WARSAW – BALTIC STATES – HELSINKI

12 days / 11 nights

  • Day 1: WARSAW (arrival)

    • Arrival to Warsaw
    • Transfer to the hotel
  • Day 2: WARSAW

    • Breakfast at the hotel
    • Panoramic tour of Warsaw
    • Visit of Lazienki Palace and Park
  • Day 3: WARSAW - VILNIUS

    • Breakfast at the hotel
    • Transfer to Vilnius by bus
    • Stop at the Masurian lakes (with cruise)
    • Arrival to Vilnius
    • Transfer to the hotel
    • Accommodation
  • Day 4: VILNIUS – TRAKAI - VILNIUS

    • Breakfast at the hotel
    • Panoramic tour of Vilnius
    • Visit to Antakalnis Cemetery
    • Visit to St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church
    • Visit to Vilnius Cathedral
    • Visit to Vilnius University
    • Tour of the Republic of Uzupis
    • Panoramic tour of Trakai
    • Visit to Trakai Island Castle
    • Exterior visit exterior of the ruins of the Trakai Peninsula Castle (Great Castle)
    • Return to Vilnius
  • Day 5: VILNIUS – KAUNAS – NIDA - KLAÏPEDA

    • Breakfast
    • Departure to Kaunas
    • Panoramic tour of Kaunas
    • Departure to Neringa
    • Ferry to the villages Smyltune and Juodkrante
    • Stop at the hill of witches « Raganu Kalnas »
    • Walk through Nida
    • Departure to Klaipeda
    • Transfer to the hotel
  • Day 6: KLAIPEDA – SIAULIAI – RUNDALE - RIGA

    • Breakfast at the hotel
    • Departure to Siauliai
    • Visit of the «Hill of Crosses» in Siauliai
    • Departure to Rundale
    • Visit of Rundale Palace
    • Arrival to Riga
    • Transfer to the hotel
    • Accommodation
  • Day 7: RIGA

    • Breakfast at the hotel
    • Panoramic tour of Riga
    • Visit to Riga Central Market
    • Exterior visit to St. Peter’s Church
    • Visit to the Dome (Riga Cathedral)
    • Visit of the Art Nouveau district of Riga
    • Visit of Jurmala resort city
  • DAY 8: RIGA – SIGULDA – TURAIDA – TARTU

    • Breakfast at the hotel
    • Departure to Sigulda
    • Visit of the Gauja Park
    • Panoramic visit of Sigulda
    • Visit of the Castle of Turaida
    • Visit of the Caves of Gutmanis
    • Arrival to Tartu
    • Transfer to the hotel
  • DAY 9: TARTU - TALLINN

    • Breakfast
    • Panoramic tour of Tartu
    • Visit of the National Museum of Tartu
    • Stop in Poltsamaa
    • Wine tasting in the cellars of Poltsamaa
    • Departure for Tallinn
    • Transfer to hotel and accommodation
  • DAY 10: TALLINN

    • Breakfast
    • Complete panoramic city tour of Tallinn, including quartiers of Pirita and Kadriorg
    • Visit of the Kadriorg park and exterior of the Palace
    • Little walk in Kalamaja district
    • Little walk in the trendy district of Telliskivi
    • Stop at the Balti Jaama market
    • Panoramic walking tour of the historical centre, The Upper Town (Toompea)
    • Visit of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
    • Visit to the Lutheran Cathedral of St. Marie
    • Stop at the Tallinn viewpoint to admire the panorama of Tallinn and its Bay
    • Panoramic walking tour of the historical centre, The Lower Town
    • Visit of the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum “Rocca al Mare”

    In option: Folklore entertainment (30 min)
    In option: Handicrafts workshops (beeswax candles, felting, painting on wooden tableware)

  • DAY 11: TALLINN - HELSINKI

    • Breakfast
    • Transfer to the port
    • Ferry to Helsinki (2h)
    • Panoramic bus tour of Helsinki
    • Panoramic walking tour
    • Visit of Lutheran church
    • Visit of Orthodox church
  • DAY 12: HELSINKI (DEPARTURE)

    • Breakfast
    • Transfer to airport

DETAILED PROGRAM

DAY 1 / WARSAW (ARRIVAL)

Arrival to Warsaw.

Transfer to the hotel.

DAY 2 / WARSAW

Breakfast.

Panoramic tour of Warsaw. You will visit the Old Town and its beautiful sights: The Royal Castle and the Royal Castle Square with King Sigismund III Vasa Column, St John’s Cathedral, the Old Town Market Square and the Barbican. We will drive along the Royal Route: Krakowskie Przedmiescie, Nowy Swiat and Aleje Ujazdowskie, with numerous churches (Holy Cross Church with Chopin’s heart kept in the pillar), monuments, historic buildings and palaces, many of them housing embassies and ministries. We will stop in front of the Parliament, make a walk through the Lazienki Park with famous Palace on the Water, one of the last 18th century court theatres in Europe in Old Orangery, you will admire famous Chopin’s monument and Belvedere Palace. We will stop in the former Ghetto area, with Nathan Rappaport Monument and Umschlagplatz.

Visit of Lazienki Palace and Park.

DAY 3 / WARSAW – VILNIUS

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Vilnius by bus.

Stop at Masurian Lake (cruise).

Arrival to Vilnius.

Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

DAY 4 / VILNIUS – TRAKAI – VILNIUS

Breakfast at the hotel.

Panoramic tour of Vilnius. Vilnius is a true baroque jewel bursting with a treasure trove of architectural styles. The city’s Old Town features more than 1500 historical buildings, making it one of the largest in Europe, while its pastel facades, beautiful churches, and cobblestoned streets create a unique, romantic atmosphere.

At the same time, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is still a small city, perfect for walking along its cobblestoned streets, secret yards, and majestic squares. Founded in 1323 by the Grand Duke Gediminas on the banks of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, Vilnius has been a major trade centre in the Baltic region for centuries and was home to the Hansa merchants, not to mention the many invaders who have occupied the country at different points throughout its long history: Germans, Poles, Russians, and Swedes. Vilnius was also the general headquarters of Napoleon’s army when he attempted to occupy Russia. This multinational influence has affected the architecture of the city, with its facades that now feature gothic, renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical styles, as well as its cultural and religious life. Here you can see a variety of Catholic churches with their ornate facades and colonnades, austere Protestant churches with their high spires, and Orthodox cathedrals with their rich decoration and onion-shaped cupolas, all of which serves as just one more reason why the historical centre of Vilnius is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vilnius was the European Cultural Capital in 2009 as, despite its stateliness, it is an active modern city: its ambiance is young, lively, and dynamic thanks to the fact that Vilnius is the main University City in Lithuania. Every year Vilnius hosts many colourful fairs, theatre performances, and festivals.

We will first go on a bus tour that will feature a visit to St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, and offer the opportunity to admire many Art Nouveau buildings along Gediminas Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Vilnius. Vilnius Cathedral, with its imposing neoclassical façade, stands at its end, a part of the vast Vilnius Castle Complex that also includes the Upper Castle, Lower Castle, Royal Palace, and Arsenals. The whole complex is dominated by Gediminas Tower, rising from prominent Castle Hill above Old Town, the start of our walking tour. First we will go by the Presidential Palace, the official residence of the President of Lithuania, and Vilnius University, the oldest in the Baltic States and home to the Catholic Church of St. John. We will then admire renaissance-styled St. Michael’s Church; St. Anne’s Church, which has the most beautiful exterior of all of Vilnius’ churches; the Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Bernardine); and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Theotokos. The other side of the Vilnia River is home to the Uzupis artists’ quartier, where we will enjoy a panoramic view of Vilnius from near the Artillery Bastion before re-entering through the city walls at the Gate of Dawn. We will walk in front of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit and St. Casimir’s Church before arriving at Town Hall Square, a beautiful example of 18th century Neoclassicism. Nearby are the Old Jewish Quartier, the Choral Synagogue, Orthodox St. Nicolas Church, and Catholic St. Nicolas Church, the most ancient in Lithuania.

Visit to Antakalnis Cemetery. This cemetery is the final resting place of thousands of soldiers, including more than 3000 Frenchmen in Napoleon’s armies who died during the invasion of Russia in 1812, as well as German and Russian soldiers who died during both world wars and the Lithuanian patriots killed in 1991 by Soviet troops during the revolts for the independence of Lithuania.

Visit to St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church. This church is a baroque masterpiece that is often called a “Baroque pearl.” Construction on the church began in 1668 by order of Kazimierz Pac, the Grand Hetman of Lithuania, to commemorate the liberation of the city from its Russian invaders. He was buried in the church with the inscription “Here lies a Sinner” on his tombstone, though it was later destroyed by lightning. You will be impressed by the unique interior of the church: it is decorated with 2000 statues and reliefs of biblical characters and historical heroes, all by famous Italian masters, a magnificence that is without equal among other churches in Vilnius.

Visit to Vilnius Cathedral. The first Christian church was built here in 1251 to replace a pagan temple and commemorate the baptism of Mindaugas, the king of Lithuania. The church was damaged and had to be rebuilt several times throughout the centuries, each rebuild featuring different styles, including gothic, renaissance, and baroque, some of the remains of which still survive and are available for our viewing pleasure. The building’s present neoclassical facade was designed by Lithuanian architect Laurynas Gucevičius at the end of the 18th century, while the cathedral’s interior contains many valuable frescos, pictures, sculptures, and tombstones. The crypt is home to a valuable fresco dating back to the end of the 14th century: The Crucifixion, the oldest wall painting in Lithuania. St Casimir’s Church is a treasure trove of frescos, decorative stucco works, and sculptures, being one of the most valuable examples of mature baroque architecture in Lithuania. A silver coffin made in the 18th century holds the remains of St. Casimir, Grand Duke and patron saint of Lithuania. The cathedral’s external bell tower, a city landmark, was erected in the 15th century on the location of a defensive tower that was part of Vilnius’ Lower Castle.

Visit to Vilnius University. Founded in 1568 by Polish Jesuits at the initiative of King Stephen Báthory, it was from its inception an important cultural centre in the Baltic region. Built mostly in the baroque style, we will admire its historical halls and the beautiful frescoes that decorate its arches and vaults. The university complex occupies an entire district inside Old Town and is divided into 12 inner courts built during the last four centuries. The main court features the Church of St. John (Sv. Jono), initially built in 1387 in the gothic style and then rebuilt in the 18th century in Lithuanian baroque. Its bell tower, at 69 meters, is the tallest building in Vilnius’ Old Town.

