travel department baltic highlights

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Baltic highlights including vilnius, riga & tallinn, book your trip from, view hotels, your guided group holiday to the baltics.

Discover the unique cultures and history of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with us on our 8-night Baltic Highlights tour. Our tour will begin in Vilnius, Lithuania, where we’ll explore the city’s Jewish heritage and gothic architecture. On our journey to our next destination, Riga, we’ll stop at the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy sites in Lithuania. In Riga, we’ll visit iconic sights like the House of Blackheads, Powder Tower and the Latvian Academy of Sciences building, a symbol of the Soviet Union era known to locals as "Stalin's Birthday Cake." Finally, we’ll make our way to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, located on the Gulf of Finland. In Tallinn, we’ll explore the winding streets of Old Town, the best preserved medieval walled city in all of Northern Europe.

Trip Itinerary

Activity Level: Busy

Travel to lithuania, arrive in vilnius.

Upon arrival in Vilnius, you will be met by our local representative at the airport before being transferred to your hotel. Your guide will share some information about the local region.

Half Day Walking Tour of Vilnius

After breakfast begin your holiday with a walking tour around Vilnius Old Town, famous for its historic building and Gothic churches. Highlights you will witness include Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, St Anne's Church, Vilnius University, the Jewish Quarter, the Bohemian Uzupis District and the Gates of Dawn famed for its image of the Virgin Mary above the only remaining gate from the city's original walls.

Visit Trakai Castle

Drive to the picturesque town of Trakai, where a guided tour of the Castle is included. You will have some free time to enjoy the surroundings at your leisure before returning to your hotel.

Please Note 14 April 2024 Departure : Due to the closure of Trakai Castle at this time we will view the castle from the outside followed by an included light lunch.

Travel to Latvia

Depart for riga.

After breakfast, travel by coach from Vilnius to Riga. There will be stops on route in the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania, and the Rundale Palace to include a guided tour. There will also be some stops for lunch and comfort breaks along the way.

On arrival to Riga, you will have the evening to relax and explore the surroundings of your hotel.

Total driving time approx. 5 hours. Please note this will be a long travel day, with an estimated arrival time at the hotel approximately 18.30.

Guided City Tour of Riga

After breakfast, your local guide will take you on a tour to view the highlights of this charming city. You will visit the Old Town, the remains of the old city walls and the Dome Cathedral. Next you will visit St. Peter's Church as well as taking in panoramic views of Riga canal, Daugava River and the city skyline. Finally, you will explore the Art Nouveau quarter at the Alberta Street on foot with a visit to the Art Nouveau Museum included.

Please Note 04 October 2024 and all 2025 Departures: Due to the closure of the Art Nouveau Museum on these dates we will join our guide for a visit to the Latvian Open Air Museum following our visit of the Old Town.

Free Time in Riga

You can spend today shopping and sightseeing at your own pace. We would recommend visiting the Central Market where over 1200 vendors peddle their wares daily or visit one of the many galleries or museums throughout the city. Simply walking around the city and stopping in one of the many cafes or bars is a lovely way to spend the day.

Travel to Estonia

Coach travel from riga to tallinn.

Today, you will travel by coach, with your guide, from Riga to Tallinn. En route, you will visit Gauja National Park, Latvia's largest & oldest national park to include a guided visit of the Turaida Museum Reserve.

In the afternoon you will also enjoy a stop in the Estonian summer resort of Parnu with some time at leisure, before continuing your scenic drive onwards to Tallinn. There will also be some stops for lunch and comfort breaks along the way.

Total driving time approx. 5.5 hours. Please note this will be a long travel day, with an estimated arrival time at the hotel approximately 18.30.

Tallinn City Walking Tour

Following breakfast, depart by coach to begin your walking tour of Tallinn Old Town. As you stroll through the city you'll see many highlights including Tompea Castle (Estonian parliament) with entrance included, the Lutheran Dome Church (St Mary's Cathedral), the Church of the Holy Ghost, the Gothic Town Hall and Town Hall Square.

Please Note 14 April 2024 & 08 September 2024 Departure : Instead of a visit to Tompea Castle (Estonia Parliament) we will join our guide for a visit and tour of St Nicholas Church.

Free Time in Tallinn

You will have today at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Your guide will be delighted to recommend places to see and visit.

Return Home

Depart tallinn, estonia.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will have some free time to say goodbye to this charming city. You will then be transferred to Tallinn airport with guide assistance for your flight home.

* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.

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Know before you go, what if there is an emergency.

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Do I need a Visa?

Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

Will I be met at the airport?

You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

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Baltics Travel Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania (+ Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 8, 2024

Are you thinking of traveling to the Baltics, want to see all three countries – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – but are not sure how to plan your itinerary? Do you want to know how much time to spend in each country and what not to miss? This guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Baltic region – find out!

In this article, we share a two-week Baltics trip itinerary that allows you to see the highlights of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. You will get to explore a good mixture of vibrant cities and rural areas, go hiking, relax by the beach and discover the food scene of each country.

This Baltics trip includes the famous capital cities Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, where you discover a bustling lifestyle and admire charming historic city centers and beautiful architecture. In addition, it also takes you to the lesser-known areas of each country. You get to spend two nights on Saaremaa, Estonia’s biggest island, explore the castles of Sigulda, Latvia, and climb the impressive sand dunes in the Curonian Spit in Lithuania .

Even though two weeks are not enough time to see everything the Baltics have to offer, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time and be sure that you don’t miss any of the ‘musts’.

Good to know: The best way to visit the Baltics is by renting a car and doing a self-drive road trip . But this trip is also doable without a car . There are excellent bus/train connections between the main towns (and buses are reliable and comfortable) and you can also take day tours from the capital cities.

This itinerary is structured as a self-drive Baltics road trip but it also includes all the tips and suggestions for those who rather use public transport. Take a look!

Baltics Travel Itinerary – OVERVIEW:

Days 1-2: tallinn, estonia.

• Days 3-4: Kuressaare, Estonia
• Day 5: Tartu, Estonia

Day 6: Cēsis, Latvia

• Day 7: Sigulda, Latvia
• Days 8-9: Riga, Latvia
• Day 10: Hill of Crosses & Klaipeda, Lithuania
• Day 11: Day trip to Curonian Spit, Lithuania
• Day 12: Kaunas, Lithuania
• Day 13: Trakai & Vilnius, Lithuania
• Day 14: Vilnius, Lithuania
• Assitional suggestions for a longer trip
• Practical info & tips

Good to know: This Baltics travel itinerary starts in Tallinn, Estonia, and ends in Vilnius, Lithuania, but you can easily do it the other way around – from Vilnius to Tallinn. There is really not much difference which way you travel, and both cities have very good flight connections to various European countries.

Here’s our suggested Baltics travel itinerary:

Start your Baltics trip in Tallinn. Estonia’s capital is famous for its medieval Old Town, and during the next two days, you’ll have the chance to wander through narrow cobblestone alleys, climb the city walls and sample Estonian food.

Here are some  highlights of Tallinn  you should check out:

Town Hall Square

While walking through the Old Town, you will eventually end up at Town Hall Square . Here, you can discover lots of traditional old houses and a great atmosphere.

At one end of Town Hall Square, you can see the City Hall . In summer, you have the chance to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the view. This is also the perfect place if you want to try Estonian food. Head to the III Draakon, a tavern in the town hall building, where you can sample elk soup, elk pastries, or lingonberry juice.

Almost opposite the town hall, you can find the Raeapteek . The Town Council Pharmacy is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe. If you go inside, you can visit a small exhibition or try claret, a wine produced here since 1467.

Toompea Hill

If you want to see Tallinn from above, you should head to Toompea Hill . Up here, you can find multiple viewing platforms that will offer fantastic views of the Old Town’s red roofs.

The Kohtuotsa lookout is the most famous platform, but it can get very busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the Patkuli viewing platform instead, where you’ll run into fewer tourists. On clear days, you can even see the Baltic Sea from up here.

While up on Toompea Hill, make sure to check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral . The Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of Tallinn’s most beautiful churches.

Tallinn’s City Walls

Some parts of the city wall that once surrounded all of Tallinn are still intact, and you have the opportunity to climb them in multiple places.

The first entrance is at Hellemann Tower . Here, you can walk on a piece of wall that is around 200 meters long. You have the chance to climb up into the watchtowers, too, to enjoy a very different viewpoint compared to Toompea Hill.

Up on Toompea Hill, you can find Kiek in de Kök Tower . Up here, you can also get on top of the city wall, and you can even enjoy a drink in the cafe on the wall. Your entrance ticket also gives you access to the tower. On each of the six floors, you can visit an exhibition about Tallinn, its city wall, and its history.

Additional recommendations

If you would like to learn more about the city, you can opt for this popular private walking tour with a local .

If you want to get the most of your stay and see more of Estonia, consider taking a half-day trip to Jägala Waterfall and Harju County . This area is east of Tallinn and you won’t be passing here when continuing your trip.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

For the best experience, stay in the old city center. There are many nice accommodations for all budgets here. We recommend Hestia Hotel Kentmanni.

Days 3-4: Kuressaare

If you are planning a self-drive road trip through the Baltics, it’s best to rent a car from this day on . We use and recommend this website for some of the best deals for car rental.

After leaving the city, travel to Saaremaa, Estonia’s biggest island . The journey takes around 4 hours, including a half-hour ferry ride. If you are driving, make sure to arrive at the Virtsu ferry port at least 15 minutes before departure (if you take a bus, you don’t have to worry about that). Here you can find the ferry schedule and more practical info (you need a ferry from Virtsu to Kuivatsu).

Without a car: There are regular bus connections between Tallinn and Kuressaare, the biggest town on Saaremaa.

On Saaremaa Island, base yourself in Kuressaare , where you can find most of the island’s attractions. Make sure to stroll through the Old Town to discover the historic buildings and traditional architecture.

Afterwards, head to the Kuressaare Episcopal Castle . The castle dates back to the 14th century, and it takes at least an hour or two to explore the exhibitions inside. Be careful to follow the arrows, as it’s easy to get lost in the maze of corridors. During your visit, you have the chance of climbing the towers. From up there, you have a fantastic view of the star-shaped moat that surrounds the fortifications.

Another highlight of Saaremaa are the Kaali Meteor Craters , which you can visit in the village of Kaali. Scientists believe that the impact happened anywhere between 6,400 and 400 BCE, and it had the same explosive force as the Hiroshima bomb blast. All trees in a radius of six kilometers burned.

