Baltics & Helsinki Adventure

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.

   An Avenue of Sights

   Named after the first Grand Duke of Lithuania, Gediminas Avenue is Vilnius' main street. The average tourist will find many popular attractions along this grand boulevard, such as the Museum of Genocide Victims, Lukiškės Square, and the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre. You can also find the city's cathedral at one end. Built in 1251 on the site of a pagan temple, it's now the nation's most important church, and a central venue for holidays and national festivities.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 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.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   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?

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

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

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Vilnius

   

   Trakai Private Tour

   Step back into Lithuania’s medieval past with a visit to Trakai, the enchanting lake town and former capital surrounded by forests. After a scenic 40-minute drive, explore the famous island castle, once home to Lithuania’s Grand Dukes. Stroll through the town and discover the unique Karaite community, the Crimean Tatars, with their Jewish traditions. You can also change up your visit with a boat ride around the castle or a hands-on kibinai-making class. Discuss your options with your guide on the day.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   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

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

   

   A private driver will pick you up today for your trip to the intriguing Latvian capital of Riga. Along the way, there will be a couple of stops to break up the drive. First, you'll make a shorter stop at the UNESCO site known as the Hill of Crosses and after that, you'll explore the impressively decadent Rundale Palace in Latvia. Your driver will then take you to your accommodations in Latvia 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.

   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

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Riga

   

   Riga Private Walking Tour

   On this tour, you'll get churches and squares, dates and numbers but you will also get ghost stories, jokes, tales, odd legends and hidden gems that many miss in Riga's beautiful old center. Your tour guide will make a point of being honest about Old Riga, showing you which parts were rebuilt by the Soviets or after the country's return to independence, and what locals think is the future of the Old Town. There's no better way to get a local's point of view on the city.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   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

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Riga

   

   Curious About Latvian Food?

   Come and discover what Latvian food is all about, what the locals eat, and where they eat it. This excursion will show you many of the local specialties, allowing you to taste and experience them. You'll explore Riga's Central Market with a guide, trying new, often seasonal foods, as you move between the converted zeppelin hangars.

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

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   The Latvian Switzerland: Gauja National Park

   Head to the Baltics' most popular hiking destination, the hills and castles of the Gauja National Park, and the town of Sigulda. Gauja National Park offers an impressive number of beautiful routes of various difficulty. We can also add a bobsled ride down an Olympic track, or a visit to Ligatne and its Soviet nuclear bunker.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 7 hours

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

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

   

   The Estonian capital of Tallinn 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 Tallinn accommodation. Along the way you will be stopping in the Latvian countryside town of Sigulda, the sporting heart of the country. Please keep in mind this is a non guided transfer and tickets to different attractions are not included! The journey including 2 hours stop in Sigulda takes about 7 hours 30 minutes.
   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.

   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.

   

   Get a Bird's-Eye View

   Get your bearings and a feeling for Tallinn by looking out from one of its highest vistas. The city follows the coastline, so you're never far from the sea. From its highest points, you can catch the sunset, watch ferries coming in, and see how the Old Town was once two separate cities, with Tallinn sitting beneath Toompea. Head to Kohtuotsa viewing platform or St. Olav's Church tower for amazing vistas or enjoy a nice dinner while admiring the views of Toompea castle from the Fotografiska rooftop restaurant.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Tallinn

   

   Old Town Private Walking Tour

   The history, culture and legends of Tallinn will come alive for you on this wonderfully informative walking tour. The entire tour is on foot, as that's the best way to feel the cobblestoned streets of Old Town, which has earned its spot on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Your experienced local guide will provide an overview of the history of Tallinn and Estonia as you explore the charming historical sights of both the Lower and Upper sections of the Old Town. It's the best way to see all the famous places in one easy tour.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   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

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Tallinn

   

   Lahemaa National Park Group 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 : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

10. Day 10 Traveling to Helsinki by Ferry / Arrival in Helsinki

    

    The energizing modern city of Helsinki is just a short ferry ride away. We'll arrange for a transfer from your accommodation to the port in Tallinn and provide standard class tickets for the 2-hour ferry ride to Helsinki. For an extra fee it is possible to upgrade to comfort class tickets.

    Helsinki offers an eclectic mix of architecture, activities, and moods. It’s the buildings you’ll notice first, as the city features design from Nordic Minimalism, Byzantine-Russian, Austrian-influenced Art Nouveau, Neoclassical and striking modernist influences. Amidst this stunning architectural medley, you’ll find a hip and energetic city with world-class gastronomy and cultural offerings. You’ll definitely want to spend time exploring the city, and the incredible churches are some of the most impressive structures in Helsinki. The Esplanade offers excellent window shopping and also a park that’s perfect for relaxing. Don’t miss the monument to Sibelius, the famous Finnish composer, and the bustling South Harbor market. Our top recommendation for Helsinki isn’t even in the city however: the UNESCO-listed maritime fortress island of Suomenlinna. The city is rather spread out, so you might want to take a private driving tour. Just 30 minutes from Helsinki, Porvoo is an idyllic UNESCO-listed town that feels out of a fairytale. You can also hop aboard a boat and enjoy a guided tour of the city’s canals.

    Upon arriving at the Helsinki port, you'll meet your driver who will be holding a JayWay sign or a sign with your name. The driver will take you to your accommodation in Helsinki's city center. The journey time is around 10-15 minutes.

    

    Welcome to Helsinki

    If you're all settled in, head to the Old Market Hall, strategically located by the sea, and the Market Square. If you want to sample Finnish gourmet delicacies, or have lunch in lovely surroundings, this is the place for you. After some lunch, you can relax in one of the nearby parks with views of the sea and do some people watching. The best way to finish the night is by admiring the view from one of the rooftop bars in Helsinki. Don't worry, we'll recommend the best.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Helsinki

    

    Helsinki Highlights by Bike Private Tour

    With over 1,200 kilometers of bike paths, Helsinki is best discovered on two wheels. With your guide, you'll explore Helsinki's diversity, with some longer stops to visit interiors. As a private tour, the places you visit will be figured out with your guide, based on your interests. As Helsinki has so many lovely, green areas, you'll also get acquainted with the city's natural side.
    

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Museums, Indoors and Out

    Helsinki has museums for every taste, covering every aspect of the country's history and culture. The sheer diversity in the exhibits can be astounding as there are museums for nearly everything, from photography to architecture to design to botany. If the weather's good, take a ferry to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, home to wooden structures from around the country, or to Suoemnlinna, the fortified archipelago guarding the city's harbor once known as the "Gibraltar of the North." If you're into more classic art, head to the Ateneum Art Museum is a must.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

12. Day 12 Departure Day

    On the day of your departure, we will arrange for a driver to take you from your accommodation to the airport.