Walks of the Baltics and Finland

We begin in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and our tour starts at the hotel. If you arrive in good time you may want to walk around the baroque old town – said to be the largest of its kind in eastern Europe. This evening, say sveiki (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 welcome by arranging a group dinner together. Want to explore Vilnius further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

We start with a tour of the Vilnius highlights, taking in the old town and its main churches; historic monuments, such as the Gates of Dawn; Vilnius University, the oldest in Lithuania; and Cathedral Square. There’s free time for lunch in Vilnius, then we hop in a transfer (approximately 50 minutes) to Kernavė, a city alive with myths and legends. It’s home to five hill forts and we enjoy an impressive view of the winding Neris River. We then have time for a walk in Neris Regional Park. We take the White Hill Educational Trail, the beginning of which has an observation platform on White Hill itself with views over the picturesque twists of the Neris. Never straying far from the river, it leads us to a designated resting area and, beyond that, through a beautiful forest to the hill forts. We finish by driving to Trakai, where we see a fairytale island castle on Lake Galvė, before returning to Vilnius.

Take a 185mi (300km) transfer (approximately four hours) to Zemaitijos National Park for a walking adventure. Our hike takes us to Plokstine, a one-time Soviet missile base and now the Cold War Museum. Here, we can see inside underground bunkers and learn about the Cold War in the Baltics. After, we cross the border into Latvia as we transfer to the port city of Liepaja, where we stay overnight.

This morning, we drive to Kuldīga, said to be the prettiest town in the country. Here we see the Venta Rapid, a wide cascade of water, and enjoy a walk along its width. In spring and autumn, when spawning fish migrate upstream, you can watch from the banks as flying fish try to jump over the rapid. An impressive brick bridge, built in 1874, runs parallel to the waterfall and is an excellent place to admire the site. Then we take a transfer (approximately one hour) to a vineyard for a wine/cider tasting, in which the winemaker will explain their wine-making process. We visit the wine cellar and learn about the history of wine making. During the tasting, different kinds of wines, cheese and snacks are served. For those who do not wish to or cannot consume alcohol, we offer juices. We then drive to Riga, where have a walking tour of the capital taking in the riverside Riga Castle, Riga Cathedral, late-medieval fortifications, the Latvian parliament building and a district of art nouveau buildings.

Enjoy a more relaxed pace today, discovering Riga on foot. A guided walking tour of around 2hr 30min-3hr introduces us to the city’s Art Nouveau district, where early 20th-century prosperity left a bold architectural legacy. Along streets such as Alberta Street, we take time to study sculpted facades, mythological figures and finely worked floral and geometric details, learning how the Jugendstil movement shaped Riga’s identity at the turn of the century. With one of Europe’s largest concentrations of Art Nouveau buildings, this walk offers valuable insight into the city’s cultural history. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish, perhaps unwinding in nearby parks, stopping at a cafe or browsing shops in the city centre.

We depart today for Estonia, with a transfer (approximately five-hour drive and 30-minute ferry) to Saaremaa, the largest of more than 2,200 islands in the country. Around 28mi (45km) from Riga, we stop in the town of Saulkrasti, where we walk along the seashore boardwalk and across dunes. If the weather’s playing nicely, we may be able to extend our walk. After, we stop in the coastal resort of Parnu for lunch. We then finish our transfer, staying overnight in Kuressaare, the capital (and only town) on Saaremaa.

Today, we explore the second largest island in Estonia, Hiiumaa, which forms part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is devoid of noise or light pollution. After a one-hour ferry transfer and bus trip, we start our trail to the end of Sääretirp, a thin headland with honeysuckle, alder buckthorn, buckthorn, sea kale and snowball trees. If you want to swim here, please note the shore is rocky: water shoes for walking on the stones will enhance the experience. We then drive to Kardla (approximately 30 minutes), the only town on the island. It’s a tranquil spot built within a crater formed by a meteorite strike about 455m years ago. We then walk to two lighthouses: Tahkuna, which at 140ft (42m) is the tallest in Estonia, and Kopu, which is among the oldest functioning lighthouses in the world. At the latter, we climb the tower for panoramic views. It’s then back to Saaremaa.

