THE BEST OF THE BALTIC STATES

Arrival in Vilnius. Check-in to your hotel Congress**** or similar, welcome meeting. In the evening enjoy an (*optional) traditional Lithuanian dinner at the local restaurant “Lokys” or similar. Meals included: Breakfast

Today we will start off by visiting Vilnius. Best known for its historical charm, particularly its UNESCO listed Old Town. On the included sightseeing walk, you will visit the historic streets of the Old Town, the most important church in Lithuania – Vilnius Cathedral, Roman Catholic church St. Anna’s Church, an Old University, the world-famous Gates of Dawn and a baroque masterpiece of the 17th-century St. Peter and Paul Church. After the tour we will take you to the medieval Trakai Castle (with entrance) located on the shores of a picturesque lake. This is the only Gothic castle in the Baltic States built on a lake island. After the tour we will get acquainted with unique Karaims people and taste Karaim cuisine – kybyn (pl. kybynlar), one of the most famous non-ritual dishes (*optional). Transfer back to Vilnius. Overnight in Vilnius. Meals included: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, we will head to the second largest city in Lithuania – Kaunas. On the included sightseeing walk Kaunas castle – the oldest masonry castle in Lithuania, lovely Town Hall, known by locals as “White Swan”, the 14th century Church of Vytautas and the Cathedral-Basilica. After a lunch break, proceed to Riga with a stop along the route at the Hills of Crosses – one of Lithuania’s most awe-inspiring sights. Late afternoon arrival to Riga. Check-in to your hotel Wellton Riverside**** or similar. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Riga. Meals included: Breakfast

Today we will see the very best of Riga. Discover the cobblestone lanes, churches, medieval houses of the Old Town and view the city’s historical highpoints. Top rated and must see attractions of Riga includes: one of the largest medieval castles in Latvia – Riga Castle, the largest place of worship in Latvia and the Baltics – Riga Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church with the tallest church tower in Riga, an exclusive gate of Riga wall – Swedish Gates, medieval dwelling houses – The Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument. After a lunch break, you will be taken to an interesting journey to Sigulda – a town which is considered to be one of Latvia’s most beautiful. During the tour we will visit Turaida Medieval Castle (with entrance) built in 1214, the wooden church built in 1750, and Gutmanis Cave – the largest cave in the Baltic’s. After a tour back to Riga. (*Optional) dinner at the traditional Latvian restaurant “Salve” or similar. Overnight in Riga. Meals included: Breakfast

Today we will head along the coastal highway route to the Estonia’s southwestern coast, Parnu – an idyllic mainland seaside resort. After a short walking tour, we make our way to enjoy a lunch break and proceed to Estonia’s medieval capital, Tallinn. Checkin to your hotel Hestia Europa**** or similar. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Tallinn. Meals included: Breakfast

This tour will take us to the medieval old town of Tallinn – one of the best-preserved old town in northern Europe. We will stroll around the oldest streets and see most significant sights such as the Aleksander Nevskij Cathedral – a beautiful Orthodox church on the top of Toompea Hill, the gleaming medieval Dome Church, the social heart of the city Town Hall Square, a gothic symbol of Tallinn St. Olav’s Church, and Toompea Castle – home of the Estonian parliament. After a lunch break, we proceed to the most outstanding palatial and urban park in Estonia – Kadriorg Park. After the tour, (*optional) dinner at the traditional Estonian restaurant “Olde Hanza” or similar. Back to your hotel. Overnight in Tallinn. Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, at 10:30 am we take a ferry to Helsinki. Upon arrival we stop at Helsinki Cathedral, the Senate Square which is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, we pass by the Esplanadi Park, the Old Market Hall and the Equestrian statue of Marshal Mannerheim. As well we will visit the Sibelius Monument which is dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and excavated directly into solid rock, the Temppeliaukio church. After a lunch break, transfer to an airport. Departure back home. Meals included: Breakfast