Talinn – Riga – Vilnius - General Interest

Day 1 TALLINN

Arrive in Tallinn, Estonia. Considered one of the gems of Northern Europe, Tallinn is situated on the southern coast of the Finnish bay. This city, founded around 1154, blends the beauty of its old town centered around Toompea Hill with a newer, cosmopolitan city. Meeting, assistance, and private-car transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Tallinn.

Day 2 TALLINN

Your morning half-day panoramic city tour begins in the Old Town of Tallinn. See the Order Castle on Toompea Hill, the place where Tallinn was founded; Alexander Nevski’s Orthodox Cathedral; and the Lutheran Dome Church. Visit two terraces that boast magnificent views over Tallinn and the Gulf of Finland. After a visit to the Lower Town, continue by car to tour the surroundings of Tallinn. You will drive to Catherine’s Valley and see Kadriorg Palace. Your tour also features the President’s Residence, the Fair Center, the Yachting Center, and the ruins of St. Brigit’s Convent.
After a break for lunch, continue to the Open Air Museum in Rocca al Mare. This museum depicts daily life on Estonian farms in the 18th-20th centuries. The twelve exhibit farmyards offer a wonderful review of the old-time life of households of different wealth and subsistence. Just like in a proper village, there is a church (1699), an inn, a schoolhouse, several mills, a fire station and net sheds by the sea – altogether 72 buildings. Return to Tallinn. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Tallinn.

Day 3 TALLINN – RIGA

Depart Tallinn by private car to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Enjoy the countryside and picturesque small towns. Learn about local history and hear stories about the people who actually live there. Upon arrival in Riga, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Riga.

Day 4 RIGA

Your morning half-day city tour features the most famous sites of Riga. You will drive along the embankment of the River Daugava, providing a wonderful panoramic view of the city, to the Jugendstil district, the University buildings, the National Opera, and the Academy of Arts. Your drive will end at the entrance to the Old Town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on a walking tour of the Old Town that features: the splendid architecture of the Jugedstil District; Riga Castle; the Dome Cathedral, the Monument of Freedom; and the Bremen Musicians Monument, erected on the city’s beautiful town square. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Riga.

Day 5 RIGA

Drive to Sigulda this morning, which is situated in Gauja National Park. Sigulda is located in a picturesque part of the primeval Gauja river valley. Because of reddish devon sandstone which form steep rocks and caves on both banks of the river, Sigulda has been called the “Switzerland of Vidzeme.” You will see the town and surrounding area, the Sigulda Castle ruins, Sigulda’s new castle, and Gutman’s Cave. Return to Riga. The remainder of the day is on your own.
Overnight in Riga.

Day 6 RIGA – VILNIUS

Depart Riga by private car for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Along the way, you will stop at Rundale Palace. This palace is the most magnificent masterpice of Baroque architecture in the Baltic States. The building was badly damaged during World War II, but it has since been restored to its former glory. Beautiful parks and fountains surround the Palace, making it a true pearl of Latvia. Continue on to Vilnius, one of the oldest cities in the Baltics. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Riga.

Day 7 VILNIUS

Your morning panoramic half-day city tour of Old Vilnius features numerous churches, narrow houses and winding streets. You will see Vilnius Cathedral; St. Ann’s Church, a 16th century masterpiece of Gothic architecture; the Gate of Dawn; the University Courtyards; and the Town Hall square.
After a break for lunch, continue by private car to Trakai. Trakai was the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania where you will see the beautiful red brick Castle built on an island in Galve Lake. This Castle Museum hosts an exhibition on the history of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes. After your tour, return to Vilnius. Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Vilnius.

Day 8 VILNIUS

Drive to Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania. It is situated in the valley of the two longest rivers in Lithuania, the Nemunas and the Neris. Your tour features the Old Town of Kaunas and the Art Gallery of the most famous artist and composer, M. K. Ciurlionis. Continue on to Rumsiskes, the Lithuanian open-air museum. This museum displays the rural heritage of Lithuania with a vast collection of authentic re-erected buildings that show where Lithuanian peasants lived and worked. Return to Vilnius. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Vilnius.

Day 9 EN ROUTE

Transfer by private car to the airport for your departure.