Extensive Baltic Exploration

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival 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).

   A driver will be waiting to meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation in the center of Vilnius.

   

   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.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Vilnius

   

   Discover the Best of Vilnius

   Today you’ll be getting in touch with the real Vilnius, with help from an expert local guide. Your guide will show you the ins and outs of the city, regaling you with stories from the past and present. You’ll learn more about Vilnius’ Jewish, Polish, Russian and Lithuanian heritage while discovering the city’s most impressive sites, including Old Town, St. Stanislovas and Vladislovas Cathedral, Vilnius University, the Presidential Palace and more. Your guide will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, or can suggest areas for further exploration after your tour concludes.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Soviet Vilnius and the KGB Museum

   Communism is an important part of Lithuania’s history, even if it was a dark time. If you’re interested in learning more about this aspect of Lithuania’s recent past, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is a place you need to see. Today we recommend exploring it, combined with a 3-hour private walking tour led by a local guide who will show you the main places relevant to communism. You’ll get a better idea of what it was like to live under communism as the past comes alive for you. Your guide will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   Watch the video

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Vilnius

   

   Trakai Private Tour

   Trakai, a string of lakes within forests, is Lithuania's ancient capital, and the medieval home of its Grand Dukes, who ran a kingdom extending from the Baltic to the Black Sea. The town still draws visitors thanks to its picturesque castle on its own island, unique Karaite community (Crimean Tatars following their own form of Judaism), and its famous Kibinai meat pies. Explore this unusual combination with a walking tour, followed by sailing around a lake, exploring the castle, or learning to make your own Kibinai.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Get a Taste of Vilnius

   The foodie scene in Vilnius isn't as developed as you might find in some Western European capitals. Still, there's plenty to sink your teeth into, running the spectrum from street food snacks to fine dining, and all of it distinctly Lithuanian. Originating from the Trakai area not too far away, kibinai, a stuffed pastry akin to a pasty, is a great on-the-go bite. Sit yourself down at one of the branches of Snekutis, a quirky pub chain, and order several dishes, such as chicken Kiev (allegedly invented in Vilnius) and cepelinai (a stuffed potato dumpling). You've got yourself an instant food tour! No visit to Vilnius is complete without trying saltibarsciai, a cold beet soup, available almost everywhere.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3-4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Traveling to Kaunas by Private Transfer / Arrival in Kaunas

   

   Be prepared for an interesting day as you trade Vilnius for Kaunas, with a stop at the Rumšiškės Open-Air Museum en route. Entrance tickets are included, but guided tours or activities need to be booked separately, ahead of time. Including the two-hour stop, this journey takes about 4 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 of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Kaunas is often referred to as a city of museums, and it’s easy to see why. History really comes alive here, with monuments and museums scattered throughout the town. The city has played a central role in numerous episodes in Lithuanian history, from even before the time it was the capital of the First Republic of Lithuania between World War I and II. Before World War II, about a quarter of the city’s population was Jewish, so there’s also rich Jewish heritage to explore. That long and varied history has also brought an eclecticism to the local architecture, including the charming Old Town, the functionalist designs of New Town, Soviet-era buildings and more modern constructions. There’s so much to do in the city, from exploring the bustling streets and quaint cafes, to enjoying local gastronomy. We recommend a private tour with a local guide to see the sites and get your bearings. You’ll definitely want to ride one of the two funicular railways to get a picture-perfect view over the city. For a nice day trip you can take in Rumsiskes, a UNESCO-listed village where you’ll find historic wooden dwellings representing the entire country.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Kaunas.

   

   Kaunas Private Walking Tour

   Start your journey in the park by the confluence of the Neman and Neris rivers, next to the ruins of the Old Kaunas castle. You'll walk through Kaunas’ Old Town, seeing its Catholic churches, and roaming the narrow streets and cobbled squares. Continue the walk to the town hall, nicknamed the "White Swan." Your tour will continue to the St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral. Continue along to Freedom Avenue, the city's main pedestrian boulevard, with its buildings that have changed little since before WWII, and end your tour at Sobor, a former Russian Orthodox church that is now Catholic.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

5. Day 5 Traveling to Klaipeda by Private Transfer / Arrival in Klaipeda

   

   Get ready for a memorable day, as you trade Kaunas for Klaipeda, with stops en route at the Hill of Crosses and a former Soviet nuclear missile base. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and begin the seven-hour journey (including stops). This trip does not include a guide or tour. 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.