Tour of the Republic of Uzupis. Situated not far from the city centre and separated from it by the Vilnia River, its name means “beyond the river.” This area was declared an independent republic by its inhabitants, mostly artists and their families, who created a flag that changes colours every season, an anthem, passports, a constitution, and even an Independence Day: April 1st! Complete with a president and council of ministers, the district was inhabited mostly by Jews until World War II, after which their deserted houses were neglected, and during the Soviet occupation only strays, criminals, and social outcasts inhabited the place. After Lithuania regained its independence, many artists moved into the houses, restored the buildings, and returned a fresh and creative shine to the district, now sworn brother to Montmartre. These days it is full of cafes, art galleries, and boutiques, while the main clause in the Constitution of Uzupis is the “right to be happy,” and its motto is “don’t fight, don’t win, and don’t surrender.”

Trakai. Situated 15 kilometres from Vilnius, Trakai was declared a national park not only because of the natural beauty of its 200 lakes and dense fir and birch forests, but also because of the historical importance of the place: it was the seat of the Grand Dukedom of Lithuania and the second capital of the country during the Middle Ages. The town has been built in a narrow peninsula and it’s surrounded by marvellous lakes. The area has historically been a crossroad of different ethnics and nationalities: Karaims, Tatars, Lithuanians, Russians, Jews and Poles. Its imposing Island Castle is a splendid 14th century building on a small island in the middle of an idyllic lake. The majestic silhouette of its high, red brick walls and slender towers are reflected in the lake’s waters.

Panoramic tour of Trakai. In the small town, besides the charming traditional wooden houses scattered in these marvellous landscapes, we will appreciate several buildings of historical importance: The Karaims, Jewish from Crimea that reject the Talmud and speak a Turkic language, settled in Trakai in the 14th century. We will see karaim houses and the Knessa (Knesset), the Karaite Prayer House, whose construction started in the 14th century. The Orthodox Church of the Nativity and the former Russian Imperial Post House were built in the 19th century, during the time when Lithuania was a part of the Russian Empire. The Usutrakis Manor Estate was built at the end of the 19th century by the count Tyszkiewicz. We have of course roman catholic temples, Lithuanians’ majoritarian religion: The Chapel-Column of St. John Nepomuk (17th century), the former Dominican Monastery (18th century) and the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15th century). Finally, we will admire the two castles of Trakai: the Trakai Peninsula Castle (14th century), mostly in ruins, and the majestic Trakai Island Castle, built in the 14th century in an island, an iconic image of Lithuania.

Visit to Trakai Island Castle. After a short journey from Vilnius, we will discover this area with its stunning natural beauty, reaching the magnificent medieval castle of Trakai by crossing a wooden walking bridge over the lake. The castle’s construction began at the end of the 14th century as an enlargement of the neighbouring Peninsula Castle, complete with its imposing Donjon, Ducal Hall, walls, and defensive towers.

Exterior visit of the ruins of the Trakai Peninsula Castle (Great Castle). The Trakai Peninsula Castle was built in the 14th century as a defensive fortress of the Dukes of Lithuania against the Teutonic Knights. During the 15th century it was used as a residence of the Dukes, and then, in the 16th century, as a prison. It was destroyed during the Russo-Polish War in the 17th century and wasn’t rebuilt. We can still admire some of its massive towers.

Return to Vilnius.

DAY 5 / VILNIUS – KAUNAS – NIDA – KLAIPEDA

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure to Kaunas.

Panoramic tour of Kaunas. This city of rich history that was the capital of Lithuania between the two world wars is located at the confluence of the two major rivers of Lithuania, the Neris and the Nemunas, close to the Kaunas reservoir. This strategic position, at the crossroads of several main trade routes, attracted human settlements from as early as the second millennium BC, while the town is believed to have been founded in 1030. As trade flourished in the 15th century, its importance grew, finally becoming a member of the Hanseatic League in 1441. Due to its importance, the city has been attacked several times throughout its history by the Teutonic knights, Swedes, Russians, and even Napoleonic armies. Regardless, the city still keeps a tight grip on its important cultural legacy, with many monuments and other fascinating sites. Kaunas also has an important Jewish past, a community which composed up to 25% of the city’s population before World War II.

During this panoramic visit we will admire Government Square and some of Kaunas’ magnificent churches, among which are the Neo-Byzantine Church of St. Miguel Archangel and Resurrection Church, with its wonderful views of the city. After a stop at busy Laisves Aleja (Liberty Avenue), the city’s main street, near gothic St. Gertrude Church, we will make our way to the old city. Here we will discover the city’s main treasures, such as Vytautas Church, one of the oldest in the city; the gothic House of Perkunas; baroque Kaunas City Hall; St. George’s Convent; St Francis Xavier Church; and the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica, the biggest gothic edifice in Lithuania, and neighbour to majestic and recently restored Kaunas Castle, dating back to the 14th century.

Departure to Neringa.

