Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania - Baltic Explorer
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Suffering under both German and later Soviet occupation, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union the once more independent states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were enthusiastic proponents of the European project and have since joined the NATO alliance.
The miserable grey of Soviet conformity has gone, in some cases quite literally as new paints and colours arrived from the west to once more embellish traditional wooden houses.
The capitals of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius once subdued under communist authoritarianism are now lively cultural hubs, hives of economic activity, eager to further progress and expand.
This Baltic group tour travels by land and sea to explore three different countries with diverse national characteristics which not only share a seashore but also a major segment of their contemporary history.
Tour Highlights
• In-depth tour of the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
• Explore the enchanting and history filled Baltic capitals of Tallin, Riga and Vilnius
• Stop at quaint fishing villages on the Baltic Sea
• Discover the UNESCO proected Curonian Spit with its seemingly endless sand dunes, unspoiled beaches, and lovely villages
• Explore the stunning valleys in Gauja National Park and the forests and marshes of Lahemaa National Park
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
2/5
Unexplored
2/5
Culture
4/5
History
4/5
Wildlife
3/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in in Helsinki
Arrive in Helsinki and transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be some time for you to explore the city or you may wish to just relax after your journey. The tour briefing will either take place this evening or tomorrow morning at breakfast by your local Helsinki guide. Overnight at Hotel Hobo or similar. No meals nor guiding arrangements are included today.
Day 2: Helsinki - Tallinn
This morning starting at around 08:45am we explore some of the key sights of Helsinki. We visit the Market Square and Market Hall, the Uspenski Orthodox Church, Senate Square and Cathedral, the Church in the Rock and Sibelius Park. This afternoon will be at leisure until you are transferred to the port for the ferry to Tallinn. Your Estonian guide will be accompanying you on the ferry to answer any questions you may have. On arrival in Tallinn you will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Bern or similar. (B)
Note – We recommend today that you have your evening meal (not included) on the ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn. Your luggage will be taken care of on the ferry so you can take the journey just with your essentials and enjoy the ferry journey.
Tallinn
Tallinn is a modern city with a medieval twist; a place where the past is still alive and kicking. Despite the boom of 21st century development, Tallinn remains loyal to the fairy-tale charms of its two-tiered Old Town – one of Europe’s most beguiling walled cities. It’s an intoxicating mix of old and new, with ancient church spires and glass skyscrapers, baroque palaces and shiny shopping malls. Increasingly sophisticated without being overly sanitised and forward focused whilst embracing the past, Tallinn is truly a fascinating city.
Day 3: Tallinn
Meet the guide at 08:45am. This morning we explore the city of Tallinn. Visits include Pirita with St. Briggita’s convent ruins, Kadriorg Park and Palace and Russalka Monument. We take a guided walk of the old town and see the medieval city walls of the upper city of Toompea with Toompea Castle, Aleksander Nevsky Orthodox Church, Dome Cathedral and the lower city including the Town Hall Square, the Black Head’s House, Fat Margarita Tower and Viru Gates. The sightseeing will finish around 1pm and you then have the rest of the day to enjoy Tallinn at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Bern or similar. (B)
Day 4: Tallinn – Lahemaa National Park – Tallinn (Overall driving time today is approx. 3 hours)
Meet the guide at 08:45am. Today we visit Lahemaa National Park and Palmse Manor. We take a walk on Viru Bog on a marked 4km boardwalk trail which passes through a forest and marsh environment typical of Lahemaa National Park. On the walk we learn about the flora and fauna of the area. We can climb a viewing tower which affords a scenic view of the landscape. We also visit the manorial estate of Palmse dating back to the 18th Century containing remarkable pieces of period furniture and clothing. Both the manor itself and the grounds are a delight. Lunch will be taken here and afterwards it will be possible to take a walk in the grounds. Finally, today we visit Altja fishing village, first mentioned in the mid-15th Century and containing many reconstructed traditional buildings. Later return to Tallinn. Overnight at Hotel Bern or similar. (BL)
Day 5: Tallinn – Parnu - Saulkrasti – Riga (Overall driving time today is approx. 4 hours)
This morning we depart early at 07:45am and transfer to Parnu, a coastal city of Estonia famous for its beautiful coastal scenery and white sand beaches. After a short stop in Parnu we continue south along the coast of the Baltic Sea towards Latvia. We visit Munchausen’s Museum, located in the picturesque seaside town of Vidzeme in Dunte, 55km from Riga and take one of the short walking trails to learn about the history of the place. Continue to Saulkrasti and take a walk on the fine stretch of beach and admire the natural dunes. Continue to Riga and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Semarah Metropole or similar. (BL)
Riga
Riga, Latvia’s capital is the largest, liveliest and most cosmopolitan of the Baltic capitals. A heady mixture of the medieval and the contemporary, the city has much to offer architecture and history enthusiasts in the narrow-cobbled streets of Old Riga and the wide boulevards of the New Town, where beautiful examples of Jugendstil Art Nouveau architecture – “music in stone” – line Strēlnieku iela and Alberta iela. The city also has all the trappings of a modern capital, with efficient and affordable public transportation, excellent shopping, and a lively restaurant and bar scene.
