Grand Tour Baltic Countries

Categories Escorted Tours

Visit the three independent Baltic Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on this escorted motor coach tour.

Itinerary

Arrival in Riga, optional transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija**** or similar, check-in, welcome meeting

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 morning takes to Art Nouveaux district and Old Town including 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 visit to the Ethnographical

Open-Air Museum, a spacious exposition of 18th century

country life

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 Hyatt Place**** or similar

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 awardwinning new Estonian Art museum, with its collections of classic and contemporary fine art.

The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv.

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 13th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum.

We continue to Tartu, the historic university town where Estonia gained its statehood. En route, we stop at Põltsamaa Castle, one of Estonia’s notable medieval castle complexes, known for its rich history and picturesque setting. Upon arrival in Tartu, we explore the charming Old Town and visit the famous University of Tartu, founded in 1632. Check in at Hotel Dorpat**** or a similar

Departing from Tartu, we head south and in Latvia our first stop is in Aluksne. From there soon we reach Stameriena - the pearl of European romanticism having close links with Italian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. After the visit, we continue to Cesvaine where we visit the small, private Cesvaine beer brewery and are invited to test the produce. Later in the afternoon we arrive to Grasi Manor***, a picturesque classicism style estate in the middle of Latvia. This evening offers dinner

at Grasi Manor.

Today we discover the cultural and historical treasures of Latvia’s Latgale region. Our journey begins in Preiļi, where we visit a traditional ceramics workshop and the elegant Preiļi Castle. We then continue to Aglona, one of Latvia’s most important pilgrimage sites, renowned for its spiritual heritage and impressive basilica. Afterwards, we visit Slutišķi Old Believers Village, where we gain insight into the traditions and lifestyle of the Old Believers community. In the evening, we arrive in Svente for overnight accommodation and dinner at Hotel Svente Manor****.

The day begins with a visit to Daugavpils, including the impressive Daugavpils Fortress and the renowned Mark Rothko Art Centre, dedicated to the celebrated artist Mark Rothko. We then continue southwards into Lithuania and around midday arrive at Aukštaitija National Park, a beautiful region of lakes, rivulets, and streams nestled among forests and rolling hills. We explore the park on a gentle walk through its scenic landscapes and visit the charming lakeside village of Palūšė, famous for its traditional wooden church. Late in the afternoon, we continue towards Vilnius. Upon arrival, we check in at Hotel AC Marriott**** or a similar hotel.

Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning walking tour takes us to the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, St. Anne’s Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn.

The afternoon offers an optional tour to The Palace of Grand Dukes of Lithuania where you will learn about the fortifications and the collection of armaments of the castle and palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

Arrangements end with a transfer to the airport

Notes