If you’d rather take it slow, head to the beach or find a spa to relax. Kuressaare is famous for its spas, and many Estonians come here to unwind for a few days. So why not join them and experience some traditional Estonian sauna culture!

Where to Stay in Kuressaare

There is a big choice of accommodations in Kuressaare, but since it’s a popular resort town, be sure to book well in advance, especially if traveling during summer or popular holidays. We recommend Johan Design & SPA Hotel , or – on a slightly higher budget Arensburg Boutique Hotel & Spa .

Day 5: Tartu

Today, you have a long drive ahead of you. It takes almost 6 hours to get to Tartu from Kuresaare by car and a little longer if you use public transport. Therefore, make sure to leave Kuressaare as early as possible, so you can enjoy the afternoon in Tartu.

Tartu is a cute town in Southern Estonia that is famous for its university. While here, check out the University Museums. On top of Toome Hill, you can find the University of Tartu Museum as well as the Old Observatory . Both are worth visiting, but if you only have time for one, head to the Observatory.

In the 19th century, Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve measured the length of a meridian and eventually became the first person to accurately determine the shape and size of Earth. He conducted much of his work from this observatory, which is why it is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the observatory, you can learn more about Struve’s work and see astronomical instruments from that time period.

While in Tartu, make sure to go for a walk through the Old Town. Town Hall Square is famous for its Kissing Students fountain, and you can discover many historic buildings around the square. Take some time to walk through the cobblestone streets and admire the architecture of Tartu. Be sure to check out the restored ruins of the Tartu Cathedral (Toomkirik). You can also climb the tower for some nice views over the city.

TIP: If you have a car and some time to spare, you could also visit Alatskivi Castle about 30-40 minutes drive north of Tartu. But if you only have half a day in the city, this will likely be too much.

Where to Stay in Tartu

Tartu is a popular tourist destination and you’ll have no trouble finding good accommodation at reasonable prices. We recommend Lydia Hotel , however, their parking is quite expensive since it’s in the heart of the city. A nice alternative (still very good location) if visiting by car is Art Hotel Pallas by Tartuhotels .

In the morning, drive from Tartu to Cesis in Latvia. The drive is about 2.5 hours and if you leave early enough, you have plenty of time to explore Cesis on this day.

Without a car: If you are traveling without a car, it’s easier to take a bus from Tartu to Riga, stay in Riga for 3 or 4 nights in total, and make day trips from there to Cesis and to Sigulda. There are also tours that visit these places from Riga in one day .

Cesis is a cute medieval town known for its two castles. You can get a combination ticket that includes entrance to both the Medieval Castle and the museum in the New Castle . As there are no electric lights in the old castle, you will need to carry a lantern. Exploring the ruins with a candle in your hand is an incredible experience you’ll remember for a long time.

After visiting both castles, take some time to stroll through Castle Park . At the edge of the park, you can see the remains of the oldest brewery in Northern Europe . Cesus Ale, the owner, has since moved the beer production to a more modern building on the outskirts of Cesis, but you can still see the old brewery.

Where to Stay

You could stay in Cesis for a night, but we suggest driving to Sigulda – the next town on this itinerary, about 30 minutes drive further. There is a bigger accommodation choice in Sigulda and much nicer hotels and you could stay here for two nights. We recommend Hotel Sigulda – it’s a nice hotel with great facilities, easy parking, and they have a very good restaurant.

Good to know: If you are really in a hurry, you could see just the main highlights of Cesis and Sigulda on the same day.

Day 7: Sigulda

Today, spend a day in one of Latvia’s most beautiful destinations – Sigulda in the Gauja National Park . Sigulda has multiple sights and attractions to keep you busy all day. You can find several castles in the area, which are all different and exciting to visit.

If you visit just one castle in Sigulda, make it Turaida Castle , a red-brick castle a few kilometers away from town. It houses a museum, and it’s part of the Turaida Museum Reserve, where you can also visit traditional houses from the area. This is the most-visited museum in Latvia!

Sigulda Medieval Castle (Castle Of The Livonian Order in Sigulda) is also nice to see. You can climb to the top of the Northern Tower from where you have a fantastic view of the valley. Just next to it, you can see the recently renovated Sigulda New Castle (Siguldas Jaunā pils) which used to serve as a city council and is now a museum.

Another place worth checking out is Krimulda Medieval Castle , which is the ruins of the 13th castle. Here, you’ll also find the beautiful viewpoint ‘Bellevue’, with great views of the bends of the Gauja River. Please note that this castle ruin is not to be confused with Krimulda Manor , which is a sort of rehabilitation center/ hotel.

TIP: One of the best ways to see the main castles is to go for a hike, from Sigulda Medieval Castle to Krimulda Castle (take the cable car to cross the valley) and then onwards to Turaida Castle. Don’t miss Gutmanis Cave , which you can find between Krimulda and Turaida. Locals have left graffiti here for centuries, and the oldest inscriptions date back to the 17th century.

If you want to take it easy, stay in the same hotel in Sigulda as the previous night. As already said, Hotel Sigulda is one of the best options here. Alternatively, you could continue to Riga already, which is about a 1-hour drive.

Days 8-9: Riga

In the morning, drive to Riga (about a 1-hour drive). With its location in the center of the country, Riga is also the perfect base for day trips to places like Cesis and Sigulda mentioned above. As already mentioned, if you are traveling without a car, it’s best to come here from Tartu (so on day 6 of this itinerary). In that case, stay in the city for 3-4 nights and make day trips either by public transport or by taking tours.

For the next two days, you have the chance of  exploring Riga . Be sure not to miss the following highlights:

Riga Old Town

It’s easy to get lost in Riga’s cobblestone streets and to spend hours wandering through the Old Town . Along your way, you should pass the Three  Brothers , a famous landmark in the city. All three houses belonged to men from the same family but date back to different time periods, so this is a fantastic place to see how architecture in Riga evolved over the centuries.

If you want to see the Old Town from above, stop by St Peter’s Church . The tower rises high above the houses, so from its top, you have a fantastic view of Riga.

House of the Blackheads

If you only visit one museum in Riga, it should be the House of the Blackheads . You’ll notice the extensively decorated building while walking through the Old Town, and if you go inside, you can learn more about the Brotherhood of the Blackheads.

This guild was an organization of merchants and craftsmen, and in Latvia, they came together in the House of the Blackheads for meetings and social gatherings. They even erected the first Christmas Tree in Europe, though it is unclear if it was in Riga or Tallinn.

Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia

If you want to see a different side of Latvia, head to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia , which you can find on the outskirts of Riga. Buses 1, 28, or 19 can take you here if you don’t have a car, and you’ll have the chance of seeing more than 100 traditional buildings from all over the country.

The museum grouped these houses by region, and you’ll be surprised to learn how different building styles and rural life were, depending on the area. Don’t miss the giant windmill in the middle of the park, and make sure to go inside the houses. Some are open, and in summer, you might see weavers and blacksmiths perform their craft.

Practical information: The museum is open the whole year round, but opening days and times vary per season. Check their website for more information. You could easily spend an entire day here. As a minimum, count half a day.

Where to Stay in Riga

Riga is a big city and there is no shortage of accommodations for all budgets . For the best experience, we recommend staying close to the city center. If you are traveling by car, be sure to check that the hotel has parking available! We recommend Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel .

Day 10: Hill of Crosses & Klaipėda, Lithuania

After leaving Riga, cross the border to Lithuania and head to Klaipeda. The drive is about 4 hours, and you can stop at the famous Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai on your way. It’s conveniently located for this itinerary, about 2 hours drive from Riga and about the same from Klaipeda, and a visit here doesn’t require more than half an hour. Still, be sure to leave Riga early so that you can explore Klaipeda in the afternoon.

Without a car: If you are traveling by bus, there are direct bus connections from Riga to Klaipeda, and the trip takes around 4-5 hours. It will be difficult to visit the Hill of Crosses on this day, but you may still be able to come here on your way from Klaipėda to Vilnius two days later. See day 12 of this itinerary for more details.

The Hill of Crosses is one of the most unique places in Lithuania, and you can see hundreds of thousands of crosses on this hill. The sight is almost unreal, and as you walk around, you will notice hundreds of small crosses wedged into the ground between the larger ones. Here you can find our complete guide to visiting the Hill of Crosses .

After spending time at the Hill of Crosses, continue to Klaipeda . You should arrive in the early afternoon, so still plenty of time to explore the city. While Klaipeda is Lithuania’s third-largest city, its historic center isn’t that big and you can see all the musts in half a day.

When you stroll through the Old Town of Klaipeda , you will notice that the architecture is different from anything else you’ve seen in the Baltics before, and some of it even looks German. That’s because the area once belonged to Germany, and you can still see the influence in architecture today.

Make sure to visit the History Museum of Lithuania Minor if you want to learn more about the history of the region. Don’t miss Theatre Square and be sure to check out the little hidden gem Fredericho Passage , where you can also find a restaurant serving local dishes.

Afterwards, head down to the riverside and to the harbor. The waterfront is one of the most pleasant areas to go for a walk in Klaipeda, especially in summer. During the warmer months, you can also rent kayaks or pedal boats to explore the city from a different angle.

Where to Stay in Klaipeda

Klaipeda is a harbor town and so it’s nice if you can stay close to the water. We recommend either Old Mill Hotel or Michaelson Boutique Hotel – both near each other and both excellent choices, in beautiful historic buildings. There is big public parking just nearby (the fees aren’t high) and the Old Town is within walking distance. Stay here for two nights.

Day 11: Day trip to the Curonian Spit

Today, take a day trip to one of the most beautiful places in the Baltics, the Curonian Spit . This 98km-long narrow piece of land perched between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Curonian Spit is famous for its wandering sand dunes. The biggest dune that you can climb is Parnidis Dune, just next to Nida. From here, you can see the lagoon on one side and the Baltic Sea on the other side. It might not look like it, but Parnidis is a wandering dune that moves a few centimeters every year. Over the past centuries, these dunes have even swallowed a few villages!

During your day trip, visit the nicest dunes and villages of the region, and be sure to go for a walk around Nida, the main town of the Curonian Spit. Here, you can see many traditional fishermen’s houses, several museums, and a beautiful waterfront promenade. For more information, please see our complete guide to the best things to do in Nida .

But there’s much more to see in the beautiful Curonian Spit National Park than just its biggest town! So if you are self-driving, check out our complete guide to the Curonian Spit in Lithuania . It also has all the details on how to get there by car.

