Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania – Baltic Explorer

Duration
14 days
Group Size
12 people
Price
From £3485
Region
Europe
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Overview

Suffering under both German and later Soviet occupation, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union the once more independent states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were enthusiastic proponents of the European project and have since joined the NATO alliance.

The miserable grey of Soviet conformity has gone, in some cases quite literally as new paints and colours arrived from the west to once more embellish traditional wooden houses.

The capitals of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius once subdued under communist authoritarianism are now lively cultural hubs, hives of economic activity, eager to further progress and expand.

This Baltic group tour travels by land and sea to explore three different countries with diverse national characteristics which not only share a seashore but also a major segment of their contemporary history.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 2/5
Unexplored: 2/5
Culture: 4/5
History: 4/5
Wildlife: 3/5
Tour-pace: 4/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

Arrive in Helsinki and explore at leisure. Tour Helsinki’s highlights before ferrying to Tallinn. In Tallinn, visit key sites including Toompea and Kadriorg Palace. Take a day trip to Lahemaa National Park. Travel via Parnu and Sigulda to Riga, visiting castles and an amber workshop. In Riga, explore the Old Town and Art Nouveau district, followed by trips to Gauja National Park and the coast, including Jurmala. Head to Klaipeda via the Hill of Crosses. Explore the Curonian Spit, Nida, and Thomas Mann’s house. Continue to Vilnius via Palanga and visit its Amber Museum. Discover Vilnius landmarks, visit Trakai Castle, and enjoy leisure time before departure. Includes guided tours, cultural experiences, and natural highlights across Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Itinerary Highlights
Curonian Spit (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Explore the unique dune landscape, visit the Hill of Witches, see cormorant colonies, and take in views from the Parnida Dune and Thomas Mann’s house.

Old Towns of the Baltic Capitals

Discover the medieval charms of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius with guided walking tours of cobbled streets, historic churches, castles, and vibrant city squares.

Lahemaa National Park, Estonia

Walk the Viru Bog trail, visit the elegant Palmse Manor, and experience traditional village life in Altja.

Hill of Crosses, Lithuania

Witness one of the most symbolic and striking religious pilgrimage sites in the Baltics, with over 100,000 crosses.

Trakai Castle, Lithuania

Tour a fairy-tale 15th-century castle located on an island in Lake Galvė, complete with a moat, drawbridge, and historical exhibits.

**This itinerary is applicable for departures from July 2026 onwards. There is a slightly different itinerary for departures pre-July. Please contact us for details.

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki

Arrive at Helsinki Vantaa Airport and meet your English speaking driver for the transfer to your hotel. Once checked in you may wish to unwind after your journey or begin exploring the city at your own pace. At 19:00 your local Helsinki guide will meet you in the hotel reception for a short briefing about the days ahead. Overnight at Hotel Hobo or similar. No meals nor guiding arrangements are included today.

Day 2: Helsinki – Tallinn

After breakfast meet your guide at 09:15am for a morning exploration of Helsinki. From 09:30 to 12:30 visit some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks including the Market Square and Market Hall, Uspenski Orthodox Church, Senate Square and Cathedral, the remarkable Church in the Rock and Sibelius Park. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Later transfer to the port at Helsinki West Harbour Terminal 2 for the evening ferry to Tallinn departing at 19:30. On board you may wish to have dinner as recommended. Arrive in Tallinn at 21:30 and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Hestia Hotel Barons or similar. (B)

Tallinn
Tallinn blends medieval charm with modern flair. The Old Town remains one of the finest walled cities in Europe, while contemporary districts add an energetic, forward looking atmosphere. From ancient spires to sleek shopping malls, Tallinn is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation.

Day 3: Tallinn

Meet your guide at 08:45am. This morning’s sightseeing from 09:00 to 13:00 includes a panoramic tour through Pirita followed by a walking exploration of the Old Town. See Tallinn’s medieval architecture, atmospheric streets and tiered city layout which together create one of the Baltic region’s richest historical centres. The afternoon is at leisure for you to continue wandering the city at your own pace. Overnight at Hestia Hotel Barons or similar. (B)

Day 4: Tallinn – Lahemaa National Park – Narva

Depart at 09:00 for a full day exploration of Lahemaa National Park. Take a walk on the Viru Bog boardwalk, followed by visits to the elegant 18th Century Palmse Manor with its beautiful grounds and then the traditional Altja Fishermen’s Village. Lunch will be served at Vihula Manor.Continue this afternoon to the Estonian Mining Museum for a fascinating two hour guided underground visit. Later drive to Narva, arriving around 18:00, and check into your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Inger or similar. (BL)

Day 5: Narva

Today’s city tour from 09:00 to 12:30 includes visits to the Casemates of Victoria Bastion, Narva Town Hall and an engaging VR experience. Enjoy lunch at Valge Korvits Bistroo. This afternoon visit Narva Castle and the vast Kreenholm Manufacture complex before enjoying some leisure time in town. Overnight at Hotel Inger or similar. (BL)

