beautiful capital city of LIthuania! On your arrival at the airport a driver will wait for you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it and will drive you to your comfortable accommodation in Vilnius. The journey takes about 30 minutes and takes you into the beautiful old town of Vilnius!

Once you arrive, head out and get a feel of this beautiful and unique city. Enjoy a walk through the picturesque cobblestone streets, narrow winding alleys and get a bird’s-eye view of the roofs of Vilnius Old Town from St. John’s Bell Tower. 

Vilnius

Day 2: Get lost wandering the beautiful Vilnius

Get ready to lose yourself in the amazing old and new sides of Vilnius when you tour the city with your expert local guide. You will stare in wonder as you wander around the beautiful UNESCO recognized Old Town, filled with magnificent landmarks. You will get the unique opportunity to really get in touch with the vibrant culture of Vilnius. Try one of the delicious local craft beers at our favorite cafe, try some Lithuanian specialties and fall in love with this fascinating city. This is a perfect introduction tour to get to know a new city and its history and culture.

Vilnius

Day 3: Breathtaking castles of Trakai

Get ready for some exciting castle exploring! Your trip to Lithuania wouldn't be complete without exploring the breathtaking and picturesque Trakai, about 30 kilometres from Vilnius. Upon arrival, you will learn about the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, hear legends about Trakai Castle(s) and Lithuania’s affluent past. The view of the historic structure is straight out of a fairy tale and best enjoyed during a boat ride around the island and the castle.

Vilnius - Klaipeda

Day 4: Amazing road trip to Klaipeda

Get ready for a memorable day, as you trade Vilnius to another beautiful Lithuanian destination: Klaipeda. First you will stop en route at the UNESCO listed pilgrimage site known as the Hill of Crosses. You will then be fascinated by the dark history at the Cold War Museum. The journey takes around 7 hours, including stops. Klaipeda used to be a member of the Hanseatic League and is the gateway to the Curonian Spit – a long and narrow sand dune peninsula separating the Curonian lagoon from the Baltic Sea.

You will probably be tired from that amazing road trip, so you will be more than happy to arrival at your beautiful hotel. After checking in you will head out to the waterfront and explore the Old Town center, which features stunning 18th-century wooden buildings and other historic monuments.  Klaipeda is truly a picturesque treat!

Klaipeda

Day 5: Discover amazing UNESCO sites

Get excited for an amazing 100-kilometer sandbar, separating the mainland and the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic sea. There is a reason this is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 

With a friendly local expert guide you will discover the picturesque scenic town of Nida with its Amber gallery, visit the tallest drifting sand dune in Europe and the mysterious Hill of Witches and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the traditional fisherman's way of life. This tour will definitely  be one of the highlights of your amazing Baltic holiday!

Klaipeda - Kuldiga

Day 6: Road trip to Kuldiga, Latvia

Are you ready for more fun! It’s time to travel to Latvia and Kuldiga with a visit to Liepaja along the way. During the tour in Liepaja, you will pass by outstanding examples of Liepāja Art-Nouveau architecture, enjoy the beauty of the Seaside Park, and feel the power of wind on the beach.

The Baltic states have a mysterious soviet past that is fascinating to learn. After the city tour you will head to Karosta which is the largest historical military garrison in the Baltics. You will learn the fascinating details on how it was planned as a completely autonomous area with its own infrastructure, electric power station, water supply system, church and schools. Under the Soviet occupation regime it was a closed territory, not even accessible to local civilians.  But you have complete access to this mysterious site!

Kuldiga - Riga

Day 7: Fall in love with Kuldiga

Have you ever fallen in love with a town? If not, Kuldiga will be your first love.  Kuldiga is the unpolished gem of Latvia, which preserves the charm of an ancient city with beautiful narrow cobblestone streets, old wooden buildings and the widest waterfall of Europe – Ventas Rumba. you will do a short city tour of Kuldiga to learn about its history and main sites. After some free time and lunch you will head to the beautiful Riga. Along the way you will have a chance to stop at the stunning beach town of Jurmala and wander around on your own. Make sure to try the local foods, they are delicious!

Riga

Day 8: Stroll through the vibrant streets of Riga

Get ready to explore this vibrant UNESCO listed old town with a local guide! Walk through the winding streets and cobbled alleys of the Old Town and discover the hidden past from 1201 all the way to the present day. This will be the perfect introduction to Riga and its friendly locals. Continue the tour to the famous Riga Central Market which is one of Europe's largest markets covering 72,000m2, built from five zeppelin hangers left over from the First World War. A truly unique thing to see! After the tour you will have a chance to stay at the market to explore it more and to have lunch there (not included).

Riga

Day 9: Discover amazing history of the Riga countryside

Today you have a free time to explore more of Latvia.

We suggest that you could explore outside the city of Riga in the amazing, scenic countryside. First check out the beautuful Rundale Palace, the most beautiful baroque palace in Latvia located near the town of Bauska (66 km South of Riga). The palace built in the 18th century is an outstanding example of the early work of Italian – Russian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli who has also designed the famous Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The professionally renovated palace interiors are decorated with authentic 18th century furniture, paintings and china. The most impressive are the Golden Hall, the White Hall, and the bedroom of the Duke of Courtland Johan Ernst Biron.