Without a car: Curonian Spit is best explored by car since there are many beautiful places scattered all over the region. If you don’t have a car, you can best opt for an organized tour – see this private day tour from Klaipeda. Alternatively, take a passenger ferry from the pier north of the city center (Senoji Perkėla), and once you reach the other side, you can take a bus to Nida. Nida is a nice day trip in itself, but you won’t be able to see the rest of the area if you take a bus.

Day 12: Kaunas

Today, leave Klaipeda and head to Lithuania’s second-largest city, Kaunas. If you are driving, it’s a long but easy drive on a highway and takes about 2.5-3 hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore Kaunas.

Without a car: If you are traveling through the Baltics by public transport, it’s easier to skip Kaunas and take a train from Klaipeda directly to Vilnius (with a stop in Šiauliai for a visit to the Hill of Crosses). In that case, take a train to Šiauliai and book a private tour to the Hill of Crosses (they can pick you up at the train station and the hours are flexible). Afterwards, continue your trip to Vilnius by train. If you decide to go to Kaunas from Klaipeda and skip the Hill of Crosses, then take a bus to Kaunas – it’s much faster than by train.

There is enough to see and do in Kaunas to fill a few days, so you could easily add a night here if you have more time. But you can get a taste of the city and see some of the main highlights in half a day as well.

The best way to explore Kaunas on a short visit is by taking a walk through its main pedestrian streets that run through the entire city center – from Kaunas Castle and Cathedral in the Old Town via Vilniaus Street and all the way to St. Michael the Archangel’s Church at the far eastern end of Laisvės alėja (Freedom Avenue). If you have the time to visit one museum, check out the M.K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art . If you are looking for something more unique that you won’t find anywhere else, then don’t miss the Devils’ Museum .

Where to Stay in Kaunas

We recommend staying in the city center, close to the above-mentioned pedestrian streets. That way, you can leave your car at the hotel and explore Kaunas on foot. Check out BEST WESTERN Santakos Hotel – it’s right in the middle between the Old Town and the popular pedestrian avenue Laisvės alėja and has free private parking. Here you can find more hotels and accommodations in Kaunas .

Day 13: Trakai & Vilnius

With two weeks in the Baltics, you’ll have to make some tough choices and skip some places, so if you want to take it easy, today, we recommend that you drive to Trakai from Kaunas, and then head to Vilnius in the late afternoon.

However, if you have an entire next day to explore Vilnius and so if you find a day in the city sufficient, then you may want to visit a few other nice places between Kaunas and Vilnius. In that case, you could also visit Pažaislis Monastery and Lithuanian Folk Museum in Rumšiškės .

Both these places are just a small detour from the Kaunas – Vilnius highway and both are well worth your time. But don’t try to squeeze too much in a day or you won’t have much time to actually enjoy it.

Without a car: Take a train from Kaunas to Vilnius and spend a day in Vilnius. You can take a half-day tour to Trakai the next day. In summer, you can also opt for a full-day tour from Vilnius that visits the castle and includes canoeing on the lakes around it.

Anyway, if you are going from Kaunas to Trakai, it’s an easy drive, mostly on the highway, and it takes a bit over 1 hour. From there, it’s just a short drive to Vilnius (but can take an hour if traffic is busy), so you can spend as much time in Trakai as you like. This town is famous for its island castle, one of the must-see places in Lithuania.

Trakai Castle dates back to the 14th century, a time when Trakai was an important town in Lithuania, and – for a few years – even the capital city. The Grand Duke of Lithuania often received important visitors here. The Castle was recently restored and is the most impressive castle you can visit in Lithuania these days. Its location on an island, surrounded by lakes and forests, makes it even more special. And don’t worry, you won’t have to swim to the island – there is a nice pedestrian bridge connecting it to town.

Inside the Castle, you can visit an exhibition about the history of Trakai, and you also have the chance to learn about the Karaites, a Turkic Jewish minority that lives in the area. Lithuanians call them Karaimai .

And speaking of them, when in Trakai, be sure to try Kybyns (LT: kibinai ), traditional Lithuanian food of the Karaite ethnic minority. You can find them at most of the local restaurants in Trakai. This is the best place in Lithuania to try this traditional meat-and-onion pastry. You may also find it in Vilnius and a few other places in the region, but they are nowhere as good as in Trakai.

If the weather is nice, take a boat tour on the lake to see the castle from a different perspective. Afterwards, head to Vilnius, walk around the Old Town, and end your day with some typical Lithuanian food.

Day 14: Vilnius

Today, it’s time to explore Vilnius. Lithuania’s capital city has a lot to offer, but if you have just a day, be sure not to miss the following places:

Walk around the Old Town

Walking through the Old Town of Vilnius is the best way to get to know the city. It has such a great atmosphere and you’ll find something nice behind every corner.

Don’t miss the Town Hall Square ( Rotušės aikštė ), Vilnius University , Presidential Palace , and one of the must-see streets in Vilnius – Castle Street ( Pilies gatvė ). Also worth visiting is Literature Street ( Literatų gatvė ). This picturesque street is lined with plaques detailing names of authors who have either lived in Vilnius or written about the city.

Another must-see is the Gate of Dawn , a city gate that dates back to 1522 and was once part of the city wall. Inside, you’ll find a religious artifact, an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy, which still attracts pilgrims today.

Stiklių Street , in the vicinity of the Restaurant Lokys, is also worth passing by. They usually have some nice decorations hanging above the street and it’s always worth seeing what kind of creations they come up with next. And the restaurant is very good too!

There are also lots of beautiful churches in the Old Town of Vilnius. They say there are 28 churches just in the Old Town… If you visit just one of them, don’t miss St. Anne’s Church – it’s a stunning example of Gothic architecture.

Cathedral Square, Gediminas Castle & Neris River

Cathedral Square is home to Vilnius Cathedral. With its many columns and a white Bell Tower , this building is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Just next to it, you’ll find one of the best museums in Vilnius – the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania . If you have at least an hour to spare, definitely check it out. The Virtual Reality 3D experience is so well done and gives you a good introduction to the history of Vilnius.

Behind the Cathedral, you’ll see a hill with a tower on top. Head up there to discover Gediminas Castle Tower and to enjoy the fantastic view of Vilnius. You can walk up the hill or take a funicular which can be found on the other side of the hill, on the riverside. And once you are here, be sure to take a walk along the river.

Gediminas Avenue & Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

Gediminas Avenue (Gedimino Prospektas) is one the main streets of Vilnius. This is the place where you’ll find many shops, restaurants, theaters, etc.

Be sure to walk at least a part of this street, up to Lukiškės Square, the largest square in Vilnius. Here, you’ll also find the former KGB building, now the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights .

It’s a very interesting and eye-opening place where you can learn more about the way the Soviets treated innocent people. It will surely help you to better understand the not-so-distant history of Lithuania and the other Baltic States.

Republic of Užupis

One of the most curious neighborhoods to visit in Vilnius is Užupis (literal translation “behind the river”).

This “republic” declared its independence in 1998 as a joke by local artists. Uzupis has its own parliament, border post (bring your passport if you would like a stamp), and even a constitution. Check out the Angel of Uzupis, a statue that represents the freedom of art and expression.

While nobody recognizes the independence of Uzupis, the neighborhood is a great place to discover art galleries and cafes. As you walk around, you can also find impressive street art, so keep your eyes open and don’t forget to glance into the small alleys and sidestreets.

Where to Stay in Vilnius

There are lots of nice hotels and accommodations in Vilnius. Many people like to stay in the Old Town and if you already returned your rental car, it can be a good option. In any case, be sure to look for a hotel that has parking (or public parking nearby).

Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva is a nice modern hotel by the river, on the other side from the Old Town, but you can easily get everywhere via a pedestrian bridge from here. It will also be easier to park here.

If you rather stay in the Old Town, take a look at NARUTIS Hotel . It’s a great choice in the heart of the city and within short walking distance to everything. They also have free parking and an indoor pool. And, of course, there are many other options all over the city center, for all budgets.

If you have a few more days in the Baltics…

Even though this itinerary is already packed with things to do in the Baltics, you can easily spend more time in the region – there are so many other nice places to see. If you have a few extra days, you can distribute them between the countries however you wish, and here are some additional suggestions:

• In Estonia, consider visiting Pärnu, a relaxed beachside town, or head to Lahemaa National Park to go hiking for a day.
• In Latvia, you could visit the seaside in Jurmala or go on a day trip to Rundale Palace.
• In Lithuania, you could stay longer on the Curonian Spit, add a day in Kaunas, and also an extra day in Vilnius.

Map of this Baltic States Itinerary

To help you plan your trip to the Baltics, we created a map indicating all the main places that we recommend visiting in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This map is just an overview and doesn’t contain all the details, but it will give you a better idea of where everything is and how you could adjust this itinerary if you have less or more time.

You can click on the picture below and see this map on Google Maps. The entire Baltic States road trip – as it is suggested in our itinerary and shown on the map – is about 1500 km over 14 days.

Some Practical Info for Planning Your Trip

Best time to visit.

The best time to visit the Baltics is in the summer. The weather is generally very nice, the days are long, and there are lots of events and celebrations. As a downside, it’s much busier in June, July, and August than the rest of the year and accommodation prices at the popular vacation destinations soar. For the best experience and fewer crowds, plan a trip to the Baltic states in May or in September.

The Baltics in the winter

If you want to avoid the crowds altogether, you can also travel to the Baltics in autumn or in winter. In some of the stops on this itinerary, you will barely see other travelers at all, and with a bit of luck, you’ll experience snow. However, if you are planning a self-drive Baltics road trip, don’t visit in winter if you are not used to driving in winter conditions.

If you are planning a trip in winter, then consider visiting in December. Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn host wonderful Christmas markets! So if you visit in the winter, you’ll enjoy a great Christmas atmosphere and much fewer people than at the most famous Christmas markets in Western Europe… Here you can read more about the Christmas Market in Vilnius, Lithuania – they have the most original Christmas Trees every year.

Renting a car vs. public transport

You can easily visit the Baltic states by car. The roads and infrastructure are good and comparable to any other EU country. Traffic can get very busy around the biggest cities and at the seaside on summer weekends, but apart from that, driving in the Baltics is quite relaxed. Just be sure to follow speed limits and other traffic rules since police controls are frequent.

If you prefer not to drive, you can also visit all three Baltic countries by public transport. There are good bus connections between all major cities, so if you are mostly interested in visiting the main towns, you can easily do that without a car as well. That being said, if you want to explore the Baltics a bit deeper, it’s definitely better to rent a car.

