The Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia

Sveiki, and welcome to Lithuania! After a private transfer to the hotel, we’ll begin with a Group Meeting at 6:00PM followed by an included Welcome Dinner.

Labas rytas (good morning), Vilnius! After breakfast, we’ll set out on a guided exploration of Lithuania’s gorgeous capital. Our morning begins in Vilnius Old Town, one of Europe’s largest and most beautifully preserved historic centers. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fanciful district is renowned for its cobblestone streets and signature Vilnian Baroque style, an architectural flourish that sets this city apart. We’ll take a short ride on the funicular to reach Gediminas Castle Tower, perched atop a scenic hill with panoramic views of the city. Next, we’ll unveil Vilnius Cathedral, a neoclassical masterpiece that has stood as a symbol of faith, resilience, and national identity for centuries. Following our walk through Vilnius’ charming streets and squares, we’ll enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant, where Lithuanian flavors take center stage. This afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring on our own, do a bit of shopping, or relax at our hotel.

For the early risers, an unforgettable adventure awaits. Just after dawn, we’ll lift off on a hot air balloon ride over Vilnius (optional, not included in the tour price), one of the few European capitals where you can float directly above the Old Town’s rooftops. As the morning mist rises and golden light spills across church spires and winding streets, we’ll take in sweeping views of the cityscape from above. Afterward, we’ll rejoin the rest of the group for breakfast before journeying to Trakai to explore the legendary Trakai Island Castle, a red-brick Gothic gem that rises from one of Lithuania’s deepest lakes. Once the residence of Grand Dukes and a strategic stronghold of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the castle now welcomes visitors with fascinating tales of medieval life. After soaking up the history and the lakeside views, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a hands-on kibinai workshop at a local restaurant. These flaky, savory pastries, brought to Lithuania by the Karaim community centuries ago, are a beloved staple of Trakai cuisine. Under the guidance of a local expert, we’ll craft our own before sitting down to a hearty, included 3-course lunch. Afterwards, we’ll return to Vilnius for another evening at our leisure.

Fuel up, because we’re trading city streets for windswept shores as we explore the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start our day with a 4-hour drive to Klaipėda. From there, we’ll board a ferry to cross the lagoon and begin our journey along the narrow, otherworldly peninsula that stretches nearly 62 miles (100 km) between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. Here, we’ll wander the Parnidis Dune and take in its sweeping views, stroll across the Dead Dunes, and admire traditional fishermen’s cottages and their distinctive weather vanes. Later, we’ll travel south to Nida, a charming fishing village nestled among fragrant pine forests and towering sand dunes. Here, we’ll have some free time to wander around and enjoy lunch at our leisure. Next, we’ll head north to the Amber Museum to uncover the story of “Baltic gold” and view amber art pieces, jewelry, and artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. After we return to Klaipeda, we’ll gather for an included dinner at a local restaurant to toast the day’s coastal discoveries with a delicious meal.

After breakfast, we’ll cross the border into Latvia! Our first stop is Kuldīga, about a 3-hour drive from Klaipeda, often lovingly called the “Nordic Venice.” With its winding cobblestone streets, old-world wooden houses, and tranquil canals, scrolling through Kuldīga feels like stepping back in time. We’ll stroll past red-roofed cottages and across quaint bridges, soaking up the town’s relaxed rhythm. Lunch is on our own today, with plenty of cozy cafés and local eateries to pick from. Later, we’ll continue on with a 2-hour drive to Riga, Latvia’s renowned capital. Once we’re settled at our hotel, we’ll gather for an included dinner to feast on Latvian fare before having the remainder of the evening at our leisure.

Labrīt (good morning), Riga! After breakfast, we’ll dive into the heart of Latvia’s charismatic capital on a guided walking tour. A city where centuries-old charm meets contemporary energy, Riga dazzles with its blend of Gothic spires, Art Nouveau facades, and creative urban life. We’ll meander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a cobblestone labyrinth brimming with romantic courtyards, colorful guild houses, and lively cafés. We’ll visit St. Peter’s Church Tower and the Riga Dome Cathedral, an architectural marvel renowned for its massive organ containing over 6,700 pipes. Next, we’ll wander through the Riga Central Market, Europe’s largest and most architecturally unique food market. Housed in five former Zeppelin hangars, this energetic bazaar offers a feast for the senses. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Old Town in 1998, the market is a living monument to Latvia’s culinary traditions. Later, we’ll sit down for an included lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, we’re off to the Riga Black Balsam Showroom for an in-depth introduction and tasting of Latvia’s most distinctive herbal liqueur. Crafted from a secret blend of botanicals, Black Balsam is steeped in history, mystery, and strong local pride. This evening, we’re free to enjoy the city with dinner at our leisure.

Today’s a big day! After a delicious breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey through Gauja National Park, the country’s oldest and largest national park, and a showcase of Baltic wilderness. With its rolling forests, ancient sandstone cliffs, bubbling springs, and dramatic river valleys, Gauja is a haven for nature lovers. One of the day’s most intriguing stops will be the Līgatne Soviet Bunker, a once top-secret Cold War relic buried 30 ft. (9 m) underground. Built to shelter Latvia’s Communist Party elite in the event of nuclear war, this sprawling facility remained hidden for decades, even from those working above it in the surrounding rehabilitation center. Today, it stands preserved with eerie authenticity, offering a rare and eye-opening glimpse into Soviet-era secrecy, survival strategy, and utilitarian design. Next, we’ll continue on to Cēsis, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Baltics. We’ll enjoy an orientation tour, learning about the town’s role in the Hanseatic League and its proud legacy of resistance and resilience. We’ll stop at the legendary Cēsis Castle, where we’ll explore crumbling towers, ancient cellars, and stone courtyards that whisper tales of knights, sieges, and royal intrigue. Lunch will be on our own, with free time to discover one of Cēsis’ charming cafés or bistros. This afternoon, we’ll cross the border into Estonia and arrive in Pärnu (about a 2.5-hour drive), check in to our hotel, then gather for an included dinner at the elegant Ammende Villa Restaurant, a beautifully restored Art Nouveau mansion known for its refined atmosphere and seasonal cuisine.

