Classic Baltics

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, maybe 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 guided 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.

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 an orientation 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.

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.

Today, you’ll make your way to the edge of Soomaa National Park, full of lush bogs surrounded by forests, rivers and meadows. Check into your peaceful, nature-inspired lodge, where there will be plenty of time to relax. Perhaps go on a quiet forest walk or take up an optional sauna session. Tonight, join your group for a cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn to prepare a three-course traditional Estonian dinner made with local ingredients and herbs. Pick up some new culinary tricks to bring home, then tuck into your feast with your group and host.

After breakfast, you’ll move on to the Estonian capital of Tallinn. There may be an option for a short bog walk and a dip in the water in Soomaa along the way. Continue to Tallinn, now a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historic Old Town. When you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy free time to explore the fabled streets at your own pace – ask your leader for the best spots for some local cuisine.

This morning, you’ll head to a marzipan workshop in a historic coffee shop. Marzipan (a treat made of almonds and powdered sugar) 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 instructor as you learn about the history of this sweet treat. 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).