Is it safe to travel to the Baltics?

Yes, traveling in the Baltics is safe and very comparable to the rest of the EU. In fact, you’ll likely feel safer walking around Vilnius or Riga at night than you would in London, Paris, or Brussels… Just as everywhere, use common sense, but in general, there’s nothing to worry about. If you are traveling to the Baltics in winter, you may encounter ice on the roads and on the pavements, so be careful.

Which is the best Baltic state to visit?

It’s hard to compare three countries of the Baltics and say that one or the other is better. They are all different and each is worth a visit, and if you follow this itinerary, you can get a taste of all three countries and decide for yourself. That being said, if you have the time to visit just one country, then go to Lithuania. It has everything – nice towns with a great atmosphere, interesting museums and lots of cultural events, stunning nature, friendly people, and delicious Lithuanian food . And yes, I’m biased since Lithuania is my home country, but I haven’t met one single person who didn’t love it!

READ ALSO: Best places to see in Lithuania

So, this is our suggested Baltics itinerary for two weeks. We hope that this inspired you to visit this beautiful and still very little-discovered region in Eastern Europe. Have a great trip!

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Image credits: personal collection, Toptravelsights.com , raigvi/Shutterstock.com, Wide Wings/Shutterstock.com, Chamille White/Shutterstock.com, and Depositphotos.com.

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Thursday 8th of August 2024

Can you rent a car in Estonia and drop it off in Lithuanian. I want to do a trip for 10 days and visit the three countries. Thanks in advance. Great article by the way

Hi Martin, yes, several car rental providers have this option so you can rent a car in one country and drop it off in another one. Please take a look here - insert the pick-up location, click on the "Drop car off at different location", choose your travel dates, and you will see what's available. I just checked random dates for next week, pick-up in Tallinn airport, drop off in Vilnius airportt, and found plenty of cars in all price ranges.

Friday 23rd of June 2023

My friend and I are planning to visit the three Baltic states in September. around 15 days. Your guidance is the best. I think we will follow your suggestions. We plan to hire a car. Any helpful hints?

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Hi Philip, that's a very general question ;). You can find all the helpful hints in our article already. Just one thing - book your car asap and I also recommend booking accommodations in advance as well. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

Thanks for the invaluable guidance. Is March a good time to visit? Will sights and restaurants be opened? Sometimes it is good to have more people around to soak up the culture of the place.

Hi, you can really visit the Baltics at any time of the year. And yes, everything will be open as usual, except in the smaller seaside villages. In the bigger cities and towns, it's always lively, and everything is open. There are also lots of concerts, theater performances, etc. in the winter months. As for the weather in March, it's more difficult to predict. It can still be quite wintery (especially in the north), or you may get lucky and it will be warmer and a bit spring-like already. Be sure to check the weather forecast a few days before you go. In general, at this time of the year, you have to be prepared for winter conditions. Have a great trip!

Thursday 5th of January 2023

Looking to do a similar trip! Wouldn't a one way car rental be pretty astronomical? I think we need to find a way to make it a loop if we are gonna rent a car. :-/

Saturday 7th of January 2023

Hi, it really depends and a one-way rental is not always more expensive. It's quite common for travelers to start in one Baltic State and end in the other, so many car rental companies are offering quite normal prices for one-way rentals. But you'd have to check what cars/prices are available for your travel dates and decide based on that. We're just back from a trip where we rented a car with a drop-off a few thousand kilometers away and they didn't even charge us any one-way fees. So you never know until you check. Good luck!

Monday 13th of June 2022

What an amazing trip plan!! I was planning a trip just like this but was a bit apprehensive given the war in Ukraine and proximity of Baltics to Russia. I see this was updated in May 2022. Do you know if there are any complications of border crossings, etc. due to the war. Looks TRULY amazing!

Tuesday 14th of June 2022

@Jurga, yes thank you!! Just booked my flight and will visit both. I plan on following this itinerary so many thanks!!

Hi Kari, my entire family lives in Lithuania and we are also visiting there soon, and I see no reason not to travel to the Baltics at the moment. Life is as usual everywhere there and if you just stay in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, I don't expect any issues. These are all EU countries so there are no border controls in between them. And they are also all NATO countries, so let's hope that's sufficient to keep things stable. For the rest, nobody can ever guarantee anything, but that is no different in the Baltics than anywhere else really. Hope this helps.

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Baltic Holidays

The Baltic Countries ( also known as the Baltic States ) are located in the northeast corner of Europe, perilously close to the Russia 'bear'. They consist of  three countries: Latvia , Lithuania and Estonia . Historically, the Baltic States have often been "clustered" into one, but the three countries are fiercely independent. Under Soviet rule till 1989 when the Wall fell, these jewels of the East only became officially independent in 1991.

Estonia has close linguisitic links with Finland , Latvia more to the Scandinavian countries of Norway , Sweden and Denmark with Lithuania less dependent on other countries, having once been part of the largest state in Europe,  the Polish/Lithuanian Commonwealth, which at its peak in the early 17th Century covered over 1 million square kilometres and held a multi-ethnic population of approximately 11 million.

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Destinations to visit in The Baltics Contact us to start your Baltic Travel experience »

Baltic Capitals

The Baltic Capitals tour offers an outstanding experience of getting acquainted with the diverse history and culturally rich architecture of the Baltic region. The tour features Riga , Tallinn , Helsinki, and Lappenranta . You will experince the countryside by coach and enjoy a leisurely cruise from Tallinn to Helsinki.

Baltic Highlights Tour

The Baltic Highlights Tour is a highly pleasant way to visit the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Join this professionally guided, English speaking tour, and stay in centrally located 4 star Radisson Blu Hotels.

Baltic Metropoles Tour

This comprehensive tour of four countries offers immersive experience, showcasing the diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes of the Baltic region, culminating in the vibrant and dynamic city of Helsinki.

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Baltic Beach Hideaway

Baltic Beach Club offers an exclusive beach experience for guests, promising unmatched luxury and distinction. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Baltic Sea, our private beach boasts comfortable sun loungers and lavish cabanas on pristine white sands.

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Extended Baltics Tour

The Extended Baltics Tour is an excellent way to get a true overview of the Baltic region. With this guided tour, not only do you see the thriving capitals of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, you also get a chance to explore the countryside and coast.

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Attractions & activities in The Baltics

Grutas Park

Druskininkai Attractions

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More about Baltic Holidays

The Baltic Countries, as defined, encompass the Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which all were constituent republics of the former Soviet Union from 1940 until regaining their independence in 1991.

The countries all have coastlines to the Baltic Sea to their West. The Baltic Sea is possibly the largest body of brackish water in the world. As it is an inland sea, between Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland and the Baltic States, the waterflow between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea is small, meaning the countries around it are in a position to reduce pollution and make it a cleaner Baltic Sea.

What are the Baltic nations?

Is a democratic, parliamentary republic consisting of 15 counties with over 1500 amazing islands and a superb capital in Tallinn , also the largest city. With a population of 1.3 Million, Estonia is one of the least populated members of the EU, Eurozone and NATO and uses the EUR currency. Estonia holidays  are ideal for true explorers, located between Latvia to the South, Russia to the East and Finland to the North. Virtually more than half of the teritory is covered by forest and reforestation has been occurring on a large scale since independence, making a trip to Estonia an ideal choice for a nature lover.

Latvia is nestled between Estonia to the North, Russia to the East and Lithuania to the South. Latvia has a population of 2.1 Million and originally became independent in 1918. Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union after the Second World War until its official independence in 1991. Latvia is a member of both the European Union and NATO and uses the Euro currency. Its capital, Riga , is the biggest city in the Baltic States.

Lithuania also has a parliamentary democracy and is based to the South of Latvia, with Russia to the East and Poland and Belarus to the South. Lithuania has 3.2 Million inhabitants with Vilnius as its capital. Lithuania was the first country to declare independence from the Soviet Union. They are today members of the EU, NATO, the Council of Europe and also use the Euro as their currency.

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Lithuania holidays.

Uncover one of Europe’s hidden gems with us on our Lithuania holidays. Full of gothic architecture and historic buildings, this charming country will leave you with long-lasting memories and the urge to revisit time and time again.

Trip to Lithuania

On a trip to Lithuania with us, we will visit the largest baroque Old Town in eastern Europe. Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, is filled with cobbled streets ready to be explored and baroque buildings for you to admire. Down every street, there’s something new to see that is full of history and our guided tours to Lithuania give you the opportunity to learn all about it.

From Vilnius Cathedral to its university, Gediminas Tower to the Gates of Dawn, the list goes on of iconic landmarks and structures. Lithuania trips are perfect for history lovers; find out about its complex, fascinating background dating back to the 14th century.

Enjoy the Baltic cuisine, discover the bohemian Užupis District, and visit Trakai and its famous castle on our holidays in Lithuania. Holidays to Lithuania may not be your first choice, but we guarantee they are the best surprise and will be a city break you’ll never forget.

No matter what type of holiday you’re looking for, all of our Lithuania holidays include return flights, accommodation, all transfers and an exciting array of excursions with a local guide.

Our Guided Holidays To Lithuania

Lithuania holiday faqs, what is included in my holiday.

Travel Department holidays include flights, transfers and hotel accommodation on bed and breakfast, half board or full board basis, and excursions as specified.

All items that are included are clearly stated in our documentation. Add-ons such as insurance, bags and single room supplements are mentioned separately. In some cases you may have to pay a local departure tax or local transport cost. This will be detailed in your documentation and our local guides will assist you with these. Tipping is not included in your holiday price and information regarding tipping will also be included with your travel documents.

Will I be met at the airport?

You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

What is the deposit and when is full payment due?

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• The Best of The Baltic Highlights in 8 days
• The Best of The Baltics and Helsinki in 10 days
• The Best of Poland in 7 days
• The Best of Poland and The Baltics in 13 days

June-October 2024, 10 days/9 nights

Currently 10 people are interested in this tour

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Baltic tours 2024, baltic tours, poland tours, all programs, the best of the baltics and helsinki in 10 days tour overview.

The grand quartet of spectacular Baltic capitals, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, and Helsinki, sends their greetings! Dive into an incredible tour of these Baltic metropolises, and you’ll soon discover what makes these cities in the Baltics and Helsinki so special. Your journey begins by exploring the most famous highlights in Vilnius. You can also enhance your experience with an optional tour to Trakai, a charming town known for its lakes and a stunning island castle.

