Baltic Highlights - Premium Adventure

Begin your adventure in the medieval city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where centuries-old architecture meets a modern tech scene and Baltic history. Around 6pm, say tere (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Estonian welcome by arranging dinner, an Estonian menu sourced from authentic medieval documents that reflects – as closely as possible – the dining of a wealthy household from the 15th century. Wash it all down with a craft beer tasting.

Join our tour leader this morning for a fascinating exploration of Tallinn’s medieval highlights. On our two-hour walking tour, we hit highlights of the city, including Toompea Palace and Castle, the Town Hall Square, and Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. We then go behind the scenes of Tallinn Opera House to find out what happens before the curtain raises. We’ll step onto the main stage, visit the costume department or the scene-painting workshop, and perhaps even meet a singer or a dancer. Enjoy free time after, perhaps visiting Telliskivi Creative City, the Seaplane Harbour Museum, or Balti Jaama market, an excellent opportunity to pick up local products and souvenirs. Please note: In July, when the opera house is closed, we visit the opera house in Riga on Day 4 instead.

Bid farewell to Tallinn this morning, as we head to Riga, the capital of Latvia. After 1hr 30min on the road, we stop at Jaanihanso Cidery in Parnu for a tour and tasting. This is where they created the first natural cider in Estonia, made entirely from local fresh apples using the traditional method for producing French champagne and Spanish cava. After free time for lunch, we transfer (two hours) to Saulkrasti, Latvia, a collection of historic fishing settlements on the Gulf of Riga. Embark on a refreshing coastal walk (4mi/6km) to breathe sea air and stretch our legs, before completing our journey to Birini Manor, where you can swim in the lake during summer or enjoy other optional activities.

Spend this morning discovering the art nouveau (Jugendstil) masterpieces of Riga. Start with a guided bus tour of the Art Nouveau District, which has more than 750 buildings, making it the largest collection of art nouveau buildings in the world. Next, take a walking tour of the Old Town, which includes Riga Castle, the Lutheran Dome Cathedral, St Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, built in 1698 during Swedish rule and more. During the visit, we also have a shot of Riga black balsam (a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur) in a bar reflecting old world Riga. We also visit the Central Market, a place full of history and delicious local products, to explore food stalls offering a variety of fresh produce, meats and traditional Latvian products with a tasting included. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city, though you may want to head to our hotel where you can enjoy a visit to the spa.

Head to Riga Central Station to catch the 30-minute train to Jūrmala, the quickest and most convenient way to reach this seaside town. The rest of the day is free for you to explore, relaxing among the pine forests and golden dunes; if the weather’s nice, you may also wish to take a dip in the sea. The town is also home to unique wooden architecture in the Jugendstil, which you can explore by just walking through the streets, before we return to Riga, where you have another chance to unwind in the hotel spa before dinner.

Leave Riga this morning and transfer (3hr 30min) to Kaunas, Lithuania. It’s home to a beautiful old town, packed with ancient monuments and landmarks, including a 13th-century castle, the Old Town Hall, Cathedral Basilica and historic churches, which we explore on a walking tour. After lunch, visit the Stumbras Museum, the first museum dedicated to spirits in Lithuania. We learn all about the history of the Stumbras distillery and its role in the development of Lithuanian industrialisation, with a tasting included. We then head to our hotel in the Old Town of Vilnius, where we can make good use of the spa facilities, which include a pool, sauna and relaxation area.

The highlights of Vilnius await us today, as we embark on a walking tour of the city. Discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town and its historic monuments, the Gate of Dawn with its magnificent icon of the Virgin Mary, the Orthodox Cathedral of All Saints, Cathedral Square, the Jewish Quarter, as well as a visit to the Vilnius University architectural complex. We also visit the self-proclaimed republic of Užupis, which has its own anthem, constitution, president, and guardian – the Bronze Angel of Užupis. Today, this creative district is a hub for art and regularly hosts fashion festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and poetry evenings. After, we head to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where we take a scenic boat trip on Lake Galvė, which surrounds the iconic Trakai Island Castle. The boat ride offers unique views of the medieval castle from different angles, allowing you to fully appreciate its impressive architecture and historic charm. Returning to Vilnius, we have a memorable farewell dinner, where the dishes reflect the culinary history of Lithuania, all the way back to the Middle Ages.

You’ve feasted on medieval cuisine, explored all three Baltic capitals and seen Trakai Castle from the water, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.