11 Days: Riga, Tallinn, Tartu, Grasi, Daugavpils, Vilnius

Tour overview:

On this 11 day tour of the three Baltic countries, you will visit the beautiful capital cities of Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga. You will also visit Tartu, the university town, where Estonia gained its statehood; Cesis, a Hanseatic city with winding streets, castle ruins and beautiful gardens; the magnificent Rundale Palace; and the Estonian summer resort of Parnu.

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

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 offers an optional visit to the Ethnographical Open-Air Museum, a spacious exhibition showcasing 18th-century rural life in Latvia. (B)

Day 3 - 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 characterized by forests and beautiful countryside. We arrive in Tallinn in the early afternoon.Check in at Hotel Hyatt Place **** or a similar hotel. (B)

Day 4 - 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 5 - 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 and the Vodka Museum before returning to Tallinn. (B)

Day 6 - 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 7 - Tartu – Grasi

Departing from Tartu, we head south and cross into Latvia. Our first stop is Alūksne. From there, we continue to Stameriena, known as a pearl of European Romanticism and closely associated with Italian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. After the visit, we continue to Cesvaine, where we visit the small private Cesvaine 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, dinner is served at Grasi Manor. (B/D)

Day 8 - Grasi – Daugavpils

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 accommodation and dinner at Hotel Svente Manor. (B/D)

Day 9 - 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, a 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 10 - Vilnius

Vilnius is known for its more than 1,200 historic buildings and numerous churches. The morning walking tour takes us through the Old Town, including Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, 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 will learn about the historic fortifications and explore the collection of armaments associated with the castle and palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. (B)

Day 11 - Depart Vilnius

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