From Vilnius, you’ll take a trip to Riga, visit the unique Hill of Crosses, and explore the luxurious Rundale Palace along the way. Once you arrive in Riga, you’ll uncover the amazing secrets of its colorful old town, including the masterful Art Nouveau architecture.

The third city on your itinerary is Tallinn, known for its unique medieval spirit, evident in its one-of-a-kind old town. After exploring the mysteries of the Estonian capital, you’ll cross the Gulf of Finland to reach the vibrant city of Helsinki.

In Helsinki, you can warm up in a Finnish sauna, embark on a city tour, and savor a delightful experience at one of the local coffee shops. Your time in Helsinki will be the perfect icing on the cake of this Baltic tour. The Baltics and Helsinki are eager to welcome you. Are you ready to embark on your Baltic fairytale?

The Best of The Baltics and Helsinki in 10 days tour package includes:

• 9 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels.
• 9 x buffet breakfast.
• Welcome meeting with champagne-cocktail or juice.
• Personalised welcome package.
• Entrances to Peter and Paul Church in Vilnius, Rundale Palace, medieval Great Guild Hall in Tallinn and Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki.
• Service of bilingual English-German speaking tour escort on all tours.
• Service of 1st class motor coaches or 1st class minivans throughout the itinerary.
• Ferry ticket Tallinn-Helsinki one way (2nd class).
• Portage at hotels.

Brief The Best of The Baltics and Helsinki in 10 days tour program:

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• Reviews (4)

What people are saying about this tour:

Susan – 2023 September 17 :

All aspects of the tour were professionally managed. The organizational skills of the company to coordinate language needs, to assist in the processes of booking and responding to questions, and to provide high quality senior tour guides and local expert guides is exemplary. Bravo! I very much enjoyed learning about the capitals we visited and appreciate how knowledgeable the guides were and how friendly and genuine they were. I would highly recommend Baltic Tours for the quality of the programs and staff. Accomodations ranged from excellent to good.The bus service was excellent. The drivers professional and courteous. I look forward to another Baltic Tours trip.

Dave – 2023 September 9 :

Me and my family have chosen this tour and we were so amazed by the places we saw and competent staff. I was speaking with Baltictours.com responsible people and I found the service of this travel agency to be excellent. They helped to choose the tour depends on our needs. Thank you Rasa and Iveta!

Keith – 2023 September 5 :

Baltic Metropoles is a good tour if you want to explore the east coast of Baltic sea. The guides presented the cities well and seemed that they know their stuff. Communication with Baltic tours was easy and staff there are honest. They’ve recommended to me, and Ireally recommend you to take several optional tours, especially one to Lahemma National Park. The nature there was stunning and you shouldn’t miss it. The tour is a good value for money deal, 5/5.

Dovila – 2023 July 11 :

The trip was awesome! The people in the major cities speak english very well and are really friendly. I’ve really enjoyed the cities, they have something special about them. The tour was carefully planned – we had just enough time to explore everything we wanted. The hotels are not the most expensive ones, however they were neat and comfortable. Would repeat this trip again!

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Professionally educated in sports and tourism management, Iveta is passionate about encouraging guests to explore the Northeastern region of Europe in the most attractive way. She has been working in the tourism industry since 2013, assisting customers from 64 countries, and she loves doing it!

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Baltic Highlights in a Week

On this classical roundtrip we will explore the three Baltic capitals Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn in a little more than a week. We will visit Europe's largest market in Riga, will take a stroll along the cobbled streets in Tallinn and will admire the baroque churhes of Vilnius.

Highlights: ♦ Vilnius old town with the 'Artists' republic' in Uzupis ♦ Trakai Castle ♦ Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace ♦ Riga Old Town and Market Halls in Riga ♦ Tallinn Old Town with St. Catherine's Passage

Day 1. (Sunday): Arrival Vilnius Arrival in Vilnius, optional transfer to the hotel, check-in, welcome meeting.

Day 2. (Monday): Vilnius Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning sightseeing tour includes a panoramic tour of the city and 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. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, with the well preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galve. In the evening enjoy an optional folklore dinner at Restaurant Senoji Trobele. B/-/-

Day 3. (Tuesday): Vilnius - Riga Heading for Riga, the first stop is the Hill 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 the hotel. B/-/-

Day 4. (Wednesday): Riga Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The 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 reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.B/-/-

Day 5. (Thursday): Riga After we got acquainted with Riga we have the possibility of discovering medieval Latvia. The optional tour for this morning takes us to the stunning scenery of the Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before we return to Riga. The afternoon offers an optional visit to Riga Motor Museum which has an impressive collection of vintage car including a very unique collection of old Soviet limousines from the Kremlin Garage. In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Three. B/-/-

Day 6. (Friday): Riga - Tallinn The tour continues along the coastal highway to the Estonian summer resort of Parnu. We do a short tour of the resort before we continue through the North Estonian land of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon, check-in at the hotel. B/-/-

Day 7. (Saturday): Tallinn Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. In the afternoon an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian Art museum, with its collections of classic and contemporary fine art. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Peppersack. B/-/-

Day 8. (Sunday): Tallinn. Departure Optional transfer to airport. B/-/-

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Baltic States

Baltic States Tours

We are specialists in private tailor-made tours of the baltic states.

The Baltic Holidays team are experts in travel to the Baltic States and you will benefit from over 20 years of experience and local knowledge to design and fulfill your visit to these truly fascinating countries. Chat with us about how to get the best private or group tour of the Baltic States tour for you. Don't be shy, we love a challenge!

Let's create the best Baltic tour for you...

When to travel?

You can tour the Baltic States all year round but there are very seasonal variations that you should consider.

How many are travelling?

From one to many, we cater for everyone and adapt the transport, accommodation and pace to suit.

How to travel?

Choose one or a combination of private transfers, train travel, local bus, or self-drive - to suit you.

How long to travel?

Tell us your available dates and time and we will recommend an itinerary from a short break to a long in-depth tour.

Do you prefer a group?

Join one of our handpicked group tours with excellent tour guides and like-minded travellers.

Must-see/do places?

If there is a tourist attraction, special interest place, family village, or place of intrigue for you - please say!

What are your interests?

We love to make your tour unique with some local experiences of interest to you - chat with us about this!

Special requests?

If you need flexibility, special transport, a translator, concert tickets, or local support - we are here to help.

Extend your tour?

We can combine your Baltic tour with connecting travel to Poland, Finland or other Nordic countries.

All of the above matters - it helps us recommend or create the ideal tour for you. Email, message or call us now to start planning your travels.

Thank you for putting together such an interesting and varied programme.

We enjoyed a really wonderful trip. The itinerary was great, and the hotels very well positioned in the towns, and very comfortable. Thank you for putting together such an interesting and varied programme. We had the pleasure of being shown the sights by some marvellous guides. All very passionate about their interests, and very interesting. Their English was extremely fluent, and their knowledge, second to none. We would certainly use your company in the future and recommend your service to our friends.

Baltic Capitals & Helsinki Private Tour, Mr & Mrs James, October 2018

Baltic States Private Tour

I wanted to drop you a line to say what a wonderful holiday we had in the Baltic area. Everything went exactly as planned and the guides were all excellent, knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The hotels were all well-selected and close to the main sights and trips were very informative and covered a lot of ground. Thank you and your team for all your hard work making our trip so enjoyable.

Mr & Mrs Perry, Baltic States Private Tour, July 2023

I wanted to drop you a line to say what a wonderful holiday we had in the Baltic area. Everything went exactly as planned and the guides were all excellent, knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The hotels were all well selected and close to the main sights and trips were very informative and covered a lot of ground. Thank you and your team for all your hard work making our trip so enjoyable.

Carol P, Baltic States Private Tour, July 2023

Our Top Tours In Baltic States

Beyond the Baltic Capitals Private Tour

Visiting Kaunas Palanga Zagare Bauska Parnu Muhu Saaremaa Tallinn Baltic States

From €2,600 pp

If you have been to the Baltic capitals of Tallinn, Riga & Vilnius, this tour welcomes you back to discover more of Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania. You will be surprised at how many outstanding sights and experiences there are beyond the Baltic capitals; from a secret Soviet missile base to spectacular sand dunes, local villages, manor houses, bog walks and tranquil islands.

Baltic Capitals Private Tour

Visiting Vilnius Riga Tallinn Baltic States

From €1,845 pp

Our MUCH LOVED private tour of the Baltic Capitals - Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn. Three nights in each old town, staying in handpicked hotels and the perfect mix of private guided tours and transfers, with independent time to explore & enjoy.

Baltic Christmas Markets Group Tour 2024

From €789 pp

Three Christmas Markets in One Trip! Our Christmas Markets Baltic Tour visits Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn in their winter splendour with delightful old town Christmas markets. A relaxing mix of guided tours, comfortable transfers and free time to explore.

Baltic Capitals Self-Drive Tour

From €980 pp

For those who like to self-drive, enjoy the freedom of the road and sightsee along the way - this is perfect. We will tailor an itinerary for you that is much more than going from A to B, you will benefit from our local contacts and knowledge to discover those hidden gems... all with our local support throughout your tour.

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Destinations

Experiences.

• Photography

Plan Your Trip

Discover baltic bliss.

One thing I learned, as I planned my own Baltic states travel itinerary months ago, is that there are as many tours of the Baltics as there are travelers who explore this European frontier. While some people (a narrow majority, perhaps) stick to the Baltic capitals of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, others prefer to explore the evergreen-encrusted sandbars and boggy forests that make up the Baltic landscape.

Whatever the end goal of your trip, my blissful Baltics itinerary will provide a solid foundation for your own adventure. I have a feeling you’ll be booking a flight by the time you’re finished reading it!

Practical Matters

When to visit the baltics.

Conventional wisdom says that Baltics weather is crappy outside the summer months, but climate change has thrown that out the window. Indeed, while only about half my early September days in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were sunny, a friend of mine who visited nearly a month later had pristine weather the whole time. Another approach to take, when it comes to the timing of your Baltics trip, is to go during the dead of winter as I did when I traveled to Russia .

Where to Stay in the Baltics

With the exception of certain properties in Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn (properties whose luxuriousness requires you to pay handsomely, I should add), most places you stay during your Baltic itinerary will be unremarkable—and that’s being kind. Indeed, while I loved my stay at Tallinn’s Villa Hortensia , and would’ve preferred to have slept at Hotel Justus in Riga, had my plans not changed at the last minute, most of my Baltic hotels were too unremarkable to remark upon.