   Is an atmospheric port city that features a variety of beautiful architecture that attests to its history as a meeting place for various cultures. Here you’ll see evidence of historic influence from Prussia, and also countries farther east. The city wasn’t incorporated into Lithuania until 1945, so its past is as rich and varied as it is long. Klaipeda’s Old Town is particularly interesting, with picturesque Germanic architecture known as Fachwerk, or half-timbered. But it isn’t all past history here. Close to Old Town you’ll also find numerous bars, restaurants and cafes to enjoy, as well as a ferris wheel that will afford you lovely views over the Baltic and the urban landscape. You’ll definitely want to sample some of the local seafood. It doesn’t get any fresher! After exploring the city on foot, either on your own or with the help of a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll want to go farther afield. Hop aboard a ferry to the Curonian Spit, a sand dune spit that features incredible beaches. Here you can enjoy the natural landscape as well as get a taste of local history, as the Nobel-Prize-winning German writer Thomas Mann had his summer home here, which is now a venerable museum. Klaipeda is a unique destination with an atmospheric charm you’ll love exploring at your own pace.

   Your driver will bring your directly to your accommodation in the centre of Klaipeda.

   Seek Out Statues

   Upon your arrival in Klaipeda, we suggest walking around the Old Town's narrow streets and delving into its outstanding German architecture. You can even make a game of finding the small statues that have been appearing in the center since 2006. These playful statues include a bag of money, a canine "Guardian of the Old Town", a small mouse that supposedly makes wishes come true and a dragon climbing a building wall. Finish your day with a lovely walk along the Dane River and sip a drink and eat dinner in its numerous restaurants.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Klaipeda

   Conquer the Curonian Spit

   Today you'll be venturing with a driver guide to the Curonian Spit, a 100-kilometer sandbar stretching to Russia, whose beaches are the source of most of the world's amber. There, you will visit the scenic town of Nida, next to the tallest drifting sand dune in Europe, which provides a stunning vista of the Baltic Sea, the Curonian Lagoon, and Russia. Nearby is the Hill of Witches, which features wooden statues and WWII trenches. The town itself has had an artist's colony since the 19th century, which attracted Germany's brightest, including Thomas Mann, whose house you will be able to visit. This visit will also feature a stroll along a section of beach known for its amber. Who knows, you might find a unique souvenir!

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

7. Day 7 Traveling to Liepaja by Private Transfer / Arrival in Liepaja

   Today you're off to Liepaja, up the coast. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodations based on the time of your choosing, starting the 1.5-hour journey. This is a direct transfer but for an additional fee, you can make stops along the way, such as at Palanga, the Lithuanian beachside resort town with a popular amber museum. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon, or minivan. We can also arrange an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Liepaja has two faces, attracting different types. The city is mostly known as a beach resort, with its gardens, park, musical festivals, showy concert hall, and sandy stretch. Among Latvians, Liepaja is also known as the "city where the wind is born," thanks to its Chicago-like gusts (which power the country's largest wind farm nearby). Liepaja's other side is especially clear in the district of Karosta (Latvian for "War Port"), home to many of the city's Russian-speakers. One of imperial Russia's main port, Liepaja (then known as Libau) is the port from which most Russians Jews sailed to the New World. One of the Czar's main naval bases, then made into one of the Soviet Union's secret cities, Karosta is ringed by fortifications, many of which are slowly falling into the sea. Follow the fortifications far enough, and you'll find a massive menorah, a memorial to the city's Jews, who were murdered there by the SS. While today known for its shore, this humble town played a major role in American history, as the port from which many Poles, Lithuanians, Jews, and Russians embarked for new lives in the New World.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Liepaja.

   

   Liepaja Private Walking Tour

   Go beyond Liepaja's dazzling white beach, and explore "the place where the wind is born," delving into its culture and Art Nouveau architecture. While today known for its shore, this humble town played a major role in American history, as the port from which many Poles, Lithuanians, Jews, and Russians embarked for new lives in the New World.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Traveling to Riga by Private Transfer / Arrival in Riga

   

   Today will be an interesting one as you trade Liepaja for Riga, with brief stops at Jurkalne and Kuldiga en route. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up at your accommodations in Liepaja. Please keep in mind this is a non-guided transfer. The journey, including stops, takes about eight 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 of vehicle for an extra fee.

