%20%20green%20on%20white%20(2).png)
Festive Baltic Capitals in Style
A Luxurious Winter Escape Through the Baltic Christmas Markets
Independent holiday with private experiences
Image: LiveRiga
Dates
On request
End of November - end of December
Duration
10 days/9 nights
Suitable
For lovers of history, culture, and festive markets
Price
AUD 6835 per person
December is a magical time to experience the Baltic capitals, as twinkling lights illuminate historic streets, the scent of mulled wine drifts through the air, and Christmas markets fill the town squares with festive cheer. Unlike the bustling markets of Central Europe, those in Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn offer a more intimate and unhurried experience. Strolling through these charming settings, you can take your time browsing artisan crafts, sampling local delicacies, and soaking in the spirit of the season. Admire the baroque beauty of Vilnius, explore Riga’s renowned Art Nouveau district, and step into a medieval fairytale in Tallinn’s Old Town, all while wrapped in the glow of the festive season.
This thoughtfully designed journey balances festive charm with refined comfort, featuring private guided tours, handpicked five-star boutique hotels, and seamless travel in a private car with a dedicated driver. From a visit to the enchanting Trakai Island Castle, set against a frozen lake, to discovering the historic Hill of Crosses and the picturesque Turaida Castle, this journey blends history, culture, and seasonal delights into an unforgettable winter escape.
This tour can also be done in reverse, starting in Tallinn and ending in Vilnius, with the option to extend your journey to Helsinki - just a scenic two-hour ferry ride from Tallinn. We can customise this tour to include stays in handpicked 4-star boutique hotels instead of 5-star accommodations.
Take a look at our Timeless Charm of the Baltic Capitals and Charming Baltic Capitals in Style journeys for a captivating experience at other times of the year.
Tour Highlights
-
Celebrate Christmas across Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn
-
Visit Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas markets
-
Explore UNESCO-listed Old Towns on private walking tours
-
Experience Trakai Castle, Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace
-
Discover Turaida Castle and Latvia’s winter landscapes
-
Enjoy luxury hotels and private transfers throughout
-
Extend easily to Helsinki for Nordic winter charm
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Vilnius – A Warm Winter Welcome
A private driver greets you on arrival and whisks you into the historic heart of Vilnius. Your boutique hotel blends quiet luxury with character and comfort. As dusk settles, take a gentle stroll through the Old Town – cobblestone streets glow under soft strings of festive lights, church bells echo in the distance and the scent of cinnamon pastries drifts from cosy bakeries. A beautiful beginning to your Christmas journey.
Day 2: Christmas Magic in Vilnius – History & Holiday Traditions
Uncover Vilnius’ baroque beauty on a private walking tour through grand cathedral squares, peaceful courtyards and narrow medieval laneways. In the afternoon, follow the twinkle of lights to Cathedral Square, where the Christmas tree – always one of the most spectacular in Europe – stands at the heart of the market. Browse Baltic artisan crafts, sip hot chocolate or mulled wine and soak up the warmth of local festive spirit.
Day 3: Trakai – Castles, Frozen Lakes & Winter Stillness
Today, your private guide takes you to Trakai, where a red-brick island castle rests amid frozen lakes and forests dusted in white. Learn stories of Grand Dukes and medieval life, then enjoy a quiet moment overlooking Lake Galvė – peaceful and still in winter. Return to Vilnius for a relaxed evening, perhaps trying a Lithuanian tasting menu or unwinding by a fireplace with a glass of honey liqueur.
Day 4: Journey to Riga – Palaces & Sacred Places
Travel in comfort to Latvia along a scenic winter route. Pause at the Hill of Crosses, a powerful symbol of faith and resilience, before continuing to Rundāle Palace, the Baltic’s answer to Versailles. Wander through gilded halls and manicured gardens now dusted in snow – a beautiful contrast of grandeur and seasonal calm. Arrive in Riga, where the festive glow of the Old Town awaits.
Day 5: Riga – Old Town Elegance & Christmas Spirit
Riga’s Old Town is a delight in December. On your private walking tour, explore pastel-coloured merchant houses, Gothic church spires and historic squares alive with Christmas cheer. At the market, sample gingerbread baked to family recipes, warm apple tea and Latvian cheeses, while carols and folk songs echo through the streets.
Day 6: Riga – Art Nouveau & Refined Winter Culture
This morning is devoted to Riga’s stunning Art Nouveau district, home to one of the world’s richest collections of early 20th-century architecture. With your private guide, discover elegant facades and intricate sculptural detail before stepping inside the Art Nouveau Museum – a beautifully restored residence capturing the lifestyle of the Baltic elite of the era. The afternoon is yours to enjoy a little indulgence – perhaps a visit to a grand café for a glass of Riga Black Balsam, or time to explore boutiques along quiet side streets.
Day 7: Riga to Tallinn – Castles, Forests & Scenic Landscapes
Travel north toward Estonia, stopping in the charming Gauja Valley. Visit Turaida Castle, a 13th-century red fortress perched above forests and river valleys – stunning in winter. Continue through countryside villages and arrive in Tallinn by evening. With lantern-lit streets, medieval rooftops and gentle snowfall, the Old Town feels like stepping into a Christmas storybook.
Day 8: Tallinn – A Medieval Christmas Tale
Tallinn’s Christmas market, set in the Town Hall Square, is one of Europe’s most heartwarming traditions. Wander wooden stalls where artisans sell woollen knits, hand-carved ornaments and forest-inspired gifts. Your private tour brings history to life as you explore guild houses, merchant lanes and old defensive towers. Enjoy the festive ambience at your own pace – a perfect balance of culture and Christmas magic.
