The Baltic Capitals - Exploring Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius

THE BALTIC CAPITALS

Exploring Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius

The Baltic capitals, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, have emerged from centuries of foreign domination (by Denmark, Sweden, Poland and both Tsarist and Soviet Russia) with their strongly defined national identities intact, and with such an outstanding architectural heritage that all three are designated World Heritage Sites.

The long, light-filled days of midsummer are ideal for exploring the extensively restored historic centres with their Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings; enjoying a festival concert and a performance of Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ at the celebrated Riga Opera house; and short strolls on the forest paths and sand dunes of the Baltic coast.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1

D included

From Tallinn airport we transfer to our 4 star hotel, a converted mediaeval building in the historic centre, then walk through the cobbled lanes. A vodka aperitif introduces a dinner of Baltic specialities in an atmospheric cellar restaurant.

DAY 2

B, L, D included

The ramparts of the 13C upper town command fine views across to the islands offshore. We visit the Toomkirik whose Lutheran simplicity contrasts with the nearby Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, then walk down into the lower town where Old Town square contains both the magnificent Gothic Town Hall and a remarkable pharmacy dating from 1422. A short tram ride whisks us out to Kadriorg for an afternoon visiting Empress Catherine’s Palace or the KUMU art collection and strolling through Peter the Great’s beautiful park. Dinner in an excellent Russian restaurant recalls this era of imperial splendour.

DAY 3

B, L, D included

We begin today’s explorations at the 16C Great Sea Gate, where we visit the Maritime Museum housed in ‘Fat Margaret’s’ Tower and the Tallinn City Museum in a handsomely restored merchant's house. Following lunch we turn our attention to the outstanding collection of mediaeval art displayed in the 13-15C St. Nicholas Church. The remainder of the afternoon is free - perhaps investigating the many linen, wool and amber shops.

DAY 4

B, L, D included

En route south to the Latvian border we walk on a quiet forest trail. We find marsh orchids by the shoreline overlooking the Gulf of Riga and stroll along the sandy beach. Arriving in the capital, we ascend to the top of St Peter’s Church for a stunning view over the mediaeval rooftops. Our hotel is an elegant 4 star conversion of an historic mansion in the centre. We attend a performance of Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni in the ornate 19C Riga Opera House, before a fish dinner in a celebrated city restaurant.

DAY 5

B, L, D included

The 'New Town' contains an eclectic collection of Art Nouveau and National Romantic houses, plus the National Museum of Art and the new Art Nouveau Museum. After a salad lunch we explore the Old Town on foot, concentrating on the mediaeval houses of the Great and Small Guilds, including the House of the Cat, and the 13C Dome Cathedral with its famous organ. Some free time permits visits to the harrowing Museum of the Occupation, or the huge Zeppelin sheds which now cover the market.

DAY 6

B, L, D included

In 1736 the Duke of Courland summoned Rastrelli, architect of St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace, to build a new palace on his remote estates in southern Latvia. We visit this magnificent Baroque palace and picnic, before crossing the border into Lithuania. Storks on their nests, wooden farmhouses and working horses are common sights as we travel towards Vilnius. Our 4 star hotel is a charming conversion of a merchant’s townhouse and after an early dinner we attend a summer festival concert.

DAY 7

B, L, D included

We set off on foot to explore the historic centre, densely packed with churches, including the flamboyant late Gothic brick church of St. Anne and the wildly pink and white striped Baroque St. Catherine’s. We see the Russian Orthodox church where Peter the Great had Pushkin’s great grandfather (an Ethiopian slave) baptised and visit the Lithuanian State Jewish Museum before time free for individual pursuits. Our farewell dinner is in a restaurant famed for its French influenced cuisine.

DAY 8

B included

After a guided tour of the frescoed interiors, courtyards and library of the 16C Jesuit University, our Baltic journey concludes with a late morning transfer to Vilnius international airport.

Price includes:

All accommodation for Days 1 through 8, on a twin shared basis

All meals (with wine and beer at lunches and dinners) as listed in the daily notation

All land transportation as described except during free periods

All entrance and sightseeing fees except during free periods

Tickets for 1 performance in Riga Opera House and 1 concert of classical music

Gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff

Visa and Health Requirements

Visitors from the EU and the US currently require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassies of the three countries.

At present there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Residents of countries in the EU can only claim free (emergency) medical treatment in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is issued in the UK by the Department of Health. You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the FCO.

Insurance

It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for information on a policy available to UK residents.

If you are already insured, or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.