Winter in the Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

We begin this winter trip in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. If you have free time, you may wish to get a sneak preview of tomorrow's tour by wandering around the baroque old town – said to be the largest of its kind in eastern Europe.

This evening, say sveiki (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner together.
Want to explore Vilnius further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Stay: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock'n'Roll Vilnius (or similar) (D).

In the morning, we have a 30-minute transfer (18mi/30km) to Trakai, the one-time capital of Lithuania. Here we see Trakai island castle, a centuries-old stone fort on an island in Lake Galvė. It's a picturesque place to be and there's a market around the waters. After our visit, we return to Vilnius for a three-hour bus and walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Senamiestis (Old Town), visiting the highlights, including: the cathedral; presidential palace; and the Aurora Gate, home to a well-known icon of the Virgin.

Depending on your departure date, you may also be able to explore the enchanting Vilnius Christmas Market, which transforms Cathedral Square into a winter wonderland. Under the gleaming white of the towering cathedral spire, festive stalls offer handmade crafts, local treats and decorations. Sample traditional holiday sweets, pastries, and festive dishes at local cafes and restaurants. Stay: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock'n'Roll Vilnius (or similar) (B).

We leave Vilnius this morning for Riga, the capital of Latvia. Along the way, we stop at the Hill of Crosses, a striking collection of more than 100,000 crosses on a low hill. It's a pilgrimage site but also acted as a symbol of defiance against the once-ruling Soviets, who had banned religion.

The spot is now recognised by UNESCO as a symbol of national and religious identity. We then have a two-hour drive (80mi/125km) to Riga, where we visit Laima Chocolate Museum and learn about the creation process from bean to bar. We have the rest of the evening free to enjoy the wintery capital of Latvia. You may wish to try traditional Latvian foods such as grey peas with bacon, potato pancakes (kartupeļu pankūkas), and sauerkraut soup (skābeņu zupa) at the restaurants and cafes. Stay: Riga Islande Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

Today we enjoy a two-hour walking tour of Riga, including Riga Castle, the Lutheran Cathedral Dome; St Peter's Church, and the Swedish Gate. We then have free time to explore Riga. You might like to visit the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, or the Riga Art Nouveau Museum.

For lunch, we visit the Central Market. Here, vast hangers that once housed zeppelins are filled with delicious goods. Learn about Latvian cuisine and cultural traditions from our tour leader and tuck into a variety of local specialties, such as: cheese, smoked products, pickled vegetables, fish and bread; and traditional black balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made from a recipe that includes various natural ingredients, such as roots, herbs and spices.

When the Christmas spirit is in full swing, we can wander the cobbled streets of the old town, where the medieval buildings are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, and visit Dome Square, where Christmas stalls offer mulled wine and Latvian treats. Stay: Riga Islande Hotel (or similar) (B).

Bid farewell to Riga and transfer (195mi/315km, 4hr 30min) to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Learn about Latvian cuisine and cultural traditions from our tour leader and tuck into a variety of local specialties, such as: cheese, smoked products, pickled vegetables, fish and bread; and traditional black balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made from a recipe that includes various natural ingredients, such as roots, herbs and spices. We then leave Riga and transfer (195mi/315km, 4hr 30min) to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

After free time for lunch, we visit the oldest coffee shop in the country. Here, we learn about marzipan painting – an ancient tradition in Tallinn – from a pro and create a figure of our own, while also enjoying coffee and sweet treats. We then have free time to experience Tallinn in winter. Depending on the time of year, we can visit Tallinn Christmas Market, magical with its Old Town backdrop.

The entire square is dressed in lights, festive ornaments and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Alternatively, your free time could be spent in the bohemian district of Kalamaja, exploring Balti Jaama market or at the Fotografiska Tallinn Photography Museum. Stay: Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar) (B).

This morning, we have a three-hour walking tour of the Tallinn landmarks, visiting: Toompea Palace, the seat of the Estonian Parliament, the medieval Toompea Fortress, Alexander Nevski Orthodox Cathedral, the Church of St Maria (13th to 18th century), the Town Hall Square and the 15th-century Pharmacy. After, we have free time to further explore Tallinn, perhaps revisiting the Christmas market or indulging in other wintery treats. Stay: Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar) (B).

We leave Tallinn this morning and take the ferry (1hr 30min) across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, capital of Finland. The ferry features multiple restaurants and cafes, some also offer entertainment such as live music, performances or cinemas. After arriving, we have a 15-minute transfer to the hotel. We then embark on a two-hour walking tour (we may use public transport). Our exploration takes us around the harbours, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and market square. We also visit the Old Market Hall, known for its delicious salmon soup and fish sandwiches, which attract both locals and tourists. After the tour, there's free time to enjoy a meal, explore the market, taste local specialties, and soak in the lively, historic atmosphere. Stay: Arthur Hotel (or similar) (B).

After checkout, we have free time in the city. To make our explorations a little easier, we can store luggage at the hotel. The Finnish capital is home to many beautiful parks. Esplanadi or Kaivopuisto look particularly beautiful in the snow. Alternatively, embrace the Finnish tradition of saunas, there are several public ones to try. We then have an overnight ferry to Stockholm, leaving at 5pm. The vessel typically has a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars and entertainment. Stay: Ferry (B).

We have breakfast on the ferry, before transferring to the hotel, where we can store our luggage. We then embark on a three-hour city tour of Stockholm by bus and foot. It includes two squares on Riddarholmen and Södermalm islands and a walk through the Old Town. We then have free time to enjoy Stockholm, which offers a variety of winter activities and attractions. Indulge in the Swedish custom of fika, a cultural institution in which friends socialise over a hot drink and snack or pastry.

Alternatively, visit the spa facilities at Centralbadet and Sturebadet for a Swedish sauna or discover the city on a guided boat tour that visits the Fjäderholmarna islands. Depending on your departure date, you could explore the Christmas markets, where you can enjoy festive decorations, local crafts and seasonal treats. The cold period is the perfect time to enjoy hearty Swedish dishes, such as pea soup (ärtsoppa) with pancakes (ärtsoppa och pannkakor), warm cinnamon buns (kanelbullar), and mulled wine (glögg). Stay: Best Western Time Hotel (or similar) (B).

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin our return journeys home. If you'd like a little more time to explore Stockholm, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).