Classic Baltics
Experience Overview
Uncover the cultural wonders and historical riches of three fascinating countries on this eight-day trip through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Wander the beautiful Old Town of Vilnius and learn about its complex modern history. Discover Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture and feast on Latvian cuisine at the city’s vast Central Market. Unwind in a log cabin among evergreen forest on Saaremaa Island, sharing a meal of local favourites with your fellow travellers, and finish in Estonia’s medieval capital, Tallinn. This adventure takes in historic cities, a naturally scenic wooded island and unique Baltic cultures – all while taking you off tourist trail!
Highlights
- See the best of the Baltics in a week – soaking up centuries of history, getting a taste of the region’s hearty cuisine and meeting plenty of locals along the way.
- Discover the best bits of Vilnius, from its legendary beginnings and UNESCO-listed Old Town to its tiny independent republic of Uzupis. Then, wander around the Trakai Island Castle, built in the 14th century.
- Uncover the treasures of Riga – both historic and culinary – on a walking tour through the cobbled streets of the Old Town followed by a Latvian lunch at the lively Central Market.
- Take a breath of pine-scented air during a relaxing stay on forest-covered Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia, sharing a dinner of local favourites before snoozing the night away in a log cabin.
- Wander the streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town in Tallinn and attend a marzipan workshop in one of the oldest cafes in the city to learn about this delicious sweet treat.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1594
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle,Ferry,Public bus
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: AMKG
Starts: Vilnius, Estonia
Finishes: Tallinn, Estonia
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (6 nights),Cabin (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,325 ($291 /day)
Itinerary
Labas! Welcome to Lithuania. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Vilnius with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at the hotel. If you arrive early, spend some time getting to know the city, home to lots of hip bars, cool cafes and street art. After the meeting, you’ll have the option to join your leader and new travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning, join the group for a leader-led orientation walk through the city. You’ll pass through Cathedral Square and the UNESCO-listed Old Town, learning about the legend of Vilnius' creation and the prestigious history of Vilnius University. Continue to Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn – a famed painting of the Virgin Mary that adorns the 16th-century city gates. You’ll then have some free time to maybe hike to Gediminas Castle Tower or check out the views from the lofty TV tower – Lithuania’s tallest building and the location of where Lithuania gained independence from the Soviet Union. This afternoon, visit Trakai Island Castle – sitting on an island in Lake Galve, the construction of this stone castle began in the 14th century by Kestutis. Around 1409, major works were completed by his son Vytautas the Great, who died in this castle in 1430.
Included Activities:
- Vilnius - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Vilnius - University Museum (3 EUR)
- Vilnius - National Museum (5 EUR)
- Trakai - History Museum & Castle (12 EUR)
- Vilnius - Gediminas Castle Tower (6 EUR)
- Vilnius - TV Tower (14 EUR)
- Museum (6 EUR)
Hop aboard a comfortable public bus to Riga, Latvia. When you arrive, transfer to the hotel, just a short walk from the symbolic Freedom Monument – or, as she's affectionately known to the locals, Milda. Head out on a guided walk with your leader, navigating the narrow, cobbled streets to discover the key sights of the Old Town. You’ll stop for lunch at the sprawling Central Market, housed within five repurposed Zeppelin hangars. The stalls feature everything from local pastries and traditional Latvian soups to tempura and fried chicken. Maybe try a few of the local specialities – such as Riga black balsam (an herbal liqueur) – before digging into a meal made from fresh, seasonal Latvian produce.
Included Activities:
- Riga - Central Market Visit
- Riga - Leader-led orientation walk
Today is a free day to get to know Riga at your own pace. Most of the Art Nouveau architecture the city is known for can be found in the neighbourhood known as 'the quiet centre'. You could stroll along the canal that intersects the city's central park or visit one of the many museums. Maybe take in views of the city with a drink at a rooftop cafe (your leader will be able to make some recommendations) or, if the weather is right, make the trip to the popular beach resort town of Jurmala.
