Discover the Baltic States

Welcome to Lithuania! As you touch down in the first country of your tour, your guide will greet you at the airport and will take you to your hotel via airport transfer. Once you have arrived, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of your day relaxing ready for your first full day tomorrow.

Vilnius Constitution

Vilnius Shopfront

Lithuianian Buildings

Vilnius at Night

highlights

Narutis Hotel

overnight

Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, known for its well-preserved Baroque Old Town, one of the largest in Europe. The city combines historical architecture with a lively atmosphere, shaped by its cultural heritage and artistic energy. Your guided walking tour covers key landmarks, including the Cathedral Basilica, Vilnius University, and the striking St. Anne’s Church. Stop at Gediminas Tower for panoramic views of the city and visit the Gate of Dawn, a significant religious site. Walk through the Republic of Užupis, a neighborhood celebrated for its bohemian character. Filled with street art, small galleries, and cozy cafés, it offers a glimpse into the city’s creative side. In the afternoon, travel to Trakai, a scenic town surrounded by lakes. Visit Trakai Island Castle, a Gothic fortress set on Lake Galvė, once a key stronghold of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Walk across the bridge to explore the castle and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. Return to Vilnius in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai, before going back to your hotel for the night.

Trakai Castle

Vilnius Wall Art

Prie Angelo Sculpture

Vilnius Street Art

highlights

Narutis Hotel

overnight

In the morning, you will have breakfast and check out of your hotel ready to be taken to the next stop on your tour via private transfer. En route, stop at the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, a powerful symbol of faith, hope, and freedom, covered with thousands of wooden crosses. This site holds deep historical and cultural significance for Lithuania. Continue to Telšiai, the heart of the Samogitian region, known for its distinct dialect and strong local identity. Discover the town’s famous bear sculptures during a guided Old Town tour and visit the impressive Baroque-style Telšiai Cathedral, offering scenic views of Lake Mastis. Next, visit the Ethnographic Museum, showcasing traditional Žemaitija architecture through restored homesteads, mills, and forges. Then, meet a local weaver to learn about linen-making, try crafting your own linen bag, and enjoy homemade herbal tea and freshly baked white bread. Finally, arrive in Klaipėda in the evening for an overnight stay.

Local Weavers

Samogitian Region

Telsiai

The Hill of Crosses

highlights

Victoria Hotel Klaipeda

overnight

In the morning after breakfast, you will take the ferry to the Curonian Spit, a unique stretch of land known for its sand dunes and stunning landscapes. On a full-day guided tour, explore the Hill of Witches in Juodkrantė, a forest trail with wooden sculptures inspired by Lithuanian folklore. From the highest dune, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, with the sea and nearby forests. Next, visit Nida, the largest fishing village on the Spit, where you can learn about the region’s connection to amber, often called “Baltic gold.” Walk through the village’s charming streets, enjoy its picturesque wooden houses, and stop to sample freshly smoked fish available at local shops. In the afternoon, return to Klaipėda for a guided tour of the Old Town. Walk through the 17th-century streets lined with historic buildings, and see the town’s landmarks, including the Anna von Tharau monument in Theatre Square. The tour also includes a visit to the ship Meridian, which is permanently docked along the Dane River. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Klaipėda for a relaxing evening.

Curonian Spit Sand Dune

Nida Fishing Village

Nida Fish Market

Hill of Witches Sculptures

highlights

Victoria Hotel Klaipeda

overnight

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before crossing the Lithuania-Latvia border on your way to Liepaja. En route, visit the Latvian Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, "Vītolnieki," a 19th-century homestead showcasing traditional coastal Latvian life. Explore the historic buildings, including a dwelling house, barn-stable ensemble, forge, bathhouse, and granary, while learning about local farming and fishing practices. Continue to Rucava, where you'll discover traditional crafts, ancient ceramics, folk costumes, and local dishes. Visit the "Zvanītāji" farmhouse, a 19th-century wooden building that retains its original features. Enjoy a traditional lunch and hear stories from the locals who preserve the area’s cultural heritage. Arrive in Liepaja and take a walking tour of the city’s historical center. Visit Rose Square, the Alley of Fame, the Amber Clock, and the Seaside Park. Admire the city’s wooden architecture and sculptures that celebrate its musical legacy. Finish the day with a tour of the Karaosta neighborhood, a former Russian Imperial and Soviet naval base. Explore the Orthodox Church, Karosta Prison, the swing bridge, and remnants of military architecture. End the tour at the Northern forts to understand why Liepaja is called the town where the wind is born.