The Curonian Spit (Neringa Peninsula). This national park is included in the World Heritage list by UNESCO because of its stunning beauty. Consisting of a narrow strip of land about 100 kilometres long that separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon, it is shared by Lithuania, which owns its northern half, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Sculpted throughout the centuries by strong Baltic winds carrying fine white sand, the Curonian Spit is covered by pine forests. Here you can admire the largest moving sand dunes in Europe, culminating at 56 meters above sea level at Urbas Dune. This magical place has a major kaup, a pagan sanctuary that has been the site of various rites throughout the centuries. It has also given rise to many legends that claim the spit was created by the giantess child Neringa, the sea goddess, while playing.

Tour of the Curonian Spit (Neringa Peninsula). We will discover the Neringa Peninsula, also called the Curonian Spit, and from Smyltune and its beautiful fishermen’s houses we will go along the only existing road on the spit to Nida. We will stop at Witches’ Hill, or Raganu Kalnas, where, after a short walk along the beautiful forests and dunes, we will admire its amazing, mythological wooden sculptures. We will then continue southwards to Preila and its beautiful cemetery. On our walking tour of Nida, the main village on the peninsula and one that is on the border with Russia, we will be able to see the house where the writer Thomas Mann lived. We will also admire 52-meter Parnidis Dune, the last shifting dune on the peninsula. After climbing wooden stairs to its top, we will enjoy splendid views over Nida; the Curonian Spit, including its Russian part; the “Lithuanian Sahara;” and the Curonian Lagoon.

Ferry crossing to Smyltune and Juodkrante villages.

Stop at the hill of witches « Raganu Kalnas ».

Walk through Nida.

Departure to Klaipeda. Transfer to the hotel.

DAY 6 / KLAIPEDA – SIAULIAI – RUNDALE – RIGA

Breakfast.

Klaipeda. Klaipeda is the third largest city in Lithuania and the country’s most important port. Founded in 1252 by Teutonic knights and German crusaders, the city was controlled by different powers throughout its existence. During most of its history it was known by the Prussian/German name of Memel, and the city grew thanks to the importance of its nearly year-round ice-free port that made it a main trade centre for the whole Baltic area, its primary clients being English merchants. The city suffered extensive damage during World War II and was hastily rebuilt by Soviet authorities. It remains a very dynamic port city.

Panoramic tour of Klaipeda. We will learn about the most interesting and ancient sights in Klaipeda that have survived to the present day, including the remains of Klaipeda Fort on the Curonian Spit (dating back to the 19th century), the remains of Klaipeda Castle in the old town (15-19th centuries), and several of the castle’s bastions. Its first construction was begun in the 13th century by Teutonic knights, and today the castle features a beautiful view of Klaipeda. We will then walk through the small network of charming streets that make up the old town, built between the 13th and the 15th centuries, where we will see the exterior of the historical buildings of the Clock Museum and the Lithuania Minor Museum. We will also admire some old warehouses built in the typically German fachwerk style. From Theatre Square, the main landmark in the old town, we will walk along the Craft Yard, dating back to the 18th century, later seeing the Klaipeda University building complex and the Central Post Office building.

Departure to Siauliai.

Visit to the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai. Surrounded by beautiful nature about 12 kilometres north of Siauliai, this mystical place is a Catholic pilgrimage site that has seen pilgrims come to lay down their crosses and rosaries since the 14th century as a sign of religious and national identity, including even Pope Jean Paul II in 1993. In spite of the destruction of the landmark on numerous occasions by foreign occupiers, the number of crucifixes today is estimated to be more than 100,000, from tiny crosses to the colossal crucifixes devoted to the martyrs and heroes of national independence.

Visit to Rundale Palace. This was the summer residence of the Duke of Courland-Semigallia, Ernest Johann Von Biron. Von Biron was born to a family of servants in the Kettler dynasty, the dukes of Courland-Semigallia, and later entered the service of Bestuzhev, the Russian ambassador, one of the most powerful men in the duchy, and the Russian princess Anna Ivanovna’s lover. A handsome man, Von Biron managed to replace his master as the princess’ lover, and when she became empress (tsarina) in 1730, Ernst Johann Von Biron was rewarded with estates, money, and titles. He followed her to Russia and quickly expanded his influence in the court, becoming the most powerful man in the Russian Empire. When the last Duke of Courland-Semigallia from the Kettler dynasty died without an heir in 1737, Empress Anna Ivanovna managed to secure the duchy for her protégé and lover. Von Biron then returned to his homeland as duke, where he lived a life of opulence and extravagance. Shortly after arriving, he ordered that two luxurious palaces be built by the most famous architect in St. Petersburg, Bartolomeo Rastrelli: Jelgava Palace as his main residence and Rundale Palace as his summer residence. Rastrelli built in Rundale a beautiful baroque, Italian-inspired palace with harmonious proportions, lavish stucco decorations, and beautiful French gardens. After the duke’s death, the palace changed hands several times, including becoming the property of the Shuvalov family and even the Soviet authorities. It has been recently restored and nowadays is used by the Latvian authorities to house the most important visitors of the country and heads of foreign states. Its most stunning halls are the Golden Living Room, the White Living Room, and the Great Gallery, as well as the duke’s private rooms, all of them decorated in the rococo style.

Departure to Riga. Transfer to the hotel.

DAY 7 / RIGA

Breakfast.

