UNESCO Heritage in the Baltics & Finland

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 Private Walking Tour

   What was everyday life like for Lithuanians under Communism? You'll find out on this informative tour. Highlights include the concrete blocks covered with pro-democracy slogans that formed part of the 1991 barricades, several Communist-era sights along Vilnius' main shopping street, the monument to the victims of the mass deportations to Siberia, and the Museum of Genocide Victims, within a former KGB residence and prison.
   

   • 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

   

   Kaunas Private Day Trip

   Don't limit your Lithuanian adventure to Vilnius. Branch out and discover the country's second largest city, Kaunas. A 90-minute drive from Vilnius, this city is a center of Lithuania's economic, academic and cultural life, and was its early 20th century capital. Your tour will start at Kaunas Castle and St. George's Church before continuing on to City Hall. Churches, historic architectural styles (especially during the city's early 20th century zenith), plus a vibrant atmosphere give Kaunas a distinct flavor that contrasts nicely with Vilnius' old-style charms. On the way to or from Kaunas you can stop at the Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 7-8 hours

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

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

   

   Today you're off to Klaipeda, with stops at the Kernave Archaelogical Site (which has 10,000 years of history) and the famed Hill of Crosses. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up at your accommodations in Vilnius. With stops, this non-guided journey 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.

   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

5. Day 5 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

6. Day 6 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, Riga. Along the way you'll stop in the charming town of Kuldiga, famous for its long waterfall. With the stop, this non-guided transfer 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.

   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

7. Day 7 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

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

   Watch the video

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Riga

   

   Art Nouveau Private Tour

   Here's your chance to see why Riga is world-famous for its incredible Art Nouveau architecture. Put the medieval churches and Old Town to one side and have a look at what was happening at the beginning of the 20th century. Riga was at its peak, rich merchants were showing off their power and wealth, and the city was expanding at an alarming rate. The result was a phenomenal building boom that coincided with the growth of the Art Nouveau style across the world. No place in the world has more examples of Art Nouveau architecture than Riga, as you'll see for yourself on this delightful tour.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Rundale Palace Private Day Trip

   One of Latvia’s hidden gems is the Baroque Rundale Palace. This is one of the most stunning buildings in the Baltic States, and makes a fantastic day trip from Riga. Your guide will drive you to the palace, where you'll have plenty of time to explore the palace and its beautiful gardens. On the way back, you'll have the opportunity to stop in one of the nearby towns. The tour will take around six hours in total, so an early start is recommended. For more info on Rundale, read our blog post.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5-6 hours

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

9. Day 9 Traveling to Tallinn by Private Transfer / Arrival in Tallinn

   

   Get ready for Tallinn, with some visits along the way. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up at your accommodations, beginning the seven-hour drive (counting stops) to the north. En route, you'll stop at Turaida Castle (near Sigulda) and Cesis Castle, in the town of Cesis. The vehicle used for this non-guided 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.

   

   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

10. Day 10 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

11. Day 11 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

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12. Day 12 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

13. Day 13 Your First Full Day in Helsinki

    

    Taste of Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour

    You'll have a lot of fun getting to know Helsinki on this informative tour. You'll learn about the unique history that makes the place what it is today, and also have the chance to taste characteristic local dishes. And of course you'll see the city from a new point of view, the UNESCO-listed fortified archipelago of Suomenlinna, the whole reason Helsinki exists. There's no better way to get the lay of the land, especially if this is your first time in Helsinki.

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

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Porvoo Group Tour

    Less than an hour from Helsinki, Porvoo is a popular place for day trips, with its winding, narrow streets lined with cafes, eateries, and museums. The town's center is composed of brightly painted historical wooden buildings, many of which line the riverbanks. This guided tour will help you come to understand life in Finland's second-oldest town. You'll be introduced to the best restaurants, as well as the town's chocolate workshop.
    

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 4 hours

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

    Watch the video

14. Day 14 Departure Day

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