   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.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Riga.

   

   Riga From On High

   What better way to start your visit to a new city than admiring the view from above? From St. Peter's Church in the old town, the Stalinist Latvian Academy of Sciences, mountainous National Library (also known as the Mountain of Light), or the Riga Radio and TV Tower (the tallest structure in the EU), extraordinary views of Riga and even the sea are easy to find. If you'd like to accompany great views with excellent drinks, we can recommend the best rooftop bar in the city so you can kick back with cocktails.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 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.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Riga Canal Boat Group Tour

   Back in the old days, before the Daugava rider was bridged, small boats used to transport locals across the river, and Riga's smaller waterways. The larger boats made up the "river tramway," while the smaller ones were "river taxis." Step aboard one of these historic vessels, and see boulevards, parks, squares, fountains, bridges, markets, and the old harbor as you cruise the canal that once formed the city's moat. For the tour's climax, you'll head down the river, taking in majestic panoramas of Old Riga’s spires and the modern and Soviet buildings of the left bank.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

10. Day 10 Your Second Full Day in Riga

    

    Artful Architecture: Art Nouveau Tour

    Riga’s Old Town is protected by UNESCO, in large part because of the gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings in the center. We suggest taking a look at some of them today. The style accounts for about 40% of Riga’s buildings, so there’s plenty to see. Alberta Street and the so-called Quiet Center, where the embassies are located, are great places to start. If you would prefer the company of an expert local guide to make sure you don't miss any of the best and most impressive details, we can arrange that for you.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

    Watch the video

    

    Curious About Latvian Food?

    Riga’s Central Market is certainly unique, housed in old zeppelin hangars, which provide shelter and a quaint historic atmosphere. Today we recommend exploring the market with a guide, who will introduce you to some of the locals selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and more at the market, and provide some tastings along the way. Your guide and interpreter will also give you a few tips on haggling!

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 1 hour and 30 minutes

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

11. Day 11 Traveling to Tartu by Private Transfer / Arrival in Tartu

    The Estonian university capital of Tartu awaits you today, as well as the opportunity to explore more Latvia along the way. First, we'll arrange for a private car to pick you up at your accommodation in Riga and bring you to your centrally located Tartu accommodation. Along the way you will be stopping at Turaida Castle (near Sigulda) and Cesis Castle, in the town of Cesis. Please keep in mind this is a non-guided transfer and tickets to different attractions are not included. The journey, including the stop, takes about 7 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 of vehicle for an extra fee.

    The “City of Good Thoughts,” Tartu is Estonia’s cultural and intellectual capital. This city is home to the University of Tartu, one of Europe’s oldest universities, and one of the most prestigious in Eastern Europe. The central role students play here is symbolized by the “Kissing Students” statue in front of the town hall. Tartu is centered around Toomemagi, a steep hill that hosted a pagan fort, followed by a Crusader castle. Toomemagi is Tartu’s gem, especially in September's foliage. Covered in forest and filled with paths, this hill contains a half-ruined cathedral, one of Europe’s oldest observatories, an anatomical theater, and Czarist bridges and fortifications, as well as statues, plaques, a cafe, and more. Toomemagi has excellent views of the city, especially from the cathedral towers, while beneath it lies a bar and restaurant built in a former gunpowder cellar, featuring a 40-foot ceiling.

    Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Tartu

    

    Karlova and Soup Town

    Flanking the Old Town on either side are two charming, old-fashioned neighborhoods with their own distinct cultures. They even fly their own flags. To the south, strolling quiet Karlova feels like returning to the 19th century, with its wooden townhouses and tree-lined streets. This is a popular spot for artists, thanks in part to the art school hidden in its depths, near an old manor. To the north is Suppilinn ("Soup Town.") Once a slum, the district is named for its gardens (the streets are named for the crops grown by locals, from beans to strawberries). There aren't as many businesses there to visit, but you can find charming street art and the A Le Coq brewery, which offers tours and a great view from its tower. Delve into the city's Bohemian side with a private street art tour of Karlova.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 2 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

12. Day 12 Your First Full Day in Tartu

    

    Ponder the "City of Good Thoughts"