How to Get Around in the Baltics

My approach to Baltic transport was as eclectic as the Baltic States themselves. While I subsisted primarily on cheap Lithuania trains and buses, and traveled by bus on my only day trip from Tallinn, I rented a car in Latvia. While I’m hesitant to characterize this as a mistake (though it was certainly an expensive choice whose ROI was questionable), I’d say that for most Baltic itineraries, public transport should be sufficient for getting around.

Money, Costs & Communication

Are the Baltics expensive? In a word no, though there are exceptions to this rule. For example, while I never paid more than 10 euro for a meal in Lithuania, and had several bus fares there I could pay with small change, prices in Riga and Tallinn were more in line with those you find in the better-known capitals of Europe. Overall, I’d say that most travelers can expect to pay around 100 USD per person, per day in the Baltic States, though backpackers can probably go as low as 50; there’s no upper limit, for better or for worse.

Most every Lithuania itinerary will start in the country’s capital Vilnius , though this shouldn’t be a default decision. Rather, Vilnius’ sprawling Old Town is a thing of beauty, whether you look out onto it from Gendiminas Castle Tower at sunset, or wake up early to traipse through the courtyard of Vilnius Cathedral before anyone else gets there.

Trakai and the Hill of Crosses

There will be plenty of castles on your Baltics itinerary, but there’s no place like Lithuania’s bizarre Hill of Crosses . On the other hand, the Vermillion-roofed Trakai Castle is perhaps my favorite fortress in the entirety of the Baltic States, even if seeing it on a day trip from Vilnius (the second of my 12-day Baltic adventure) did prove a little anti-climactic.

Klaipeda and the Curonian Spit

Likewise, most people’s Baltics travel will visit the Baltic Sea at some point—the clue is the name. While beaches and islands in Latvia and Estonia have their own charm, nothing in those countries comes close to Lithuania’s Curonian Spit . A 60-mile sandbar whose wild dunes and charming Nida town are fully worth the trek to Klaipeda city, the Curonian Spit is home to the most beautiful beaches in the Baltic States.

Many travelers wonder how many days in Riga they should spend; I always answer simply: All of them. Then I follow up, explaining that since Riga is near the geographical center of Latvia, it will be their home base. They’ll sleep there every night, though most will only spend a day or two explore Old Town Riga and the Art Nouveau architecture on offer just to the north of it.

Jurmala and Liepaja

My fawning for the Curonian Spit above notwithstanding, your Baltic itinerary is likely to visit the beach in several countries; in Latvia you have two main options. If you plan to travel by public transport and simple want to see the sea, get a bus to Jurmala , which is only 30 minutes from Riga and whose name literally means “Beach.” Liepaja , on the other hand, is something of a mini-Riga (and a more Soviet-style one at that), though its beach is disappointing, in my opinion.

Cesis, Kuldiga and Rundale

Having a car, though I previously expressed regret about my decision to have rented one, greatly opens up possibilities for your Latvia itinerary . For example, while travelers dependent upon public transport could probably only fit one of the three destinations listed above into their destination, a car allows you to see the castle towers of Cesis , the wide waterfall of Kuldiga and the Versailles-like palace at Rundale in one day.

Estonia’s capital is simultaneously the most beautiful city in the Baltics region and also the most disappointing one. I don’t say this to insult Tallinn , of course, or to suggest there’s nothing to see outside its Old Town — Kadriorg Palace refutes that notion on its own. Still, I can’t help but conclude that the city shows all its cards pretty immediately, pretty as they may be. If you feel the way I do, you can always take a day trip to Helsinki .

Lahemaa National Park

The best Baltic itinerary will always include time in a swampy forest, which is why a day trip from Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park (whose star attraction is, well, a bog-filled forest) is such an iconic addition to make to your trip. The bus from Tallinn to Viru Bog takes less than 35 minutes, while the entire loop around the bog (including a trip up the not-so-high observation tower) can be done in less than two hours, all-in.

Saremaa Island

Many an Estonia itinerary will include a visit to the much-hyped (among Estonians and those familiar with the country, anyway) Saremaa Island . However, if you this includes yours, you should keep in mind that it’s not very easy to visit on a day trip from Tallinn. The island is larger than it looks on the map; buses aren’t so frequent and are also not extremely quick. Book a hotel here, if you have enough time.

How Many Days Should You Spend in the Baltics?

One thing my Baltics itinerary doesn’t specifically delineate is how long your Baltic trip should last. Personally, I found a little under two weeks—which is to say four days each in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia—provided a sufficient balance of the culture, cities and nature that make this part of the world so special. You can adjust this up or down, depending both on the length of your own Europe itinerary , as well as whether you’re solely headed here, or to other parts of the continent.

Other FAQ About Visiting the Baltics

Which is the best baltic country to visit.

In my opinion, Lithuania is the most interesting Baltic country to visit. After you’ve had your filled of architecture and history in Vilnius, you can head to the coastal city of Klaipeda, which is just a stone’s throw from the dramatic beaches of the Curonian Split. While Riga (Lativa) and Tallinn (Estonia) are more interesting as cities than Vilnius, the rest of each of those countries are comparatively boring.

How do you travel between the Baltic States?

While buses run between major Baltic capitals, I personally find that flying is the best way to travel between Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, particularly if you’re short on time. AirBaltic, an airline that’s hubbed at Riga Airport, makes this especially easy, assuming you put Lativa at the center of your Baltic trip (as you should).

Which is nicer, Tallinn or Riga?

While Tallinn seems more made for Instagram and is certainly a more popular destination, I actually find Riga to be a more enjoyable city. It’s much larger and less touristic; the city is as much about its Art Deco district as it is about the quasi-Soviet edificies that stand in various places around its city center.

The Bottom Line

I hope this has helped you plan the ultimate Baltic states travel itinerary, from the eclectic capital cities of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, to the subtle fierceness of the landscapes that define the region. Whether you fashion your Baltic trip as I did, or use my Baltic trip plan as a blueprint for your own, one thing is for certain: This oft-overlooked corner of Europe is a part of the world you’ll never forget. Make sure to consider hiring me as your Travel Coach if you get stuck planning your trip to the Baltics.

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Stunning Baltics End Warsaw

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“Good hotels, good program giving a general information about the highlights of each place.” Carmen LydiaMercy de Araujo, traveled in May 2024

• See Trakai Castle on an island in Lithuania
• Visit Turaida Castle and stroll in Sigulda
• Explore medieval Tallinn's walls and squares

“The trip was well organized and went smoothly. I enjoyed the experience.” Donald Hurst, traveled in August 2021

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Stroll through medieval Tallinn and its ancient buildings
• Discover Riga's Old Town and architectural treasures
• Explore Vilnius Old Town and its historic sites

“Outstanding itinerary, food, and accommodation. Great local guides.” Peter Norris, traveled in June 2023

• Enjoy a panoramic tour of Berlin's historic sites
• Explore medieval Tallinn's walls and churches
• Discover Vilnius's Baroque churches and historic walls

“A great joy. Migle is a gem.” Kevin Bruce, traveled in May 2018

• Tour Riga's art nouveau architecture and Jurmala
• Visit the grand Rundale Palace and Hill of Crosses
• Climb the Great Dune on the Curonian Spit

“I have enjoyed multiple trips with Intrepid and love their small group travel style.” Karl S, traveled in May 2019

• Explore Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
• See ancient woodcarvings in Lithuania's forests
• Shop at Europe's second largest market

“The food was fantastic, and doing this as a group tour through G Adventures probably made the experience a whole lot better.” Mathew Nicol, traveled in May 2022

• Tour Saaremaa: meteorite lake and windmills
• Join a guided walk and beer tasting in Klaipeda
• Discover the Curonian Spit and Nida's dunes

“The people in the major cities speak english very well and are really friendly. The cities have something special about them.” Dovila, traveled in July 2017

• Explore Vilnius Old Town and its landmarks
• Visit the historic Rundale Palace and Hill of Crosses
• Discover Riga’s Old Town and architectural treasures

“Very knowledgeable on information places we visited. Luke you made the tour something that we will always remember.” Beatrix Lourens, traveled in August 2024

• Walking Adventure
• Explore Helsinki's iconic landmarks
• Tour medieval Gdansk and Warsaw
• Cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn

“Blue skies the whole time. Very professional.” THOMAS SPARHAWK, traveled in April 2024

• Wander the old towns and ancient streets, medieval castles and magnificent palaces
• Uncover the highlights of Riga, visiting the castle, Dome Cathedral, and many more
• Explore the beautiful old towns and historical significance of the Baltic capitals

“I enjoyed my entire trip! Driver was wonderful, I always felt safe.” Stephanie Samoska, traveled in August 2023

• Enjoy free days in Helsinki and Gdansk
• Enjoy locally-guided tours of Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Gdansk, Helsinki and Warsaw
• Experience the scenic Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing

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17-day Scandinavia & Baltic Highlights Tour

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Nyhavn waterfront is lined with restaurants, townhouses, and historical wooden boats

Opened in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is one of the world's oldest amusement parks

Helsinki, finland.

The Eastern orthodox Uspenski Cathedral overlooks the city's harbor

Norway fjords.

Take an unforgettable cruise through stunning Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord

Stockholm, sweden.

14 islands surrounded by pristine waters make this a quintessential Nordic destination

Tallinn, estonia.

Some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe can be found here

Riga, latvia.

Throughout its history, this vibrant city has lived under Swedish, Polish, Russian, Soviet and Nazi rule

Vilnius, lithuania.

This trendy Baltic capital is also known for its rich historical heritage

Pricing disclaimer.

Embark on a 17-day odyssey through Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, marvel at the breathtaking Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord, and embrace the majestic charm of Oslo. Discover Stockholm's archipelago, soak in Helsinki's seaside allure, and walk along Tallinn's medieval walls. Delve into the rich history of Riga, and savor the cultural tapestry of Vilnius. This adventure invites you to explore the vibrant capital cities and unique treasures of Scandinavia and the Baltic states, creating memories that will linger long after the journey ends. Highest Elevation : 2,833 feet at Myrdal Station on the Flåm Railway. Walking Expectations : “Active” - An average of 3 1/2 miles per day often encountering uneven surfaces, steps and inclines.

Tour Year 2024

Tour itinerary.

DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.

The Trip Documents provide instructions for airport check-in and for your arrival in Scandinavia. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

DAY 2 - DENMARK . . Arrival at Copenhagen Airport.

Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager for the transfer to your Copenhagen Airport area hotel. During the “Welcome to Scandinavia” dinner, get acquainted with your fellow travelers. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - DENMARK . . Copenhagen.

