8 days: Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn

Tour Overview:
This Highlights tour takes you to the capital cities of the three Baltic countries: Vilnius in Lithuania; Riga in Latvia and Tallinn in Estonia. These cities feature well preserved medieval architecture as well as entertainment, sightseeing, and shopping. They are at their best in the run-up to Christmas and New Year where you feel magic at every corner.

Day 1: Arrival Vilnius

Arrival in Vilnius, transfer to Hotel Artis Centrum**** or similar, check-in, welcome meeting.

Day 2: Vilnius

Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning walking tour of the Old Town includes Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, 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. The evening offers an optional Lithuanian dinner at Restaurant Belmontas. (B)

Day 3: 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. (B)

Day 4: Riga

Riga, founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles and by the end of December the whole city is preparing for a vibrant New Year celebration. 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 offers an optional tour to Riga Art Nouveau district and a visit to the Art Nouveau Museum. In the evening we enjoy an entertaining and fabulous New Year Gala. (B)

Day 5: Riga

Morning at leisure. Late afternoon offers an optional excursion to the Lido Recreational Centre, a large restaurant and entertainment centre located in the largest wooden log house in Europe and surrounded by a lot of winter attractions. We enjoy an optional traditional Latvian dinner before going back to the hotel. (B)

Day 6: 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 L’Ermitage**** or similar. (B)

Day 7: Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The Old Town is magical all the year but it is at its best in the run-up to Christmas and New Year, where the magic is felt at every corner. The walking 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 Maikrahv. (B)

Day 8: Tallinn Departure

Transfer to airport. (B)

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