A Baltic Christmas
Choose the month of travel, how many travelers and what star level accommodation you'd like to stay in, then get an instant price estimate.
Once you’ve done that you can request a tailor-made itinerary based on this by entering just a few more details.
Thank you!
Thank you for your interest in taking a trip based on this itinerary. One of our expert travel advisors will be in touch soon to start tailoring it precisely to your preferences.
Ooops!?
Something went wrong at our end, please try again in a moment.
What's Included
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Tallinn
Riga
Vilnius
package excludes:
- Flights from and to your home country.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A Travel Advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your destination-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.3 Nights in Tallinn
3 Nights in Tallinn
3 Nights in Tallinn
A visit to Tallinn, the oldest capital city in Northern Europe, is a trip back in time. The cobblestone streets, UNESCO-listed medieval walls, and stunning church spires give it an Old World charm you’ll love exploring. But there are all the modern amenities here too, and today Tallinn is a truly unique destination with the best of the old and the new. You’ll also see influences of both the east and west in the architecture and cuisine, as Estonia is a short ferry ride from Helsinki. The restaurants, quaint cafes and chic boutiques are places you’ll love to linger, while the long coastline is ideal for strolling. There are so many different ways to see the city, because Tallinn is so rich in history. See how beer influenced local history, or explore the reminders of life under the Soviet regime. Take a walking tour of the beautiful Old Town, or a driving tour to see more of the city. There are distinct neighborhoods here and each one feels distinct. Tallinn is very tech-savvy, so the business district is always modern and bustling. The bohemian Kalamaja neighborhood is a great place to have a drink or a bite to eat. The picturesque Lahemaa National Park is one of the best day trips from Tallinn, and you’ll have fun wandering through nature here before returning to the city to find more of its charms.
A visit to Tallinn, the oldest capital city in Northern Europe, is a trip back in time. The cobblestone streets, UNESCO-listed medieval walls, and stunning church spires give it an Old World charm you’ll love exploring. But there are all the modern amenities here too, and today Tallinn is a truly unique destination with the best of the old and the new. You’ll also see influences of both the east and west in the architecture and cuisine, as Estonia is a short ferry ride from Helsinki. The restaurants, quaint cafes and chic boutiques are places you’ll love to linger, while the long coastline is ideal for strolling. There are so many different ways to see the city, because Tallinn is so rich in history. See how beer influenced local history, or explore the reminders of life under the Soviet regime. Take a walking tour of the beautiful Old Town, or a driving tour to see more of the city. There are distinct neighborhoods here and each one feels distinct. Tallinn is very tech-savvy, so the business district is always modern and bustling. The bohemian Kalamaja neighborhood is a great place to have a drink or a bite to eat. The picturesque Lahemaa National Park is one of the best day trips from Tallinn, and you’ll have fun wandering through nature here before returning to the city to find more of its charms.
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Tallinn
When you arrive, we'll have a driver waiting to greet you. You'll be taken to your accommodation in the photogenic medieval Old Town of Tallinn, the Estonian capital. The airport is very close so the journey should take less than 15 minutes.
Get a Bird's-Eye View
Day 2
Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Tallinn
Discover Medieval Wonders
Europe's Best Christmas Market?
Tallinn and Zagreb frequently trade places at the top of "best Christmas market" lists and polls, and we invite you to decide for yourself which you prefer. Tallinn's Christmas market is wonderfully atmospheric, as it sits at the center of the medieval old town, in front of its city hall. Tallinn invented the tradition of publicly displaying a Christmas tree. Accordingly, a particularly impressive specimen sits at the market's center, with colorful wooden stalls radiating outwards. Come hungry, as you’ll find candied nuts, sausages, and Nordic mulled wine (Glogg) and warm Vana Tallinn liqueur. This market excels in handicrafts, especially traditional hand-knit woollen winter wear such as mittens, socks, and hats.