Panoramic tour of Riga. The center of Riga is richly decorated with an incredible variety of architectural styles, including gothic, renaissance, baroque, classicism, Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, and national romanticism. In the modern section, the Art Nouveau buildings and their fantastic decorative elements are extraordinary and unrivalled, while the wooden buildings of the 19th century that still survive are also unique. We will enjoy a panoramic walking tour around the historical center, with its perfectly preserved paved streets and charming medieval atmosphere in which we will admire the magnificent buildings that belonged to the rich merchants of the Hansa. We will start our tour with a view of Riga Castle, built in 1330, one of the most well-preserved castles in Northern Europe, and now the official residence of the President of Latvia and home to the National History Museum of Latvia. We will then visit some parts of the old city walls, including the Swedish Gate and Powder Tower, after which we will continue our visit through the old Nunnery and Hospital of the Holy Spirit. We will admire some of the city’s most ancient civil buildings, such as the House of The Three Brothers, the oldest residence in Riga; the House of the Black Heads, which was the seat of the famous brotherhood of captains and Hanseatic merchants; and the more recently built Small and Great Guild Halls, which were the cultural centers of the craftsmen and merchants, respectively. We will also visit the most important religious buildings in Riga: St. James’ Cathedral, St. John’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, and the Dome, or Riga Cathedral. We will finish our walk in old Market Square in front of the town hall.

Visit to Riga Central Market. It is the largest market in the Baltic States and one of the biggest markets on the European continent. Inaugurated in 1930, its five pavilions were designed to be zeppelin hangars, though they were eventually converted into the central market. Located in the centre of Riga and constructed in the Art Nouveau style, it was the largest construction project in pre-war Latvia. The main function of the central market has not changed since, as it is still the largest and most popular shopping and trading location in the city. Its pavilions and the market’s open area see farmers from all over the country offering their wares: vegetables, berries, fruits, fish, meat, and dairy products, as well as other agricultural produce—a pleasure for the senses!

Exterior visit to St. Peter’s Church. A beautiful gothic building that dates back to 1209, it was carefully renovated after being damaged by fire due to bombings during World War II.

Visit to the Dome (Riga Cathedral). The biggest church in the Baltic countries and a gothic pearl built in 1211 near the Daugava River, it also incorporates elements of many other styles, including Romanesque, baroque, and even Art Nouveau. Dedicated to the Protestant cult, its austere interior gives an impression of solidity, with some of its walls more than two meters thick. It is famous due to its spectacular organ, one that is the greatest in Europe and was inaugurated in 1844 with four keyboards and more than 6,700 pipes.

Visit to Riga’s Art Nouveau district. With more than 750 buildings featuring distinct facades and rich decoration, it is the biggest collection of Art Nouveau in the world. Its construction started between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, but its most famous buildings are wonderful examples of Jugendstil, which was characteristic of the inter-war period. There are two main types of Art Nouveau architecture and decoration in Riga: Rationalist-perpendicular, with vertical lines along many floors, and National-Romanticism, which incorporates elements of traditional architecture and natural materials. In 1997, UNESCO included 475 hectares in Riga’s centre in its World Heritage List, a protected area that embraces the historical heart of the city and the surrounding districts on the right bank of the Daugava River and includes most of the Art Nouveau district.

Visit to Jurmala. The largest resort city in the Baltic States is well known for its natural treasures: its mild climate, sea, healthy air, therapeutic mud, and mineral water. The city’s main attraction is almost 33 kilometres of long white sandy beaches that are hedged by large pine forests and the city’s natural border, the river Lielupe. More than 3,500 traditional wooden houses used to be summer residences for Riga’s elite, while most of these buildings are now declared national monuments.

Transfer to the hotel.

DAY 8 / RIGA – SIGILDA – TURAIDA – TARTU

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure to Sigulda.

Gauja National Park. The Gauja River valley is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Europe, with its rivers and streams, soft hills, thick forests, and exquisite caves. Finno-Ugrian tribes called the Livonians came to the valley in the 11th century, beginning the construction of numerous castles and wooden fortifications, including Satesele, Turaida, and Kubesele. It has been declared a national park both for its natural beauty and for its historic importance. The main touristic centre of the area is the town of Sigulda.

Panoramic visit to Sigulda. This charming town located in the centre of the Gauja Valley is the area’s main attraction. We will admire Sigulda New Castle, constructed at the end of the 19th century by the Kropotkin family, and the ruins of Sigulda Old Castle, built in 1207 by the Livonian Order. On the other side of the Gauja River is the village of Turaida.

Visit to Gutmanis Cave. Situated on the banks of the Gauja River, it is the biggest and deepest cave in the whole Baltic region, and has been a touristic attraction for centuries. It has also given rise to many stories and legends, the most famous being the “Rose of Turaida.” We will be able to admire some of the cave paintings that adorn the walls.

Visit to Turaida. On the other bank of the Gauja River, across from Sigulda, lies the village of Turaida. Its wooden Lutheran church built in 1750 is one of the oldest wooden churches in Latvia. We will also visit the Livonian graveyard where the tomb of Maija, the legendary “Rose of Turaida” is located. On the Daina Hill we will see the sculpture garden, dedicated to the Latvian folklore that was made in honour of the Baron Krisjanis, a great collector of Latvian folk songs. Regardless, its main attraction is undoubtedly the medieval Castle of Turaida. Constructed in 1214, this majestic red brick building occupies a hill above the village and has survived numerous wars, fires, and attacks.

