Baltic Adventure
13 days, Vilnius to Helsinki
Itinerary
Day 1Vilnius
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this charming city.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Comfort Hotel LT Rock'N'Roll Vilnius (or similar)
Day 2Vilnius
Visit Trakai Castle. Enjoy optional activities like the Frank Zappa monument, the breakaway Republic of Uzupis, a giant egg statue, the Gediminas tower and castle museum, and the KGB Museum.
Spend free time walking through charming old town or searching out artist havens and modern statues.
Multi-faceted, puzzling, a heady mix of old and new, Vilnius has all the glories of a royal past, the troubling reminders of wartime and Communist atrocities and a vibrant forward-looking outlook.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Trakai Castle Visit
Enjoy a visit to Trakai Castle, about 45 mins out of town by bus, built in the late 14th century. Getting out of the capital and visiting this historic treasure is a great way to experience a little more of Lithuania.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Frank Zappa Monument Visit
FreeVisit the statue that pays tribute to the musician Frank Zappa, who's much loved in Lithuania.
Gediminas Tower Visit
2EUR per personVisit Gediminas Tower to learn more about this symbolic place in Lithuania.
KGB Museum Visit
3EUR per personThe KGB Museum is the unofficial name for the Museum of Genocide Victims currently housed in the former KGB headquarters. The fascinating museum brings to light the atrocities of war and the suffering the people of Lithuania and the other Baltic countries. On display are documents and artifacts related to the 50 year occupation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union.
Accommodation
Comfort Hotel LT Rock'N'Roll Vilnius (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Vilnius/Klaipėda
Travel by private vehicle to Klaipeda, one of the oldest cities in Lithuania. Set out on a CEO led orientation walk, visiting famous sights, and seeing up close the many interesting sculptures that make Klaipeda unique. Make brief stops at Theatre Square, in the heart of the old town, to see the sculpture of Ann from Tharau in the square’s centre fountain. Then walk by Klaipeda Castle, first mentioned in written sources as early as 1252.
The orientation walk will finish at a local gastropub with a local beer, where afterwards you can opt to grab some dinner on your own.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
CEO-led Orientation Walk of Klaipeda
Walk around one of the oldest cities in Lithuania with your CEO. Explore the old town, stop at Theater Square, see Klaipeda castle and many of the interesting sites in the old city. Get up close to the many varied outdoor sculptures the city has become famous for such as the Black Ghost. Finish your tour with a refreshing local beer at a gastropub! Opt to grab some dinner there afterwards to try local flavours.
Accommodation
Dange Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Full day tour of Nida from Klaipeda
You will spend the whole day exploring the peninsula known as the Curonian Spit, located between Klaipeda and Nida. You will visit the Hill of Witches, Lithuania’s outdoor sculpture trail of wooden folk art that will take you on a trip through the most well-known legends and stories in Lithuanian folk history. Later in the day visit the Parnidis Dune and Sun Clock in Nida. Stop for some free time in Nida where you can grab some lunch on your own and opt to see the Fisherman museum and Nida Lighthouse if time allows. Arrive back in Klaipeda in the evening.
The Curonian Spit is a long, thin sand bar, dotted with dune that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. This spit is shared by Lithuania and Kalingrad, Russia's western most oblast.
The forested hills, known as Hill of Witches used to be the site of dancing and gathering during Pagan festivals. Now, the hills are dotted with wooden statues created by local artists, depicting witches, dragons, and the elements. Some of the statues tell stories of the local legends and folklore, bringing the region to life with their intricate carvings.
Full Day Tour of Nida
Set off on a full day tour of the Curonian Spit to Nida from Klaipeda. The tour will start in the morning and includes the 25 minute ferry ride to the Curonian Spit. After arriving, drive up to Nida along the peninsula making brief visits to Amber Bay, the Grey Herons and Cormorants Colony, and the Dead Dunes before arriving in Nida. On the way we will walk along the Hill of Witches, which used to be the site of dancing and gathering during Pagan festivals. Now the hills are dotted with wooden statues created by local artists, depicting witches, dragons and the elements. Some of the statues as well tell stories of the local legends and folklore, bringing the region to life with their intricate carvings.
Mid day, spend a few hours free in Nida to grab lunch on your own or maybe choose to see the Fisherman Museum and Nida Lighthouse. Pay a visit to Parnidis Dune and Sun Clock before traveling back to Klaipeda for the evening. There will be stops in both directions for photo opportunities. The tour will last for 7 hours and includes 3 hours total of driving time.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Ethnographic Fisherman's Museum
1.50EUR per personTake a wander through this restored 19th century fishing cottage, now exhibiting relics and tools from the fishing trade.