There is much beautiful architecture and history - you'd better bring your camera!

Riga - Tartu

Day 10: Castle Tour and into Estonia

Say good bye to Riga and get ready for the beautiful road trip to Estonia. First on the amazing places you will visit it the Gauja National Park where you will have a chance to visit two amazing castles that will make you feel like you are back in the medieval days. The Turaida and Cesis Castles will give you a beautiful glimpse into the past.

You will also visit the Sigulda bobsleigh track, Ligatne wine cellar and many more places. We can do all the legwork on what you want to visit but if you are more of a trip planner then just let us know what you’d like to see and we will arrange the stops accordingly!

Tartu - Tallinn

Day 11: The fascinating culture of Estonia

Tartu is truly a beautiful Estonian city. The second-largest city in Estonia, it is known as the city of good thoughts. So let all your worries and negative thoughts go! The city center is a combination of rich cultural heritage, modern smart solutions, street art, numerous museums and galleries, lovely parks, and the Emajõgi River. You will do a short city tour of Tartu to learn about its history and main sites. After some free time and lunch you will head to Tallinn. 

Tallinn

Day 12: Walking tour of Tallinn Old Town

Enjoy a fun and history-packed walking tour of Tallinn Old Town with a knowledgeable local guide. You will get some insight into all the most important sights of this medieval city from the bustling main streets to lesser-known side alleys. Make sure you explore it all. Discover beautiful old churches, unique merchant houses, historic town hall, and imposing city defenses.

After your city tour head out of the Old Town and explore one of the fascinating surrounding neighborhoods on your own. Some of the amazing places to visit are Rotermann Quarter, a former industrial center turned into one of the city’s most prominent oases of modern architecture or a newest addition to the city or the Noblessner seafront quarter which is a former submarine factory, now a modern urban space. A perfect place for a sunset.

Tallinn

Day 13: Bog adventures in the Estonian countryside

Today you have a free time to explore more of Estonia.

We suggest that you could leave the city hustle and bustle behind and discover Estonia in a deeper and more fascinating way. Go to the stunning Lahemaa National Park which is perfect for a day trip out of Tallinn. It is home to beautiful manor houses, unique and legendary fishing villages and some of the most pristine natural landscapes.

Visiting a bog is another must do in Estonia for a unique experience. There are plenty of them around Tallinn and the best way to see a bog is on the super fun bog-shoes.

If you're interested in Soviet history and discovering steep limestone cliffs that will blow your mind then head to Paldiski. It's an amazing place that will be one of the most memorable of the trip. On the way you can visit the one of a kind Rummu submerged quarry and the most romantic waterfall in Estonia, Keila-Joa. 

Tallinn - Helsinki

Day 14: Ferry ride to Finland

It's time to say goodbye to the Baltic States as you are taking a ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the port for your departing ferry. What better way to travel the Baltic sea than by boat?

Once you have settled in, you have some free time to do as you please. Why don't you head to Suomenlinna, one of the main tourist attractions in Helsinki. Suomenlinna is easily accessible by ferry from Market Square, opposite the Presidential Palace. Discover the military architecture, museums, parks, churches, libraries, cafés, and restaurants, all dotted around the group of islands of Suomenlinna. There is so much history, culture and delicious food to explore do get ready for fun and make sure you go to a proper Finnish sauna!

Helsinki

Day 15: Fantastic walking tour of Helsinki

Get ready to learn about the unique and quirky Finnish history with a tour. This tour includes everything there is to know about the Finnish Culture and History and focuses especially on the life of the locals. Helsinki is a fantastic city that is easily explored on foot!

If you’d like to get out of the city and explore Finland in more depth, just 50 km east of Helsinki an idyllic and historical city of Porvoo awaits. The city is one of the oldest ones in Finland, which is reflected in its medieval town plan and old wooden houses. Porvoo old town with its beautiful river scene is part of the national landscape of Finland. Finland is gorgeours so make sure you take advantage of it all!

Helsinki - Turku

Day 16: Train to Turku

It's time to say good bye to Helsinki and travel to the beautiful Turku by train. In the morning your driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the railway station for your departing train through the picturesque countyside. On arrival in Turku another driver is waiting for you at the station and will take you directly to your hotel in the center of Turku where you can kick off you shoes and relax after the journey. Make sure to get some rest because tomorrow will be a fun filled day!

Turku

Day 17: Walking tour of Turku

Today you will do a walking tour of Turku, the oldest town in Finland. Turku is a vibrant modern city with an 800-year history. You will be walking through the history of Finland from medieval to modern times and learn more about Finnish history, the people of Turku and their way of life.

Turku has always been an international town with close trade connection to cities around the Baltic Sea. The proximity to the world’s largest archipelago and the beautiful river Aura give this town a touch of flair. You will see some of the best spots in Turku and hear about the history and current times in this beautiful city.

Turku

Day 18: Farewell to the Baltics and Finland

Time to say goodbye and end our amazing Baltic Highlights Tour. Your driver will pick you up from the hotel to take you to the Turku airport. We hope you enjoyed your trip and hope to welcome you back in future!