We Love —
- Discover the capitals of the Baltics on this spectacular 6-night tour and explore the fantastic Christmas markets of the region!
- With plenty of opportunity to explore these cities, feast on fabulous cuisine and unearth fascinating history as you are guided through these enchanting, historic destinations.
- Or members will stay in hand-picked hotels throughout with guided walking city tours and entrances to some well-known attractions.
Your Destinations —
Vilnius
From the stunning examples of classicism, eclecticism, brick gothic and art nouveau in the city centre, to the beautiful parks and the steep, hilly streets, Vilnius is a delight. Walk along the banks of the river Neris as it serenely snakes its way through the city centre. The riverside path offers spectacular views of the Old Town on one side, and the imposing skyscrapers of the New District on the other.
Vilnius Christmas Markets 2019 (1st December 2019 - 7th January 2020)
From the endless Christmas delicacies, including tasty gingerbread, home-made cheeses, colourful sweets and pastries, to the towering, fairy-lit Christmas tree and the highly decorated Old Town, Vilnius is the perfect winter destination for the whole family! Look carefully and you may even spot Santa Claus, the Three Wise Men or mischievous elves!
Riga
Riga is famed for its architecture – this is a city where you can see churches that were built at the city’s dawn, medieval buildings of the Old Town, plus striking Art Nouveau constructions. The city is also highly regarded for its restaurants, and a wealth of culinary flavours are on offer - it's no surprise that it has been named the gastronomic capital of the Baltic region. Old Town is also great for shopping, so do spend an afternoon wandering around, perhaps pick up a souvenir for your friends and family back home.
Tallinn
Surrounded by the old city wall and interspersed with watchtowers, St Catherine's Passage with its craft workshops comes highly recommended; the viewing platform at Kohtuotsa offers staggering views of the Old Town's rooftops and towers contrasted against the modern city skyline. In the Old Town Square, you can readily imagine it as the market and meeting place it was in medieval times.
Our Offer —
6-Night/7-Day Capitals of the Baltics Winter Tour
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Day 1: Arrival into Vilnius
Day 2: Vilnius
Day 3: Vilnius - Riga
Day 4: Riga
Day 5: Riga - Tallinn
Day 6: Tallinn
Day 7: Tallinn - Departure
Your Itinerary —
Arrive into Vilnius and transfer to the hotel (not included). Check-in at the hotel before an overnight stay at Marriott Courtyard Vilnius or similar.
Day 2: Vilnius
Today you will embark on a guided morning walking city tour of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. The tour includes: St. Peter and Paul’s Church, Gediminas Castle, Cathedral Square with St. Stanislaw Cathedral and Bell tower, Bernardine Garden, St. Ann and Bernardines’ Church, Amber gallery-museum including a tasting of amber vodka (entrance). Užupis- one of the oldest districts of Vilnius, mentioned in the historical sources as far back as the 16th century, nowadays the artists’ “republic”, which has its own constitution, national anthem, calendar and map. In the afternoon you will have free time to explore Vilnius or choose an individual trip to Trakai (25 km from Vilnius), the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Visit the insular castle of the 14th century, erected on a small island in the lake Galve. Overnight stay in Vilnius at Marriott Courtyard Vilnius or similar.
Following breakfast at hotel enjoy some free time in Vilnius. In the afternoon transfer to bus station (not included) and enjoy a drive in a regular bus to Riga. Upon arrival in Riga, transfer to your hotel (not included) and check-in. Overnight stay in Riga at the Wellton Riga Spa or similar.
Day 4: Riga
Today enjoy a guided morning walking city tour of Riga. During the walking part of the tour you will enjoy the beauty of the ancient Hanseatic City: picturesque streets of the Old Town, the Dome Cathedral (entrance), the Church of St. Peter, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, St. Jacob’s Church, the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle. Following this, visit the famous market halls of Riga. In the afternoon, you will have some free time in Riga or choose to embark on an individual trip to Jurmala (40 km from Riga). Overnight stay in Riga at Wellton Riga Spa or similar.
After breakfast you will enjoy some free time in Riga before you depart towards Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, in the afternoon. Transfer to the bus station (not included) and head off on a drive in a regular bus to Tallinn. Arrive in Tallinn and transfer to hotel (not included) before you check-in. Overnight stay in Tallinn at Hestia Europa or similar.
Tallinn represents a medieval enclave perched on top of a hill looking overlooking the Baltics. Among the remains of the medieval battlements and towers, dominated by the simple arrows of Protestant churches, the cobbled and narrow streets lead through the city until the old square animated by its restaurants, shops, the passing of the little blue train and horse-drawn carriages.
Day 6: Tallinn
Embark on a guided morning walking city tour of Tallinn, visiting the Old Town of Tallinn - an example of Gothic architecture in the Baltic and Nordic countries. The tour includes Toompea Castle fortifications, the Dome Church (13th century), the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky (19th century), Town Hall Square (15th century), St. Catherine's Passage, where artists of St. Catherine guild present their work, St. Olaf’s Church. Enjoy a visit to the Marzipan room in the traditional cafe before you have the afternoon free to explore more of Tallinn. Overnight stay in Tallinn at Hestia Europa or similar.
Day 7: Tallinn - Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you may your way and transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.
Day 5: RIGA- TALLINN (300 km) Breakfast at hotel. Free time in Riga. Afternoon transfer to bus station (not included). Driving with regular bus to Tallinn. Arrival in Tallinn. Transfer to hotel (not included). Check-in at the hotel. OVERNIGHT: Tallinn HOTEL: Hestia Europa or similar
Your Tour Hotels —
Our members will stay at the following hotels in a Standard Double Rooms, with meals included as per itinerary.
Marriott Courtyard Vilnius or similar
Close to the Medieval Old Town this hotel offers 199 modern rooms, with stylish interiors and plenty of amenities as well as a chic lobby bar to pop by for a drink and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Cosy up in your room before you enjoy your ideal location and close proximity to all of the delights of the city.
Wellton Riga Spa or similar
Dine on some delicious tapas at the hotel restaurant and make your way to a charming modern room which features a contemporary design as well as comforting amenities including a minibar, flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, bathroom amenities and a hairdryer.
Hestia Europa Tallinn or similar
The hotel also boasts 9 conference rooms as well as a chic restaurant Olive and a lobby bar which is the perfect place to grab a drink after wondering the traditional and enchanting streets. Here guests may also treat themselves with a visit to the beauty salon, gym or sauna for that ultimate holiday feel.
Sleeps up to
Please note: the bed for the 3rd guest sharing is likely to be a sofa bed or camp style bed. If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Your Journey —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Airport transfers and transfers from bus stations to hotels are not included in this tour. It may be possible to add private transfers at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee (flight inclusive offers only - subject to availability).
Tickets for a regular comfort bus LUX EXPRESS from Vilnius to Riga and Riga to Tallinn are included.
For inbound transfer arrangements please confirm with your transfer provider when you arrive. Alternatively, please check with the reception of your accommodation. If you still require assistance, please call the transfer provider directly.