Highlights of Helsinki & the Baltics (HV)

Your 9-day adventure through the Highlights of Helsinki and The Baltics starts today! Arrive in Helsinki, the capital of Finland and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel. After a brief introduction to the upcoming itinerary, set off on a locally guided walking and driving tour through Helsinki. Marvel at some of the city’s top sights including Senate Square, the Uspenski Cathedral, the Havis Amanda, Kauppatori Market and more! Be sure to note what you would like to explore more on your free day tomorrow. This evening, look forward to a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Hei Helsinki! Today offers a full free day to discover this artistic and modern city which is consistently listed as one of the world’s happiest and most liveable cities. Why not visit one of the many saunas for a relaxing local experience? This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Suomenlinna Fortress on an optional excursion, including a ferry ride, light lunch and museum entrance. Then, join the Evening in Helsinki optional excursion to discover more of the city’s incredible attractions such as the Amos Rex art museum, Temppeliaukio Church and Sibelius Monument. Conclude an exciting day by sitting down for dinner with an ocean view and tasting delicious Finnish dishes!

Leaving the shores of Helsinki behind, it’s time to start our Baltic adventure! Catch a ferry and sail across the Gulf of Finland towards Tallinn, the enchanting capital city of Estonia. Arrive in the afternoon and head to a historic restaurant in the Old Town for an included lunch. Afterwards, set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Wander Tallinn’s charming cobblestone streets and admire its gorgeous medieval architecture while you learn more about this fascinating city. The evening is free to spend as you wish; choose to relax at the hotel or set off and do some more exploring!

After an introduction to the top attractions in Tallinn yesterday, take today as an opportunity to discover this enchanting city in-depth! Its compact size makes it easy to navigate and explore on foot. In the Old Town, be sure to visit the 12th Century St. Olaf‘s Church which has survived being struck by lightning about 10 times and burnt down three times! Wander around the Old Town, relax in one of the city’s many green spaces (did you know that Tallinn was Europe’s Green Capital in 2023?) or take in the views from the TV tower. The choice is yours on this free day!

Say “farewell” to Tallinn and head towards our next Baltic country. Before crossing the border into Latvia, visit Pärnu. This seaside resort town is a popular summer vacation spot for Estonians! After some time to explore, hop back on the coach. First stop in Latvia is Saulkrasti, a picturesque coastal town along the Gulf of Riga. Later this afternoon, arrive in Riga and stop to pay your respects at the Latvian Military Cemetery before arriving at the hotel for the evening. After checking into the hotel, visit Riga’s Old Town and admire the city’s Art Nouveau and Gothic architectural marvels on an orientation walking tour! Enjoy a free evening in this vibrant city.

Enjoy a full free day to experience Riga! As the largest of the Baltic capitals and with over 800 years of history, Riga is sure to captivate with its blend of architectural wonders, luscious greenery and world-class cuisine. Wander through the UNESCO-protected Old Town and let landmarks like the House of the Black Heads and the Riga Dom Cathedral take your breath away. Treat yourself to a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants, do a spot of shopping or visit one of Riga‘s many celebrated museums or art galleries. However you choose to spend this free day, it’s sure to be one to remember!

Leaving Riga early this morning, get ready for a jam-packed day of incredible sights. Crossing the border from Latvia into Lithuania, today’s first stop is steeped in mystery and history. Visit the Hill of Crosses, an important religious site and UNESCO World Heritage Site near the city of Šiauliai. Then, travel onwards to Trakai. This quaint town is home to a true fairytale site - the Trakai Island Castle! After snapping plenty of pictures, the tour travels to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Embark on an orientation tour and spot some of the city’s most beautiful attractions including the Vilnius Cathedral, Church of St Anne and Gediminas Tower. Enjoy some free time before sitting down for dinner with the group.

Labas rytas Vilnius! Lithuania was occupied three times (twice by Russia and once by Germany) and this turbulent past is reflected in its capital’s impressive street art and museums. However, Vilnius is also full of life and locals take any opportunity to celebrate the city’s freedom and unique culture. Walk or take the funicular up Gediminas Tower, wander around one of Europe’s largest old towns or simply relax at one of the city’s many coffee shops. Join the Vilnius+ optional excursion to tour a political-prison-turned-ultra-cool-event-space, explore the self-proclaimed republic of Užupis, visit an Amber Museum and enjoy a tasty local lunch - all in one day! You’ll truly be spoilt for choice on this free day.

After 9 days of discovering the top attractions in Helsinki and the many Baltic travel highlights, this unforgettable trip from Helsinki to Vilnius comes to an end this morning. Enjoy one final breakfast with your newfound travel buddies and be sure to swap contact details before going your separate ways. Wishing you a safe journey onwards!