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Premium Baltics

Sale!

Premium Baltics

Was From $ 6,295 AUD
Now From $ 5,980 AUD
Sale!

Description

Discover the captivating beauty of the Baltics on a 10-day journey that takes in the region’s charming cities, hearty cuisine and lesser-known treasures. Immerse yourself in the culture and history as you explore medieval fortifications, learn how to cook famous national dishes and soak up the lively atmosphere of the Old Towns. Whether you’re chatting with cider makers, walking in a national park or wandering down cobblestone lanes, there is much to enjoy and plenty of surprises along the way traversing three countries whose national sport is mushroom picking. If you enjoy lesser known destinations, long summer nights and want to do more than just see the sights, this immersive trip is calling your name.

Trip Name
Premium Baltics
Last Updated
2024-08-30
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Spend time with a family of cider makers who have returned to their ancestral lands to produce delicious organic drinks and live more sustainably.
  • Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Curonian Spit National Park and explore the fishing villages and forests before they’re slowly covered by the shifting sands.
  • Spend a night at a historic Art Nouveau villa in Parnu – a beachy resort town known for amazing spas and a laidback vibe – at your Feature Stay accommodation.
  • Admire the ornate architecture, medieval watchtowers and pastel-coloured buildings in the Baltics’ atmospheric capitals.
  • Explore 9 m under the ground to learn about Latvian’s Communist past and Cold War time at Ligatner Bunker.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Tallinn
Tere tulemast! Welcome to Tallinn. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of town. With its steep red roofs, spires, pastel-coloured buildings and new restaurants and bars, Tallinn is a treat to explore. If you arrive early, you might want to stretch your legs with a stroll around town before your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After the meeting, head out for a welcome dinner in the Old Town, filled with historic buildings. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is especially atmospheric at night!
Day 2 - Tallinn
After breakfast, join a local guide for a walking tour around the Estonian capital that was once home to knights, landlords and soldiers. With many of the original buildings still intact, it’s like taking a virtual trip back to medieval times. Discover the old city fortifications, the last remaining gothic town hall in northern Europe and St Olaf Church. Amazing views of Lower Tallinn and the spires of the town walls are also yours on this entertaining stroll. Along with seeing the 13th-century Toompea Castle, where Estonian Parliament sits, you’ll also tour the 19th-century orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, admire the spectacular view of the city from the viewing platform and browse the area’s artisan studios. This afternoon is yours to explore your way. Perhaps hire a bike or catch a tram and head out to Kardiorg park where many of the city’s museums are located.
Day 3 - Parnu
After breakfast, depart Tallin and travel to the village of Jõesuu on the edge of Soomaa National Park. Here you’ll meet a family of cider makers who have returned to their ancestral lands to produce organic drinks and live more sustainably. Raise a glass of local cider or organic soft drink. From here, you’ll travel to Parnu which is famous for being Estonia's summer capital and a hub for beach goers, vibrant nightlife and a thriving art scene. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader, then spend the rest of the day exploring Parnu or relax at one of the many spas in town. You’ll spend tonight in your atmospheric Feature Stay accommodation – a grand Art Nouveau boutique hotel that was once the home of a wealthy merchant. Everything from the building’s facade to the gracious trees outside your window are listed under national heritage protection.
Day 4 - Riga
Today, you’ll explore over 800 years of history in Cesis – one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Baltics. It has remained almost unchanged despite the war and is famous for its medieval castle and park where summer concerts and festivals are held each year, its wooden architecture and brewery that dates back to 1590. After exploring the town with your leader, continue to rural Ligatne to visit a once top-secret Soviet bunker. Built as shelter in case of nuclear war, it was so secret that locals were unaware of its existence for 30 years until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. From here you’ll continue to Riga, the largest of the Baltic’s three capital cities. Tonight, you may like to head out with your group for dinner at one of the restaurants in the Old Town.
Day 5 - Riga
After breakfast, discover the history of Riga on a walking tour of the Old Town. See all the major sights such as Riga Cathedral – the largest medieval church in the Baltics – St Peter`s church, the Swedish gates and the Gunpowder tower. On the way to Riga market, one of the largest markets in Europe, you’ll pass the Freedom Monument which celebrates Latvia’s freedom, independence and sovereignty. Before you sit down for a traditional lunch, explore the market and taste a few local specialities like smoked fish and creamy Latvian cheese. After lunch, toast your trip with Riga Black Balsam – an herbal liqueur that locals believe can cure anything and everything. This afternoon, you can explore Riga your way. Maybe visit a local museum or head to the neighbourhood known as the Quiet Centre to discover its Art Nouveau architecture, cafes, restaurants, bookstores and more.