Day 6: Riga
Meet your guide this morning at 08:45am. We start by visiting the art nouveau district and visit the fascinating museum. Later this morning visit the old town including the National Opera House, the Freedom Monument, the big and small guildhalls, the Dome Cathedral, Riga Castle, Three Brothers’, St Jacobs’s church, the renovated house of the Brotherhood of the Black Heads and St Peter’s church. The tour will finish around 1pm and then lunch and the afternoon are at your leisure for you to further explore Riga. You may wish to visit stroll in the old town or take a river trip on Daugava River for nice views of Riga city. Overnight at Hotel Semarah Metropole or similar. (B)
Day 7: Riga – Gauja National Park – Riga (Overall driving time today is approx. 3 hours)
Meet your guide this morning at 08:45am. Our first stop today is the busting central market of Riga where fresh produce and arts and crafts are for sale in one of the most notable structures in Latvia, constructed using old German Zeppelin hangars. The structure is UNESCO listed and is a fascinating and atmospheric place to wander around. Continue inland to the picturesque green valleys of the National Park of Gauja River, also known as North Switzerland. We make a special visit to the workshop of a master Amber craftsman who will explain to us how to distinguish real amber from fake, teach us about different amber crafts and show you his unique family collection of different coloured amber stones. Visit Sigulda city and take a tour around the authentic medieval castle of Turaida, Gutman’s Cave and Sigulda Castle ruins. Later we return to Riga. Overnight at Hotel Semarah Metropole or similar. (BL)
Day 8: Riga – Ragaciems - Lapmežciems – Jurmala - Riga (Overall driving time today is approx. 2 hours)
Meet your guide this morning at 08:45am. Firstly take a drive on the left bank of Daugava River to see the old wooden style houses and visit Kipsala Island. From Riga we drive a short distance to Ragaciems, a fishing village situated on the Baltic Sea gulf after the Jurmala border. You will have the opportunity to see authentic and modern fishermen houses. You may get the chance to chat with one of the local fishermen. Continue to Kaniera Lake where we take a stroll on the boardwalk and for those that have an interest in ornithology there is a bird watching tower to observe species from. For lunch we visit a traditional smokehouse and enjoy a tasting experience. Continue to Jurmala, a summer resort town with a lovely white sand beach and authentic wooden houses which are included in UNESCOs heritage list. This afternoon is at your leisure to stroll along the fine stretch of beach and later, return back to Riga. Overnight at Hotel Semarah Metropole or similar. (BL)
Please kindly advise us at the time of booking if you have any fish or seafood allergies for the visit to the smokehouse.
Day 9: Riga – Klaipeda (Overall driving time today is approx. 4 – 5 hours)
Meet your guide this morning at 08:30. This morning we depart for Klaipeda. En route we stop at the Hill of Crosses where pilgrims over the years have left crosses on the hill. The number of crosses is estimated to be over 100,000 and it is a quite remarkable sight to behold. After a picnic lunch, continue to Klaipeda and on arrival transfer to the hotel. We should arrive in Klaipeda by mid-afternoon. Check in to the hotel and then later this afternoon take a city tour and visit the old town with its ‘Fachwerk’ and interesting neo-gothic buildings. If time allows we can visit the Blacksmith Museum which has a particularly interesting local story. Overnight at Hotel Old Mill or similar. (BL)
Klaipeda
Lithuania’s third-largest city is a mix of old and new. This former Prussian capital (when it was named Memel) has retained a distinct German flavour in the architecture of its heavily cobbled Old Town and one remaining tower of its red-brick castle. It’s also Lithuania’s only port of call for Titanic-sized cruise ships, and a vital sea link for cargo and passenger ferries between Lithuania, Scandinavia and beyond.
