Baltic Capitals Independent

Details

Transportation

Service of 1st class public motor coach (reclining seats, TV, wifi and drinks) between Tallinn and Riga as well as portage at hotels. Transfer between Vilnius and Riga is a mini-bus small group tour with stops along the way. Transfers from the airport and private transfers from the bus terminals to your hotel.

Included

• 6 nights at centrally located hotels, twin share with private facilities
• 6 x buffet breakfast
• Service of English speaking private guide in Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius including 'meet and greet' service in Tallinn and Vilnius
• Portage at hotels
• Private airport transfers
• Mini-bus small group tour between Vilnius and Riga, luxury public bus between Riga and Tallinn
• 24-hour emergency service
• Taxes and service fees

Not Included

• Flights
• Items of personal nature
• Optional excursions
• Travel Insurance

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Vilnius and transfer to hotel

Arrival in Vilnius with a private transfer to hotel. Check-in and get ready for the welcome meeting with your private guide. This 'meet and greet' will allow you to ask questions to your guide, being given some local suggestions for dinner and provide you with a map of the town so you can head out to explore on your own.

Accommodation

Day 2 - Enjoy sightseeing tour of the 1200 medieval buildings of Vilnius, then perhaps a hot-air balloon flight over the city for dinner?

Vilnius is known for its more than 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The city’s origins date all the way back to 1000 AD when the first wooden castle was built in the area. In the 13th century, the castle settlement grew into a town and became the political centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The Old Town consists of the areas of the three castles (Upper, Lower and Curved) as well as another area encircled by a wall in the Middle Ages. The historic buildings are in Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical styles, laid out in medieval style, thus giving the city its distinct appearance.

After breakfast, meet your guide again for a walking tour of the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne's Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn.

In the evening, perhaps you might like a hot air balloon flight over the city for dinner?

Meals

Accommodation

Day 3 - Travel towards Riga, stopping along the way five times, including Trakai Castle and the magnificent Rundale Palace

Heading for Riga, the first stop is the Trakai Castle followed by a stop at the Hills of Crosses, one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania. After crossing into Latvia we soon reach the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace we travel through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to reach Riga late afternoon. Check-in at your hotel and head out for a stroll.

Meals

Accommodation

Day 4 - Discover the Old Town of Riga

Today is your day to discover the centre of Riga. Your private guide will meet you after breakfast in the lobby and will escort you around this beautiful, ancient Hanseatic city with its Old Town full of picturesque cobble-stone streets dating back to the 13th-15th centuries. Since the 19th century, the medieval core has been expanded with the construction of imposing wooden buildings in neoclassical style, and later the construction of elaborate Art Nouveau style stone buildings. In fact, the quantity and quality of Riga’s amazing Art Nouveau architecture remains unparalleled anywhere in the world even to this very day. It is no wonder that Riga is often called ‘the Paris of the Baltics’.

The Old Town of Riga can be seen as a beautiful open-air museum in itself; it is a living illustration of European history. Our walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds, and the Freedom Monument.

The afternoon is a free afternoon but you could add a visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches.

In the evening, why not enjoy a Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant La Boheme.

Meals

Accommodation

Restaurants

Day 5 - Direct bus from Riga to Tallinn and then 'meet and greet' with your local guide in Tallinn

This morning, you will transfer to the main bus station to board your LUX bus to Tallinn. Enjoy a private area with water, free Wifi, TV and reclining seat during your 4-hour journey. On arrival, you will be meet and transfered to your hotel. Once you have settled in, your private guide will meet you in the lobby for a short welcome chat about suggestions for your afternoon.

Meals

Accommodation

Restaurants

Optional Add Ons

Day 6 - Enjoy Tallinn's charming blend of medieval tranquility and modern urban life

After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the lobby for a private walking tour around Tallinn’s Old Town – a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The town was founded in the 13th century and still retains its medieval urban plan of narrow winding streets and impressive public and private buildings. The Old Town is a busy place, especially in the summer, with its many shops, galleries, souvenier markets, outdoor cafes and restaurants.

In the afternoon, you can visit Kadriorg Park with a visit to the Kadriorg Palace and its art collections. Alternatively, you might like to join a local food tour.

In the evening, you can eat medieval at Restaurant Maikrahv or wander the back streets for something more local.

Meals

Accommodation

Day 7 - Departure day from Tallinn

After breakfast, transfer to your hotel or port. It is an easy ferry ride across to Helsinki!!

Meals

Important Information

Consider what Ballet and Theatre tickets you might like before you arrive. We can help arrange them.

This tour can be done in reverse and extra days can be added. The Baltic States region has many wellness centres and spas, many located in restored Manor estates. Just an idea if you need to relax as well as sightsee?