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Impressions of the Baltics

Riga, Tallinn, Tartu, Grasi, Daugavpils and Vilnius
Riga, Latvia © Pixabay

This tour takes you not only to the main Baltic cities of Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius, but also through the countryside to the charming smaller towns of Tartu, Grasi and Daugavpils.

Itinerary

Day 1 Riga Arrival

Arrival in Riga and private transfer from Riga airport to Hotel Radisson Blu Elizabete or similar for two nights stay. Check-in and early evening welcome meeting. 

Day 2 Riga: Old Town Exploration and Ethnographical Open Air Museum

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a true kaleidoscope of various architectural styles. Your Old Town walking includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House, and the Freedom Monument. Afternoon visit to the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, a spacious exposition of 18th century country life. Second overnight in Riga at Hotel Radisson Blu Elizabete or similar. 

Day 3 Riga - Tallinn: Parnu Summer Resort, Forest Landscapes

The tour continues along the coastal highway to the Estonian summer resort of Parnu. After a short tour we continue through the North Estonian land of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon. Three nights in Tallinn at Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia or similar. 

Day 4 Tallinn: Old Town, Kadriorg Park, KUMU Art Museum

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. Sightseeing tour takes us around the medieval city walls and into the Old Town to see Toompea Castle, the Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to Kadriorg Park and KUMU, the new Estonian art museum. Second overnight in Tallinn at Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia or similar. The evening offers an optional Medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv.

Day 5 Tallinn - Laheema National Park - Tallinn

Enjoy a 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 16th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. Third overnight in Tallinn at Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia or similar.

Day 6 Tallinn - Tartu

Today continue to Tartu, the University Town, where Estonia gained its statehood. See the charming Old Town and the University founded in 1632. Overnight in Tartu at Hotel Dorpat or similar. 

Day 7 Tartu - Grasi: Cesvaine Brewery

Departing from Tartu, head south and reach Aluksne, then Stameriena - the pearl of European romanticism having close links with Italian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. After the visit, continue to Cesvaine and visit the small, private Cesvaine beer brewery. Afternoon arrival to Grasi and check-in at Grasi Manor for overnight stay, a picturesque estate in the middle of Latvia. Enjoy dinner this evening at Grasi Manor.

Day 8 Grasi - Aglona - Daugavpils: Historical City Tour

Leaving Grasi the first stop is in Aglona. Visit Aglona Basilica built in late baroque style and a ceramics workshop, an important symbol of Latgalian culture. Continue to Daugavpils, Latvia’s 2nd largest city. Tour the historical city centre and visit the 19th century Daugavpils Fortress and the Mark Rothko Art Centre, the only place in Europe, where the original masterpieces by the famous founder of abstract expressionism can be seen. One night just outside the city of Daugavpils at Hotel Svente Manor or similar.

Day 9 Daugavpils - Vilnius: Aukstatija National Park and Paluse

Today we continue southwards into Lithuania. Arrive at Aukstatija National Park with its many lakes, rivulets and streams scattered between forests and hills. Explore the park on a light walk through the scenic landscapes and visit the pretty lakeside town of Paluse, famous for its wooden church. Late in the afternoon, we head towards Vilnius. Two nights in Vilnius at Hotel Neringa or similar.

Day 10 Vilnius: Walking Tour, The Palace of Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Vilnius is known for its medieval buildings and churches. The morning walking tour takes us to the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. Afternoon visit to The Palace of Grand Dukes of Lithuania where you will learn about the fortifications and the collection of armaments of the castle. Second overnight in Vilnius at Hotel Neringa or similar.

Day 11 Vilnius Departure

Private transfer from hotel to Vilnius airport and end of arrangements.


2025 departures:
28 May
11, 18, 25 June
02, 09, 16, 23, 30 July
06, 13, 20, 27 August
03 September

Notes:

Maximum Group Size: 26 persons

Services of a bi-lingual tour escort, English and German.

Nordic Travel is 100% Australian owned and operated