Day 9: Winter Day of Leisure – Your Way
Today unfolds at your own pace, with experiences tailored to your interests. Begin with a gentle wander through Tallinn’s snow-dusted streets, stopping for a warm pastry and coffee as Christmas lights flicker between spires and cobblestones. If you’re curious about local creativity, we can arrange a private design tour - step inside boutique studios, meet Estonian makers and discover why Nordic design here feels so grounded and authentic. For something a little different, enjoy a gin-blending masterclass at a local distillery, using Baltic botanicals like wild juniper, heather and sea buckthorn to create your very own signature spirit. And if relaxation calls, a boutique spa session or chef’s table dinner at one of Tallinn’s acclaimed restaurants offers a beautiful way to end your final evening in the Baltics.
Day 10: Farewell or Extend to Finland
Your private transfer takes you to the airport for your journey home – or continue your northern adventure with a seamless ferry crossing to Helsinki. Finland’s capital is enchanting at Christmastime, with market stalls in Senate Square, artisan design studios in the historic quarters and steaming mugs of glögi to keep the spirit warm.
Images: Visit Tallinn, LiveRiga, Go Vilnius
Price
Solo Traveller – Private Room
For one person travelling independently; from AUD 11,260 per person
Two Travellers – Twin/Double Share
For two people sharing one room; from AUD 6,385 per person
Two Travellers – Separate Rooms
For two people travelling together with single rooms; from AUD 8,245 per person
Small Private Group (3–5 travellers) – Twin/Double Share + Single Supplement
Rates for small groups sharing rooms; from AUD 5,010 per person
Single room supplement; from AUD 1,860 (9 nights)
What's included
Accommodation
-
9 nights in handpicked 5-star boutique hotels
-
3 nights Vilnius
-
3 nights Riga
-
3 nights Tallinn
Meals
-
Daily breakfast
Private Transport
-
Private arrival transfer: Vilnius Airport → hotel
-
Private transfer: Vilnius → Riga
-
includes visit to the Hill of Crosses
-
expert-guided visit to Rundāle Palace
-
-
Private transfer: Riga → Tallinn
-
includes visit to Sigulda
-
guided visit to Turaida Castle
-
-
Private departure transfer: Tallinn hotel → airport
-
All travel by premium private vehicle
Private Guided Experiences
-
Private 3-hour walking tour of Vilnius Old Town
-
Private 4-hour guided visit to Trakai Island Castle
-
Private 3-hour walking tour of Riga Old Town
-
Private 3-hour Art Nouveau architecture tour in Riga
-
includes entry to the Art Nouveau Museum
-
Private 3-hour walking tour of Tallinn Old Town
-
Visits to Christmas markets in Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn
-
Festive cultural experiences as per itinerary
Entrance Fees & Activities
-
Entrance to Trakai Island Castle
-
Entrance to Rundāle Palace
-
Entrance to Art Nouveau Museum
-
Entrance to Turaida Castle
-
All sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary
fine by nature care
-
Luxury festive journey designed for seasonal charm and cultural authenticity
-
Private touring with local insight and festive storytelling
-
Relaxed pace with seamless arrangements throughout
-
Option to extend to Helsinki Christmas markets by ferry
-
24/7 local support during travel
Booking Conditions
-
SAFETY & TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly advice you to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance that covers all the activities and cancellation costs should you not be able to travel
-
WEATHER
If the organisers do not deem one of the activities safe, they reserve the right to change the order of the activities or the content of the program if necessary due to the weather.
-
ALTERATIONS BY ORGANISER
Sometimes the organiser has to make changes, usually because of circumstances out of their control. If this happens, they reserve the right at any time to substitute accommodation or activities. If this means extra cost to you, we’ll let you know.
-
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
You acknowledge that travel involves personal risks which may be greater than those present in your everyday life. This could be as a result of the adventurous nature of your trip or the visiting of destinations which present geographical risks and dangers.
Our full terms & conditions (link).
What's not included
-
International flights to/from the Baltic region
-
Travel insurance (required for all travellers)
-
Meals not specified in the itinerary
-
Optional tours and festive experiences not listed as included
-
Entry fees not mentioned under inclusions
-
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
-
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, minibar and room service
-
Early check-in or late check-out (available on request)
-
Visa fees and passport services if required
Please note
-
This tour can be done in reverse from Tallinn to Vilnius
-
Our offer and prices are subject to availability and therefore to final confirmation.
-
Most hotels use dynamic pricing and rates may fluctuate depending on overall occupancy levels.
-
We can customise this tour to include stays in handpicked 4-star boutique hotels instead of 5-star accommodations.
Ask us about
-
Creating a tailor-made pre and/or post tours
-
Adding extra activities to your travel package
-
Arrangements for special celebrations or milestones during this tour
-
Upgrading your accommodation to a higher room category
-
A price quote for larger travelling parties
Payment & cancellations
-
20% deposit is required within 7 days after your holiday is confirmed
-
Balance due 65 days prior to travel
-
Cancellations:
-
More than 66 days prior to departure - loss of deposit
-
From 65 to 31 days prior to departure – loss of 50% of total cost
-
Less than 30 days prior to departure - loss of 100% of total cost
-
-
Please arrange a comprehensive travel insurance which covers all activities and any cancellation costs, should you not be able to travel
-
Our full terms & conditions can be found here (link)