Itinerary

Day 1 Tallinn
Upon arrival in Tallinn you will be taken to your centrally located hotel. Remainder of the day is free to begin your exploration of the charming Estonian capital. Overnight at the Hotel Santa Barbara or similar.

Day 2 Tallinn-Vihula
The Estonian capital is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafes and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes you around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where you see the Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. After leaving Tallinn reach the Lahemaa National Park in the early afternoon and check-in at the Hotel Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa, a charming 16th century estate located in the heart of the park. Your dinner at the Kaval-Ants Tavern features a genuine Estonian countryside meal in the rustic ambience of the old ice-cellar.

Day 3 Vihula-Tartu
After breakfast, visit Lahemaa National Park with its wide stretches of beautiful untouched nature and many charming manor houses. Embark on a delightful walking tour through the park (2 hours) and visit the impressive Manor House in Palmse, a testament to the industrious Von Pahlen family. Continue to Tartu, the University Town, where Estonia gained its statehood. See the charming Old Town and the University founded in 1632. Overnight at the Hotel London or similar.

Day 4 Tartu-Marciena
Departing from Tartu, head south and soon reach Valmiera, a Hanseatic town founded in the 14th century, when the Livonian Order built a castle here. Make a short tour of the town and a visit to the small, private Valmiermuiza Brewery, where you are introduced to the secrets of beer brewing and are invited to test the product. The day continues with a visit to a local farm to sample the delicious organic cheese produced by the farmers. Late in the afternoon arrive to the Hotel Marciena Manor, a picturesque and romantic estate in the middle of Latvia. This evening offers a BBQ dinner at the Marciena Manor.

Day 5 Marciena-Daugavpils
Leaving Marciena your first stop is in Aglona, where you visit the Aglona Basilica built in late baroque style and a ceramics workshop, an important symbol of Latgalian culture. From here, your tour continues to Daugavpils, Latvia’s 2nd largest city. Tour the historical center of the city and visit the 19th century Daugavpils Fortress and the Mark Rothko Art Center, the only place in Europe, where the original masterpieces by the famous founder of abstract expressionism can be seen. Just outside the city find the lovely Sventes Manor. Overnight at the Hotel Sventes Manor.

Day 6 Daugavpils-Vilnius
Today continue southwards into Lithuania. Arrive at the Aukstatija National Park with its many lakes, rivulets and streams scattered between forests and hills. Explore the park on a 20km bike ride through the scenic landscapes and visit the pretty lakeside town of Paluse, famous for its wooden church. Late in the afternoon, head towards Vilnius. Overnight at the Hotel Ratonda or similar.

Day 7 Vilnius
Vilnius is known for its more than 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning sightseeing tour includes a panoramic tour of the city and a walking tour of the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. The afternoon is free for exploring more of this baroque jewel on our own. In the evening enjoy a zeppelinas culinary master class and a traditional Lithuanian dinner at the Restaurant Senoji Trobele. Overnight at the Hotel Ratonda or similar.

Day 8 Vilnius-Trakai-Klaipeda-Liepaja
From Vilnius continue towards Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, where you visit the well-preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galve. Continue through the hilly landscapes of Lithuania to Klaipeda. A short sightseeing tour takes you to the Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets and old guild houses. Visit Theater Square and the Aennchen von Tharau Fountain. Along the coast, continue onward into Latvia and soon arrive at the coastal town of Liepaja. Overnight at the Hotel Kolumbs or similar. The evening offers a casual dinner at a beach cafe right on the wide sandy beach.

Day 9 Liepaja-Riga
Liepaja takes its name from the numerous lime trees in the city. Start the day with a short stroll in the Old Town with the Trinity Church and visit the Jurmala Park and the former Naval Port area with its famous Orthodox Cathedral. Afterwards drive through the former Duchy of Courland to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. Here enjoy a walking tour on the sandy beaches (2 hours). Reach Riga late in the afternoon. Overnight at the Hotel Wellton Riverside or similar.

Day 10 Riga
Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a true kaleidoscope of various architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is reserved for a visit to one of the largest markets in Europe, Riga Central Market, where you will learn about Latvian cuisine and Latvian organic food and sample Latvian specialties, such as black bread, vegetables, fresh fish, countryside sausages and much more. In the evening, enjoy a Latvian farewell dinner at the stylish Restaurant Forest with traditional Latvian specialties topped off with a shot of Riga Black Balsam. Overnight at the Hotel Wellton Riverside or similar.

Day 11 Riga-End of Tour
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport. You can extend your stay in lovely Riga or continue to Stockholm, Russia or Finland.

Additional nights in Tallinn and/or Riga available.