Baltic Highlights including Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn
Your Guided Group Holiday To The Baltics
Discover the unique cultures and history of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with us on our 8-night Baltic Highlights tour. Our tour will begin in Vilnius, Lithuania, where we’ll explore the city’s Jewish heritage and gothic architecture. On our journey to our next destination, Riga, we’ll stop at the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy sites in Lithuania. In Riga, we’ll visit iconic sights like the House of Blackheads, Powder Tower and the Latvian Academy of Sciences building, a symbol of the Soviet Union era known to locals as "Stalin's Birthday Cake." Finally, we’ll make our way to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, located on the Gulf of Finland. In Tallinn, we’ll explore the winding streets of Old Town, the best preserved medieval walled city in all of Northern Europe.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Busy
Day
Travel to Lithuania
Arrive in Vilnius
Upon arrival in Vilnius, you will be met by our local representative at the airport before being transferred to your hotel. Your guide will share some information about the local region.
Vilnius
Half Day Walking Tour of Vilnius
After breakfast begin your holiday with a walking tour around Vilnius Old Town, famous for its historic building and Gothic churches. Highlights you will witness include Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, St Anne's Church, Vilnius University, the Jewish Quarter, the Bohemian Uzupis District and the Gates of Dawn famed for its image of the Virgin Mary above the only remaining gate from the city's original walls.
Visit Trakai Castle
Drive to the picturesque town of Trakai, where a guided tour of the Castle is included. You will have some free time to enjoy the surroundings at your leisure before returning to your hotel.
Please Note 14 April 2024 Departure : Due to the closure of Trakai Castle at this time we will view the castle from the outside followed by an included light lunch.
Travel to Latvia
Depart for Riga
After breakfast, travel by coach from Vilnius to Riga. There will be stops on route in the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania, and the Rundale Palace to include a guided tour. There will also be some stops for lunch and comfort breaks along the way.
On arrival to Riga, you will have the evening to relax and explore the surroundings of your hotel.
Total driving time approx. 5 hours. Please note this will be a long travel day, with an estimated arrival time at the hotel approximately 18.30.
Riga
Guided City Tour of Riga
After breakfast, your local guide will take you on a tour to view the highlights of this charming city. You will visit the Old Town, the remains of the old city walls and the Dome Cathedral. Next you will visit St. Peter's Church as well as taking in panoramic views of Riga canal, Daugava River and the city skyline. Finally, you will explore the Art Nouveau quarter at the Alberta Street on foot with a visit to the Art Nouveau Museum included.
Please Note 04 October 2024 and all 2025 Departures: Due to the closure of the Art Nouveau Museum on these dates we will join our guide for a visit to the Latvian Open Air Museum following our visit of the Old Town.
At Leisure
Free Time in Riga
You can spend today shopping and sightseeing at your own pace. We would recommend visiting the Central Market where over 1200 vendors peddle their wares daily or visit one of the many galleries or museums throughout the city. Simply walking around the city and stopping in one of the many cafes or bars is a lovely way to spend the day.
Travel to Estonia
Coach Travel From Riga to Tallinn
Today, you will travel by coach, with your guide, from Riga to Tallinn. En route, you will visit Gauja National Park, Latvia's largest & oldest national park to include a guided visit of the Turaida Museum Reserve.
In the afternoon you will also enjoy a stop in the Estonian summer resort of Parnu with some time at leisure, before continuing your scenic drive onwards to Tallinn. There will also be some stops for lunch and comfort breaks along the way.
Total driving time approx. 5.5 hours. Please note this will be a long travel day, with an estimated arrival time at the hotel approximately 18.30.
Tallinn
Tallinn City Walking Tour
Following breakfast, depart by coach to begin your walking tour of Tallinn Old Town. As you stroll through the city you'll see many highlights including Tompea Castle (Estonian parliament) with entrance included, the Lutheran Dome Church (St Mary's Cathedral), the Church of the Holy Ghost, the Gothic Town Hall and Town Hall Square.
Please Note 14 April 2024 & 08 September 2024 Departure : Instead of a visit to Tompea Castle (Estonia Parliament) we will join our guide for a visit and tour of St Nicholas Church.
At Leisure
Free Time in Tallinn
You will have today at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Your guide will be delighted to recommend places to see and visit.
Return Home
Depart Tallinn, Estonia
After breakfast at your hotel, you will have some free time to say goodbye to this charming city. You will then be transferred to Tallinn airport with guide assistance for your flight home.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.