Premium Baltics
Experience Overview
Discover the captivating beauty of the Baltics on a 10-day journey that takes in the region’s charming cities, hearty cuisine and lesser-known treasures. Immerse yourself in the culture and history as you explore medieval fortifications, learn how to cook famous national dishes and soak up the lively atmosphere of the Old Towns. Whether you’re chatting with cider makers, walking in a national park or wandering down cobblestone lanes, there is much to enjoy and plenty of surprises along the way traversing three countries whose national sport is mushroom picking. If you enjoy lesser known destinations, long summer nights and want to do more than just see the sights, this immersive trip is calling your name.
Highlights
- Spend time with a family of cider makers who have returned to their ancestral lands to produce delicious organic drinks and live more sustainably.
- Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Curonian Spit National Park and explore the fishing villages and forests before they’re slowly covered by the shifting sands.
- Spend a night at a historic Art Nouveau villa in Parnu – a beachy resort town known for amazing spas and a laidback vibe – at your Feature Stay accommodation.
- Admire the ornate architecture, medieval watchtowers and pastel-coloured buildings in the Baltics’ atmospheric capitals.
- Explore 9 m under the ground to learn about Latvian’s Communist past and Cold War time at Ligatner Bunker.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1633
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,Boat,Ferry,Public bus
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: BMPB
Starts: Tallinn, Estonia
Finishes: Vilnius, Estonia
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (8 nights),Feature Stay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,825 ($582 /day)
Itinerary
Tere tulemast! Welcome to Tallinn. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of town. With its steep red roofs, spires, pastel-coloured buildings and new restaurants and bars, Tallinn is a treat to explore. If you arrive early, you might want to stretch your legs with a stroll around town before your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After the meeting, head out for a welcome dinner in the Old Town, filled with historic buildings. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is especially atmospheric at night!
Included Activities:
- Tallinn - Welcome dinner
Accommodation:
- Von Stackelberg Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, join a local guide for a walking tour around the Estonian capital that was once home to knights, landlords and soldiers. With many of the original buildings still intact, it’s like taking a virtual trip back to medieval times. Discover the old city fortifications, the last remaining gothic town hall in northern Europe and St Olaf Church. Amazing views of Lower Tallinn and the spires of the town walls are also yours on this entertaining stroll. Along with seeing the 13th-century Toompea Castle, where Estonian Parliament sits, you’ll also tour the 19th-century orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, admire the spectacular view of the city from the viewing platform and browse the area’s artisan studios. This afternoon is yours to explore your way. Perhaps hire a bike or catch a tram and head out to Kardiorg park where many of the city’s museums are located.
Included Activities:
- Tallinn - Walking Tour
- Tallinn - Aleksander Nevsky Catherdal
Optional Activities:
- Tallinn - TV Tower (16 EUR)
- Tallinn - Telliskivi Creative City - Free
- Tallinn - Kumu Art Museum (16 EUR)
- Tallinn - Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom and KGB Prison Cells (13 EUR)
- Tallinn - Estonian History Museum (13 EUR)
- Tallinn - City Museum (8 EUR)
- Tallinn - Peter The Great Museum (5 EUR)
- Tallinn - The Estonian Maritime Museum (30 EUR)
- Tallinn - Kadriorg Palace (13 EUR)
- Tallin - Town Hall Pharmacy - Free
Accommodation:
- Von Stackelberg Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, depart Tallin and travel to the village of Jõesuu on the edge of Soomaa National Park. Here you’ll meet a family of cider makers who have returned to their ancestral lands to produce organic drinks and live more sustainably. Raise a glass of local cider or organic soft drink. From here, you’ll travel to Parnu which is famous for being Estonia's summer capital and a hub for beach goers, vibrant nightlife and a thriving art scene. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader, then spend the rest of the day exploring Parnu or relax at one of the many spas in town. You’ll spend tonight in your atmospheric Feature Stay accommodation – a grand Art Nouveau boutique hotel that was once the home of a wealthy merchant. Everything from the building’s facade to the gracious trees outside your window are listed under national heritage protection.
