Experience the colorful culture and traditions of the Baltics on our multi-day adventure. This tour takes you to the greatest hits of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, combined with fun interactive activities. During our fun walking tours, you will be introduced to the grand histories of each Baltic capital city, where you can admire some truly outstanding architecture. In the evening enjoy local cuisine accompanied by folk dancing! Outside the centers we’ll venture to medieval castles and towns like Kernave, one of Lithuania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Sigulda, located in Estonia’s scenic Gauja River Valley. Also highlighted on this excursion is the exquisite nature of the region. Marvel at the dense forests of Lahemaa National Park, the largest nature reserve in Estonia, as we bog shoe through the wetlands. Don’t miss out on this action-packed adventure across the Baltics!
On day one of our multi-day journey we hit the ground running with a walking tour of Lithuania's capital Vilnius. The historic city dates back to the Middle Ages and features gorgeous baroque and gothic structures in its center. Your knowledgeable tour guide will introduce you to facts about the area as we make our way down charming cobblestone streets. During the tour we will visit main attractions like the Presidential Palace, Cathedral Square, and the bohemian district of Užupis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A center for artists, the local community of Uzupis declared itself an independent republic in 1998, and is now officially referred to as the Republic of Užupis. In fact, they even have their own president, constitution, and cabinet of ministers.
In the evening have a taste of the local cuisine and culture with a traditional Lithuanian dinner accompanied by folk dancing and singing!
Day Highlights
Included
From Vilnius, we make our way to the charming town of Trakai. Dating back to the 13th century, this historic settlement features a magnificent castle in the middle of a lake. The giant stone structure was completed in 1430 and was one of the main res...)
From Vilnius, we make our way to the charming town of Trakai. Dating back to the 13th century, this historic settlement features a magnificent castle in the middle of a lake. The giant stone structure was completed in 1430 and was one of the main residences for the Lithuanian Grand Dukes. Locals and tourists enjoy boating around the castle island for the views, and the main town enjoys a reputation as a favorite summer destination.
Next on our itinerary is Kernave, the former medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area comprises a system of five hill-forts, which hold historic and archeological significance. Across the area, archeologists have discovered burial grounds, unfortified settlements, and other cultural moments from the late Palaeolithic Period to the Middle Ages. Step back in time as we explore the ancient world of Lithuania.
Our next stop is Anyksciai, a quaint skiing town. Here we will visit the popular Anyksciai Treetop Walking Path, the only one of its kind in the Baltics. The path covers the treetops of Anyksciai Pinewood Forest, allowing tourists to walk 21 m (69 ft) in the air. Today you will experience Lithuanian nature from new heights!
In the evening we will spend the night at the elegant Burbiškis Manor, reconstructed to its original 1853 design. Marvel at the authentic ceilings, paintings, and fireplaces decorating the interior.
You will begin your final day in Lithuania with a visit to a honeybee farm. Run by two brothers, these beekeepers inherited the apiary from their grandparents and modernized it using new technology. During our visit, they will share the history of th...)
You will begin your final day in Lithuania with a visit to a honeybee farm. Run by two brothers, these beekeepers inherited the apiary from their grandparents and modernized it using new technology. During our visit, they will share the history of their farm, and demonstrate how they produce their honey and beeswax products. At the end, you will get to sample some of their delicious honey.
Further into the countryside, we will stop at the Hill of Crosses, a 14th-century hillfort covered in over 100,000 crosses. The origin of the hill as a site of pilgrimage is unknown, but today serves as a sacred site for the Christian community. Each cross varies in size and detail, with some featuring stunning works of art.
Our last stop of the day is the Rundāle Palace Museum in Latvia. The 16th-century palace once served as a summer home for the Duke of Courland and now operates as a museum with a picturesque garden. Surviving two wars, it underwent a serious reconstruction to bring it back to its former glory. Today Rundāle is hailed as one of the most ornate Baroque and Rococo art monuments in the country. Your evening will be spent in the capital Riga.
The colorful metropolis of Riga is the biggest in the Baltics. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it reflects the rich history of the country through diverse architecture. Marvel at the Art Nouveau buildings, German churches, and Soviet apartment building...)
