Adventure Through the Baltics & Helsinki

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to Riga, the capital of Latvia. En route, stop by the famous Hill of Crosses, a uniquely historic place in the world considered to be the best place to get acquainted with cross-making, a branch of Lithuanian folk art, inscribed on the UNESCO Non-material and Verbal Heritage Masterpiece List.

Today, more than 100 000 crosses have been put up to plead for grace or to express gratitude since ancient times. Later, enjoy some free time for lunch. After crossing the border of Latvia, you will visit the Rundale Palace, an 18th century Baroque monument designed by the Italian-Russian architect Rastrelli also known for designing the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.

Sights to behold include, the Golden Hall, the White Hall and private quarters of the Duke of Courland Johan Ernst Biron. Arrive at your hotel for check-in. If time permits, get a head start getting to know the Christmas-themed markets of this area, one of the most visited in all of the continent. Overnight stay in Riga.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a walking tour of the Old Town of Riga where you’ll get to explore the city’s medieval and art nouveau architecture. Stops you will be visiting include: Riga's Castle, the Swedish Gate, the Monument of Liberty, the Art Nouveau district, Riga Dome Cathedral and  Riga’s Central Market to discover one of Europe’s largest markets and food bazaars.

In the market, you will sample some delicious Latvian produce, such as homemade cheeses and smoked chicken and eel and baked goods. Enjoy free time for lunch and then the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Use this time to get to know the magical Old Riga Christmas Market where festive decorations and Christmas carols light the entire city with festive energy. Alternatively, we recommend you take part in our optional excursion to Jurmala*. Overnight stay in Riga.

*Optional excursion to Jurmala: Visit the largest seaside and spa resort in the Baltic States. The town is known for its mineral waters, said to have healing properties, pine forests, sand dunes and unique architecture mixing classicism, Art Nouveau and National Romantic.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. En route, stop by the Gauja National Park in Sigulda, often referred to as the Latvian Switzerland. This national park is home to the Gauja River Valley known for its stunning landscape thanks to its 500 archaeological monuments and charming architecture dating back to the 11th century.

Visit the 13th century Turaida Castle, today housing a small History Museum, and relax walking in the adjacent Sculpture Park, featuring works of iconic Latvian sculptors. Later, stop by the Gutman Cave, the widest and highest cave in the Baltic countries.

Your final stop will be in the Estonian summer resort of Parnu before arriving at Tallinn where you will check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Use this time to acquaint yourself with the holiday spirit the city of Tallinn has to offer, a true Christmas wonderland with gorgeous Christmas trees placed on the squares,  streets and parks decorated with Christmas lights and a gleeful feeling of excitement in the air. Overnight stay in Tallinn.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, take part in a walking tour of medieval Tallinn, where you will gaze in awe at the 14th and 15th century-style maze, walls and towers, soaring church spires and winding streets. Visit the city’s main attractions, including: Toompea Palace and Castle, Town Hall Square, the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn Dome Church and the Great Guild Hall, among others.

Continue your journey visiting the Balti Jaama market, an excellent opportunity to acquaint yourself with the products of the region. From here, make your way to the Kalamaja district, a very trendy area of the city, known for its colorful wooden houses, bohemian charm, industrial heritage and once the city’s main fishing port during the Middle Ages. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you see fit, we recommend you take part in our optional visit to Kadriorg Park*.

Why not take a stroll through the Tallinn Christmas Market held annually at the Town Hall Square and become enchanted with the magic of the festive season?. Overnight stay in Tallinn.

*Optional Visit to Kadriorg Park: Visit this 70 hectare park’s main attractions including the Kumu Art Museum, known as the largest exhibition place in Estonia. Here you will find 18th century to present day Estonian art.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the port to board the Tallinn-Helsinki Connecting Cruise to get to the next part of your trip, Helsinki, the capital of Finland—a city offering a fascinating combination of Scandinavian and Baltic cultural influences.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure; take this time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Overnight stay in Helsinki.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will take part in a walking city tour of the Finnish capital where you get to indulge in all of the city's top attractions, including: the center of Mannerheim Street, Parliament Building, the Finland Hall, the Market and the Oodi Library, among other sites.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Alternatively, take part in our our optional visit of the World Heritage Site Suomenlina*. Return to your hotel and overnight stay in Helsinki.

*Optional Visit to the Suomenlinna Fortress: Tour this impressive fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for being an important monument in military architecture which has served as the defence of Sweden, Russian and Finland.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the entirety of the day at your leisure. Use this opportunity to take in the beauty of Finland one last time before departure. Why not take a stroll down to the iconic Helsinki Cathedral or soak in the local culture by visiting one of its many art galleries and/or museums?. Overnight stay in Helsinki.