Day 10: Klaipeda – Nida Curonian Spit (UNESCO) – Klaipeda (Overall driving time today is approx. 2 hours)
Meet your guide today at 08:00 as we depart to explore the Curonian Spit. A short distance from the centre of Klaipeda we take the short car ferry over to the Spit. Once on this wonder of nature we will take in a number of places of interest. Firstly, we will stop to admire the fabulous stretch of Baltic Sea coast and take a short stroll on the sands. Visit the ‘Hill of Witches’ where your guide will regal some of the local fairy tales of this region. Stop to observe a remarkable site where a huge colony of black cormorants has taken residence of a stretch of the pine forest. Continue to the Parnida dune with its spectacular views of the lagoon to one side and the Baltic Sea to the other across the forest. Visit the Thomas Mann Museum, a former residence of the famous German writer and winner of the Nobel Prize. His former summer residence has magnificent views over the lagoon. Continue to Nida close to the Russia border to explore the town and take a short boat tour to admire the dunes from the Curonian lagoon. Finally visit the Great Dune for stunning panoramic views over an amazing landscape. For those that wish, it is possible to take a scenic 40-minute walk from the Great Dune back to Nida where you can meet up with your transport. Later return to Klaipeda once again taking the short car ferry journey across from the Curonian Spit. Overnight at Hotel Old Mill or similar. (BL)
The Curonian Spit
The Curonian Spit is 98km long, thin, curved sane-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea Coast. Its southern portion lies within Kalingrad Oblast, Russia and it’s northern within south-western Lithuania. It is an UNESCO world heritage site shared by the two countries.
Day 11: Klaipeda – Palanga – Vilnius (Overall driving time today is approx. 5 hours)
Meet your guide at 08:45am. This morning we travel to Palanga where we will visit the Botanical Garden and tour the magnificent Amber museum which is particularly notable specimens with inclusions of fossils such as mosquitos, insects and even lizards! After a picnic lunch, continue to Vilnius and on arrival transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Congress or similar. (BL)
Vilnius
Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital is a city of immense allure with Europe’s largest baroque old town at its heart. Despite its troubled past with the Soviets and Nazis, the spirit of freedom and resistance has prevailed, with the city forging a new identity combining the past with a present and future that involves world cuisine, a burgeoning nightlife and shiny new skyscrapers.
Day 12: Vilnius
Meet your guide at 08:45am. This morning we explore the city of Vilnius including a visit to Peter and Paul Church, the old town and Cathedral Square, Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Castle and Tower, Gediminas Statue and St. Anne’s Church. We also visit Subacius Hill where you get a panoramic view of Vilnius (note that this involves walking up a hill and up some steps to the top). Finally we visit the Dawn Gate, one of the most important symbols of Vilnius City. The tour finishes around 1pm and this afternoon is at leisure time and those who wish to do more sightseeing may like to visit the KGB museum (own expense) or continue to wander at a slow pace through the atmospheric old streets. Overnight at Hotel Congress or similar. (B)
Day 13: Vilnius – Trakai – Vilnius (Overall driving time today is approx. 1 hour)
Meet your guide at 08:45am. Take the short journey from Vilnius to Trakai Castle, a picture-postcard medieval castle located on an island on Lake Galve. After crossing the drawbridge and moat, take a tour of the castle which has been painstakingly restored. Explore the many halls and rooms which chart the history of the castle. After the tour, drive back to Vilnius where you will have some leisure time this afternoon to do some final exploring or search for souvenirs in the many charming shops and boutiques of the old town. Overnight at Hotel Congress or similar. (B)
Trakai Castle
Trakai Castle is a picture postcard island castle situated on Lake Galve. The castle dates from the 15th Century and is attached to the shore by a footbridge. A moat separates the courtyard from the main tower.
Day 14: Vilnius – Departure from Lithuania
Day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the countries visited n this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to the countries visited on this tour. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Eastern Europe, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
