10 Days: Riga - Tallinn - Helsinki - Lappeenranta 

Tour overview:

This 10-day itinerary combines the cities of Riga, Tallinn, and Helsinki. Start your tour in Riga, the largest of the Baltic cities and a kaleidoscope of architectural styles. Enjoy the medieval city of Tallinn before departing for the Finnish capital of Helsinki via a scenic ferry ride and a stay at the beautiful resort town of Lappeenranta on the shores of Lake Saimaa.

Day 1 - Arrival Riga

Arrive in Riga. Transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija **** or a similar hotel. Check-in and welcome meeting.

Day 2 - Riga.

After getting acquainted with Riga, we have the opportunity to discover medieval Latvia. The optional morning excursion takes us to the stunning scenery of Gauja National Park. We first visit the Turaida Museum Reserve, where we learn about the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida while exploring the impressive Episcopal Castle and the traditional Turaida Manor Farm Buildings. Afterwards, we continue to the town of Sigulda, enjoying the charm and atmosphere of one of Latvia’s most picturesque towns. (B)

Day 3 - Riga

Founded in 1201 by German Bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a fascinating kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The morning walking tour takes us through the Art Nouveau district and the Old Town, including Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds, and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jūrmala, the vibrant Latvian seaside resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral. (B)

Day 4 - Riga – Tallinn

The tour continues along the coastal highway to Pärnu, Estonia’s popular summer resort. We enjoy a short tour of the resort before continuing through northern Estonia, a region known for its forests and beautiful countryside. We arrive in Tallinn in the early afternoon.Check in at Hotel Hyatt Place **** or a similar hotel. (B)

Day 5 - Tallinn

“Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. In the afternoon an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian Art museum, with its collections of classic and contemporary fine art. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv..(B)

Day 6 - Tallinn – Helsinki

Today offers an optional excursion to Lahemaa National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour concludes with a visit to the charming 16th-century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. After a lunch break, we return to Tallinn and take the ferry to Helsinki, enjoying a refreshing journey through the Finnish archipelago before arriving in Helsinki. Upon arrival, we are transferred to the hotel. Check in at Hotel Radisson Blu Aleksanteri **** or a similar hotel. (B)

Day 7 - Helsinki

Helsinki is located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern cultures, a unique character reflected throughout the green and lively Finnish capital. The sightseeing tour takes us around the harbours and Senate Square, featuring the Lutheran Cathedral. We continue along central Mannerheim Street, passing the Parliament Building, Finlandia Hall,and the Sibelius monument, followed by a visit to the famous Church-in-the-Rock. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural treasure whose construction began in the 18th century as a sea fortress. Located on an island, the fortress is a unique attraction for visitors. (B)

Day 8 - Helsinki – Lappeenranta

In the morning, we proceed to the railway station and depart by train for Lappeenranta, arriving shortly after midday. Transfer to Hotel Scandic Patria **** or a similar hotel. Lappeenranta is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa and was an important Swedish fortress town in the 18th century. Today, it is an attractive and popular resort town. The afternoon walking tour of Lappeenranta takes us through the historic Old Town, the port area, and Lappeenranta Fortress, featuring wooden and red-brick buildings, artisan shops, museums, the wooden Orthodox Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God, and cafés. Return to the hotel and check-in. In the late afternoon, we walk to the pier to embark on a spectacular evening cruise on Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal. The ship has a restaurant where we can enjoy drinks and snacks or a full dinner while taking in the stunning views of the lake. After approximately three hours, we return to the port and walk back to the hotel. (B)

Day 9 - Lappeenranta – Helsinki

Today offers the opportunity to explore the Lappeenranta resort town at your own pace. The hotel is located between the Old Town and the port area, both of which are easily accessible on foot. Enjoy shopping at the small boutiques in the Old Town, try traditional Karelian cuisine, or relax and enjoy the atmosphere and views at the port. In the late afternoon, transfer to the railway station and depart by train back to Helsinki. Arrive in Helsinki in the early evening. Check-in.Hotel Radisson Blu Aleksanteri **** or a similar hotel. (B)

Day 10 - Depart Helsinki

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (B)