Nida Lighthouse
FreeMake your way to the Nida Lighthouse, one of the tallest along the Lithuanian coast. Built in the 1800s, its classic red and white stripes are an iconic lighthouse feature. Last renovated in 2016, it's still in use today.
Accommodation
Dange Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Klaipėda/Riga
Cross the border into Latvia and head to the capital, Riga, stopping at the Hill of Crosses along the way. Options for this charming city include visiting the Occupation Museum, the Riga Art Nouveau Centre, Riga Castle, the Andrejsala artists' district, or just wandering the cobblestone streets.
Explore the narrow streets on foot and get better acquainted with the city known as "the Paris of the East". Opt to visit St Peter's Church, where we ascend the spire by lift, for a fantastic view over the city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Saint Peter's Church
7EUR per personAscend the spire of this church by lift for a fantastic view over the city.
Andrejsala Artists' District
FreeThe Andrejsala neighbourhood is an industrial port area just outside the city. Recently it has developed into a cultural hub with art and entertainment areas, workshops, galleries, and cafés. Explore all it has to offer.
Accommodation
A1 Hotel Riga (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Riga
Enjoy a guided tour and a lunch of treats from the Central Market. Spend a free afternoon exploring the city.
Riga Guided Tour
Visit some of the neighbourhoods and sights around Riga and learn about the history of this 800-year-old city. Visit the central market and pick up some delicacies for lunch.
Free Time
Explore this intriguing city.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Visit
The museum is dedicated to portraying what life was like in Latvia during the three periods of occupation. Learn about life under Soviet and Nazi rule and how Latvians regained their freedom in 1991.
Riga Art Nouveau Centre Visit
5-20EUR per personRIga is one of the few places where Art Nouveau architecture has survived in great numbers. Visit the centre to learn more.
Riga Castle Visit
3EUR per personFirst built in the 1440s on the banks of Daugava River, Riga Castle is now the home of the President of Latvia and the National History Museum. Enjoy a visit here and explore the castle.
The Tower of the Academy of Sciences
6EUR per personHead to the top of the Latvian Academy of Sciences observation deck and witness breathtaking views of Riga's Old Town and the Daugava River. Stand atop the building's 17th-floor balcony at the height of 65 metres.
Accommodation
A1 Hotel Riga (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Riga/Kuressaare
Cross the border to Estonia and get the local experience with three nights on a farm in Saaremaa. In the area there is canoeing on the Nasva river, fishing, and island visits. Over the next three nights, savour farm-to-table dinners specially prepared by your host family.
Saaremaa is a remote island in the Baltic Sea with unique traditions and heritage. Thatched roof houses, stone walls, and windmills make up this fairytale landscape.
Enjoy three nights on a farm outside the main city of Kuressaare.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Jurna Farmhouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 8Kuressaare
Enjoy a tour of Saaremaa including a visit to the Kaali meteorite lake, bakeries, and windmills. Opt to visit the local breweries.
Saaremaa Guided Tour
Visit a group of windmills and try traditional baked goods while sipping on local beer. In the area, you'll find a naturally growing oak forest with rare flora (like orchids) and a bird watching platform.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Vilsandi National Park
FreeVilsandi National Park is made up of 150 small yet incredibly biodiverse islets along the western shores of Saaremaa Island. Opt to hike along the park's many trails, visit a farm, or simply enjoy nature in a tranquil rural setting.
Kuressaare Castle
10EUR per person8EUR per groupVisit the Baltic region's best preserved medieval castle - surrounded by a real moat, no less! Today, Kuressaare Castle houses the Saaremaa Museum and its collections on local history, nature and culture. While there's a fee to enter the museum, walking through the castle grounds is free, and a lovely way to experience the majesty of Estonia.
Accommodation
Jurna Farmhouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 9Kuressaare
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit some of the ancient churches or natural sites like the lake, the Panga Cliff, and the Pühatu Springs.
Free Time
Head out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Sightseeing Saaremaa
FreeVisit some of the churches, some dating back as far as the 1300s and others boasting ancient wall frescoes still intact. Natural sites include the lake, the Panga Cliff, and the Pühatu Springs.
Kuressaare Castle
10EUR per person8EUR per groupVisit the Baltic region's best preserved medieval castle - surrounded by a real moat, no less! Today, Kuressaare Castle houses the Saaremaa Museum and its collections on local history, nature and culture. While there's a fee to enter the museum, walking through the castle grounds is free, and a lovely way to experience the majesty of Estonia.
