Baltic Horizons - Capitals & Coastlines

Day 1: Arrival in Vilnius
Welcome to Vilnius, Lithuania’s atmospheric capital, where centuries of history meet a lively, creative spirit. After your arrival transfer, settle into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Take a short stroll through the cobbled streets or find a cosy restaurant tucked away in the Old Town - your Baltic adventure is about to begin.

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Day 2: Vilnius & Trakai – Castles, Culture and Lake Views
Begin your day with a guided tour of Vilnius, one of Europe’s most charming Old Towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the city’s most cherished landmarks -Vilnius Cathedral and Cathedral Square, the Gates of Dawn, St. Anne’s Church, and the elegant University Quarter. Your guide will share stories of dukes, artists and dreamers who helped shape this city’s layered identity.

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In the afternoon, journey to nearby Trakai, Lithuania’s former capital. Explore the fairytale-like island castle that rises proudly from Lake Galvė. Learn about the fascinating Karaite community who still call Trakai home, and enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting before returning to Vilnius for the evening.

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Day 3: Vilnius – Kaunas – Klaipėda
Travel west to Kaunas, Lithuania’s second largest city, beautifully set at the meeting of the Nemunas and Neris Rivers. Its Old Town is a treasure trove of Gothic and Baroque architecture, where the “White Swan” Town Hall and Kaunas Castle recall a grand past. Take a leisurely guided stroll through the historic streets before continuing towards the coast.

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Arriving in Klaipėda, Lithuania’s only seaport, you’ll discover a city where German heritage meets a breezy maritime charm. Wander through the Old Town with its restored merchant houses, quaint courtyards and the lively Theatre Square before checking in to your hotel for the night.

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Day 4: Nida & the Curonian Spit – Sand Dunes and Seaside Spirit
This morning, take a short ferry ride across the lagoon to the Curonian Spit National Park, a UNESCO-protected wonder stretching between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. Explore Nida, a peaceful fishing village where colourful wooden houses line sandy lanes and the rhythm of daily life moves at an easy pace.

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Walk among the towering sand dunes and feel the wind carry whispers from the sea -this landscape has inspired artists and poets for generations. Visit the Mizgiris Amber Museum to learn about the “Baltic gold,” and, if you wish, climb the whimsical Witches’ Hill before returning to Klaipėda.

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Day 5: Klaipėda – Hill of Crosses – Rundāle Palace – Riga
Today’s journey leads you into Latvia, with stops at two extraordinary sites along the way. First, visit the Hill of Crosses, a deeply moving symbol of Lithuania’s faith and resilience. Thousands of crosses stand here in quiet testimony to the nation’s spirit - a place that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

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Continue to Rundāle Palace, Latvia’s most beautiful Baroque residence. Explore the grand halls, gilded galleries and ornamental gardens designed by the same architect who created St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace. After your visit, travel on to Riga, the Latvian capital, and settle in for the night.

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Day 6: Riga – Art Nouveau Elegance and Medieval Charm
This morning’s city tour introduces you to Riga’s fascinating contrasts. See the elegant boulevards, the Freedom Monument, and the magnificent Art Nouveau district - one of the finest in Europe. Then wander the cobblestone lanes of the Old Town, where medieval guild halls, Gothic churches and charming cafés create a timeless atmosphere.

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In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore on your own. You might browse local boutiques, visit the Central Market, or simply relax by the Daugava River.

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Day 7: Riga – Sigulda – Turaida – Pärnu – Tallinn
Head into Latvia’s lush countryside to explore Sigulda and Turaida, often called the “Latvian Switzerland.” Visit the Turaida Castle and learn about the legend of the Rose of Turaida - a story of love and courage still remembered today. Take in the rolling landscapes of Gauja National Park, dotted with sandstone cliffs and forest paths.

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Continue north with a short stop in Pärnu, Estonia’s beloved seaside town, where sandy beaches and leafy parks give the city a relaxed holiday feel. Later in the day, arrive in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, where medieval towers and red rooftops hint at centuries of seafaring history.

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Day 8: Tallinn – Medieval Treasures and Seaside Traditions
Discover Tallinn’s Old Town, a perfectly preserved medieval quarter surrounded by city walls and watchtowers. Explore Toompea Hill, the 13th-century Dome Church, and the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, then stroll to the Town Hall Square - one of Europe’s best-preserved Gothic marketplaces.

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In the afternoon, visit the Estonian Open-Air Museum at Rocca al Mare, where historic farmsteads, windmills and wooden chapels tell the story of rural life through the ages. It’s a peaceful way to experience Estonia’s deep connection with its land and traditions.

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Day 9: Departure from Tallinn

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning at leisure before your transfer to the airport. As you say farewell to the Baltic region, you’ll carry with you not just memories of its landscapes and architecture, but the warmth of its people and the stories that connect these three remarkable countries.

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This itinerary can also be experienced in reverse, beginning in Tallinn and ending in Vilnius. For those wishing to continue their Northern European adventure, it’s easy to extend your journey onwards to Helsinki by ferry across the Gulf of Finland or to Stockholm by overnight cruise across the Baltic Sea.

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