Included Activities:
- Soomaa National Park - Cider Tasting
- Parnu - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Parnu - Spa Visit (19 EUR)
- Parnu - Parnu Museum (20 EUR)
- Soomaa National Park - Riisa Trail - Free
Accommodation:
- Villa Ammende (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll explore over 800 years of history in Cesis – one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Baltics. It has remained almost unchanged despite the war and is famous for its medieval castle and park where summer concerts and festivals are held each year, its wooden architecture and brewery that dates back to 1590. After exploring the town with your leader, continue to rural Ligatne to visit a once top-secret Soviet bunker. Built as shelter in case of nuclear war, it was so secret that locals were unaware of its existence for 30 years until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. From here you’ll continue to Riga, the largest of the Baltic’s three capital cities. Tonight, you may like to head out with your group for dinner at one of the restaurants in the Old Town.
Included Activities:
- Cesis - Orientation Tour
- Ligatne – Soviet bunker visit
Accommodation:
- Konveta Seta Keystone or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, discover the history of Riga on a walking tour of the Old Town. See all the major sights such as Riga Cathedral – the largest medieval church in the Baltics – St Peter`s church, the Swedish gates and the Gunpowder tower. On the way to Riga market, one of the largest markets in Europe, you’ll pass the Freedom Monument which celebrates Latvia’s freedom, independence and sovereignty. Before you sit down for a traditional lunch, explore the market and taste a few local specialities like smoked fish and creamy Latvian cheese. After lunch, toast your trip with Riga Black Balsam – an herbal liqueur that locals believe can cure anything and everything. This afternoon, you can explore Riga your way. Maybe visit a local museum or head to the neighbourhood known as the Quiet Centre to discover its Art Nouveau architecture, cafes, restaurants, bookstores and more.
Included Activities:
- Riga - Walking Tour
- Riga - Market Tour + Lunch
- Riga - Balsam Tasting
Optional Activities:
- Riga - Riverboat Cruise (20 EUR)
- Riga - St Peter's Tower (9 EUR)
- Riga - Museum of Occupation of Latvia (8 EUR)
- Riga - Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum (5 EUR)
- Riga - Riga Art Nouveau Center (9 EUR)
- Riga - Museum of War - Free
Accommodation:
- Konveta Seta Keystone or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll raise a glass to the Guinness Book of World Records’ northernmost vineyard in the small town of Sabile. Before you visit the vineyard, stop in at a winery and sample unique local wines like sparkling apple wine, blackcurrant wine and cherry vermouth. From here, you’ll continue to Kuldiga which is known as Nordic Venice. Unlike other towns in the Baltic region, Kuldīga survived the great wars of the 20th century largely unscathed and modern urban developments were mostly built far outside its historic centre. The old town of Kuldīga is an outstanding example of a well-preserved urban settlement, representative of traditional Baltic architecture and urbanism from the 13th to early 20th century. Stop here for lunch and afterwards take a stroll along the main pedestrian street to Ventas Rumba viewpoint. After a day spent exploring Western Latvia, cross the border to Lithuania and spend a relaxing evening in Klaipeda.
Included Activities:
- Sabile - Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting
- Kuldiga - Town Visit
Accommodation:
- Old Mill Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, take a day trip to explore World Heritage-listed Curonian Spit National Park – the second-oldest national park in the former Soviet Union. After a quick ferry ride across the lagoon, spend your day exploring fisherman villages, sand dunes and forests – while you still can! Whole villages have been slowly swallowed by the constantly shifting sands. Each village has its own unique design and today, you’ll visit Juodkrante, famous for its lush forest filled with nearly 100 carved wooden sculptures that illustrate Lithuanian folk tales. Look in the distance to see the Russian border as you learn about the amber which has been mined in the National Park since the 19th century. Visit a local amber museum and discover the beauty of this culturally significant stone which locals believe has mystical properties as you learn how amber is processed and try an amber drink. After a day spent surrounded by nature, head back to Klaipeda for dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities:
- Klaipeda - Curonian Spit Tour
- Klaipeda - Hill of Witches
- Klaipeda - Amber Museum and Workshop
Accommodation:
- Old Mill Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the Baltic coast behind and travel across Lithuania to Trakai which is home to the impressive 14th century Trakai Island Castle. Set on a small island in the middle of Lake Galve, this is the only castle in Eastern Europe that is built on an island. Your visit will get off to a delicious start as you learn how to make perfect kybyns – the traditional Lithuanian pastries the area is famous for. After filling up on the hearty pastries filled with mutton and onion and a bowl of hearty soup, head over to the castle grounds for a guided tour. After, you’ll continue to Vilnius and your hotel for the night.
