Decades after the fall of communism, the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia remain a mystery to most travellers. We’re not complaining, though; more mystery means fewer crowds and an easier time getting to know these fantastic countries. Beginning in charming cobblestoned Vilnius and ending in beautiful Helsinki, this two-week trip gets to the very heart of the region. Get an up-close glimpse of Riga’s castles and art district, experience rural life in Estonia, and venture into the fortresses and medieval architecture of Tallinn before crossing to Finland by ferry.
Day 1: VilniusArrive at any time.
Day 2: VilniusVisit Trakai Castle. Enjoy optional activities like the Frank Zappa monument, the breakaway Republic of Uzupis, a giant egg statue, the Gediminas tower and castle museum, and the KGB Museum.
Day 3: Vilnius/KlaipėdaTravel by private vehicle to Klaipeda, one of the oldest cities in Lithuania. Set out on a CEO led orientation walk, visiting famous sights, and seeing up close the many interesting sculptures that make Klaipeda unique. Make brief stops at Theatre Square, in the heart of the old town, to see the sculpture of Ann from Tharau in the square’s centre fountain. Then walk by Klaipeda Castle, first mentioned in written sources as early as 1252.
The orientation walk will finish at a local gastropub with a local beer, where afterwards you can opt to grab some dinner on your own.
Day 4: Full day tour of Nida from KlaipedaYou will spend the whole day exploring the peninsula known as the Curonian Spit, located between Klaipeda and Nida. You will visit the Hill of Witches, Lithuania’s outdoor sculpture trail of wooden folk art that will take you on a trip through the most well-known legends and stories in Lithuanian folk history. Later in the day visit the Parnidis Dune and Sun Clock in Nida. Stop for some free time in Nida where you can grab some lunch on your own and opt to see the Fisherman museum and Nida Lighthouse if time allows. Arrive back in Klaipeda in the evening.
Day 5: Klaipėda/RigaCross the border into Latvia and head to the capital, Riga, stopping at the Hill of Crosses along the way. Options for this charming city include visiting the Occupation Museum, the Riga Art Nouveau Centre, Riga Castle, the Andrejsala artists' district, or just wandering the cobblestone streets.
Day 6: RigaEnjoy a guided tour and a lunch of treats from the Central Market. Spend a free afternoon exploring the city.
Day 7: Riga/KuressaareCross the border to Estonia and get the local experience with three nights on a farm in Saaremaa. In the area there is canoeing on the Nasva river, fishing, and island visits. Over the next three nights, savour farm-to-table dinners specially prepared by your host family.
Day 8: KuressaareEnjoy a tour of Saaremaa including a visit to the Kaali meteorite lake, bakeries, and windmills. Opt to visit the local breweries.
Day 9: KuressaareEnjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit some of the ancient churches or natural sites like the lake, the Panga Cliff, and the Pühatu Springs.
Day 10: Kuressaare/TallinnTravel to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Fall in love with this medieval town. Enjoy an included visit to Kadriorg Palace.
Day 11: TallinnSpend a free day exploring this medieval city. Use your free time to visit the Museum of the Occupation, the Dome Church, the open air museum, go sea kayaking, visit the beaches, or relax in a sauna.
Day 12: Tallinn/HelsinkiTravel by ferry to the charming capital city of Helsinki. Enjoy an afternoon in the Scandinavian city with an orientation walk and free time.
Day 13: HelsinkiDepart at any time.
