Baltic Treasures

Arrive in Helsinki, Finland's vibrant capital. We'll meet you at the airport before transferring you to your hotel. Later, join your fellow travellers at a delightful welcome reception, where you'll have the opportunity to meet your Tour Director and forge new friendships. Stay Three Nights: Hotel Kämp Helsinki

Discover Helsinki on a private, expertly guided tour showcasing the city's most celebrated landmarks. Visit the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, famously known as the ‘Rock Church', hewn directly from solid stone. Its raw rock inner wall remains incomplete, rising to a striking copper dome that bathes the interior in soft, natural light.

Continue to the Helsinki Central Library Oodi, an architectural masterpiece of contemporary design. As you explore this innovative space, you'll be inspired by its thoughtfully curated floors, each designed for a distinct purpose, creating a dynamic cultural hub at the heart of the city.

Next, visit the historic Hakaniemi Market Hall, a century-old institution brimming with fresh seafood and alive with the aromas of artisan breads and tempting pastries, offering a true taste of local life.

This evening, journey to a nearby island for an exquisite dining experience at a local restaurant. Savour the freshest seafood while enjoying views across Helsinki's glittering city skyline, a fitting conclusion to your day. (B/D)

Enjoy the day, indulging in a quintessential Finnish experience in Nuuksio National Park. (B/L)

Signature Experience - Nuuksio National Park Spend an immersive day in the pristine wilderness of Nuuksio National Park, where Finland's deep connection to nature comes to life. Gather around an open fire to prepare fresh salmon, before enjoying lunch in a traditional Lappish-style teepee, surrounded by tranquil forest landscapes.

Sip aromatic wild herb tea as a Sámi singer shares evocative songs, offering a rare cultural insight into the Indigenous Sámi culture. Throughout your visit, gain a deeper understanding of the central role nature plays in Finnish life, including the restorative traditions and benefits of an authentic Finnish sauna experience.

Enhance your time in the park with an optional guided interpretive walk through the forest, or unwind amidst the serene surroundings, perhaps enjoying a friendly game of Mölkky, a throwing game involving precision and strategy.

This morning, bid farewell to Finland and enjoy a relaxed ferry crossing across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia, travelling in the comfort of the Business Lounge.

Arrive in Tallinn, where cobblestone medieval streets, timeless Baltic charm and a captivating fusion of historic and contemporary influences welcome you to Estonia's enchanting capital. You'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for check-in and the remainder of the day to explore Tallinn at leisure. Stay Two Nights: Telegraaf Hotel, Tallinn (B/D)

Begin your day with a guided walking tour through Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkably preserved medieval character. Wander along cobblestone streets and discover iconic landmarks including Town Hall Square, stretches of the ancient city walls, the elevated vistas of Toompea Hill, and the impressive St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Continue to the historic Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek), one of Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacies, offering a fascinating glimpse into centuries of tradition. Conclude your morning with a leisurely coffee and cake at Maiasmokk Café, Tallinn's oldest café and a cherished local institution. (B)

This morning, journey towards Latvia's capital, Riga, with a visit to the charming coastal city of Pärnu en route. Continue through the scenic landscapes of Gauja National Park, where winding rivers and verdant forests create a picturesque backdrop.

Pause in Sigulda to explore the Turaida Museum Reserve, home to the impressive Turaida Stone Castle. Construction of this striking fortress began in 1214 for Albert of Riga, a bishop who led the crusades in northern Europe to forcibly convert the Baltic pagans to Christianity and established the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. After centuries of history and eventual abandonment in 1776, the site was brought back to life through extensive archaeological excavations from 1976, followed by careful restoration and conservation.

Later, continue your journey to Riga, arriving with a deeper appreciation for the region's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Check-in to your hotel, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Stay Two Nights: Grand Hotel Kempinski, Riga (B/D)

Discover the historic and architectural treasures of Riga on a guided city tour, exploring its medieval Hanseatic roots. Highlights include St Peter's Cathedral, offering impressive panoramic views, Riga Castle, the magnificent Dome Cathedral with one of the world's largest pipe organs, and the historic Guild Houses that line the Old Town streets.

Riga is renowned for its exceptional Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture, boasting Europe's most impressive concentration of these elegant buildings. Accompanying you, an architectural historian will point out the finest facades and intricate design details, revealing the city's artistic heritage.

Enhance your cultural experience with a guided culinary tour of Āgenskalns Market, where you'll uncover Latvian food traditions through tastings of local specialties. Enjoy a leisurely market lunch, complemented by a tasting of Valmiermuiža craft beer, perfectly showcasing the region's rich culinary offerings. (B/L)

Depart Riga and journey south to visit the Hill of Crosses, one of the Baltic region's most evocative pilgrimage sites. This extraordinary location is adorned with tens of thousands of crosses of all sizes, shapes, and materials, each placed by visitors over generations as a symbol of faith, hope, and resilience. Beyond its spiritual significance, the Hill of Crosses stands as a powerful emblem of Lithuanian national identity and perseverance, bearing witness to centuries of history and devotion.

After reflecting on this remarkable site, continue your journey to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, where history, culture, and Baroque elegance await. Check-in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Vilnius at your own pace or unwind at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton (B)

This morning, explore Vilnius on a guided tour that immerses you in the charm and history of its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its winding cobblestone streets, ornate Baroque churches, and vibrant squares. Admire the striking architecture of Vilnius Cathedral, wander through the atmospheric courtyards and narrow alleys, and take in highlights such as the elegant Town Hall Square and the iconic Gate of Dawn, a revered spiritual and historical landmark. Your guide will share the city's fascinating stories, from its medieval foundations to its evolution as a cultural and political centre.

This afternoon, embark on your chosen activity. (B/D)

Freedom of Choice - Trakai Island Castle Visit Trakai Island Castle, a striking medieval fortress constructed in the 14th century by Grand Duke Kęstutis. Major works were completed around 1409 by his son, Vytautas the Great. Set on an island in Lake Galvė, the castle's red-brick walls and picturesque surroundings offer a fascinating glimpse into Lithuania's history and medieval architecture.

Freedom of Choice - Soviet History Tour Set off on a compelling journey through Lithuania's Soviet past, including a visit to the Vilnius TV Tower, the country's tallest structure. The tower holds profound historical significance as the site of a tragic confrontation in 1991, when lives were lost resisting the Soviet military's attempt to seize it. This tour provides insight into Lithuania's struggle for independence and the enduring resilience of its people. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers, celebrating the experiences and discoveries of your Baltic adventure.

Following breakfast, your adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (B)