Included Activities:
- Trakai - Pastry Making Class and Lunch
- Trakai - Castle Tour
Accommodation:
- Neringa Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, join an expert guide for a city tour of Vilnius. Having once been occupied by Sweden, Poland, France and Russia, each country has influenced this city. Pass through Cathedral Square and the Old Town and learn about the famous Grand Duke Gediminas, the legend of Vilnius' creation and the prestigious history of Vilnius University. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Maybe visit the Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights located in the former KGB quarters of Vilnius. Or admire the views from the lofty TV tower – Lithuania’s tallest building and the location of a history-making event on 13 January 1991, when Lithuania gained independence from the USSR. If you’d like a break from Vilnius’ historic monuments, you can take a walk through some of the charming gardens around the city. Maybe visit a self-proclaimed ‘republic’ of Uzupis, Vilnius's bohemian and artistic district. In the evening, join your local leader and group for dinner at a local restaurant and raise a glass to the final night of your trip.
Included Activities:
- Vilnius - City Tour
- Vilnius - Farewell Dinner
Accommodation:
- Neringa Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, your Baltic adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Vilnius - Museum Of Occupations And Freedom Fights (6 EUR)
- Vilnius - Gediminas Castle Tower (8 EUR)
- Vilnius - National Museum (6 EUR)
- Vilnius - University Museum (3 EUR)
- Vilnius - TV Tower (16 EUR)
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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
Susan - Traveled, July 2023
The Baltics Premium tour provided invaluable insights into the Baltics both in nature and its history. Highly worth doing and great value for money.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/07/2023
Jessica - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was absolutely phenomenal!! Most of the activities included were absolutely fantastic and something I would have wanted to do if I had designed a trip myself. Having a guide who lived in one of the countries we visited and was intimately knowledgeable about all the areas we travelled to was immeasurably helpful. The balance between activities and free time was great and I liked how the free time always came after a walking tour so you knew a little of the last of the land first. I also appreciated how travel chunks were broken up so we weren't traveling for a ridiculously long time. Meals and accommodations were fantastic and all the beaches were very lovely.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2023
Melissa - Traveled, June 2023
The Baltics are a region that absolutely should be explored. The Intrepid trip allowed me to learn about the history of the region, while also learning about and experiencing life there today. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Amy - Traveled, June 2023
The itinerary was well balanced between sightseeing and outdoor activities. All of the local guides we had were excellent and enhanced our understanding of the history and culture. The leader, Gundega, was outstanding. She is organized, warm, and very responsive to all questions and concerns. The trip and the Baltics exceeded my expectations and I had a lot of fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Elizabeth - Traveled, June 2023
Brilliant trip! The itinerary was great and so was our amazing leader Gundega. Would highly recommend visiting the Baltics on this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Lisa - Traveled, May 2023
What an incredible experience travelling The Baltics was! Each country is so different and has its own specific charm. It was a privilege to be able to travel throughout Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania before they become the next ‘must do’ destinations in Europe - it’s only a matter of time! An absolute beautiful part of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Kate - Traveled, April 2023
This was a great trip that I would recommend, however, be ware that as a premium trip, it has a large amount of free time which suits some travellers but less to others. However, the hotels were great as were the activities and I've come away knowing more about the Baltics than I ever thought I would!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2023
Peter - Traveled, September 2023
A well paced and interesting trip to a region I knew little about. Great accommodation, interesting inclusions and the opportunity to chase personal interests in the generous free times. Leisurely breakfast times and a private minibus meant we were efficient with our use of time and no long days of travelling. Historically and culturally new and enlightening. Loved It.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
Harriet - Traveled, August 2023
An excellent trip with a very knowledgeable guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2023
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