The Ultimate Baltic Adventure in 10 days (Guaranteed Departure) 2-12 people

The Ultimate Baltic Adventure in 10 days (Guaranteed Departure) 2-12 people

Explore the New Europe and it’s fascinating Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on this expert-tailored adventure tour, featuring authentic experiences, diverse activities and breathtaking wilderness. Get lost in the narrow streets of UNESCO World Heritage capital cities, hike, cycle and kayak in national parks, bogs and forests. This well-balanced trip favors local transportation, family businesses and responsible travel practices. Led by our experienced and knowledgeable tour manager, you will explore the unconditional beauty of the Baltics and get to discover its native lifestyle, including the traditional sauna experience, Nordic Walking, and generous hospitality. Stay in centrally located hotels and typical guesthouses, taste the local cuisine and interact with friendly locals, all of that in the comfort of a small group, never bigger than 12 adventurers at a time.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Vilnius

Stop At: Vilnius Old Town, Vilnius 01129 Lithuania
Fly to Vilnius from most European hubs, including London, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Warsaw.

Meet & greet at Vilnius airport and transfer to your centrally located, locally-owned hotel. Check-in and time at leisure. Join for the orientation walk to familiarize with the city.

Activities: Private airport transfer, Orientation Walk
Duration: 11 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: Enjoy your tour leader hosted welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation included: 3-star hotel in Vilnius

Day 2: Vilnius Old Town Walking Tour, Nature Hike & Trakai Island Castle

Stop At: Vilnius Old Town, Vilnius 01129 Lithuania
Start your morning with a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Vilnius, wandering on cobblestoned streets of this medieval city. Visit the Cathedral, the Old University, Bernardine Gardens, St. Anne’s Church, the Bohemian Republic of Uzupis, the Town Hall Square, the Jewish Quarter, the Gates of Dawn and walk along the city walls. Visit the historic market hall to taste local produce.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Pavilnys Regional Park, Belmonto g., Vilnius 01206, Lithuania
Take a local bus to Pavilniai Regional Park. Start your informative nature hike from the scenic rock exposure down to Vilnia River valley, stopping at the ancient castle site, manor house, historical cannon foundry and garden. Coffee break at the Vilnia falls. Hike to a nearby train station to catch a local train to Trakai.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Trakai Island Castle Museum, Kestucio Str. 4, Trakai 21104 Lithuania
Enjoy a light hike along the picturesque lake and visit the stunning red brick island castle in Trakai. Some free time on the lakeside to enjoy snacks, drinks and discover old wooden houses. Return to Vilnius for an evening at leisure.

Total active time: 9 hours (15 km / 9 mi walking and hiking)
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-star hotel in Vilnius

Day 3: Highlands National Park, Kayaking and Small Villages

Stop At: Labanoras Regional Park Observation Tower, Kamuzes k., MindunU sen., Moletu raj., Moletai 33202 Lithuania
This morning, weather permitting, early birds can fly the hot air balloon flight over the city. We leave the Lithuanian capital to explore the Highlands with its deep forests, clear lakes, and authentic local life. Begin with a scenic drive through Verkiai regional park and Asveja area, home to country’s longest lake. In Labanoras Forest, climb the tall observation tower to be amazed by the views of the surrounding forests and lakes, then explore the village with a unique wooden church. Head to Highlands National Park to visit the authentic villages of Paluse, Ginuciai, and Stripeikiai with its unique beekeeping museum. Enjoy a traditional home-hosted lunch and a leisurely kayaking trip through the streams and lakes of the park. On the way to Anyksciai along the country’s deepest lake, visit the cozy old town of Utena. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner with local wine and cider tasting.

