Baltic States Tour
Along the Amber Coast. Baltic States Tour.
Along the Amber Coast. Baltic States Tour.
The route from southern Europe to the Baltic Sea was already famous in ancient times, and was also called the Amber Route, referring to the largest treasure on the Baltic coast.
In the Middle Ages, the towns along the coast joined together to form a trade alliance - the Hanseatic League, which created its own civic ethos and culture. The Crusader orders achieved great influence, leaving behind numerous Gothic castles. The complicated history meant that German, Scandinavian, Russian and Polish influences can be seen at every turn. Religious diversity - Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox culture - has also left its mark. Vilnius is certainly the most baroque city north of the Alps, Riga is not only an old Hanseatic city but also the capital of the Northern European Secession, and Tallinn enjoys a Gothic old town full of romantic grace. From Tallinn, you can reach Helsinki in a short time by ferry for a one-day excursion. If this is not enough, you can travel on with us to Saint Petersburg.
Trip Highlights:
- Visit to the former headquarters and the prison of NKWD and KGB
- Visit to Trakai - the first capital of Lithuania
- Visit to Jurmala - the famous Baltic seaside resort
- Visit to medieval Pärnu, the merchant city
- Walk in the National Park of Lahemaa
Itinerary:
1st day Vilnius
afternoon Arrival to Vilnius. Check-in.
Vilnius - where the East meets the West. A visit to the historical Vilnius: the Gates of Dawn with the holy image of the Virgin Mary (entrance), Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, the former Bazylians' Church, the Jewish District, Town Hall Square, Saint Anna's Church, the University with St. John's Church, the Cathedral with St. Casimir's Chapel, the Gothic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
evening Leisure time.
Night in Vilnius
2nd day Vilnius
morning The Lithuanian road to independence - a visit to the former headquarters and the prison of NKWD and KGB in Vilnius - the martyr place of Lithuanian patriots, the Parliament, the monument to the victims of the revolution. Meeting with an ex-prisoner of the Stalinist system in the former Soviet Union (Gulag).
afternoon Departure to Trakai - the first capital of Lithuania, picturesquely located among lakes. A visit to the Trakai Peninsula with the Island castle - the former residence of Lithuanian Grand Dukes.
evening Leisure time.
Night in Vilnius.
3rd day Vilnius - Riga
morning Departure to Riga passing through the charming Baltic landscape.
afternoon Riga - the capital of Latvia and North European Secession. Visiting the Old Town with St. Peter's Church, the old Guild Houses, The Three Brothers (the oldest stone residential buildings in the city representing different stages in the architectural development of Riga), the Dome Cathedral, the Memorial monument.
evening Leisure time.
Night in Riga
4th day Riga
morning Continuation of the city sightseeing tour.
afternoon Departure to Jurmala - the famous Baltic seaside resort. Leisure time.
evening A minority in their own country - meeting with the Latvian journalist. Discussion about the present Latvian-Russian relationship.
Night in Riga.
5th day Riga - Tallinn
morning Departure to Tallinn along the Baltic seaside. A short stop in medieval Pärnu, the merchant city.
afternoon Tour of Tallinn - the capital of Estonia: visiting the Old Town - an example of Gothic architecture. The programme includes: Toompea Castle fortifications, the Town Hall's Square, the city wall with its defence towers, Kiek In de Kok (the most powerful cannon tower in 16th-century Northern Europe), Alexander Nevski Cathedral (Tallinn's largest and grandest Orthodox cupola cathedral) - the Great Coastal Gate and Fat Margaret (built as a defence on the seaward side of town), Kadriorg palace (a magnificent, Baroque structure, surrounded by manicured gardens and fountains, that Russian tsar Peter the Great had built as a family retreat in the early 18th century), Tallinn's medieval residential houses called The Three Sisters, the Cavaliers House, the Presidential Palace.
evening Leisure time.
Night in Tallinn.
6th day Tallinn
morning Continuation of the city sightseeing tour. Meeting and discussion with a university representative about the anxieties and expectations of entering the European Union.
afternoon Going for a walk in the National Park of Lahemaa which protects the coast, to discover small islands, cliffs and waterfalls.
evening Time for your self. Night in Tallinn.
7th day Tallinn - Helsinki - Tallinn
"On the opposite coast of the Baltic sea's" - a ferry excursion to Helsinki. Tour of the city. Return to Tallinn.
8th day Tallinn
Return home.
Services included:
- 2 night's accommodation in Vilnius in a hotel chosen by you on bed and breakfast basis
- 2 night's accommodation in Riga in a hotel chosen by you on bed and breakfast basis
- 3 night's accommodation in Tallinn in a hotel chosen by you on bed and breakfast basis
- All transfers as per above mentioned itinerary
- Private English speaking guide as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees for all sightseeing
- Meals as per the itinerary
Services not included:
- The journey to Lithuania and from Estonia
- Tour guide
- Public transport
- Insurance
- Personal expenditure, tips, etc.
- All other services not mentioned in the itinerary
Price on request.