Highlights of the Baltic states in 8 Days (Tallinn-Vilnius)

Arrival to Tallinn Optional airport transfer Welcome meeting with complimentary drink

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquility and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour (2-2.5 hours) takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. Afternoon free at leisure.In the afternoon an optional excursion (3 hours) is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian Art museum, with its collections of classic and contemporary fine art.

After breakfast we will go to Riga with a stop in Gauja National Park, the largest national park in Latvia.The guide takes you to the stunning scenery of the Gauja river valley around the town of Sigulda. You will visit Gutman’s Ala, the largest sandstone cave in the Baltic states where you will hear the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida which will lead you to explore the ruins of the Turaida Castle and the Museum Reserve. We will have guided walking tour in the park and the castle (1.5- 2 hours).After the stop we will continue the last bit of road to Riga which we reach in the late afternoon.

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a true kaleidoscope of various architectural styles. The walking tour (2 hours) of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument.The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala and a picturesque Kemeri bog (4-5 hours), Jurmala is the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches, while Kemeri bog is a real gem for nature lovers with it’s undersized pine trees, deep pools, tiny dark lakes and the flavour of wild rosemary. Optional dinner in Riga Restaurant Forest.

On this day we will head south to explore Lithuanian and Latvian countryside. The first stop after leaving Riga will be Rundale Palace. The Magnificent Rundale palace was a summer residence of the Duke of Courland and now welcomes travellers from all over the world to admire it's wonderful garden and architecture. It is known as the most outstanding Baroque and Rococo art monument in nowadays Latvia. A Baroque palace cannot be imagined without the French garden, an elaborate architectural framework devised of green plantings that should manifest the triumph of art over nature. Both the palace and the garden were designed in the 16th century by an Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Later we will continue to Lithuania where we will visit Hill of Crosses. The Hill of Crosses is one of the most extraordinary sites in Lithuania. The old 14th century hillfort is covered in more than 100.000 crosses that symbolize Lithuanian nationalism and beliefs. Some of the crosses are devotional, while others are memorials to many people deported to Siberia. They vary greatly in size: a few are finely carved folk-art masterpieces and some are accompanied by mournful statues of the Virgin Mary. This is definitely a place where you will learn and better understand the local community’s difficult past, learn of its unshakable faith, and feel hope for the future. "After visiting Hill of Crosses we will go to the coutryside lodge for the rest of the evening. Evening is free for you to decide whether to stay cosy inside the house or take a walk in the surroundings, exploring the nature around you. Most of our cabins and bnb's are located in the picturesque locations near forests, lakes or other fascinating sceneries.In the evening a warm local dinner will be waiting for you.Overnight in countryside lodge. Please note that in some lodges bathroom may be shared between few rooms. "

After breakfast we will drive to Trakai town - historic, picturesque place with a castle in a middle of the lake. Locals take a day trip there and we invite you for one as well. See Trakai Castle, lakes and beautiful views around. For lunch (OPTIONAL) try out special Karaim dish ‘kibinai’ which is only typical for Trakai town because it is a home for the oldest ethnic group of Karaims living to this day in Lithuania. Trakai trip takes around 3.5-4 hours including lunch break. In the early afternoon you will arrive to Vilnius, Lithuanian capital. Evening free or optional beer tasting.

After breakfast – morning sightseeing tour will introduce you to Vilnius. Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. Walking tour includes visiting the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, St. Anne’s Church, Old University, the Gates of Dawn, Uzupis district which is known as the independent republic of Vilnius city.After the sightseeing, the guide will lead you to the famous and oldest Vilnius food market – Hales market where you will have an opportunity to meet local food producers and sellers, ask them questions and bring home the real flavour of Lithuania. You will visit 4 or 5 different places and try the best taste of Lithuanian handcrafted cheese, rustic meat products, bagels and juice. Keep in mind, all products are created according to authentic recipes and tastes cherished by Lithuanian farmers. An experience takes around 1-1,5 hours. " OPTIONAL. For your last evening in Lithuania we prepared an exclusive fine dining experience at the Historic Lithuanian cuisine restaurant which is among 30 best restaurants in the country for the 3rd year in a row.

Goodbye and hope to see you in future!Optional transfer to the airport.