Departure to Tartu. Situated 190 kilometres southeast of Tallinn, Tartu is the second largest Estonian city and one of the oldest in the Baltic area. Founded in the 5th century, Tartu thrived in medieval times, joining the Hanseatic League at the end of the 13th century. Previously known by the German name of Dorpat, control over it was passed between the Livonians, Lithuanians, Poles, Swedes, and Russians. Its university, founded in 1632, is the most important in Estonia, and, like in most Estonian and Latvian cities, the dominant commercial class over the centuries has been populated with Germanic nobles, something that is reflected remarkably in the mostly late baroque and neoclassical architecture of the historical centre.

Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

DAY 9 / TARTU – TALLINN

Breakfast at the hotel.

Panoramic tour of Tartu. The streets of the historical centre still preserve some notable examples of the rich past of Tartu, as they are adorned with numerous sculptures of scientists, national heroes, and other famous people who lived here or studied at the university. In addition to those sculptures, our panoramic tour will have us admiring noteworthy examples of the city’s architecture: Town Hall Square, formerly known as Grosse Markt, or “Big Market,” and its ensemble headed by the 18th century City Council; the famous building of the University of Tartu; Lutheran St. John’s Church, built in the 14th century with its unique medieval terracotta figures; the Toomemägi (“Dome Hill”); and the ruins of a 13th century cathedral.

Visit of National museum of Tartu.

Stop at Poltsamaa. Poltsamaa is an small town, located between Tartu and Tallinn. The city is famous by its rose gardens, situated on islands in the Poltsamaa River, and featuring more than 900 varieties. It is also known its castle and its wineriesPoltsamaa Castle was built in 1272 by the Livonian Order as one of the fortresses protecting its northern border. Between 1570 and 1578 the city and its castle were the residence of the only Livonian (Estonian) king in history, King Magnus, supported by the Russian tsar Ivan the Terrible. The castle suffered devastation during WWII and was partially restored some years later. Inside the castle’s court we can see St. Nicholas church. It was built in 1632 over the ruins of a previous one dating back from 1232.

Wine tasting at Poltsamaa wineries. Poltsamaa is known as the “wine capital of Estonia”. The Poltsamaa wine isn’t made with grapes, which cannot grow in Estonia because of its harsh climate. The wine here is done with other fruits and berries locally produced, but the result is surprising: during the tasting you will be able to see that the flavor of Poltsamaa wine is surprisingly similar to the usual wine from grapes. There are several varieties: red, white and rose, fruity, young and perky, or more aged and tasteful.

Transfer to Tallinn.

DAY 10 / TALLINN

Breakfast at the hotel.

Complete panoramic tour of Tallinn. Tallinn is situated on the northern coast of Estonia across from Helsinki on the Gulf of Finland. Although there are remains of human settlements from the fifth millennium B.C., and the city’s fortress already existed in 1050, Tallinn is officially considered to have been founded in 1219 by Danish crusaders. This explains the origin of its name, which in Estonian means “Danish City.” The city was rapidly fortified and developed, and in 1285 it became the northernmost member of the Hanseatic League. The Danish were followed by Teutonic knights, whose descendants made up the majority of the population until the 19th century and called the city by its German name: Reval. Despite the fact that it was part of Sweden beginning in 1561 and a part of Russia beginning in 1710, the majority of the population remained Germanic, something that greatly influenced the city’s historical architecture. After Estonia gained independence in 1991, Tallinn’s centre was carefully restored, and today it is one of the most beautiful European capitals. The city fascinates with its old houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and bell towers and spires reaching for the sky. Tallinn is a member of UNESCO’s World Heritage List and was declared European Cultural Capital in 2011.

As part of a bus tour we will visit the coastal neighbourhood of Pirita and the Russalka Memorial that is situated on the seafront. We will also catch a glimpse of the front of the ruins of St. Bridget’s (Birgitta) Convent, after which we will enjoy views of Kadriorg Park, enjoying the sharp contrast between the baroque buildings of Kadriorg Palace and the ultramodern Kumu Museum of Modern Art.

Visit to the Kadriorg District. Located not far from Tallinn’s centre, the area features a beautiful park and several buildings of interest: imposing Kadriorg Palace (18th century), the old summer residence of Peter the Great; Weizenberg Palace; the current Estonian Presidential Palace; and numerous villas and mansions inhabited by the local middle class and constructed for the most part in the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. Kadriorg Park offers footpaths and splendid gardens decorated with numerous statues and furrowed by streams and canals. Here we will also find some of the most important museums in Estonia, such as the Kumu Museum of Modern Art and the Mikkel Museum, with its collections of Russian icons and Chinese porcelains.

Exterior visit to Kadriorg Palace. After Peter the Great’s victory over Sweden, Russia annexed Estonia in 1710. In 1718, the Tsar ordered Italian architect Nicolo Michetti to construct this gorgeous palace. It was built in the baroque style in the centre of a French-inspired park and intended as a sumptuous summer residence far from the agitation of St. Petersburg. The palace was named Catherinenthal, or Kadriorg in Estonian, which means “Valley of Catherine,” in honour of his wife, Catherine I. Today the building is a museum in which we can admire the collections exhibited in its sumptuous halls, as well as its lavish outer architecture and the harmony of its gardens. It is also possible to see the house from which the Tsar kept an eye on the construction.

