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Classic Baltics

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Classic Baltics

Was From $ 2,685 AUD
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Description

Uncover the cultural wonders and historical riches of three fascinating countries on an 8-day tour through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Wander the beautiful Old Town of Vilnius and learn about its complex modern history. Discover Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture and feast on Latvian cuisine at the city’s vast Central Market. Unwind in a log cabin set among evergreen forest on Saaremaa Island, sharing a meal of local favourites with your fellow travellers, and finish in Estonia’s cool capital, Tallinn. This tour takes in historic cities, a pristine wooded island and unique Baltic cultures – all while taking you well off the typical tourist trail.

Trip Name
Classic Baltics
Last Updated
2024-04-29
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • See the best of the Baltics in a week – soaking up centuries of history, getting a taste of the region’s hearty cuisine and meeting plenty of locals along the way.
  • Join a local guide to discover the best bits of Vilnius, from its legendary beginnings and UNESCO-listed Old Town to its tiny independent republic, Uzupis.
  • Discover the treasures of Riga – both historic and culinary – on a walking tour through the cobbled streets of the Old Town followed by a Latvian lunch at the lively Central Market.
  • Take a breath of pine-scented air during a relaxing stay on forest-covered Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia, sharing a dinner of local favourites before snoozing the night away in a log cabin.
  • See some of the region’s finest art and stroll through manicured gardens at Tallinn’s Kadriorg Palace Art Museum, a grand baroque building built by Peter the Great.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Vilnius
Labas! Welcome to Lithuania. Tonight you’ll attend an important welcome meeting at 6 pm at the hotel. Afterwards, you’ll have the option to join your leader and new travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant. If you arrive early, spend some time getting to know Vilnius. This charming capital is remarkably green and oozes history – but hip bars, cool cafes and a plethora of street art add a modern twist that makes it a joy to explore.
Day 2 - Vilnius
This morning, join the group for a city tour led by a local guide. Pass through Cathedral Square and the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and learn about the legend of Vilnius' creation and the prestigious history of Vilnius University. Continue to the painting of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, a famed painting of the Virgin Mary that adorns the 16th-century city gates. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Maybe take a hike to Gediminas Castle Tower or check out expansive views from the lofty TV tower – the latter is Lithuania’s tallest building and the location of a history-making event on 13 January 1991, when Lithuania gained independence from the Soviet Union. Alternatively, you could spend an hour or two exploring the tiny independent republic of Uzupis, which was declared in 1997. Ask your leader for more recommendations.
Day 3 - Riga
Hop aboard a comfortable public bus to Riga, Latvia. On arrival, transfer to the hotel, located a short walk from the symbolic Freedom Monument – or, as she's affectionately known to the locals, Milda. Head out on a guided 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 Zepellin hangars. Countless stalls feature everything from local pastries and traditional Latvian soups to tempura and fried chicken. Opt to try a few local specialities – such as Riga Black Balsam, an herbal liqueur – before digging into a meal made from fresh, seasonal Latvian produce.
Day 4 - Riga
Enjoy a free day getting to know Riga at your own pace. Most of the Art Nouveau architecture for which the city is famed is located in a neighbourhood known as 'the quiet centre'. A leisurely stroll along the canal that intersects the city's central park is another popular optional outing, as is a visit to one of its many museums. The National Museum of Art, located only a few minutes' walk from the hotel, is particularly impressive. Perhaps 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 (30 minutes by train).
Day 5 - Saaremaa Island
Rise early for the trip to Saaremaa island, the largest island in Estonia, by private minivan and public ferry. This heavily forested island is known among Estonians as the perfect place to relax in nature, and you’ll see soon why. Arrive in the island's south by late afternoon and transfer to your accommodation for the evening. You’ll stay in a cosy locally-owned property, surrounded by forests – a lovely spot to unplug after a few days of city escapades. A private room in a charming log cabin will be your home for the night. You may like to take a walk in the woods and work up an appetite for a dinner of hearty local favourites, perhaps Baltic herrings and potatoes with dill to fill you up.
Day 6 - Tallinn
After breakfast, head to the biggest town on the island, Kuressaare. One of the biggest draws is Kuressaare Castle – one of Estonia’s best preserved fortresses, complete with terracotta conical spires and a shimmering moat. Opt to spend some time exploring the castle grounds and accompanying museum to learn more about life on Saaremaa throughout the ages. Later, hop on a public bus to the Estonian capital of Tallinn. Tonight's accommodation is in Tallinn's atmospheric Old Town, which is packed with tempting dining options for your free evening.
Day 7 - Tallinn
Today, your leader will get you acquainted with the key sights of Tallinn on an orientation walk. Then you’ll take a tram to the outskirts of the city to visit Kadriorg Palace Art Museum. Commissioned by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, this fine example of Baroque architecture features fabulous frescoes, decorative stucco and elaborate, colourful gardens – and of course, an impressive collection of early European and Russian art. Return later that day (your ticket is open so when you head back is up to you), perhaps opting to hire a bike for some active sightseeing, or continuing the cultural immersion at more of the city’s museums. Tonight, you might like to head out with the group for one last Estonian meal together, washed down with a glass of kali, a fizzy drink made from boiled rye bread.
Day 8 - Tallinn
Time to say farewell to your fellow travellers – your trip ends this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned for today, but Tallinn has a lot to offer and there's plenty to keep you busy for a few more days. Let us know in advance if you’d like us to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-05-202402-06-2024AUD $ 2,845-
16-06-202423-06-2024AUD $ 2,282-
30-06-202407-07-2024AUD $ 2,710-
14-07-202421-07-2024AUD $ 2,615-
04-08-202411-08-2024AUD $ 2,615-
25-08-202401-09-2024AUD $ 2,640-
08-09-202415-09-2024AUD $ 2,895-
15-09-202422-09-2024AUD $ 2,895-
22-09-202429-09-2024AUD $ 2,685-
20-04-202527-04-2025AUD $ 2,740-
04-05-202511-05-2025AUD $ 2,740-
25-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 2,740-
22-06-202529-06-2025AUD $ 2,855-
13-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 2,960-
03-08-202510-08-2025AUD $ 2,960-
24-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 2,960-
07-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 2,960-
14-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 2,855-
21-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 2,855-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (6 nights),Cabin (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Ferry,Public bus

Map