Baltics & Helsinki Adventure
Europe's lesser-known North is as fascinating as its celebrated South. This 12-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to the secret charms of the Baltics and Helsinki. Your journey starts in Vilnius, a beautiful European capital that boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers. Walking around Vilnius, you'll soak in its multicultural heritage and gorgeous architecture but you can also take an easy day trip to Trakai, the old capital of Lithuania. After Vilnius, Riga awaits to enchant you with its Art Nouveau architecture and laid-back vibes, mostly evident at the city's central market. Your last stop in the Baltics, Tallinn will have you gasp at the splendor of its UNESCO-listed Old Town. But there's more. From Tallinn, you can see more of Estonia on easy day trips that will reveal the magic of untouched nature, old-world mansions, and Soviet-era remnants. A short ferry ride from Tallinn, Helsinki with its scenic cycling routes and wealth of museums awaits to offer the perfect ending to a perfect trip.
One of our team members in the Europe will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these countries offer, including things to see and do and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (whom you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.
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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.
Vilnius
Riga
Tallinn
Helsinki
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 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 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Vilnius
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
Day 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.
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 3
Day 3 - 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.
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 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Riga by Private Transfer
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.
3 Nights in Riga
3 Nights in Riga
3 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.
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.
Day 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.
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.
Day 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.
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.
Day 7
Day 7 - Traveling to Tallinn by Private Transfer
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.
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 7
Day 7 - Arrival in Tallinn
Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Tallinn.
Get a Bird's-Eye View
Day 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.
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.
Day 9
Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Tallinn
Lahemaa National Park Group Tour
Day 10
Day 10 - Traveling to Helsinki by Ferry
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.
2 Nights in Helsinki
2 Nights in Helsinki
2 Nights in Helsinki
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.
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.
Day 10
Day 10 - Arrival in Helsinki
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
Day 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.
Museums, Indoors and Out
Day 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.
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 :