Short walk through Kalamaja quartier. Next to the Old Town, but closer to the sea, Kalamaja has always been the traditional opening of Tallinn to the Baltic Sea. This neighbourhood along the Bay of Tallinn always housed fishermen, fish-sellers and boat-builders. Its name, meaning “House of Fish” is a witness of its marine past, along with its streets’ names, such as “Koie” (Rope) or “Kalaranna” (Fish Beach). Kalamaja’s houses are mostly made of wood, preserving a village-like ambiance. Within this district we can find the old fortress and soviet prison of Patarei, the Maritime Museum -formerly a hangar for Seaplanes- and the Noblessner port -that hosted a submarine factory- forming the “Kultuurikilomeeter”, or “Kilometer of Culture”. We will walk along its calm, village-feeling, cobbled streets, seeing the colourful facades of its wooden houses. At the end of Kalamaja lies the ancient industrial complex of Telliskivi, that has become the trendiest, main creative spot of Tallinn, and the renovated Balti Jaama Market.

Short walk through Telliskivi quarter. This Tallinn neighbourhood is located next to the charming Kalamaja’s wooden houses, separated from the Old Town by the railway tracks. Telliskivi was the Kalinin Factory during the Soviet times, an industrial plant producing locomotives and mechanics for the whole Soviet Union. After Estonia’s independence in 1991, the area became derelict and half-abandoned. In 2009 a group of young Estonian creators opened there “Telliskivi Loomelinnak” or Creative City, slowly attracting many designers and artists to this alternative community. Today, its still industrial-like territory hosts dozens of artists’ galleries, vintage shops and hipster cafés, start-ups offices and co-working spaces, innovative theatres, a modern Photography museum, and even a popular flea market on Saturdays.

Stop at the Balti Jaama Market. The history of this market is closely linked to the adjacent train station. The station was inaugurated in 1870, when Tallin was part of the Russian Empire, along the new railway to St. Petersburg, the imperial capital. Several industrial buildings were erected in the area, among them those that house the market today. Their limestone bricks and metal beams imported from the United Kingdom are original from that time. The vicinity of the halls suffered bombings during World War II but they survived it and, at the end of the Soviet times, started housing dubious sellers and vendors of all kind of produce. It became known as the “Russian Market” and in 2017, after a successful reconstruction, the Balti Jaama Turg (Baltic Station Market) reopened. It is an amazing place, housing more than 300 merchants and shops in 3 different levels. There are also open-air sellers, along with a street-food area with more than 20 eateries. We can admire the farmers’ fresh produce of fish, meat, groceries, pickles, bakery and dairy and also have a look at local handcraft and second-hand clothes in the upper level.

We will have a walking tour through the charming medieval streets of the historical center. Tallinn’s old town is divided into two main parts: Toompea, or “Cathedral Hill,” and All Linn, or the “Lower Town.” Estonia has always been ruled from Toompea, where we will appreciate Toompea Castle, where the Estonian Parliament meets, and the Stenbock House, the official seat of the Estonian government. This spot also features the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral, and we will also visit the belvedere to enjoy stunning views of the city. Afterward we will head to All Line, or Tallinn’s lower town, where renaissance and baroque facades alternate with world-renowned hanseatic architecture, also called the Brick Gothic Style. The oldest cobblestone streets and buildings here were built in the 13th century, while along Muurivahe Street we will see several bastions and towers from the old city walls, the most remarkable being the Powder Tower, also called Kiek in de Kok. We will then walk past the Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine and the Cistercian Nunnery of St. Michael. The most notable landmarks of the Lower Town are the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads—a guild of young and single merchants—the Church of the Holy Ghost, St. Nicholas’ Church, and St. Olaf’s Church, whose spire was the highest building in the world from 1549 to 1625. We will finish our tour at impressive Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square), where we will find the town hall building that was built in 1404, and the Great Guild, built in 1410, whose gothic hall used to be the meeting place for the city’s merchants. On the opposite side of the square sits Raeapteek (Town Hall Pharmacy), the oldest working pharmacy in Europe, which has been open since the early 15th century.

Visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This large, richly decorated temple is the most important Orthodox church in Tallinn. Built on Toompea Hill in 1900 when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire, the church is dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, Prince of Novgorod, and was erected by the Russians in place of a statue of Martin Luther. It boasts Tallinn’s most powerful church bell ensemble, consisting of eleven bells made in St. Petersburg, including one that weighs 15 tons and is the largest in Tallinn. You can hear the entire bell ensemble playing before church services. The interior features several icons and beautiful decorative mosaics, along with a massive central cupola.

Visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral. This cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Tallinn. It was built shortly after the arrival of the Danish crusaders in Tallinn in the early 13th century, while the original wooden church was soon replaced by a gothic stone cathedral. It had to be rebuilt several times, which is why its architecture is a menagerie of styles, the most obvious being gothic and baroque. The cathedral was the burial place for local nobility over the centuries: the Cathedral’s floor is paved with tombstones and its walls are covered with heraldic reliefs of the German Baltic community. There is a magnificent carved wooden pulpit, and the cathedral is also famous for its unique 1914 organ.

Panoramic walking tour of the historical centre, Lower Town.