Day 3
Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Tallinn
Bog-shoe Hiking Private Tour
For something a bit more unusual, walk across one of Estonia's largest bogs with special bog-shoes (otherwise, you would sink right in!) Bogs are very dear to Estonians, and have always been part of its culture, so a visit to Estonia is incomplete without a bog walk. Visiting an Estonian bog is a strangely unworldly experience, with their calm pools of black (but drinkable!) water, stunted trees, and endless berry bushes. With the help of equipment akin to snowshoes, you'll visit otherwise inaccessible places. This tour will take you beyond the boardwalks and observation towers to normally inaccessible areas, home to more wildlife. Have an unforgettable adventure in Estonia and come to a bog-shoe hike in the picturesque Kõnnu Suursoo, less than an hour east of Tallinn. This tour is available year-round, as the bog has a different face to show every season.
Baroque History: Kadriorg Palace and Park
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Riga by Private Transfer
The Latvian capital of Riga awaits you today, as well as the opportunity to explore more of Estonia. First, we'll arrange for a private car to pick you up at your accommodation in Tallinn and bring you to your centrally located Riga accommodation. Along the way you will be stopping at the southern part of Estonia and the charming university town of Tartu. Please keep in mind this is a non guided transfer and tickets to different attractions are not included! The whole journey including stops takes about 9 hours.
The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class vehicle for an extra fee.
2 Nights in Riga
2 Nights in Riga
2 Nights in Riga
Riga's story is one of resurrection. After being damaged by fighting in World War II, the city has returned to beautiful prominence after two decades of independence. Riga really has come a long way, earning UNESCO World Heritage status and being named the European Capital of Culture for 2014. This is a lovely city that takes art and culture seriously, with a packed classical music calendar and events held nightly. You’ll find plenty to enjoy in this Baltic capital. Exploring the city, you’ll have the largest market and bazaar in Europe on-hand, as well as the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. You could spend days wandering around admiring these beautiful buildings. But there’s more to do. The city is rich in museums, galleries and concert halls, so your cultural calendar will be full during your stay. And the nightlife is excellent too, with fine restaurants, boutique bars and cute cafes. Rundale and Sigulda are both gorgeous castles and palaces reachable for a day trip.
Riga's story is one of resurrection. After being damaged by fighting in World War II, the city has returned to beautiful prominence after two decades of independence. Riga really has come a long way, earning UNESCO World Heritage status and being named the European Capital of Culture for 2014. This is a lovely city that takes art and culture seriously, with a packed classical music calendar and events held nightly. You’ll find plenty to enjoy in this Baltic capital. Exploring the city, you’ll have the largest market and bazaar in Europe on-hand, as well as the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. You could spend days wandering around admiring these beautiful buildings. But there’s more to do. The city is rich in museums, galleries and concert halls, so your cultural calendar will be full during your stay. And the nightlife is excellent too, with fine restaurants, boutique bars and cute cafes. Rundale and Sigulda are both gorgeous castles and palaces reachable for a day trip.
Day 4
Day 4 - Arrival in Riga
Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Riga.
Christmas Trees and a Bunny Kingdom
Riga's Old Town is an ideal home for its best Christmas markets. We recommend visiting Esplenade Park's “Bunny Kingdom," populated by live rabbits. Vegetables are on hand so you can feed the inhabitants of this miniature walled city (complete with churches and towers). On Saturday, follow the locals and cross the river to the Kalnciems District's own Christmas market. Riga was the second city (after Tallinn) to display Christmas trees, although its tree was originally used for a bonfire. Today, it celebrates with creative trees, arranged along a route connecting many of the center’s landmarks.
Day 5
Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Riga
Introducing Riga
Today you’ll be exploring the beautiful city of Riga and its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Historically an important trading port on the Baltic Sea, Riga had a strategic advantage for invaders, which resulted in periods of Polish, German, Swedish and Soviet rule all leaving their mark. You’ll walk through the winding streets of the Old Town to take in the sublime architecture as your guide makes the past come alive for you with stories. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation for this 2-hour tour, and will bring you back to your accommodation, or suggest places for further exploration.
