9 days / 8 nights

• Explore three former states of the U.S.S.R. – Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia
• Medieval town’s of Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn
• Moving ‘Hill of Crosses’
• Backstage tour of Riga Opera House
• Gauja and Lahemaa National Parks
• A&K’s Guardian Angel service

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Vilnius

A warm welcome by A&K to this former Russian state. Private transfer to your hotel located in the Old Town.
Stikliai Hotel

Day 02 Vilnius

An architectural beauty, Vilnius is one of the Baltic’s undiscovered gems. Once the capital of an empire that spread from the Baltic to the Black Sea, Vilnius’s old town is filled with fine Baroque buildings and cobbled streets, with an important Jewish quarter known in its time as the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’. Explore the old town on a morning walking tour – visit the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the Gate of Dawn, Vilnius University founded in 1570 and the KGB Headquarters, now a museum. This afternoon travel outside the city to the medieval lake castle of Trakai (B).
Stikliai Hotel

Day 03 Vilnius — Riga

Drive north to the extraordinary ‘Hill of Crosses’ – bulldozed time and again by the Soviets, this mound covered by literally millions of small Christian Crosses, became a symbol of local resistance. Arrive in Latvia and visit the glorious Palace of Rundale, created for one of Catherine the Great’s lovers by Rastrelli, architect of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg and in the process of being restored to its former glory (B).
Grand Palace Hotel

Day 04 Riga

This morning explore Riga – the Old Town, the city’s parks and fine turn of the century residential sections, decorated in Art Nouveau style (Jugendstil). Visit St. Peter’s Church, the Three Brothers and Riga Castle and take a private backstage tour of Riga Opera House. Finish with a visit to the 17th century Mentzendorff’s House, where you explore the rooms, including the dancing hall and family chapel. You are welcomed into the kitchen, with its unique cooking range where your host prepares traditional pancakes on the open fire for you, along with a cup of hot herbal tea. Or you may be adventurous enough to taste the local alcoholic drink, Riga Black Balsam. The remainder is at your leisure (B).
Grand Palace Hotel

Day 05 Gauja National Park

Today leave Riga and travel to Gauja National Park. Explore the 13th century Turaida Castle, built as the residence of the Bishop of Riga, and Sigulda Castle. Weather permitting, you may like to hike through the forest from Turaida Castle to Sigulda Castle (B).
Grand Palace Hotel

Day 06 Riga — Tallinn

This morning drive northward to Estonia (4 hours) and the capital Tallinn. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Tallinn’s Old Town, visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Dome Church, Town Hall and the Guild houses (B).
Hotel Three Sisters

Day 07 Lahemaa National Park

Travel outside the city to Lahemaa National Park. Visit the picturesque manor houses in the area, such as Sagadi Manor. Built in the 18th century this was one of the few mansions in Estonia to be decorated in the Rococo style. Explore quaint coastal villages and if time permits enjoy a walk through the forest on one of the many hiking trails (B).
Hotel Three Sisters

Day 08 Design Your Day Tallinn

This morning choose what you would like to do on a visit to Kadriorg Park. The streets of Kadriorg are a unique open-air architectural museum. Noble villas and summer estates, apartment buildings with stately flats are interspersed with wooden houses. Kadriorg is one of the more dignified areas even today, and one of the best loved residential regions of Tallinn. Originally designed for Peter the Great it is now the residence of the Estonian president. Choose to visit Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great in honour of Catherine and currently housing a foreign art collection of the Estonian Art Museum. Or choose to explore the Kumu Art Museum, opened in 2006 it showcases classic Estonian art, as well as capturing some of the latest trends. Return to the Old Town to enjoy a special private torchlight tour of the Dominican Monastery, now a museum. Your afternoon is at leisure to further explore (B).
Hotel Three Sisters

Day 09 Depart Tallinn

Today your ‘Journey to the Baltic States’ ends with a transfer to Tallinn airport (B).

Note: Rates for alternative departure dates available on request.

Insider Pass

Backstage tour of the Riga Opera House

The foundation stone of the Riga Opera House was laid in 1860 and three years later it opened for its first season. After extensive renovation in 1995 it has become one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe. Wander the labyrinth of corridors and secret entrances, go onto the stage and behind to view the mechanics of productions and sit in the opulent stalls.

Pancake tasting at Mentzendorff’s House, Riga

Visit the 17th century Mentzendorff’s House to explore the rooms, including the dancing hall and family chapel. You are welcomed into the kitchen, with its unique cooking range where your host prepares traditional pancakes on the open fire for you, along with a cup of hot herbal tea or should you wish, a taste of the local alcoholic drink, Riga Black Balsam.

Departure Dates & Prices

Tour Departs: Daily