Active time: 10 hours (5 km / 3 mi walking, 3 km / 2 mi kayaking)
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Traditional home-hosted lunch.
• Dinner: Delicious dinner with local wine and cider tasting.
Accommodation included: 3-star hotel in Anyksciai

Day 4: Highlands National Park, Kayaking, and Small Villages

Stop At: Anykščiai Regional Park, Lithuania
After breakfast, cycle the scenic route in Anyksciai along River Sventoji, passing through the historic quarter and the famous pinewood heath. Discover the gigantic, 265-tonne boulder and climb the impressive treetop path, walking in line with tree summits. Get on the van for a scenic drive on Lithuania’s backroads, meandering through forests, farmland and typical villages. In Birzai, enjoy a local lunch in a family-owned cafe and visit the beautiful castle. Walk the wooden bridge across the lake to reach the idyllic Astravas Manor. In the afternoon, visit the Kirkilai karst lake region and enjoy the view from the observation tower.
Duration: 7 hours

Stop At: Old City Riga (Vecriga), Kungu Iela 3 Riga, Riga 1050 Latvia
Continue to Riga, passing through the typical countryside of Semigallia. Upon arrival, check-in to your centrally located hotel and join the orientation walk to get acquainted with Latvia’s grand capital city. Dinner for tonight is in a local restaurant to showcase Latvia’s national cuisine.

Total active time: 10 hours (5 km / 3 mi walking and hiking, 7 km / 4 mi cycling)
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Local lunch in a family-owned cafe.
• Dinner: Dinner for tonight is in a local restaurant to showcase Latvia’s national cuisine.
Accommodation included: 3-star hotel in Riga

Day 5: The Grandeur of Riga and Cycle to the Beach

Stop At: Art Nouveau Riga, Strelnieku iela 9, Riga 1010 Latvia
Discover the highlights of Riga, the Baltic Metropolis, on a guided walking tour, wandering through the UNESCO-protected Old Town with the magnificent Dome Cathedral, the iconic House of Blackheads, the Castle of Riga and many more hidden gems. Walking along the picturesque canal, reach the Art Nouveau district, the world’s largest open-air museum of ornate facades. Take the local streetcar to Riga Central Market, Europe’s premier grocery market, located in five former zeppelin hangars.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Jurmala Beach, Jurmala Latvia
Continue to Agenskalns to explore city’s decadent wooden architecture and hop on your bike to cycle to Jurmala, Latvia’s historic beach resort. After a leisurely ride, enjoy a walk on Jurmala’s sandy beaches and discover its turn-of-the-century villas. Return to Riga by train. The evening is at leisure to discover Riga’s bustling dining and entertainment scene.

Total active time: 9 hours (7 km / 4 mi walking and hiking, 22 km / 14 mi cycling)
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-star hotel in Riga

Day 6: Gauja National Park: Cable Car, Caves, Nature Trail and Soviet Bunker

Stop At: Gauja National Park, Ausekla iela 6, 2150 Latvia
Leaving Riga, you will dedicate the whole day to the scenic Gauja National Park, Latvia’s prime destination for lovers of nature. Start with Sigulda, where you can enjoy an optional vertical wind tunnel flight. Visit the Olympic Bobsleigh Centre for a breathtaking view of Gauja River valley, followed by a ride on the aerial tramway. Begin your hike at Krimulda Manor, descending to the valley, dotted with sandstone caves. Sample the traditional hiker's lunch and visit the beautiful, red-brick Turaida Castle along with a wooden church and a sculpture park. Continue to Ligatne, a historical paper mill village with wooden row houses. Hike on the nature trail to get lucky spotting moose, lynx and brown bears - Latvia’s native animals. This open-air shelter in the forest has been established for the animals that cannot survive in the wild anymore. In the late afternoon, visit the secret Soviet nuclear bunker, a fallout shelter for top Soviet officials, hidden under a health resort. Evening arrival to Cesis, a quaint Latvian town with a laid-back old town and an impressive Livonian castle.

Activities: Valley Castle and Cave Hike, Cable Car, Wildlife Hike, Soviet Bunker Experience, Small Town Charm, Hosted Dinner

Active time: 9 hours (10 km / 6 mi walking and hiking)
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Sample the traditional hiker's lunch.
• Dinner: Enjoy our hosted dinner in country’s oldest wooden manor, built in 1732 and surrounded with centennial oaks.
Accommodation included: 3-star family-owned hotel in Cesis