This morning, a local guide will introduce you to the treasures of Copenhagen, including Amalienborg Palace (residence of the queen and royal family), Frederiks Kirke (also known as the Marble Church), and Copenhagen’s trademark statue of the Little Mermaid. Following your city tour, Copenhagen’s Nyhavn district is the perfect setting for an independent lunch amid the colorful townhouses and historic wooden ships that line the canal. The afternoon is free to continue your exploration of Copenhagen or join your tour manager for an optional Danish Castles excursion (see Optional Excursions). This evening, entrance to the Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park and pleasure garden, is included. Take in the vibrant nightlife during an independent dinner at one of the park’s many restaurants. (Breakfast)

DAY 4 - DENMARK . . Copenhagen - Odense – Aalborg – Hirtshals.

Denmark is made up of the Jutland Peninsula as well as more than 400 islands, with Zealand and Funen as the largest. Upon departing the Danish capital, located on Zealand, travel west to Funen via the 18 kilometer (11.25 mile) Storebælt (Great Belt) Fixed Link, consisting of two bridges and a tunnel. By late morning, arrive in Odense for an included visit to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Born in 1805, from humble beginnings, Andersen went on to enormous fame for his beloved fairy tales including “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” The afternoon stop is in Aalborg, one of Denmark's oldest towns. Continue north on the Jutland Peninsula to the port city of Hirtshals, where you will embark on an overnight cruise to Bergen, Norway. Dinner will be served on-board. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - NORWAY . . Bergen – Stalheim.

Wake up to the invigorating breeze of the North Sea and arrive in Bergen’s harbor by mid-day. Bergen is one of Europe’s oldest port cities, established as a center of trade in the 12th century. Bergen’s old wharf, known as Bryggen, is a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. Wander among the historic row houses where you will find potters, jewelers and leather crafters, as well as restaurants and cafés. Departing Bergen, take in the pure Norwegian scenery on the way to your hotel in Stalheim. Before your included dinner, explore the grounds and take photos of the hotel’s aesthetically unique location. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 6 - NORWAY . . Flåm Railway – Fjord Cruise – Stalheim.

Spectacular vistas abound today! Experience a one-hour journey on the scenic Flåm Railway, taking you past mountains, waterfalls and stunning landscapes. The railway itself is an engineering marvel, descending 2,844 feet as you approach Flåm. Pause in Flåm to enjoy a relaxing independent lunch and explore the village shops or the railway museum. This afternoon, board a fjord steamer for a two-hour cruise through the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, the world's narrowest fjord and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark at Gudvangen where the motor coach will be waiting to return you to the Stalheim hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - NORWAY . . Borgund – Oslo.

This morning, visit the Borgund Stave Church. Made of wood and coated in a unique natural tar, stave churches dotted the countryside of Norway during the Middle Ages. Built around 1180, Borgund is exceptionally well preserved and is one of the most distinctive stave churches still standing. From Borgund, lush wooded areas, hills, lakes and resort villages complement the journey towards Oslo. Make an afternoon stop before reaching your Oslo hotel for check-in and an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 8 - NORWAY . . Oslo.

A local city guide will accompany you and provide insight into Oslo’s scenic waterfront, fjord-influenced landscape and Norwegian culture. The fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park is included in your orientation tour. You’ll also see landmarks such as the Parliament building, Royal Palace, and Oslo City Hall — venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that Oslo has to offer. Aker Brygge, the revitalized waterfront district, is a pleasant place for an independent lunch and for further exploration. Considerations for how to spend your afternoon leisure time include touring the Akershus Fortress, studying intriguing works of art at the Munch Museum, or joining the optional Bygdoy Peninsula excursion (see Optional Excursions), including the Fram and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. Dinner is independent this evening, providing the opportunity to experience Oslo’s rich culinary culture. (Breakfast)

DAY 9 - SWEDEN . . Stockholm.

Today is a full day of travel from Oslo to Stockholm. Take in the beautiful scenery as you pass by rich farmlands, expansive pine forests, rustic terrain and pristine lakes. Stop for an independent lunch in one of the small towns along the way. Dinner will be served after check-in at your Stockholm area hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10 - SWEDEN . . Stockholm.

Start the day with an overview of city landmarks by motor coach, followed by a walking tour through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. Situated on Stadsholmen Island and two islets, Gamla Stan dates back to the 13th century and consists of medieval alleyways, cobbled streets, and well-preserved Gothic buildings including the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, and the Riddarholmen Church (one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm). For your independent lunch in Gamla Stan, try a Swedish smörgåsbord at one of the many restaurants. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or join your tour manager for an optional Drottningholm Palace excursion (see Optional Excursions). This evening, return to the Stockholm city center for an independent dinner in the lively and bustling Swedish capital. (Breakfast)

DAY 11 - SWEDEN . . Stockholm - Skansen & Overnight Cruise to FINLAND.

Stroll along Stockholm's harbor or join your tour manager for the optional Vasa Museum excursion (see Optional Excursions). By lunchtime, transfer to Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum. Founded in 1891, Skansen features 150 Swedish farms and dwellings illustrating the different social conditions in which people lived between the 16th and the early 20th centuries. Staff members are dressed in period clothing and provide insight into daily life over the past 500 years. The museum is also home to the Stockholm Zoo, which features native Nordic animals. Enjoy an independent lunch in Skansen before transferring to the harbor to check-in for the overnight cruise to Helsinki, Finland. Explore the ship before dining on a lavish buffet dinner. Spend the rest of your evening experiencing all that the ship has to offer including tax free shopping, musical entertainment and dancing. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12 - FINLAND . . Helsinki.

While you have breakfast on deck, the island-dotted shores of Finland come into view. The cruise ship will dock in Helsinki by mid-morning. Board the motor coach and proceed to the city center where a local guide will join you to share some of the city’s most attractive sites including the Rock Church, Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Cathedral. For your free time this afternoon, Helsinki’s open-air markets sell traditional foods and local treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. After check-in at your hotel, continue your exploration of the city during an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

DAY 13 - ESTONIA . . Tallinn.

Transfer to the Helsinki ferry terminal for a two-hour crossing over the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, Estonia. Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best maintained medieval cities in Europe. A local guide will take you on a walking tour through the winding cobbled streets of the Old Town. This well-preserved 13th-century city is divided into two distinct parts: Toompea Hill, which was home to the gentry that lorded over the countryside; and the Lower Town, where merchants traded goods from around the world on the Town Hall Square. Find a quiet restaurant in the Old Town for an independent dinner or participate in the optional Olde Hansa Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - ESTONIA . . Tallinn – Pärnu & LATVIA . . Riga.

Depart Tallinn and travel to Pärnu, a medieval city which also happens to be Estonia’s ultimate summer holiday destination due to its romantic laid-back atmosphere, sandy beaches, spas and restaurants. Stop at a local market to purchase snack items for a picnic along the beach promenade, or enjoy lunch at one of the sidewalk cafés. This afternoon, continue your journey into Latvia, where you will spend the next two nights in the capital city of Riga. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15 - LATVIA . . Riga.

Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a skyline of Gothic spires mingled with one of the world’s richest collections of Art Nouveau architecture. A local guide will point out some of the highlights of Riga including the Castle, St. Peter’s Church and Dome Cathedral. Following the city tour, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. For lunch, wind your way through the enormous Central Market offering savory sausage, cheese, black bread, smoked fish and other local favorites. Or, enjoy a hearty meal at a friendly bistro. You may wish to try the mysterious Riga Black Balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made with natural ingredients mixed in pure vodka. The Old Town is within walking distance and is an excellent place to soak up the local sights and flavors during an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

DAY 16 - LITHUANIA . . Vilnius.

Your mid-day destination today is Lithuania’s capital city. The Old Town of Vilnius bustles with fairy-tale charm and offers quaint cafés and restaurants for an independent lunch. Begin your afternoon on a walking tour with a local guide who will provide valuable insight into the city’s history and culture amid Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Following the city tour, take some additional time to browse the boutiques and flower vendors before transferring to the hotel for a “Farewell Dinner” with your fellow tour participants. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 17 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.

Early morning transfer to the Vilnius Airport for your return flight home.

Travel Time

Overnight flight from the U.S.A to Copenhagen .

Arrive at Copenhagen Airport . Meet your tour manager and travel (¼ hr) to your Copenhagen Airport Area hotel followed by a  " Welcome to Scandinavia" dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

Enjoy a city tour (3 hrs total by coach and on foot) of Copenhagen with a local guide, followed by free time in the city center. Explore further by joining the optional Danish Castle excursion (2½ hrs round trip). End the day with independent dinner during an included visit to Tivoli Gardens before returning to your Copenhagen Airport Area hotel (¾ hr). (Breakfast)

Depart Copenhagen and travel (2½ hrs) to Odense . After sightseeing, continue (2¼ hrs) to Aalborg . In the late afternoon, transfer (1 hr) to the port city of Hirtshals where you will board your overnight cruise to Bergen, Norway. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Enjoy the morning cruising along Norway’s coast before the mid-day arrival in Bergen  for free time and independent lunch. Travel across Norway (2 hrs), stopping   briefly before arriving (1 hr) at your hotel in Stalheim . (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning, take a ride (1 hr) on the Flåm railway. Following free time in Flåm , board a fjord steamer for a 2-hr boat ride through Nærøyfjord . Disembark at Gudvangen where your coach will take you back (½ hr) to your Stalheim hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Travel (2 hrs) to your morning stop in Borgund . After your lunch stop (1¾ hrs), enjoy the scenery as you continue (2 hrs) to your afternoon stop and onto (1½ hrs) your hotel in Oslo . (Breakfast, Dinner)

Join a local guide for a tour through Oslo (3 hrs total by coach and on foot). Time for independent sightseeing or join the optional  Bygdoy Peninsula excursion (½ hr by ferry). After independent dinner in the city, return (½ hr) to your Oslo Hotel. (Breakfast)

A full day of travel. Drive (1½ hrs) to a morning stop. Continue (1¾ hrs) to a lunch stop in one of the farm villages along the way. Travel (2 hrs) to an early afternoon stop, and then onward (1½ hrs) to a late afternoon stop, before reaching (1½ hrs) your Stockholm hotel where dinner will be served upon arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)

A guided tour (3 hrs total by coach and on foot) provides a panoramic overview of Stockholm . The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or join the optional Drottingholm Palace excursion (1 hr round trip). Tonight's dinner is independent. (1 hr round trip transfer) (Breakfast)

Enjoy a leisurely morning or join the optional excursion (½ hr) to Vasa Museum . Arrive (¼ hr) in Skansen for lunch and free time at the open-air museum. Transfer (½ hr) to the harbor for the overnight ferry cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki . (Breakfast, Dinner)

Upon arrival in Helsinki , proceed (1 hr) to the open-air markets for an independent lunch. In the afternoon, a local guide will show you the city sights (3 hrs total by coach and on foot). An independent dinner allows more time to get to know Helsinki before checking in at the hotel (½ hr transfer). (Breakfast)

Transfer (½ hr) to the Helsinki ferry terminal for a 2-hr crossing through the gulf to Estonia . Upon arrival (½ hr) in Tallinn , check-in at your hotel. A local guide will join you for a walking tour. Dinner is independent or join the optional Olde Hansa Dinner excursion (½ hr round trip). (Breakfast)

Depart Tallinn and travel (2 hrs) to Parnu . After independent lunch, cross the border (1 hr) into Latvia and continue (2 hrs) to your hotel in Riga . (Breakfast, Dinner)

During a guided tour (3 hrs total by coach and on foot) of Riga , a local guide will point out the highlights. The afternoon is for independent sightseeing. This evening soak up the local flavor during an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

Cross the border (1½ hrs) into Lithuania . Your mid-day destination (2¾ hrs including a short stop) is the capital city of Vilnius . In the afternoon, take a walking tour of Vilnius with a local guide. Enjoy a "Farewell Dinner" at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Early morning transfer (½ hr) to the Vilnius Airport for your return flight home.

