10 Days: Vilnius - Riga - Tallinn - Helsinki

Tour overview:

Baltic Metrolpoles offers a tour of the three Baltic capitals combined with the charming city of Helsinki. Start your tour in Vilnius, known for its 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. Explore Riga, the largest of the three Baltic capitals and a kaleidoscope of architectural styles. Enjoy the medieval city of Tallinn before departing for the green and lively Finnish capital of Helsinki, which is located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and is world renowned for its progressive and sustainable way of life.

Day 1 - Arrive Vilnius

Arrive in Vilnius. Optional transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva **** or a similar hotel. Check-in and welcome meeting.

Day 2 - Vilnius

Vilnius is known for its more than 1,200 historic buildings and 48 churches. The morning sightseeing tour includes a panoramic tour of the city, followed by a walking tour of the Old Town, featuring Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, St. Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, the Old University, and the Gates of Dawn. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, with its well-preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galvė. In the evening, enjoy an optional traditional Lithuanian dinner at Senoji Trobelė. (B)

Day 3 - Vilnius - Riga

Heading towards Riga, our first stop is the Hill of Crosses, one of the most sacred sites of Catholic Lithuania. After crossing into Latvia, we soon reach the magnificent Rundāle Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace, we travel through the rolling hills of southern Latvia and arrive in Riga in the late afternoon. Check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija **** or a similar hotel. (B)

Day 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. During summer, the medieval Old Town comes alive with shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés, and restaurants. The morning walking tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and through the Old Town, where we visit Tallinn Town Hall, the Great Guild Hall, Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and St. Mary’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park, including a visit to KUMU, Estonia’s award-winning art museum, featuring collections of classical and contemporary fine art. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv. (B)

Day 8 - 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 our hotel. Check in at Hotel Radisson Blu Aleksanteri **** or a similar hotel. (B)

Day 9 - 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 10 - Depart Helsinki

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