Liepaja

Rucava Traditional House

Rucava Traditional Lunch

Vitolnieki

highlights

Promenade

overnight

After breakfast, make your way to Aizpute, one of the oldest towns in Courland. Stroll through its cobbled streets lined with historic buildings and quiet courtyards, each with its own story. Stop at the Aizpute Castle Tavern, known locally as Štābiņš, a 19th-century spot with intriguing cellars and a unique atmosphere. The tavern's host will share stories about the town’s past and local culture. Continue toward Kuldiga, stopping along the way to visit a local fisherman’s homestead. Learn about the traditional fishing lifestyle, hear stories of life by the sea, and, depending on the day’s catch, enjoy freshly smoked fish prepared on-site. Arrive in Kuldiga, a scenic town known for its old brick bridge, charming historical center, and Europe’s widest waterfall. In spring, visitors can see fish attempting to leap up the waterfall to spawn. Wander through the narrow streets, where 17th-18th century architecture has been carefully preserved, as in 2023, Kuldiga's Old Town was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural and architectural significance. End the day with an overnight stay in Kuldiga.

Kuldiga Old Town

Latvian Street Food

Kuldiga Bridge

Kuldiga City Buildings

highlights

Comfort Hotel Kuldiga

overnight

In the morning, you will travel to Ķemeri National Park, known for its vast moorlands and unique ecosystem. Follow a wooden boardwalk through the Great Ķemeri Moor, featuring moss, small bog pines, and mirror-like lakes, and spot rare plants such as the carnivorous sundew. You can choose either the shorter 1.4 km walk or the longer 3.4 km route, which offers a panoramic view from the observation platform. Continue to Riga, stopping along the way for a unique experience with a local herbalist, often referred to as a "witch" for her deep knowledge of plants and natural remedies. Learn about traditional Latvian plant-based medicine, ancient customs, and the connection between nature and well-being. You will participate in hands-on activities such as creating personalized herbal infusions, making smudge sticks, or tasting seasonal plant-based drinks such as spruce needle lemonade or acorn coffee. This experience offers insight into age-old healing practices still used today. Arrive in Riga in the evening and check into your hotel. The evening is yours to unwind or explore the city at your own pace.

Herbal Class

Riga City Streets

Great Ķemeri Moor

Herbal Healing Class

highlights

Grand Poet Hotel By Semarah

overnight

Spend the day discovering Riga’s cultural and architectural charm. Start with a visit to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, where historical farmsteads, fishermen's homes, and craftsmen's workshops provide insight into traditional Latvian rural life. The collection of authentic buildings offers a glimpse into the lifestyles of various regions and professions across the country. Return to the city for a guided walking tour through Riga’s Old Town, where medieval streets lead to iconic landmarks such as Town Hall Square, House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, Dome Cathedral, and the Freedom Monument. Learn about the city’s centuries-old history while passing charming cafes, local shops, and cultural sites. Continue to the Art Nouveau district, known for its remarkable concentration of ornate 19th and early 20th-century buildings. The area’s intricate facades, sculptural details, and decorative elements reflect Riga’s architectural creativity. For a closer look at the period’s lifestyle, consider an optional visit to the Art Nouveau Museum, showcasing the interior of an early 20th-century home. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, offering time to explore local cafes, shops, or parks before settling in for another night in Riga.

