MAJESTIC BALTIC DISCOVERY TOUR

Upon your arrival at the Vilnius airport, you will be met and transferred directly to your hotel where you will proceed to check in for your stay. Depending entirely on the specific time of your arrival in the capital, you will have a wonderful opportunity to step out and get a first impression of the city completely on your own. Taking this time allows you to familiarize yourself with the immediate surroundings of your accommodation and gently ease into the local Lithuanian atmosphere. You can use these initial hours to wander the nearby streets, observing the architecture and the daily rhythm of the locals. This unguided portion of the day is designed to give you personal space and relaxation after your journey. Prepare yourself for the extensive guided tours that will commence the following morning. The evening is yours to spend at your leisure as you settle in. Your overnight stay will be at your designated hotel in Vilnius.

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a combined coach and walking tour of Vilnius, a city that has been the capital of Lithuania for more than 700 years. You will explore significant sights including the 14th-century Gediminas Castle built by Grand Duke Gediminas, the baroque St. Peter and Paul's Church, Cathedral Square, the gothic St. Anne's and Bernardine Churches, the Gates of Dawn, Town Hall Square, and the 1579-founded Vilnius University. Take in the attractive panorama of the Old Town from the city's hills and walk along the ancient narrow streets of the historical sector. In the afternoon, you will take a 25 km trip to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Here, you will visit the spectacular 14th-century insular castle erected on a small island in Lake Galve. Following this fascinating excursion, you will return to the city. Your overnight stay will be in Vilnius

After enjoying your morning breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city, which proudly served as the capital between the two world wars. Your engaging city tour of Kaunas will feature the 13th-century Kaunas Castle and the lovely Town Hall, affectionately known locally as the "White Swan". You will also explore the Town Hall Square, the 14th-century Church of Vytautas, the majestic Cathedral-Basilica, and the historic Perkunas House. Following your time in Kaunas, you will continue your journey towards Klaipeda, recognized as the main seaport of Lithuania. Upon your arrival, you will embark on a comprehensive tour of Klaipeda's key attractions. This will include a visit to the notable Theatre Square and a stroll through the charming Old Town area. You will conclude the day's travels as you check into your accommodation. Your overnight stay will be in Klaipeda.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking a scenic ferry trip to the Curonian Spit National Park, celebrated as the most valuable nature reserve in Lithuania. This UNESCO World Heritage site features the highest chains of dunes in Northern Europe, the soothing sounds of the sea, rustling sand, and old Curonian houses carrying the distinct scent of fish. You will arrive in Juodkrante and visit the fascinating Hill of Witches, which houses a hundred fanciful, folksy wooden sculptures scattered along a peaceful forest path. The journey then continues to Nida, featuring short, picturesque stops at a local cormorant and heron colony, as well as the striking "Dead" sand dunes. In the Nida resort area, your tour will include visits to a traditional Fisherman's House and the museum of the famous German writer Thomas Mann. After taking in these profound cultural and natural sights, you will make your way back to the mainland. Your overnight stay will be in Klaipeda.

Begin with breakfast at the hotel before departing for Riga, Latvia, with your first significant stop located just 16 km from Šiauliai at the renowned Hill of Crosses. This unforgettable and deeply moving site features thousands of crosses densely placed upon two small hills, representing a powerful symbol of faith and endurance. Following this visit, you will continue your drive across the region to Rundale. Here, you will enjoy a guided visit to the 18th-century Rundale Palace, recognized as a beautiful and splendid example of late Baroque architecture in Latvia. The palace stands as an exquisite example of the early work of the highly famous Italian architect F.B. Rastrelli. Take the time to admire the intricate designs and historical significance of the estate. After concluding your palace tour, you will complete the final leg of today's journey. You will arrive in Riga and check in at your hotel for your overnight stay.

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will join a combined coach and walking tour that encompasses the absolute most significant sights of Riga. The driving portion along the central boulevards offers views of the City Canal Parks, Bastion Hill, the Powder Tower, the Latvian National Theatre, the Fine Arts Museum, early 20th-century Art Nouveau Buildings, the Freedom Monument, the University of Latvia, the National Opera House, and the Daugava River. Transitioning to the walking part of the tour, you will fully enjoy the beauty of this ancient Hanseatic City. You will wander through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, visiting landmarks like the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, St. Jacob's Church, the Parliament House, and the Old Riga Castle. The comprehensive morning tour will leave you well-acquainted with the city's rich heritage. You will then have a completely free afternoon to explore or relax as you see fit. Your overnight stay remains in Riga.