Day 6 - Klaipeda
Today you’ll raise a glass to the Guinness Book of World Records’ northernmost vineyard in the small town of Sabile. Before you visit the vineyard, stop in at a winery and sample unique local wines like sparkling apple wine, blackcurrant wine and cherry vermouth. From here, you’ll continue to Kuldiga which is known as Nordic Venice. Unlike other towns in the Baltic region, Kuldīga survived the great wars of the 20th century largely unscathed and modern urban developments were mostly built far outside its historic centre. The old town of Kuldīga is an outstanding example of a well-preserved urban settlement, representative of traditional Baltic architecture and urbanism from the 13th to early 20th century. Stop here for lunch and afterwards take a stroll along the main pedestrian street to Ventas Rumba viewpoint. After a day spent exploring Western Latvia, cross the border to Lithuania and spend a relaxing evening in Klaipeda.
Day 7 - Klaipeda
After breakfast, take a day trip to explore World Heritage-listed Curonian Spit National Park – the second-oldest national park in the former Soviet Union. After a quick ferry ride across the lagoon, spend your day exploring fisherman villages, sand dunes and forests – while you still can! Whole villages have been slowly swallowed by the constantly shifting sands. Each village has its own unique design and today, you’ll visit Juodkrante, famous for its lush forest filled with nearly 100 carved wooden sculptures that illustrate Lithuanian folk tales. Look in the distance to see the Russian border as you learn about the amber which has been mined in the National Park since the 19th century. Visit a local amber museum and discover the beauty of this culturally significant stone which locals believe has mystical properties as you learn how amber is processed and try an amber drink. After a day spent surrounded by nature, head back to Klaipeda for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 - Vilnius
Leave the Baltic coast behind and travel across Lithuania to Trakai which is home to the impressive 14th century Trakai Island Castle. Set on a small island in the middle of Lake Galve, this is the only castle in Eastern Europe that is built on an island. Your visit will get off to a delicious start as you learn how to make perfect kybyns – the traditional Lithuanian pastries the area is famous for. After filling up on the hearty pastries filled with mutton and onion and a bowl of hearty soup, head over to the castle grounds for a guided tour. After, you’ll continue to Vilnius and your hotel for the night.
Day 9 - Vilnius
After breakfast, join an expert guide for a city tour of Vilnius. Having once been occupied by Sweden, Poland, France and Russia, each country has influenced this city. Pass through Cathedral Square and the Old Town and learn about the famous Grand Duke Gediminas, the legend of Vilnius' creation and the prestigious history of Vilnius University. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Maybe visit the Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights located in the former KGB quarters of Vilnius. Or admire the views from the lofty TV tower – Lithuania’s tallest building and the location of a history-making event on 13 January 1991, when Lithuania gained independence from the USSR. If you’d like a break from Vilnius’ historic monuments, you can take a walk through some of the charming gardens around the city. Maybe visit a self-proclaimed ‘republic’ of Uzupis, Vilnius's bohemian and artistic district. In the evening, join your local leader and group for dinner at a local restaurant and raise a glass to the final night of your trip.
Day 10 - Vilnius
After breakfast, your Baltic adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-04-202529-04-2025AUD $ 5,980-
11-05-202520-05-2025AUD $ 6,161-
18-05-202527-05-2025AUD $ 6,161-
25-05-202503-06-2025AUD $ 6,218-
08-06-202517-06-2025AUD $ 6,218-
15-06-202524-06-2025AUD $ 6,218-
22-06-202501-07-2025AUD $ 6,218-
06-07-202515-07-2025AUD $ 6,218-
13-07-202522-07-2025AUD $ 6,218-
20-07-202529-07-2025AUD $ 6,460-
03-08-202512-08-2025AUD $ 6,460-
17-08-202526-08-2025AUD $ 6,460-
24-08-202502-09-2025AUD $ 6,460-
31-08-202509-09-2025AUD $ 6,460-
07-09-202516-09-2025AUD $ 5,980-
14-09-202523-09-2025AUD $ 5,980-
21-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 5,980-
19-04-202628-04-2026AUD $ 6,610-
10-05-202619-05-2026AUD $ 6,610-
17-05-202626-05-2026AUD $ 6,610-
24-05-202602-06-2026AUD $ 6,870-
07-06-202616-06-2026AUD $ 6,870-
14-06-202623-06-2026AUD $ 6,870-
21-06-202630-06-2026AUD $ 6,870-
05-07-202614-07-2026AUD $ 6,870-
19-07-202628-07-2026AUD $ 7,140-
02-08-202611-08-2026AUD $ 7,140-
16-08-202625-08-2026AUD $ 7,140-
23-08-202601-09-2026AUD $ 7,140-
30-08-202608-09-2026AUD $ 7,140-
06-09-202615-09-2026AUD $ 6,610-
13-09-202622-09-2026AUD $ 6,610-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (8 nights),Feature Stay (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Boat,Ferry,Public bus

Map