The colorful metropolis of Riga is the biggest in the Baltics. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it reflects the rich history of the country through diverse architecture. Marvel at the Art Nouveau buildings, German churches, and Soviet apartment buildings throughout the city center and surrounding area. An effortless blend of old and new, Riga is a modern capital bustling with art exhibits, theaters, restaurants, concerts, and clubs.
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes as we walk the cobblestone streets of the town, as we head to Riga Central Market. Here you will have the chance to meet local farmers and food producers and learn about the regional products of Latvia. We will visit several different vendors who will serve you authentic delicacies made from cheeses, breads, and meats.
Today we head to the Latvian countryside for a jam-packed day of exploration through Gauja National Park. Gauja is the largest national park in Latvia, stretching over 90,000 hectares (222,395 acres). The area not only features diverse biology and sp...)
Today we head to the Latvian countryside for a jam-packed day of exploration through Gauja National Park. Gauja is the largest national park in Latvia, stretching over 90,000 hectares (222,395 acres). The area not only features diverse biology and species but over 500 cultural and historical monuments. Our tour begins at the small medieval town of Sigulda. Set in the Gauja valley, it is surrounded by scenic views.
Possibly the town's most famous highlight, we will stop at the Sigulda bobsleigh and luge track, which hosts bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton competitions. Before the Russian artificial ice tracks were built in Sochi and Paramonovo, the track in Sigulda was the only one of its kind in Eastern Europe. For those who want a closer look, visitors are allowed to walk along the track and even try bobsledding during the weekends.
Just outside the town, we will head to Gutman's Cave, the largest cave in the Baltics, formed from sandstone more than 10,000 years ago. The geological monument is the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia, and today you will find wall inscriptions from past visitors in the 17th century.
The town of Valmiera is our next stop, where we will visit the Valmiermuizas Brewery. The beer here is produced using the process of slow brewing and made from a combination of local ingredients and Valmiermuiža well water. During the tour, you will learn the history of the brewery and how the beer is made. For those who are old enough to drink, our tour will include a sampling of their various flavors.
In the evening we will arrive in Tartu, the oldest city in all the Baltics, with archeological evidence dating back to the 5th century CE. The historic buildings of the center are designed in 18th-century architecture and contrast beautifully with old wooden houses. Tartu's rich history and culture even earned it the honor of the European Capital of Culture from the European Union Commission for 2024.
Our journey through the Estonian countryside continues with a visit to the Avinurme Woodworking Centre. The tourism center offers the largest selection of woodwork products in Estonia, from household decor to saunas. During our visit, you will get th...)
Our journey through the Estonian countryside continues with a visit to the Avinurme Woodworking Centre. The tourism center offers the largest selection of woodwork products in Estonia, from household decor to saunas. During our visit, you will get the chance to put your skills to the test with a hands-on woodworking workshop.
After the workshop, we head to Rakvere Castle. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the castle is now a theme park where visitors can experience life in the 16th century. Dress up as a knight or warrior while entertainers teach you about the rich history of the castle and time period. Our evening will be spent at Palmse Manor, one of the most extravagant baroque mansions in Estonia. The manor was the first fully restored mansion complex in the country and also serves as an open-air museum with various exhibits.
For the last day of your adventure, we will visit Lahemaa National Park, Estonia's first and largest park. Also one of the biggest parks in Europe, the vast nature reserve features 747 square kilometers (464 square miles) of forests, wetlands, and la...)
For the last day of your adventure, we will visit Lahemaa National Park, Estonia's first and largest park. Also one of the biggest parks in Europe, the vast nature reserve features 747 square kilometers (464 square miles) of forests, wetlands, and lakes. Today we will get to explore the picturesque landscapes of the area up close with a bog shoe hike in Viru bog! Bog shoes are similar to snowshoes but have been engineered for the wet, mossy terrain of marshland. No experience is needed and it is a fun activity suitable for all fitness levels.
Lahemaa is one of the most important conservation areas on the continent and is home to diverse flora and fauna – landing it a spot as one of the 2020 Sustainable Top 100 destinations by Green Destinations. During the hike, your guide will educate you on the geology and wildlife of the park. Keep your eyes peeled for the moose, wild boards, foxes, and lynxes, which abound in the forests! After the hike, we will head to Tallinn.