    Explore Estonia's intellectual capital, as you stroll through its 18th century neoclassical Old Town, along the tranquil Emajõgi ("Mother River,"), and up Toomemagi ("Cathedral Hill"), getting to know the town's history through its historic buildings, some put to innovative uses, like the half-ruined cathedral, and the observatory, once home to cutting-edge research. Along the way, you'll take in charming views, whether from the riverbanks or the verdant hilltop park.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 2 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Fish, Onions, and Old Believers: Peep at Peipsiveere

    Estonia's edges retain unique cultures, from the matriarchal society of Kihnu to the Kingdom of Setomaa, whose inhabitants retain unique traditions tied to their religion, fashion and song, to Lake Peipus, home to the schismatic Old Believers. The descendants of devout Russian Orthodox who fled 17th century reforms, the fishermen of Peipsiveere, the region running along Lake Peipus, are known for their fish and onions, but the stubbornness that pushed them to uproot their lives centuries ago has remained intact, preserving their traditions as well.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 4-5 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

13. Day 13 Traveling to Tallinn by Private Transfer / Arrival in Tallinn

    

    Estonia's capital, Tallinn awaits you today, as well as the opportunity to explore another cultural beacon. We'll arrange for a private car to pick you up at your accommodations and bring you to your centrally located accommodations in Tallinn. Along the way you will visit one of Estonia's most charming towns, Viljandi. Please keep in mind this is a non-guided transfer. The journey, including a two-hour stop in Viljandi, takes about 5-6 hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan, although we can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class vehicle for an extra fee.

    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.

    Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Tallinn.

    

    Go Bohemian in Kalamaja

    Of all the neighborhoods in Tallinn, Kalamaja is one of the most exciting. This fast-growing area between Old Town and the scenic coast is known for its hip selection of cafes, shops, restaurants and bars. Once a closed-off Soviet border zone, it has seen a renaissance of development in recent years. Seaplane Harbour, the Estonian Maritime Museum, is very modern and quite interesting. It’s just one of the things worth seeing around here.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

14. Day 14 Your First Full Day in Tallinn

    

    Discover Medieval Wonders

    Today you’ll be exploring the wonders of Tallinn with a local guide who knows all the city’s secrets. You’ll be picked up from your accommodations to walk through the UNESCO-listed center of Tallinn, home to many of the city's unusual historic treasures. From Old Town cobblestones to stunning views, you’ll get a vivid encapsulation of all the city has to offer, along with the unique insights of a knowledgeable native. There’s no better way to get your bearings and learn about the city at the same time.
    

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 2 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Baroque History: Kadriorg Palace and Park

    One of the more regal sites in Tallinn is Kadriorg Palace, a Baroque palace built by Peter the Great for Catherine I of Russia. Today this stately palace, surrounded by well-kept gardens, houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, with foreign art from the 16th to the 20th century. There are a number of museums in the park, including Kumu (the Estonian Art Museum), Kadriorg Art Museum and the Mikkeli Museum, as well as monuments to such cultural figures as sculptor Amandus Adamson, author F. R. Kreutzwald, and artist Jaan Koort.
    

    Suggestion to explore on your own

15. Day 15 Your Second Full Day in Tallinn

    Explore Nature and History Along the Coast

    There's far more to see other than the insides of Tallinn's old town and its surrounding neighborhoods. Enjoy a day trip from Tallinn to explore rural fishermen’s villages, manor houses and bogs in Lahemaa National Park or bog-shoe hiking in picturesque Kõnnu Suursoo. For those looking for something a bit more alternative go to remains of the main Soviet naval training base, outside Paldiski. Feel free to head further west to Haapsalu, one of Estonia's most beautiful towns.

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Lahemaa National Park Private Tour

    Lahemaa National Park is renowned for its diversity. It is home to the most beautiful manors in Estonia, unique, traditional fishing villages, and some of the country's most pristine natural landscapes. You'll visit everything from the country's largest natural waterfall, to hidden old manor homes in Kolga and Sagadi, from mesmerizing forests to romantic little coastal villages like Käsmu and Altja. Bring your sense of adventure and be ready to hike (or in summer even swim) through the Viru bog, on a 3.5 km boardwalk. Ethereal places full of berries, dark waters, and stunted trees, bogs occupy a strong place in Estonian folklore for a reason.
    

    • Activity Level : Strenuous
    • Duration : 8-9 hours

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    Watch the video

    

    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.