Have your breakfast at the hotel before departing for Tartu, featuring a wonderful stopover in Sigulda, a destination located about 50 km from Riga within the Gauja River valley and National Park. Often referred to as the Latvian Switzerland, Sigulda is an immensely popular tourist, leisure, and winter sports resort. You will experience a genuine whiff of the Middle Ages, romantic legends, and heroic figures as you visit the ruins of the 13th-century Crusader Castle and the 19th-century Kropotkin's Palace situated on the outskirts. Enjoy a short drive down into the river valley to take in the landscape and embark on a walk to the 13th-century Turaida Castle. Here, you will have the chance to view the stunning 'garden of Gods' from the 30-meter high fortification tower and explore the local history museum. Continuing onward, you will cross into Estonia to reach your next destination. Upon arrival in Tartu, you will check in at the hotel for your overnight stay.

Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel before departing towards Saaremaa island. Along the way, you will make a delightful stopover in Parnu, famously known as the Estonian "Summer Capital". This quaint little town has been celebrated as a premier summer health resort ever since the very first spa opened its doors here back in the 1830s. After exploring Parnu, you will continue to Virtsu port where you will board a ferry to first ride over to Muhu island. The crossing from Muhu to the much larger Saaremaa island involves a highly picturesque ride directly across the dam that connects these two popular Estonian islands. You will arrive in Kuressaare, the recognized capital of Saaremaa island, in the late afternoon. Take in the coastal atmosphere and unique island environment as you settle into your new surroundings. You will then proceed to your hotel accommodation for your overnight stay in Kuressaare.

Following your hotel breakfast, you will embark on a historical tour of Kuressaare which prominently includes a visit to the fascinating medieval bishop castle. To fully absorb the cozy atmosphere of this small settlement, you will be able to take a leisurely walk through the town center. You will then drive to the Angla Windmill Park, a special place where heritage culture is highly honored, featuring five romantic windmills that offer a peek into the past when Estonian forefathers ground flour for daily bread. Since 2011, this park has included an educational Heritage & Culture center where you can learn about traditional handicraft skills. The island tour also brings you to wonderful sites characterized by untouched nature and highly special sights. The most renowned of these natural wonders is Lake Kaali, a perfectly round body of water that is actually an ancient meteorite crater. After this full day of exploration, you will return to your accommodation. Overnight stay in Kuressaare.

Enjoy breakfast at your Kuressaare hotel before beginning your departure back to the mainland and onward to Tallinn. You will drive back via Muhu island to reach the Kuivastu port, where you will board the ferry for the return ride. Upon your arrival in the capital city of Tallinn, you will proceed to your hotel for check-in. Following this, you will embark on an extensive city tour of Tallinn, visiting its famously preserved Old Town, which stands as a prime example of Gothic architecture in the Baltic and Nordic countries. Your guided tour will include the impressive Toompea Castle fortifications and the historic Dome Church dating back to the 13th century. You will also admire the 19th-century Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevskij, the 15th-century Town Hall Square, the Old Guild, and St. Olaf's Church. The remainder of the day can be spent enjoying the capital's unique ambiance. Overnight stay in Tallinn.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out on a special excursion to Rocca al Mare. The Tallinn Open Air Museum at Rocca al Mare is beautifully situated just 6 km from the Tallinn city center within a pristine forest area directly on the sea coast. During this engaging visit, you will travel back in time to the rural Estonia of old. You will explore a vast, forested park that is filled with traditional thatched farm buildings dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The expansive grounds also feature historical wooden windmills, a quaint wooden chapel, and an authentic village school. Furthermore, dedicated staff will be on hand to actively demonstrate exactly how people lived, worked, and thrived in these past times. This immersive cultural experience provides deep insight into Estonia's historical rural lifestyle. Upon completing the excursion, return for your final overnight stay in Tallinn.

Begin your final morning in the Baltics with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on the vast array of cultural and historical memories made over the past twelve days. Once breakfast is concluded, you will finalize your packing and prepare for your departure from the Estonian capital. A dedicated transfer will be arranged to convey you from your hotel directly to the Tallinn airport, ensuring a highly smooth and completely comfortable journey to your terminal. Upon arriving at the airport, you will proceed to check in for your onward flight home or to your next destination. This officially marks the end of your comprehensive tour across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. We hope you carry back unforgettable impressions of the rich history, stunning architecture, and pristine nature you have experienced. Have a safe and pleasant flight as you depart from Tallinn. The tour services conclude here.