Town Hall Square

Art Nouveau Riga

Freedom Monument

Dome Cathedral

highlights

Grand Poet Hotel By Semarah

overnight

Day nine offers a journey into Latvia’s ancient heritage and deep connection to nature. Begin at Āraiši Lake Castle, a reconstructed 9th–10th century wooden fortress once home to the ancient Latgallians. Located on a scenic island, the site offers a glimpse into early medieval life with authentic wooden dwellings and displays of traditional craftsmanship. Walk through the reconstructed settlement and imagine the daily routines of those who lived there centuries ago. Continue to Raiskums, where a short forest walk leads to a Latvian-style picnic. Surrounded by trees and sounds of nature, enjoy a meal made from locally sourced ingredients, cooked on-site, and served in handcrafted ceramic dishes based on historical designs. The picnic host will share insights about Latvian traditions, nature’s role in daily life, and the meaning behind centuries-old folklore. Experience the gentle sounds of the kokle, Latvia’s national instrument, as it plays traditional songs. The experience captures Latvia’s connection to its past and natural surroundings, offering a moment to slow down and appreciate nature. Later, continue the journey to Valmiera, where you will stay overnight.

Picnic Host

Latvian Picnic Food

Picnic Preparation

Latvia Forests

highlights

Villa Santa Hotel

overnight

After breakfast, set off towards Tallinn with a stop in Pärnu, known as Estonia’s summer capital. Stroll along the promenade, and visit the sandy beach, accompanied with a relaxing atmosphere. The town's center features beautiful parks and buildings reflecting influences from the Middle Ages, the resort's early days, the Soviet period, and modern development. Continue to a hidden corner of rural Estonia to visit a traditional Siberian homestead. Tucked among forests and bogs, this small farm preserves the essence of Russian village life. The hostess has spent years collecting cultural artifacts from Siberia, offering visitors an opportunity to see traditional Russian handicrafts, clothing, and homeware. Step inside the cozy farmhouse where fresh-baked pies and simmering porridge are being prepared. Enjoy tea brewed in an authentic samovar, accompanied by traditional Russian treats like barankas and cookies. You may even get a chance to try on Russian folk costumes or hear stories about life in Siberia. Later, continue your journey to Tallinn, Estonia's capital, where you will settle into your hotel and have the evening free to relax or explore the city.

Homestead Host

Homestead Experience

Pärnu Houses

Tallinn City Square

highlights

Schlössle Hotel

overnight

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a walking tour of Tallinn's Old Town. The capital of Estonia, located on the Gulf of Finland, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, picturesque streets, and vibrant atmosphere. The guided tour will take you through the fortification wall, with its watchtowers, and past the Danish King’s Garden. Visit Toompea Castle, Dome Church, the Town Hall Square, and the oldest pharmacy in Europe, all while learning about the city’s fascinating past. In the afternoon, head to the Estonian Open-Air Museum, just a short drive from the city center. This museum offers a look into Estonia's rural past, with 14 farms that represent the lives of families from different social classes between the 18th and 20th centuries. Explore a traditional village complete with a church, an inn, a schoolhouse, mills, a fire station, a shop, and fishing sheds by the sea. Return to your hotel for the evening and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay.

Tallinn Fortress

Toompea Castle

Dome Church

Tallinn Streets

highlights

Schlössle Hotel

overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel to a village near Lake Peipus, where Estonian peasant culture blends with the traditions of Russian Old Believers. This unique area, along the Onion Route, has been home to a peaceful coexistence of Estonians, Russian Old Believers, and Baltic Germans for over 300 years. You will explore the cultural richness of the region, with its distinct mix of traditions reflected in the local architecture, crafts, and cuisine. A visit to the Old Believers' Museum offers insight into the area’s heritage, and you’ll have the chance to try a traditional Onion pie. The Alatskivi Castle, whose luxury stands in stark contrast to the Old Believers’ modest lifestyle, will be a highlight of the day. Afterward, you will continue to Tartu before returning to Tallinn for the night.

Onion Route Locals

Onions For Sale

Onion Route Village

Alatskivi Castle

highlights

Schlössle Hotel

overnight

In the morning, you will have breakfast before being picked up by your guide who will take you to the airport for your final flight back home. Safe travels!

Flight Home

Estonia

Happy Travels!

Airport

highlights

Schlössle Hotel

overnight