    • Activity Level : Strenuous
    • Duration : 4-5 hours

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Coastal Cliffs and Soviet Paldiski Group Tour

    Discover hidden wonders amidst the wilderness along the coast west of Tallinn, including the Soviet Union's main naval training base. On this tour, you'll see Estonia's most romantic waterfall, coastal cliffs, the former garrison town of Paldiski, the otherworldly prison quarry of Rummu, and much more, such as the interior of a Soviet aircraft. You'll find places and stories you'd never stumble across on your own while learning what it's like to grow up in this area.
    

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 7 hours

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Matsalu National Park and Haapsalu Private Day Tour

    Enjoy a beautiful journey down Estonia's picturesque coast to the historic resort town of Haapsalu (a favorite of the czars). Along the way, you'll pass through towering pine forests, and visit mysterious castle ruins, finding stories and places you'd never stumble across on your own. You'll learn about the Coastal Swedes at Noarootsi, and discover Estonia's medieval history amid the ruins of the Padise Monastery. You'll better understand the Soviet era's influences by visiting Ungru, where an abandoned manor and air base sit side-by-side. You'll visit several other manor homes, some restored and offering drinks, some offering hidden stories instead. Haapsalu itself is probably Estonia's most romantic city, with its ruined medieval castle in the center, next to unique wooden villas, and a charming seaside promenade and quiet coastline. Before leaving, you'll visit the local train museum, and the world's longest covered platform, built to keep the czar's entire retinue dry as they disembarked from his personal train during summer visits.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 9 hours

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Eat with the Locals

    Tallinn has many excellent restaurants, but if you want to try some traditional food, head out to Vanaema Juures, where you can eat like at a local grandmother's home. If you want to try a modern twist on Estonian food, head to Lee Restoran (previously known as Leib) or Farm. Both restaurants have excellent chefs and tasty food. For a medieval pub experience, head to III Draakon on the ground floor of the medieval town hall. There, you'll find light snacks and local beers, and you can try your hand at pickle fishing, spearing them from a barrel. If you'd like to learn more about Estonian food while sampling some local dishes, we recommend a food tour in the bohemian district of Kalamaja.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 4 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

16. Day 16 Traveling to Saaremaa by Private Transfer / Arrival in Saaremaa

    

    Time for Saaremaa, as you trade the Estonian capital for the town of Kuressaare, with a brief stop at the island of Muhu, and its museum, en route. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up at your accommodations in Tallinn and your journey to Kuressaare can start. Please keep in mind this is a non-guided transfer. The journey, including stops and a 30 minute ferry ride, takes about seven 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 of vehicle for an extra fee.

    It’s hard to find a more medieval landscape than Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island (its name translates to “Island Land”). With its windmills, 13th century churches, thatched roofs, and ancient stone walls, Saaremaa seems to have escaped the Soviet era intact. However, its preservation is due to Soviet border policy, which forbade entrance to this island by anyone not directly related to its inhabitants. This island’s rugged coast features bunkers and lighthouses, one of which is now surrounded by the sea, and leans far to its side. Much of Saaremaa's west coast is protected by Vilsandi National Park, which includes an island that can only be visited by an occasional ferry. Estonia has more meteorite craters per square mile than anywhere else, chief among them Saaremaa's Kaali crater, which hit the island during the Bronze Age with a force equal to the first atomic bomb. Viewed as holy since prehistory, this crater is thought to be the site where the sun falls to Earth in the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. Saaremaa’s capital, Kuressaare, is a charming small town, with a tall, rectangular castle that sits within renaissance bastions. Kuressaare is best enjoyed with a quiet stroll along the coast and between the charming wooden villas near the castle. We also recommend visiting the Sorve Peninsula. Here, at the island's southern tip, the northern edge of Latvia is visible, especially from the top of the Baltics' tallest lighthouse. Thanks to a clerical error, the neighboring village of Torgu found itself legally independent in the 90s, and comically declared itself a kingdom.

    Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Kuressaare.