Day 6: Narva – Sillamae – Toila – Tartu

Begin the day with a morning walk along the beach at Narva-Jõesuu. Continue with a panoramic tour of Sillamae, including a visit to the Sillamae Museum. Lunch will be served at Toila Mereresto.
Later visit the Visitor Centre of Alutaguse National Park and Mustvee on the shores of Lake Peipsi, including the Old Believers Museum. Continue onwards to Tartu and check into your hotel. Overnight at Art Hotel Pallas or similar. (BL)

Day 7: Tartu – Sigulda – Riga

This morning enjoy a tour of Tartu including Karlova and Supilinn wooden districts, Tahtvere, Tammlinn Garden, Toome Hill and entrance to the historic Tartu University. At 12:00 depart for Latvia’s Gauja National Park with lunch boxes provided en route. Visit the workshop of amber craftsman Harijs Jakobsons, then explore Turaida Castle, Gutman’s Cave and the Sigulda Castle ruins. A cable car ride over the Gauja Valley offers superb views before continuing to Riga. Overnight at Hotel Eurostars Metropole or similar. (BL – packed lunch)

Riga
Riga is the largest and most cosmopolitan of the Baltic capitals. Its Old Town, full of gothic towers and narrow cobbled lanes, contrasts with grand boulevards lined with some of Europe’s finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Vibrant, cultured and atmospheric, it is a pleasure to explore.

Day 8: Riga

Meet your guide this morning at 08:45am for a visit to the Central Market and a panoramic tour of the city centre and its elegant parks’ boulevard. Continue to the Art Nouveau district including entrance to the museum. Later enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town from 11:30 to 14:00 before an afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Eurostars Metropole or similar. (B)

Day 9: Riga – Ragaciems – Lapmežciems – Jurmala – Riga

Meet your guide at 08:45am. Drive along the left bank of the Daugava River to see traditional wooden houses and visit Kipsala Island. Continue to Ragaciems fishermen’s village before heading to Lapmežciems to walk the boardwalk at Kaniera Lake, with the chance to climb a birdwatching tower. Enjoy a tasting of smoked fish at ReinisB smoke house before driving to Jurmala, a charming seaside resort with fine white sand beaches and distinctive wooden villas. Later return to Riga. Overnight at Hotel Eurostars Metropole or similar. (B)

Day 10: Riga – Hill of Crosses – Klaipeda

Depart this morning for Siauliai. Visit the remarkable Hill of Crosses from 11:30 to 12:30 with lunch boxes provided. Continue to Klaipeda and check into the hotel. Later this afternoon enjoy a city tour from 17:00 to 19:00 with your local guide. Overnight at Hotel Old Mill or similar. (BL – packed lunch)

Klaipeda
Klaipeda blends Germanic heritage, maritime traditions and a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere. Its old town, once part of Prussia, is notable for its timber framed buildings, cobbled streets and distinctive architecture.

Day 11: Curonian Spit – Klaipeda

Meet your guide at 08:00 for a full day excursion to the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Hill of Witches, the vast cormorant colony, the Great Dune and the Thomas Mann Museum with entrance. Explore Nida and the Parnida Dune. Lunch will be at either Restaurant Nidus or Kuršis. Later take a private lagoon boat trip from 14:00 to 15:00 before returning to Klaipeda. Overnight at Hotel Old Mill or similar. (BL)

Day 12: Klaipeda – Palanga – Vilnius

This morning visit Palanga including the Botanical Garden and the Amber Museum. Lunch boxes will be provided. Continue to Vilnius and check into your hotel. Later meet your local guide in the hotel reception for a short briefing ahead of tomorrow’s exploration. Overnight at Hotel Congress or similar. (BL – packed lunch)

Vilnius
Vilnius is a city of great charm and atmosphere with Europe’s largest Baroque old town at its heart. Its layers of history, leafy courtyards, elegant churches and thriving café culture make it a wonderfully engaging place to explore.

Day 13: Vilnius – Trakai – Vilnius

This morning explore the highlights of Vilnius including St Peter and Paul Church, the Hill of Three Crosses and a walking exploration of the Old Town. Later take an excursion to Trakai Castle with entrance included. After visiting this beautifully restored lakeside fortress return to Vilnius for some free time. Overnight at Hotel Congress or similar. (B)

Trakai Castle
A picture perfect medieval castle located on an island in Lake Galve, connected to the mainland by a wooden footbridge and surrounded by serene natural scenery.

Day 14: Vilnius – Departure

After breakfast check out by midday. Luggage storage is available should you need it before your onward transfer to Vilnius Airport for your flight home. (B)

Download the Information Pack

To download the tour full dossier, which includes a complete day-by-day itinerary breakdown and detailed tour information, fill in the details below.

Dates and Prices


Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing Per person
BLV/300526 May 30, 2026

Saturday

Jun 12, 2026

Friday

Full £3,485.00


Single Room Supplement: £455.00
BLV/110726 Jul 11, 2026

Saturday

Jul 24, 2026

Friday

Guaranteed £3,485.00


Single Room Supplement: £455.00
BLV/290527 May 29, 2027

Saturday

Jun 11, 2027

Friday

Guaranteed £3,485.00


Single Room Supplement: £455.00
BLV/100727 Jul 10, 2027

Saturday

Jul 23, 2027

Friday

Guaranteed £3,485.00


Single Room Supplement: £455.00

Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the countries visited n this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to the countries visited on this tour. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Eastern Europe, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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