Today, we head to Tallinn, but not before a chance to properly explore Saaremaa. We visit: the Kaali Crater, formed by a meteorite just 7,500 years ago; the Angla Windmill Park, home to a historic Dutch-style mill built in 1927; the 13th-century Karja Church; and the Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, which has become a symbol of the island. We then hop in our transfer (approximately 4hr 30min) to Tallinn, with free time for lunch en route. We arrive in the afternoon, so there’s time to relax or explore. Enjoy a delicious Estonian meal at one of the many restaurants in Tallinn. Other options include: Shopping on Viru Street: Walk the popular shopping street, which has a mix of local boutiques, souvenir shops and international brands. Tallinn Seaplane Harbour: A maritime museum in a historic seaplane hangar, it features a vast collection of ships and submarines. Experience the nightlife: The city has a lively atmosphere with numerous bars, pubs and clubs, especially in the Old Town.

This morning, we have a walking tour of Tallinn to feel the aura of the 14th and 15th centuries that survived intact in a maze of medieval walls and towers, soaring church spires and winding streets. It includes the main historic and architectural monuments: Toompea Palace and Castle, the Town Hall Square, and the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. We then walk around the Kalamaja district, often considered the hipster area with colourful wooden houses, bohemian charm, and a fishing port heritage. We then continue to Balti Jaama market, an excellent opportunity to see and buy local products. We recommend the following: Vana Tallinn: A traditional Estonian liqueur with a rich, spicy flavor. It’s often enjoyed as a digestif and can be found in various sizes and gift sets. Kalev chocolate: Kalev is the oldest and most renowned chocolate brand in Estonia. They offer a wide range of chocolates, including marzipan-filled chocolates and other unique flavors. Marzipan itself is also a popular Estonian treat. Estonian craft beer: Estonia has a growing craft beer scene, and you can find a variety of local beers with unique flavors. Look for breweries including Põhjala, Tanker and Lehe. Võru cheese: Võrumaa, a region in southern Estonia, is known for its cheese. Võru cheese, often smoked, is a popular choice. Look for local markets or specialty stores to find a selection of Estonian cheeses. Baltic amber: While not a food item, Baltic amber is a unique souvenir. Tallinn has many jewellery stores offering handmade amber pieces, often combined with silver. Bogwood: Estonian bogs are home to ancient trees that have been preserved in the peat. Bogwood products, such as hand-carved items or jewellery, highlight the natural beauty of this material. Wild mushroom: Estonia has lots of forests and wild mushrooms are a common ingredient in Estonian cuisine. You can find products such as mushroom jams, preserves and even mushroom-infused oils. Juniper: Juniper is a prevalent plant in Estonia, and local products often feature juniper berries. Look for juniper-infused spirits, jams or even juniper-smoked foods. There’s free time for lunch, so you may also wish to visit: Fotografiska Tallinn: A renowned photography museum. Kadriorg Palace and Park: Explore the beautiful Kadriorg Palace and its surrounding park. The palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum and is a great place to appreciate art and history.

Take a transfer (approximately 15 minutes) to the ferry, crossing the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, Finland (approximately 2hr 10min), arriving in the green and lively Finnish capital. We transfer (approximately one hour) to Sipoonkorpi National Park, an expanse of classic Finnish scenery: lovely lakes, green forests and rugged crags. We take the Fiskträsk trail, a circular route passing canyons and rock formations from the Ice Age, plus a segment through thick primeval forest. We also have the possibility of extending the trails. After, we transfer to Porvoo (18mi/30km, approximately 45 minutes). It’s the second oldest city in Finland and you can feel that long history as you walk through the streets. We take a transfer (37mi/60km, approximately one hour) to the capital Helsinki.

In the morning, we embark on a sightseeing tour, which takes us past the harbours, into the center of Mannerheim Street and past the Parliament Building, Finland Hall, Market Square, Sibelius Monument, Rock Church, and the striking glass, steal and wood structure of the Oodi Library. We use public transport on this tour (ticket is included). The afternoon is free to relax. Alternatively, you can visit Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site and museum (optional). The most common way to reach Suomenlinna is by taking a ferry from Market Square (Kauppatori) in Helsinki. Market Square is centrally located and easily accessible. Once you arrive at Suomenlinna, you can explore the fortress and its attractions at your own pace. There are museums, historic buildings, parks and scenic views to enjoy.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin our return journeys home. If you’d like a little more time to explore the Finnish capital, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.