The Artists’ Neighborhood: Kalnciema Quarter
One neighborhood in Riga you don’t want to miss is Kalnciema, an old part of the city that has unique wooden architecture. These days it’s one of the most creative parts of Riga. You’ll find markets, ateliers, great cafes and restaurants and more. The quarter has its own website, so be sure to check to see what’s happening before you visit. You can expect everything from concerts to food festivals.
Central Market Private Tour
Come and discover what Latvian food is all about, what the locals eat, and where they do so. This excursion will show you many local specialties, allowing you to taste and experience them. Find out about the history of the Riga Central Market (housed inside giant zeppelin hangars), with seasonal foods and more. This is a tasting tour, so be prepared to try quite new foods and beverages. The tour is a walking tour with tastings within the market, instead of gourmet restaurants, providing an authentic taste of Latvian food, with real locals.
Day 6
Day 6 - Traveling to Vilnius by Private Transfer
A private driver will pick you up today for your trip to the intriguing Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. Along the way, there will be a couple of stops to break up the drive. First, you'll explore the impressively decadent Rundale Palace in Latvia. After entering Lithuania, you'll make a shorter stop at the UNESCO site known as the Hill of Crosses. Please keep in mind this is a non-guided transfer and tickets to different attractions are not included. Your driver will take you to your Vilnius accommodation at the end of the journey. The journey takes about 8 hours including stops. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon, or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.
3 Nights in Vilnius
3 Nights in Vilnius
3 Nights in Vilnius
With one of the oldest surviving Old Town neighborhoods in Europe, as well as a collection of classic architecture from Baroque to Gothic and everything in between, Vilnius is sure to astound you. Walking around the city and marveling at the sites is a pleasure in itself, but there’s much more to do here because Vilnius is also a vibrant cultural epicenter, with concerts and art exhibitions happening regularly. There are also numerous outdoor activities and day trips to enjoy while you stay in the city. It might surprise you, but hot air balloons are a popular pastime in and around Vilnius, and the city is one of the few in Europe that allows hot air balloons to float directly over the city, so you’re guaranteed a spectacular view whether you opt for a flight over the city or nearby Trakai. There’s also a rich Jewish heritage to explore here, including the former synagogue and the larger and smaller ghetto. We’d also recommend delving into the darker areas of the city’s past and exploring the communist era and the history of the KGB in Vilnius at the KGB Museum. Don’t miss Uzupis, a bohemian neighborhood of galleries, restaurants, and cafes that doubles as a tongue-in-cheek sovereign state, complete with its own charming constitution, three-boat navy, and flags (one per season).
With one of the oldest surviving Old Town neighborhoods in Europe, as well as a collection of classic architecture from Baroque to Gothic and everything in between, Vilnius is sure to astound you. Walking around the city and marveling at the sites is a pleasure in itself, but there’s much more to do here because Vilnius is also a vibrant cultural epicenter, with concerts and art exhibitions happening regularly. There are also numerous outdoor activities and day trips to enjoy while you stay in the city. It might surprise you, but hot air balloons are a popular pastime in and around Vilnius, and the city is one of the few in Europe that allows hot air balloons to float directly over the city, so you’re guaranteed a spectacular view whether you opt for a flight over the city or nearby Trakai. There’s also a rich Jewish heritage to explore here, including the former synagogue and the larger and smaller ghetto. We’d also recommend delving into the darker areas of the city’s past and exploring the communist era and the history of the KGB in Vilnius at the KGB Museum. Don’t miss Uzupis, a bohemian neighborhood of galleries, restaurants, and cafes that doubles as a tongue-in-cheek sovereign state, complete with its own charming constitution, three-boat navy, and flags (one per season).