Pühatu Springs
Visit the beautiful Pühatu Springs. "Pühatu" resembles the word "bottomless" in the Estonian language, and describes the seemingly bottomlessness of this vibrant green spring. Locals have been visiting this site for hundreds of years, throwing coins into the pool as offerings for good health and fortune.
Panga Cliff
Take a walk to these vast slate cliffs, stretching about 2.5 km long.
Vilsandi National Park
FreeVilsandi National Park is made up of 150 small yet incredibly biodiverse islets along the western shores of Saaremaa Island. Opt to hike along the park's many trails, visit a farm, or simply enjoy nature in a tranquil rural setting.
Accommodation
Jurna Farmhouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 10Kuressaare/Tallinn
Travel to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Fall in love with this medieval town. Enjoy an included visit to Kadriorg Palace.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Kadriorg Palace Visit
Named for Peter the Great's wife, Catherine, the Kadriorg Palace served as the Russian czar's summer residence. Designed by an Italian architect, much of the palace's architecture is distinctly Baroque in style. Today, it's also home to collections from the Estonian Art Museum.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Bike tour around Tallinn
20-25EUR per personHop on two wheels and explore Estonia's capital by bike.
Peter the Great Museum
Visit the house that Peter the Great and his wife Catherine stayed in on their visits to Tallinn.
Accommodation
Rixwell Viru Square Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Tallinn
Spend a free day exploring this medieval city. Use your free time to visit the Museum of the Occupation, the Dome Church, the open air museum, go sea kayaking, visit the beaches, or relax in a sauna.
Free Time
Explore the sights or hit the beach.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Kadriorg Palace Visit
6.50EUR per personNamed for Peter the Great's wife, Catherine, the Kadriorg Palace served as the Russian czar's summer residence. Designed by an Italian architect, much of the palace's architecture is distinctly Baroque in style. Today, it's also home to collections from the Estonian Art Museum.
Sea Kayaking
33EUR per personHead out to sea by kayak to get a new perspective of the area.
Occupation Museum Visit
5EUR per personVisit the Museum of the Occupations to learn more about life under the Soviet and Nazi regimes, then head to the ex-KGB headquarters.
Dome Church and Toompea Hill Visit
2-6EUR per personEnjoy a visit to the Dome Church, or St Mary's Cathedral, located on Toompea Hill. it's the oldest church in Tallinn, built in the 13th century.
Old Town Visit
FreeWander the Old Town, soaking in the 15th to 17th century feel, and visit the Raekoja Plats where you can check out cafés and restaurants lining this square. It's absolutely a must-see.
Bike tour around Tallinn
20-25EUR per personHop on two wheels and explore Estonia's capital by bike.
Peter the Great Museum
Visit the house that Peter the Great and his wife Catherine stayed in on their visits to Tallinn.
Accommodation
Rixwell Viru Square Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Tallinn/Helsinki
Travel by ferry to the charming capital city of Helsinki. Enjoy an afternoon in the Scandinavian city with an orientation walk and free time.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Get out and explore this the Scandinavian city.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Ateneum Art Museum
20EUR per personVisit Finland's best-known art museum, considered the home of Finnish art. Located in Helsinki's city centre, the Ateneum Art Museum was first opened in 1888. With over 20,000 works on display, spend a few hours getting acquainted with the landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, and abstract art of this unique Nordic region.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
9EUR per personAfter wandering through Helsinki's chic design district, see another side of Finland on Seurasaari Island. Hop on a bus or tram to visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and experience what rural Finnish life was like over a hundred years ago. Each of the island's 87 cottages, cabins, farmsteads and manors are unique to a region of Finland - in fact many were transported here from their original locations, and are complete with traditional objects, furniture, and dress.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
3EUR per personThe Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is one of Finland's most popular attractions for a reason. Built in 1748 as a military fortress to protect Helsinki - first as a part of Sweden, then Russia, and finally, Finland - this UNESCO World Heritage site stretches over six islands and is easily accessible from the Helsinki harbour by ferry (€3/person for 15 minute ride). Opt for a guided tour to further explore the tunnels, dockyard, museums and local history of this fascinating fortress.
Bike Tour of Helsinki
60-70EUR per personExperience Helsinki on two wheels with a guided bike tour of the city. Helsinki Bike Tours take you to off-the-beaten-path attractions and local favourites around town, while learning what life in contemporary Finland is like today with fun, knowledgeable guides.
Accommodation
Clarion Hotel Mestari (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Helsinki
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.