Baltic Metropoles Tour - Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki

Vilnius - Riga - Tallinn - Helsinki 10 day tour - Baltic Metropoles

DAY 1 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (SUNDAY): Arrival in Vilnius

Arrival in Vilnius International Airport, train or bus station, optional transfer can be provided to Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva**** or similar, check-in at hotel, welcome meeting with the Baltic Tour guide to follow.

DAY 2 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (MONDAY): Vilnius

Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning sightseeing tour includes a panoramic tour of the city and a walking tour of the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, with the well preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galve. In the evening enjoy an optional folklore dinner at Restaurant Belmontas.

DAY 3 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (TUESDAY): Vilnius-Riga

Heading for Riga, the first stop is the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania. After crossing into Latvia we soon reach the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace we travel through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to reach Riga late afternoon, check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija**** or similar.

DAY 4 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (WEDNESDAY): Riga

Before we get acquainted with Riga we have the possibility of discovering medieval Latvia. The optional tour for this morning takes us to the stunning scenery of the Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before we return to Riga. The afternoon offers an optional visit to the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, a spacious exposition of 18^th century country life. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.

DAY 5 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (THURSDAY): Riga

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Three.

DAY 6 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (FRIDAY): Riga-Tallinn

The tour continues along the coastal highway to the Estonian summer resort of Parnu. We do a short tour of the resort before we continue through the North Estonian land of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon, check-in at the Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia**** or similar.

DAY 7 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (SATURDAY): Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. In the afternoon an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian Art museum, with its collections of classic and contemporary fine art. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikhrav.

DAY 8 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (SUNDAY): Tallinn-Helsinki

This day offers an optional day excursion to Lahemaa National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour ends with a visit to the charming 16^th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. After lunch break, we head back to Tallinn to take the ferry to Helsinki and enjoy a refreshing tour through the Finnish archipelago before arriving in Helsinki. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel and check-in at Hotel Radisson Blue Seaside**** or similar.

DAY 9 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (MONDAY): Tallinn-Helsinki

Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. The sightseeing tour takes us around the harbours and the Senate Square with the Lutheran Cathedral, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the famous Church-in-the-Rock. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, an oasis in the midst of the city with cottages, farmsteads and manors from all around Finland.

DAY 10 of Baltic Metropoles Tour of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn & Helsinki (TUESDAY): Helsinki

Optional transfer to the airport of Helsinki can be arranged upon request.