Highlights of the Baltics

Welcome to Lithuania and the capital Vilnius. Upon arrival at Vilnius airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the lobby, at 7pm.

Home to more than 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches, Vilnius is a mesmerising city to explore. This morning we head into the Old Town to discover some of the highlights of a city that began to take shape in the early 14th century. We will start with a visit to Vilnius Cathedral, built in 1783, before continuing to Gediminas Tower, a small castle that has withstood many attacks over the years. We'll also visit the Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne's Church, the Old University and the Gates of Dawn.

This afternoon is free for you to further explore Vilnius independently or to join an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania. Here you'll visit the magnificent Trakai Castle which stands on an island in Lake Galve.

This evening there will be the opportunity to join an optional Lithuanian dinner at Senoji Trobele.

Vilnius - Riga (Latvia). This morning we head for the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site located in Northern Lithuania, where it's reported that over 100,000 crosses have been placed. We'll then cross into Latvia and make our way to the magnificent Rundale Palace, built for the Duke of Courland. Started in 1736 and completed in 1768 this Baroque palace is surrounded by manicured gardens. We then continue through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia reaching Riga in late afternoon.

This morning we explore Riga, founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, it is the largest of the three Baltic capitals. We'll enjoy a walking tour of the Art Nouveaux district and the Old Town this morning. Our first stop will be Riga Castle which sits on the banks of the River Daugava. Next we'll visit the Dome Cathedral and St Peters Church. Continuing on we'll explore the areas that are home to the Three Brothers as well as the Large and Small Guild buildings.

This afternoon is free for you to explore Riga independently. Alternatively you will have the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Jurmala, a vibrant Latvian seaside resort, famed for it's sandy beaches and pretty wooden architecture.

This evening you'll have the opportunity to partake in an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.

Today offers free time to further explore Riga independently or join our optional excursions. In the morning you can discover medieval Latvia on an optional tour of stunning Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before returning to Riga.

In the afternoon an optional visit to the Ethnographical Open Air Museum is offered, with its spacious exhibition of 18th century country life. In the evening there's an optional Latvian dinner at a stylish restaurant in the capital.

Riga - Parnu - Tallinn (Estonia). We continue along the coastal highway this morning, crossing the border into Estonia we make our way to the beautiful summer resort town of Parnu. We'll take a short tour of Parnu before we make our way through the lush forests of Northern Estonia. Arriving into Tallinn this afternoon the rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Tallinn. This charming city is a delightful blend of medieval and modern urban life. Unsurprisingly the Old Town is a friendly, bustling place during the summer months with locals and tourists sampling the many fantastic cafes, galleries and shops. 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.

This afternoon offers free time to explore Tallinn independently or you may wish to join an optional excursion to Kadriorg Park and a visit to the KUMU, the award winning new Estonian art museum. This evening there's an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv.

Our Baltic exploration ends after breakfast this morning and hotel check out. A transfer will be provided to take you to Tallinn Airport.