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.
◆Arrive at any time.
◆Visit 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.
◆Travel 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.
◆You 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.
◆Cross 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.
◆Enjoy a guided tour and a lunch of treats from the Central Market. Spend a free afternoon exploring the city.
◆Cross 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.
◆Enjoy a tour of Saaremaa including a visit to the Kaali meteorite lake, bakeries, and windmills. Opt to visit the local breweries.
◆Enjoy 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—rent a bike, or visit one of Saaremaa's spas.
◆Travel to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Fall in love with this medieval town. Enjoy an included visit to Kadriorg Palace.
◆Spend 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.
◆Travel by ferry to the charming capital city of Helsinki. Enjoy an afternoon in the the white city of the North with an orientation walk and free time.
◆Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
13 days
Route
Vilnius → Helsinki
Countries
Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Finland
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Multi-Country / Grand Tour
Group size
Max 15
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Lithuania, Estonia & 2 more countries
Showing Days 1-7
13-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalWe recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this charming city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this charming city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Visit Trakai CastleVilniusSpend free time walking through charming old town or searching out artist havens and modern statues. Multi-faceted, puzzling, a heady mix of old and new, Vilnius has all the glories of a royal past, the troubling reminders of wartime and Communist atrocities and a vibrant forward-looking outlook.
Vilnius
Spend free time walking through charming old town or searching out artist havens and modern statues. Multi-faceted, puzzling, a heady mix of old and new, Vilnius has all the glories of a royal past, the troubling reminders of wartime and Communist atrocities and a vibrant forward-looking outlook.
Day 3Travel by private vehicle to Klaipeda
Travel 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 4You will spend the whole day exploring…
You 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 5Cross the border into Latvia and head…
Cross 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 6Enjoy a guided tour and a lunch…
Enjoy a guided tour and a lunch of treats from the Central Market. Spend a free afternoon exploring the city.
Day 7Cross the border to Estonia and get…
Cross 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.
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