Baltic Adventures 14 Days
14 Days: Tallinn, Vihula, Lahemaa, Grasi, Daugavpils, Vilnius, Kaunas, Nida, Liepaja & Riga
Tour overview:
This 14-day tour of the Baltic region combines the best of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Marvel at the architectural styles and medieval buildings in the Old Towns of the capital cities: Tallinn, Vilnius, and Riga. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the countryside. Your Baltic adventure awaits!
Day 1 - Arrival Tallinn
Arrive in Tallinn. Transfer to Hotel Hyatt Place **** or a similar hotel. Check-in and welcome meeting
Day 2 - Tallinn
Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town comes alive in summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés, and restaurants. The morning walking tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town, where we visit Tallinn Town Hall, the Great Guild Hall, Toompea with its Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and St. Mary’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and 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 3 - Tallinn – Lahemaa – Tallinn
Today offers an optional excursion to Lahemaa National Park. We visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, followed by Sagadi Manor. The tour concludes with a visit to the charming 13th-century Vihula Manor before returning to Tallinn. (B)
Day 4 - Tallinn – Tartu
We continue to Tartu, Estonia’s historic university town and an important centre of the country’s cultural and intellectual life. En route, we stop at Põltsamaa Castle, one of Estonia’s notable medieval castle complexes, known for its rich history and picturesque setting. Upon arrival in Tartu, we explore the charming Old Town and visit the famous University of Tartu, founded in 1632. Check-in at Hotel Dorpat **** or a similar hotel (B)
Day 5 - Tartu – Grasi
Departing from Tartu, we head south and cross into Latvia. Our first stop is Alūksne, followed by Stameriena, known as a pearl of European Romanticism and closely associated with Italian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. We continue to Cesvaine, where we visit a small private beer brewery and have the opportunity to taste the local produce. Later in the afternoon, we arrive at Grasi Manor ****, a picturesque Classicist-style estate located in the heart of Latvia. This evening, enjoy dinner at Grasi Manor. (B/D)
Day 6 - Grasi – Aglona – Svente
Today we discover the cultural and historical treasures of Latvia’s Latgale region.Our journey begins in Preiļi, where we visit a traditional ceramics workshop and the elegant Preiļi Castle. We then continue to Aglona, one of Latvia’s most important pilgrimage sites, renowned for its spiritual heritage and impressive basilica. Afterwards, we visit Slutišķi Old Believers’ Village, where we gain insight into the traditions and lifestyle of the Old Believers community. In the evening, we arrive in Svente.Overnight accommodationand dinner at Hotel Svente Manor. (B/D)
Day 7 - Svente – Daugavpils – Vilnius
The day begins with a visit to Daugavpils, including the impressive Daugavpils Fortress and the renowned Mark Rothko Art Centre, dedicated to the celebrated artist Mark Rothko. We then continue southwards into Lithuania and, around midday, arrive at Aukštaitija National Park, beautiful region of lakes, rivers, streams, forests, and rolling hills. We enjoy a gentle walk through the scenic landscapes and visit the charming lakeside village of Palūšė, famous for its traditional wooden church. Late in the afternoon, we continue towards Vilnius. Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel AC Marriott **** or a similar hotel. (B)
Day 8 - Vilnius
Vilnius is renowned for its more than 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning walking tour takes us through the Old Town, including 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 tour of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, where you can learn about the fortifications and explore the collection of armaments associated with the castle and palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. (B)
Day 9 - Vilnius
The morning offers an optional visit to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. The former KGB prison and related exhibitions feature documents, photographs, maps, and other items depicting the Soviet occupation and Sovietisation of Lithuania. In the afternoon, an optional excursion is offered to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania. The highlight is the well-preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galvė. In the evening, an optional traditional Lithuanian dinner at Restaurant Senoji Trobelė is offered. (B)
Day 10 - Vilnius – Kaunas – Nida
Departing from Vilnius, we head towards western Lithuania. En route, we stop in Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania, to admire its beautiful Old Town and elegant white Baroque Town Hall. After a short walking tour of Klaipėda, we take the ferry to reach the Curonian Spit before continuing to the resort town of Nida. Check-in at Hotel Nerija. The evening offers an optional authentic fisherman’s dinner at “Tik Pas Joną”. (B)
Day 11 - Nida – Liepaja
The morning is reserved for a half-day optional tour of the Curonian Spit, a narrow, approximately 100-kilometre-long stretch of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, featuring small fishing villages, pine forests, and endless sand dunes. The tour takes us to the spectacular Parnidis and Naglis Dunes, the Hill of Witches in Juodkrantė, and Thomas Mann’s summerhouse. In the early afternoon, we head towards Liepaja, arriving in the afternoon. Check-in at Hotel Art Roma .***. The evening offers an optional casual dinner at Red Sun Buffet, a beach café located directly on the wide sandy beach. (B)
Day 12 - Liepaja – Riga
Liepaja takes its name from the numerous linden trees found throughout the city. We begin the day with a short stroll through the Old Town, including Trinity Church. We then visit Jurmala Park and the former Naval Port area, home to its famous Orthodox Cathedral. We continue through southern Latvia to the magnificent Rundāle Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace, we travel onwards to Riga. Arrive in Riga in the late afternoon. Check in at Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija **** or a similar hotel. (B)
Day 13 - 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 14 - Depart Riga
After breakfast, transfer to Riga International Airport for your onward journey. (B)