Day 6
Day 6 - Arrival in Vilnius
A Christmas Rivalry
Vilnius and Kaunas’ rivalry takes many forms. Chief among them are its Christmas trees, which get more elaborate every year as the current and former capital try to prove their supremacy. The city's largest square, in front of the cathedral, naturally hosts the main Christmas market. This bazaar excels at pastries and candied nuts, as well as a surprising amount of herbal teas. The nearby city hall's market is a bit smaller and quieter, for those seeking something more atmospheric. For something different, head to the alternative Christmas market hosted by the train station at the other end of the old town. Here you're more likely to hear techno than choral carols, and can drink hot chocolate beer or eat fondue. Concerts are held for adults and children near food trucks.
Day 7
Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Vilnius
Vilnius Private Walking Tour
You'll have the chance to really get in touch with the vibrant culture of Vilnius, not just its history and buildings, on this enjoyable walking tour. Your guide will show you the ins and outs of the real city, regaling you with stories from the past and present. Learn more about Vilnius' Jewish, Polish, Russian, and Lithuanian heritage while discovering the city's most impressive sites, including the Old Town, the St. Stanislovas and Vladislovas cathedrals, Vilnius University, the Presidential Palace and more. It's the perfect introduction to this charming destination.
Unique Uzupis
Take the opportunity to explore one of Vilnius’ most colorful neighborhoods, Uzupis. It goes back to 1995, when a group of artists erected a statue of Frank Zappa in the area and declared Uzupis an independent republic. Soon flags were being created and the energy of the place seemed to attract eccentrics from all over the country. Today the mayor of Vilnius actively supports the republic and often takes part in the many activities going on there. There’s plenty to do in the neighborhood, so don’t be afraid to explore, here you’re bound to find some very photogenic people and places.
Day 8
Day 8 - Your Second Full Day in Vilnius
Trakai Group Tour
When in Vilnius, you'd be remiss if you missed Trakai. Located just 17 miles from Vilnius, this medieval Lithuanian capital is situated on a picturesque isthmus, next to the famous red brick Trakai Island Castle. On this tour, you'll explore the historic town with its unique Karaites (Crimean Tatars following their own form of Judaism) and other ethnic minorities, see the well-preserved ruins of the Peninsula Castle, visit the Castle museum, and enjoy free time to explore the town on your own.
Flavors of Vilnius Private Walking Tour
With a fascinating fusion of Jewish, Polish, Italian, and Russian influences, Vilnius is a cultural feast of architectural and culinary proportions. Get lost in the narrow streets of the Old Town Vilnius while sampling tasty treats and bold brews from specialty food shops, cafes, and bars along the way! Does it get any better than that?
Day 9
Day 9 - Departure Day
Based on your flight time, we'll have a driver meet you at your accommodation and take you to the airport.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
Average of our Guest's Ratings of tour packages including these destinations
Jayway has made travel much easier for us and removes the stress of getting from place to place. We are always confident that our hotels will match our expectations and location requests. Local guides are always excellent.
– Bobbie & Stan, Ohio
Visited : Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Itinerary : Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius
Rating :
Our recent 3 week trip to the Baltics and Finland was excellent. We are 2 couples, both well travelled and JayWay was outstanding with their planning, booking and execution. We highly recommend JayWay for a first class travel experience.
– Perry, Lois, Ed & Berna, Alberta
Visited : Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland
Itinerary : Vilnius, Klaipeda, Liepaja, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki
Rating :
It was so relaxing to know that we were being taken care of, while still being so personal and ""on our own"" instead of with a big group. The worst part was when we were around groups of other Americans that were so demanding and unaware that they were the strangers there.
– Terry & Robin, Florida
Visited : Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Netherlands
Itinerary : Helsinki, Tallinn, Parnu, Riga, Klaipeda, Vilnius, Warsaw, Krakow, Amsterdam
Rating :