Day 7: Sandstone Rocks, Baltic Coastline and Soomaa Bogs

Stop At: Soomaa National Park, Viljandi Estonia
This morning, experience a forest hike along some of the largest sandstone rocks in the area. We then continue driving on Latvian back-roads to reach Lake Burtnieks with a beautiful church and a hemp farm for hemp butter tasting. In Mazsalaca, we hike along river Salaca and its rocky shores. Enjoy a homemade light lunch in a tearoom, opened by a senior couple to help sustain a local business. In the afternoon, continue towards Estonia to reach the Soomaa National Park, a sensitive biosphere reserve of bogs and swamps. Starting at the visitor center, head for a hike to the Kuresoo bog - which, at 8 meters, is Europe's highest. The boardwalk winds along tiny lakes and pools. Later in the evening, we will learn about cider and wine making at the local workshop, including a walk in the orchard and a tasting. Check-in for the night in a family-owned guesthouse.

Activities: Forest Hike, Hemp Farm Visit, Riverside Walk, Craft Cider Tasting

Active time: 9 hours (10 km / 6 mi walking and hiking)
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Enjoy a homemade light lunch in a tearoom, opened by a senior couple to help sustain a local business.
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Family-owned Guesthouse in Soomaa

Day 8: Seaside Resort Experience and Nordic Walking in Tallinn

Stop At: Parnu Beach Promenade, Ranna puiestee 5, Parnu 80012 Estonia
Enjoy a leisurely morning with sauna and homemade breakfast. Head to Parnu, Estonia’s prime seaside resort, for a refreshing hike on the coastal marsh boardwalk, followed by a bike ride along the beach and old town, where you will have some free time to enjoy beautiful architecture and have lunch. Afternoon drive to Tallinn and a panoramic sightseeing tour upon arrival, including a visit to Song Festival Grounds, Forest Cemetery and Pirita Olympic Harbor. Make your way to the city center with the Nordic Walking experience along Tallinn Bay and Kadriorg Park.

If you are not afraid of heights, enjoy an optional activity at the TV Tower - the Edge Walk, a circular walk along the edge of the tower platform at the height of 175 m / 575 ft.

This evening, enjoy an orientation walk to get a glimpse of Tallinn’s best spots.

Activities: Morning Sauna, Boardwalk Hike and Beach Cycle, Nordic Walking

Active time: 10 hours (7 km / 4 mi walking and hiking, 5 km / 3 mi cycling)
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-star hotel in Tallinn

Day 9: Explore Tallinn: Hidden Gems & Gourmet Dinner

Stop At: Tallinn Old Town, City Center, Tallinn Estonia
This morning get to know Tallinn’s highlights during a guided walking tour, featuring Toompea Fortress, Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral, Dome Church, noble palaces, narrow streets, and scenic lookouts. Enjoy a coffee break in the city’s oldest cafe, tasting their handcrafted marzipan. Down in the Town Hall square area, discover Europe’s oldest continuously running pharmacy, the Great Guild, the Church of the Holy Spirit and St. Catherine’s Passage, showcasing local crafts and textiles. Free time for lunch in the Old Town to taste the local flavors.

In the afternoon, join us of the signature ‘hidden gems’ tour of Tallinn to get that ‘behind the scenes’ feel of the city, blending medieval charm, modern urban spaces and with local experiences. You will see some remarkable monuments, wander on off-the-beaten-track streets, climb up the city wall and visit lesser-known areas including a grocery market, creative urban hubs and places where locals hang out.

The farewell evening is full of fun! Enjoy a gourmet dinner on the waterfront as a thank you for joining us on this ultimate Baltic Adventure.

Activities: Guided Walking Tour, Hidden Gems Tour, Sea Kayaking

Active time: 9 hours (16 km / 10 mi walking and hiking)
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner: Enjoy a gourmet dinner on the waterfront as a thank you for joining us on this ultimate Baltic Adventure.
Accommodation included: 3-star hotel in Tallinn

Day 10: Departure from Tallinn

Stop At: Tallinn Old Town, City Center, Tallinn Estonia
Today we bid farewell to our fellow travelers and the fun-filled 10-day Baltic adventure. Private transfer to Tallinn Airport.

Should you be willing to make the most of your Baltic journey, we offer an extension trip to Helsinki, Finland, only 2 hours away by ferry.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.