Favorite Traveler Experiences

•   Survey the local catch at the colorful and lively Bergen fish market
•   Admire the stunning scenery on the Flåm Railway and Fjord cruise
•   Touch 900-year-old Runic engravings on the doors of a Stave Church
•   Marvel at craftsmanship and ingenuity at the Viking Ship Museum
•   Watch the changing of the guard at Stockholm’s Royal Palace
•   Sail through the Stockholm archipelago on a ferry to Helsinki
•   Walk along the medieval wall in Tallinn, Estonia’s attractive capital
•   Taste Riga Black Balsam and shop for Baltic amber products in Latvia
•   Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
•   14 Breakfasts and 9 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
•   Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
•   Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
•   Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
•   Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance

Traveler Reviews

Kenneth & barbara m., daniel & gail m..

The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.

Select Departure Month

Upcoming departures, may 07, 2025, may 23, 2025, $6,190 p.p.d.o., jun 25, 2025, jul 11, 2025, sep 03, 2025, sep 19, 2025, tour hotels.

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Copenhagen

• climate control
• in-room safe
• private beach
• outdoor pool

Fjordline: Hirtshals - Bergen Ferry

• beautiful sea views

Stalheim Hotel

Radisson Blu Oslo Alna

• air conditioning
• wellness area

Scandic Hotel Alvik

• fitness room

Tallink Silja Line – Stockholm to Helsinki

• restaurants
• live entertainment

Holiday Inn Helsinki

• fitness center

Hestia Hotel Europa

• satellite TV

Radisson Blu Latvija

Courtyard by Marriot Vilnius Centre

Optional excursions.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS

Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.

DANISH CASTLES

A local guide will introduce you to the Frederiksborg Castle, built in the beginning of the 17th century and established on the three islets of Castle Lake. Make a photo stop at Kronborg Castle, forever immortalized as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and situated at a prominent seaside location. Return to Copenhagen along the scenic “Gold Coast.”

BYGDOY PENINSULA

For a unique perspective on Norway’s seafaring history, take a ferry through Oslo’s scenic harbor to the Bygdoy Peninsula. Here, you will visit the Fram Museum to see the world’s best built wooden ship. Between the years 1893 and 1912, Norwegian explorers used this ship during three monumental polar expeditions in the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica. Continue to the Norwegian Folk Museum which consists of 160 buildings providing insight into Norwegian life and culture from 1500 to the present time. (The Viking Ship Museum is closed for reconstruction until 2026.)

DROTTNINGHOLM PALACE

Not far from Stockholm, on the island of Lovön, lies Drottningholm Palace, the private residence of the Swedish royal family. A guide will provide insight on the history and compelling details of the palace while you tour the magnificent interior salons from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. After the tour, you will have time to walk through the impressive Baroque garden surrounding the Palace.

VASA MUSEUM

The Vasa was a 64-gun warship which sank in Stockholm harbor during her maiden voyage in 1628. The Vasa was salvaged from the sea bed in 1961 in remarkable condition due to the unique chemistry and frigid temperatures of the harbor water. Today, Vasa is the world’s best preserved 17th-century ship. The explanation by a museum guide and a short film will provide valuable insight for your visit. You will also have time to independently peruse the exhibits.

OLDE HANSA DINNER

Tallinn’s Olde Hansa Restaurant invites you into a medieval merchant’s home where guests experience a feast prepared using 15th-century recipes and cooking methods. The meal is served by costumed staff in an authentic, candle-lit atmosphere.

Tour Extensions

Copenhagen pre-tour extension, vilnius post-tour extension, tour year 2025.

Today begins your Scandinavia & Baltic Highlights adventure. The Image Tours “Departure Instructions” will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager for the transfer to your Copenhagen Airport area hotel. During the “Welcome to Scandinavia” dinner, get acquainted with your fellow travelers. (Dinner)

This morning, a local guide will introduce you to the treasures of Copenhagen, including Amalienborg Palace (residence of the queen and royal family), Frederiks Kirke (also known as the Marble Church), and Copenhagen’s trademark statue of the Little Mermaid. Following your city tour, Copenhagen’s Nyhavn district is the perfect setting for an independent lunch amid the colorful townhouses and historic wooden ships that line the canal. The afternoon is free to continue your exploration of Copenhagen or join your tour manager for an optional Danish Castles excursion (see Optional Excursions). This evening, entrance to the Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park and pleasure garden. Take in the vibrant nightlife during an independent dinner at one of the park’s many restaurants. (Breakfast)

Denmark is made up of the Jutland Peninsula as well as more than 400 islands, with Zealand and Funen as the largest. Upon departing the Danish capital, located on Zealand, travel west to Funen via the 18 kilometer (11.25 mile) Storebælt (Great Belt) Fixed Link, consisting of two bridges and a tunnel. By late morning, arrive in Odense for an included visit to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Born in 1805, Andersen went from humble beginnings to enormous fame for his beloved fairy tales including “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Continue north on the Jutland Peninsula to the port city of Hirtshals, where you will embark on an overnight cruise to Bergen, Norway. Dinner will be served on-board. (Breakfast, Dinner)

A local city guide will accompany you and provide insight into Oslo’s scenic waterfront, fjord-influenced landscape and Norwegian culture. The fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park is included in your orientation tour. You’ll also see landmarks such as the Parliament building, Royal Palace, and Oslo City Hall the venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that Oslo has to offer. Aker Brygge, the revitalized waterfront district, is a pleasant place for an independent lunch and for further exploration. Considerations for how to spend your afternoon leisure time include touring the Akershus Fortress, studying intriguing works of art at the Munch Museum, or joining the optional Bygdoy Peninsula excursion (see Optional Excursions), including the Fram and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. Dinner is independent this evening, providing the opportunity to experience Oslo’s rich culinary culture. (Breakfast)

Enjoy breakfast on the ship's deck as the island-dotted shores of Finland come into view. The cruise ship will dock in Helsinki by mid-morning. Board the motor coach and proceed to the city center where a local guide will join you to share some of the city’s notable sites including the Rock Church, Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Cathedral. This afternoon, Helsinki’s open-air markets sell traditional foods and local treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. After check-in at your hotel, continue your exploration of the city during an independent dinner. (Breakfast)

Transfer to the Helsinki ferry terminal for a two-hour crossing over the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, Estonia. Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best maintained medieval cities in Europe. A local guide will take you on a walking tour through the winding cobbled streets. This well-preserved 13th-century city is divided into two distinct parts: Toompea Hill, which was home to the gentry that lorded over the countryside; and the Lower Town, where merchants traded goods from around the world on the Town Hall Square. Find a quiet restaurant in the Old Town for an independent dinner or participate in the optional Olde Hansa Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)

Depart Tallinn and travel to Pärnu, a medieval city and the ultimate Estonian summer destination. While there take in its laid-back atmosphere, sandy beaches, spas and restaurants. Stop at a local market to purchase snack items for a picnic along the beach promenade, or enjoy lunch at one of the sidewalk cafés. This afternoon, continue your journey into Latvia, where you will spend the next two nights in the capital city of Riga. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today's destination is Lithuania’s delightful capital city of Vilnius. The Old Town bustles with fairy-tale charm and offers quaint cafés and restaurants for an independent lunch. Begin your afternoon on a walking tour with a local guide who will provide valuable insight into the city’s history and culture amid Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Following the city tour, take some additional time to browse the boutiques and flower vendors before transferring to the hotel for a “Farewell Dinner” with your fellow tour participants. (Breakfast, Dinner)

•   Marvel at craftsmanship and ingenuity at the Fram Museum
•   Tour Manager for the full duration of the tour within Europe
•   Trip Documents with final details and travel guidance

Crowne Plaza Helsinki-Hesperia

Neringa Hotel Vilnius

• airport shuttle

A local guide will introduce you to the Frederiksborg Castle, built in the beginning of the 17th century and established on the three islets of Castle Lake. With its many towers and spires, this is the largest Renaissance castle in the Nordic region. Make a photo stop at Kronborg Castle, forever immortalized as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and situated at a prominent seaside location. Return to Copenhagen along the scenic “Gold Coast.”

For a unique perspective on Norway’s seafaring history, take a ferry through Oslo’s scenic harbor to the Bygdoy Peninsula. Here, you will visit the Fram Museum to see the world’s best built wooden ship. BetFor a unique perspective on Norway’s seafaring history, take a ferry through Oslo’s scenic harbor to the Bygdoy Peninsula. Here, you will visit the Fram Museum to see the world’s best built wooden ship. Between 1893 and 1912, Norwegian explorers used this ship during three monumental polar expeditions in the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica. Continue to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History which features an extensive collection of Norwegian artifacts. It also incorporates a large open-air museum with more than 150 buildings, relocated from towns and rural districts.

Not far from Stockholm, on the island of Lovön, lies Drottningholm Palace, the private residence of the Swedish royal family. A guide will provide insight on the history and other details of the palace while you tour the magnificent interior salons from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. After the tour, you will have time to walk through the impressive Baroque garden surrounding the Palace.

17-day Scandinavia & Baltic Highlights Tour Map