    

    Get Sandy in Kuressaare

    In the heart of Kuressaare, next to the city castle, is a family-friendly beach with calm, shallow waters that warm up quickly. This centrally-located shore offers toilets and changing facilities, as well as a playground, and has cafes nearby for a lunch break or snack.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

17. Day 17 Your First Full Day in Saaremaa

    

    Discover Kuressaare's Beauty

    A walking tour around the charming small town of Kuressaare and its tall, rectangular castle and renaissance bastions is a trip back in time. Almost every building here is an architectural monument with a deep history. This town's restored 12th century castle is its main attraction, and naturally functions as a history museum. After an hour's walk in the town itself, you'll continue to the castle for another hour, after which you can remain at the castle, or have the guide return you to your accommodations.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

    Included in your vacation package price

    Delve into Island Life

    Saaremaa feels like a different, much older, country than the rest of Estonia, with its diverse meadows and forests, its medieval windmills, churches, and stone walls, thatched roofs, and Europe's largest meteorite impact crater. Kuressaare is charming, but to see what makes Saaremaa special, you must go on a day trip, whether exploring the island's highlights, or focusing on the long Sõrve Peninsula, which forms its southern tip, and was once a tongue-in-cheek sovereign state.

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Saaremaa Highlights Private Tour

    Saaremaa makes for an ideal place for a visit while exploring Estonia. Beautiful nature, delicious food and idyllic atmosphere. A visit to this island isn't complete without venturing beyond Kuressaare to take in the countryside's classics!

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Sõrve Peninsula Private Tour

    Great views from the Sorve Lighthouse, a hike to the top of the peninsula, a pleasant stroll on the seashore. All this and more awaits you on this exciting trip outside the town. Fan fact; the tip of Sorve is commonly loved by birdwatchers.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

18. Day 18 Traveling to Parnu by Private Transfer / Arrival in Parnu

    

    The most relaxed way to get to Parnu is with a private transfer. Our driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on the time of your choosing. You'll have door-to-door service from Kuressaare to Parnu. The journey takes about 4 hours, including a 30 minute ferry ride to Saaremaa.

    This is a direct non-guided transfer but for an additional fee, you can make stops at Kaali Meteorite Crater and Angla Windmill Park or Muhu Museum on Muhu island.

    
    

    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.

    Among beach lovers in Eastern Europe, Parnu has been legendary since the late 19th century. You’ll find a variety of different beaches here and places to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape. But there aren’t only beaches here. Parnus is also a spa resort where you can enjoy a variety of world-class wellness treatments. There’s also a rich history here, as Parnu was the first place the Estonian Declaration of Independence was read publicly, in 1918. All of this makes it a unique destination combining relaxation, history and gorgeous nature. There’s plenty to do here, whether Parnu is your final destination or just a stop off in a longer tour of the region. The city has numerous museums dedicated to its vibrant history, as well as its modern culture. You’ll definitely want to visit a spa while you’re here, and of course the beaches are second-to-none. Most of the restaurants here offer lovely seafood that can’t be fresher, so enjoying the local gastronomy and wine is always a fun way to spend a day. Relaxation and nature come together here in perfect harmony. We can certainly provide a private walking tour, but if you're looking to see something special, we recommend a day trip to the island of Kihnu. Although home to only a few hundred people, Kihnu's cultural heritage is complete intact, from its dances to unique games and music, and people still wear folk costume in daily life.

    Your driver will bring you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

    See the Sea and More

    Welcome to the summer capital of Estonia. The center of Pärnu, and its lovely parks, sandy beach, and long promenade, practically cry out for long walks. After pounding the pavement, we suggest a nice relaxing spa treatment. There are plenty of spas to choose from, at all price points and levels of intensity. Finish the evening with a nice dinner in one of the restaurants in town.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

19. Day 19 Your First Full Day in Parnu

    

    Kihnu Island Private Day Tour

    Take the chance to visit Kihnu Island, an hour from Parnu by ferry. For many years, the men of Kihnu have frequently gone to sea while the women ran the island and became the guardians of the island’s cultural heritage. Here, locals still wear traditional folk dress as a part of daily life. In addition to the island's main museum and church, you'll be able to climb its lighthouse and explore the old power station and its museum. Before you go, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious fish lunch. For an extra charge, we can add a home visit and/or folklore performance.
    

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 10 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Get Sandy

    Parnu's beach is likely the country's best, famed for its white sands, gentle nature, and various attractions. Whether you like to play mini-golf or try some windsurfing, there's always plenty to choose from. A curving path stretches along the sand, lined with fountains, park benches, and an excellent playground. Early 20th century buildings line Ranna puiestee, the avenue running between the beach and the formal gardens of Rannapark, an ideal spot for a summertime picnic.
    

    Suggestion to explore on your own

20. Day 20 Departure Day

    

    You're leaving Estonia today. The journey time to Tallinn airport is about 2 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 of vehicle for an extra fee.