Visit to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum “Rocca al Mare”. This beautiful museum is a splendid reconstruction of an Estonian village made with authentic wooden buildings brought here from all over Estonia. It is located four kilometres west of Tallinn, in a forest on the shore of the Baltic Sea. The open-air museum features 72 buildings, including private houses, barns, a chapel, a school, and traditional wind and water mills. It allows the visitor to discover what country life in Estonia was like during the 18th and the 19th centuries.

In option: Handicrafts workshops (beeswax candles, felting, painting on wooden tableware).

In option: Folklore entertainment with national dances.

DAY 11 / TALLINN – HELSINKI

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the ferry port.

Ferry to Helsinki.

Arrival to Helsinki.

Helsinki. Helsinki is the youngest capital city in the Baltic area. It was founded in 1550 by Gustaf I of Sweden and remained a small, wooden town until the Swedes, who ruled Finland for centuries, built the Suomenlinna fortress here in 1748. At that point the city began to grow and prosper, and in 1809 Finland was annexed by Russia, with Helsinki becoming the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland, an autonomous entity inside the Russian Empire, in 1812. The country obtained its independence in 1917, and nowadays Finland is regularly at the top of global rankings of the most sustainable and successful countries. Helsinki is a modern and vibrant city in its own right and was the European Capital of Culture in 2000 and the World Design Capital in 2012. Northern minimalism and finesse are the typical features of the city’s architecture, which boasts entire quartiers in the Jugendstil and Art Nouveau styles. Most of the city’s landmarks are located in the center and easily reachable by foot.

Panoramic bus tour of Helsinki. Our panoramic tour will take us first to the Kaivopuisto neighbourhood, which is next to the sea and a popular recreational area for the city’s inhabitants during the summer. It is also home to many embassies, as well as the German church and St. Michael’s Church. We will continue along the central streets of Helsinki towards the original Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Church of the Rock, after which we will proceed to the Monument to Sibelius, the famous Finnish composer. After that stop, we will pass the modern Finnish Opera, the National Museum, and the Parliament of Finland before arriving at Railway Square, the busiest point in the city. We will then go through Senate Square and the North Harbour to the Katanajokka neighbourhood with its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and Uspenski Cathedral.

Panoramic walking tour of the city center of Helsinki. We will start our visit in the Old Port, which houses Market Square, a picturesque food market where you can find many local delicacies such as forest berries, mushrooms, sausages, and smoked fish. We will then head along Esplanadi Boulevard and its elegant terraces, boutiques, and cafes before crossing Alexander Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that is the busiest area of Helsinki, arriving in front of the Central Railway Station, one of the most beautiful in the world and built in 1919 from granite in the Art Nouveau, National-romantic style. Next to it is located the National Theatre of Finland and the Athenaeum. We will then head along the oldest streets of Helsinki and check out the Art Nouveau building that is home to the Stock Exchange. At that point we will arrive at Senate Square, an imposing neoclassical ensemble presided over by a statue of Tsar Alexander II, who gave considerable autonomy to the Finns. There we will find some of Helsinki’s most prominent buildings, including the Senate building, or Government Palace, which houses the Prime Minister’s office. Sederholm House is the oldest building in Helsinki, dating back to 1757. The National Library and the main University building are also located on Senate Square, but its most visited monument is neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral. We will then cross the North Port bay to reach the Katanajokka neighbourhood, which features a stunning number of Art Nouveau buildings including Uspenski Cathedral. From there we will admire a beautiful panorama of Helsinki, its port, and the Gulf of Finland.

Visit to Helsinki Cathedral. The cathedral is located right in the city’s heart on Senate Square. A symbol of Helsinki and its most visited landmark, it was built between 1830 and 1852, a time when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. Built at the same time as St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg, both cathedrals have many similarities in their external appearance. Originally Helsinki Cathedral bore the name of St. Nicholas as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I, who was personally involved in the cathedral’s construction and at whose direct instruction twelve statues of the apostles were placed on the roof. The cathedral is part of the unique architectural neoclassical ensemble of Senate Square.

Visit to Uspenski Cathedral. Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. It was built in 1868 from red brick topped with thirteen golden domes and stands next to the center of Helsinki on a rocky hill dominating the city and its port. From the area surrounding the cathedral you can enjoy a wide panoramic view of the city.

Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

DAY 12 / HELSINKI (DEPARTURE)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.

The order of visits is subject to change at any time due to operational reasons and museums schedules.

HOTELS

WARSAW

  • 3* Sup: Ibis, Metropole, or similar
  • 4* Sup: Mercure, Radisson, Golden Tulip, or similar

VILNIUS

3* Sup: Panorama, Art City Inn, or similar

4* Sup: Crowne Plaza, Best Western, or similar

KLAIPEDA

3* Sup: Ibis Styles Aurora, Green Park hotel, or similar

4* Sup: Amberton, Navalis, or similar

RIGA

3* Sup: Rija Port, Rija VEF, or similar

4* Sup: Islande, Bellevue, or similar

TARTU

3* Sup: Tartu, Pallas, or similar

4* Sup: Draakon, London, or similar

TALLINN

3* Sup: Go Shnelli, Hestia Susi, or similar

4* Sup: Park Inn Central, Tallink, Hestia, or similar

HELSINKI

3* Sup: Arthur, Helka, or similar

4* Sup: Scandic Grand Marina, Scandic Park, or similar