Tere hommikust (good morning), Pärnu! After a leisurely included breakfast, the morning is ours to explore Estonia’s beloved summer hot spot. Whether relaxing seaside, wandering along Pärnu beach, or sipping coffee at a waterfront café, this laid-back morning sets the perfect tone for the day ahead. Late morning, we’ll head inland for a visit to the Tori Cider Farm, where the art of crafting fruit and berry wines has been passed down for generations. Inspired by ancestral knowledge and the unique mineral-rich soils of the region, today’s cider-makers continue this tradition with passion and precision. We’ll tour the orchards, learn about the production process, and enjoy a tasting of their small-batch ciders and wines. Afterward, we’ll enjoy an included lunch at a cozy restaurant. This afternoon, we’ll make our way to Estonia’s capital, Tallinn (a 2-hour drive), and get acquainted on a walking tour through winding alleys flanked by medieval towers in the city’s Old Town, another UNESCO World Heritage site. From street musicians to stylish boutiques, it’s a place where the past and present blend effortlessly. Later, we’ll visit the KUMU Art Museum, Estonia’s premier art institution and a bold example of modern architecture. Tonight, we’ll step back in time for an unforgettable medieval dining experience at Olde Hansa, one of Tallinn’s most popular restaurants. Set in a candlelit hall adorned with wooden beams and period decor, we’ll indulge in a 3-course feast inspired by recipes from the Hanseatic era, complete with a drink of your choice to toast our day of discovery.

After a delicious included breakfast, we’ll venture northeast for a day of natural beauty in Lahemaa National Park, where deep evergreen forests, mossy wetlands, and wave-battered coastlines converge with timeless villages and stately manor houses. We’ll begin with a bog shoe hike through Viru Bog, one of Lahemaa’s most accessible wetlands. Equipped with special footwear designed to glide across the soft peat, we’ll trek along raised paths and spongy moss carpets, weaving through the hauntingly beautiful landscape of stunted pines and amber-colored pools. Along the way, we’ll make photo stops and short visits to Palmse Manor, a fully restored baroque estate surrounded by gardens and forest trails, and Sagadi Manor, a pink-hued jewel where generations of Baltic German nobility once lived. We’ll pause for an included lunch at one of the manor house restaurants, where the refined surroundings are matched by regional cuisine infused with a modern twist. This afternoon, we’ll return to the city for some free time followed by a Farewell Dinner at Fotografiska, Tallinn’s celebrated photography museum and culinary destination. Located in the trendy Telliskivi Creative City district, Fotografiska blends cutting-edge art with sustainable fine dining in a rooftop setting that overlooks the skyline. Here, we’ll raise our chalices to the memories we’ve made, the insight we’ve gained, and the friendships that will travel with us long after the journey ends.

After an included breakfast, guests who are not joining the extension will enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport. Safe travels home, and thanks for joining our Baltic adventure!

Guests joining the extension will bid farewell to Tallinn’s skyline and board a scenic 2-hour ferry to Finland’s radiant seaside capital: Helsinki. As we cruise over the Baltic waters, we’ll have time to relax, enjoy the sea breeze, and explore the ship’s dining options for lunch (not included). Upon arrival, we’ll begin with a guided bus tour of Helsinki’s most notable landmarks, including The Sibelius Monument, the Temppeliaukio Rock Church, and the grand Senate Square, framed by neoclassical architecture and crowned by the luminous white Helsinki Cathedral. From there, we’ll board a local ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sea fortress spread across a cluster of small islands. Built in the 18th century and steeped in centuries of military history, Suomenlinna today is a tranquil haven of stone walls and scenic trails. We’ll enjoy a guided walking tour, and afterward, have free time to explore at our own pace, perhaps browsing artisan shops or soaking in the peaceful maritime views. Later in the afternoon, we’ll ferry back to the mainland for a 2-hour Tom of Finland tour featuring insights into Helsinki’s gay history, artist Touko Valio Laaksonen’s (aka Tom of Finland) personal life, and stops at various sites where his art became ingrained into popular culture. This evening, we’ll gather for an included dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of modern Finnish cuisine crafted from seasonal Nordic ingredients.

After an included breakfast, we’ll journey to two of Finland’s most cherished cultural gems: the storybook town of Old Porvoo and the magnificent Malmgård Manor. Our first stop is a medieval town seemingly frozen in time, as much of Porvoo looks just as it did in the Middle Ages. We’ll meander through its postcard-worthy streets, past artisan boutiques, charming cafés, and the formidable 15th-century cathedral. From there, we journey to Malmgård Manor, a striking neo-Renaissance estate in the Finnish countryside. Home to the noble Creutz family since the early 1600s, the manor is now helmed by Count Johan Creutz, who has transformed the property into a thriving organic farm and eco-conscious brewery. We’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the manor, walking through its elegant halls and learning how centuries of heritage blend seamlessly with sustainable innovation. Then it’s time for a simple and wholesome lunch served in the manor house. Afterward, we’ll return to Porvoo for some free time to wander at our leisure. Later this afternoon, we’ll return to Helsinki and gather at Kolme Kruunua, a beloved restaurant that fuses old-world atmosphere with Finnish culinary comfort. Here, we’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner as we toast to new friendships and the unforgettable journey we’ve shared.

After an included breakfast, guests will enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport. Safe travels home, and thanks for joining us in the Baltics and Finland!