Optional Activities:
- Riga - Beer Spa (151 EUR)
- Riga - St Peter's Tower (9 EUR)
- Riga - Riverboat Cruise (20 EUR)
- Riga - Museum of War - Free
- Riga - Mentzendorff's House (3 EUR)
- Riga - Latvian National Museum of Art (8 EUR)
Rise early for the trip to Saaremaa Island – the largest island in Estonia. This heavily forested island is known among Estonians as the perfect place to relax in nature, and you’ll see why. Arrive in the island's south by the late afternoon and transfer to your accommodation for the evening. You’ll stay in a cosy locally-owned property, surrounded by forest, in a log cabin. You may like to take a walk in the woods and work up an appetite for dinner tonight, which will feature some hearty local favourites like Baltic herrings and potatoes with dill.
After breakfast, head to the biggest town on the island – Kuressaare. One of the biggest draws here is Kuressaare Castle – one of Estonia’s best preserved fortresses, complete with terracotta conical spires and a shimmering moat. Spend some time exploring the castle grounds and accompanying museum to learn more about life on Saaremaa throughout the ages. Then, hop on a public bus to the Estonian capital of Tallinn – now a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historic Old Town. When you arrive, maybe explore the streets of the Old Town at your own pace and ask your leader for the best spots for some local cuisine.
Get you acquainted with the key sights of Tallinn on an orientation walk. Then, head to a marzipan (a sweet made of almonds and powdered sugar) workshop in one of the oldest coffee shops in the city. Marzipan is one of the oldest sweets made in Estonia and locals are convinced that the honour of inventing marzipan belongs to them! During the workshop, you’ll paint your own marzipan figurine under the guidance of your local instructor as you learn about the history of marzipan. This afternoon, maybe hire a bike for some active sightseeing. Tonight, you might like to head out with the group for one last meal together, washed down with a glass of kali (a fizzy drink made from boiled rye bread).
Included Activities:
- Tallinn - Marzipan workshop
Optional Activities:
- Tallinn - Kiek in de Kök Tower Museum (12 EUR)
- Tallinn - Estonian History Museum (12 EUR)
- Tallinn - City Bike Tour (28 EUR)
- Tallinn - TV Tower (16 EUR)
- Tallinn - City Museum (8 EUR)
- Tallinn - Peter The Great Museum (5 EUR)
Time to say farewell to your fellow travellers – your trip ends this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned for today, but Tallinn has a lot to offer and there's plenty to keep you busy for a few more days. If you’d like the extend your time here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Lori - Traveled, September 2023
Highly recommend the Classic Baltics trip to anyone interested in this beautiful part of the world. A perfect introduction to three fascinating countries, and our leader (Aino) made it one of the most fun and relaxing weeks I’ve ever had on holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Brad - Traveled, May 2023
This tour is amazing. So full of cultural icons and history of these lovely countries. Our tour leader rocked. Tanya was fun, friendly and very accommodating. Would recommend her 10 out of 10!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
Jean - Traveled, September 2023
The Baltic's tour provided a cultural and historical perspective that needs to be experienced. This trip provided authentic activities, interacting with local people. The capitol cities were outstanding and we had free time to explore on our own or if we wanted to join our tour mates.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2023
Ronald - Traveled, April 2023
Intrepid’s Northern Poland and Baltic tour was a lively adventure through a region steeped in turbulent history. Ágata was caring, organized and knowledgeable plus encouraged camaraderie. We enjoyed the pace, the different cuisines, the cities and the lovely town of Gysicko. If I had foresight we would have skipped the farmhouse visit and taken the bus direct from Riga for an extra night in Tallinn.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2023
Marian - Traveled, May 2023
As with all intrepid trips. “You get what it says on the can”. Well run. Great hotel venues. Great history lessons.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Murali - Traveled, July 2023
Enjoyed all the places except Gizycko. Nothing to see/do there for 2 nights. Would’ve liked 2 nights in Tallin. Tour leader Tatiana was excellent. An entire group of retirees lectured on Intrepid's "policy" of no prostitution, drugs and violence was insulting. One wonders what type of clientele Intrepid usually attracts!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2023
Ron - Traveled, April 2022
We enjoyed our whirlwind tour through north Poland and the Baltics led by Ágata, our excellent tour leader who made everything run smoothly. The city stops, Malbork Castle and Wolf’s Lair were all powerful glimpses into the past. Hotels were OK except for posh St. Hugo’s in charming Gizycko. Farmhouse stay should be an optional activity at the end of the tour. Transportation in Lux public buses was great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/30/2022
Karin - Traveled, April 2024
First time to the Baltics and not disappointed. Highly encourage travellers to experience these wonderful countries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2024
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