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Writer's pictureLeila Myllymäki-Hay

Discover the Heart of the Baltics with fine by nature’s Baltic Essence Tour

Picture yourself on a journey through the captivating landscapes and cities of Latvia and Estonia, a tour designed to connect you with the region’s resilient spirit, vibrant traditions, and timeless beauty. fine by nature’s Baltic Essence tour is a beautifully curated experience, inviting you to step into the lives, tastes, and artistry of the people who call these lands home. Hosted by Leila Myllymäki-Hay, founder of fine by nature, and led by expert local guides, this tour takes you beyond the usual sights and into the heart of Baltic life.


House of Blackheads, Riga, Tallinn

Image: Live Riga


Two Baltic Capitals: Timeless Charm Meets Modern Spirit

Our adventure begins in Riga, Latvia, a city where cobbled streets carry echoes of an era of grandeur while embracing a lively, modern energy. The Art Nouveau architecture of its historic centre stands as an enduring testament to the city’s creative spirit. Walking through Riga feels like stepping back in time, especially as we meet locals who generously share stories of Latvia’s resilience and their connection to this land.


Tallinn Old Town, Estonia

Image: Visit Tallinn/Kaipo Kalda


Further north, Tallinn, Estonia’s captivating medieval charm greets us with winding streets, turrets, and city walls that look as though they belong in a storybook. This city’s unique character blends a love for its rich past with an eye for modern design, making Tallinn a cultural gem on the Baltic coast. From vibrant markets to its timeless architecture, Tallinn welcomes visitors with open arms and the warmth of its people. Here, we’ll explore winding lanes and savour moments of discovery, guided by locals who know each corner’s history.


Dressing as a Seto Woman at Obinitsa Museum in Setomaa, Estonia

Image: Visit Estonia/Priidu Sart


Pockets of Culture: Setomaa, the Onion Route, and Kihnu Island

Throughout the Baltic Essence tour, we’ll journey into hidden pockets of culture that showcase the depth and diversity of Baltic traditions. Setomaa, an enchanting area near the border of Estonia and Russia, is home to the Seto people, a community known for preserving its language, music, and costumes. A visit to Setomaa introduces us to their unique singing tradition, the leelo, and the intricate, hand-crafted costumes they wear with pride. Here, guests can take part in a “Dressing as a Seto” experience - a special opportunity to truly understand the cultural fabric of this remarkable place.


Samovar House along the Onion Route

Image: Visit Estonia


On the Onion Route along Lake Peipus, named for the centuries-old onion-growing tradition among the Old Believers community, we encounter a region rich in customs and character. Known for their colourful wooden houses and thriving garlic and onion fields, the Old Believers here have preserved their way of life through generations. Our stops along this route reveal a unique glimpse into their traditions, as we sip tea from samovars, enjoy lakeside views, and listen to stories shared by our welcoming hosts.


a group of young musicians on Kihnu Island in Estonia

Image: Visit Estonia/Priidu Sart


Another unforgettable highlight is Kihnu Island, where life is a tapestry of music, dance, and matriarchal customs. The island’s women, guardians of Kihnu’s culture, greet us dressed in bright, woven skirts, ready to share the island’s heartbeat with their visitors. Time here flows in sync with the island’s traditions, and you’ll feel connected to its unique spirit as you join in on dances, listen to traditional music, and hear the tales that have defined Kihnu for generations.


A table set with traditional Seto food in Estonia

Image: Ülle Jukk


A Culinary Journey through Tradition and Taste

Food in the Baltics is both a connection to the land and a celebration of tradition. Each meal on this tour offers a taste of the Baltic’s deep-rooted culinary heritage, whether it’s savouring traditional Seto dishes or sampling flavours created by innovative chefs. Latvia’s craft beer culture will add refreshing notes to our journey, showcasing innovative brews that reflect the spirit of the country. And in Estonia, we’ll savour berry wines at a local winery, with each tasting providing a delightful blend of the region’s natural flavours and its evolving winemaking craft.


People holding hands along a motorway during the Baltic Way

The Baltic Resilience

The people of the Baltics are as enduring as the landscapes around them. Each encounter reveals stories of resilience - of facing history’s changes and moving forward while preserving the essence of what makes these nations unique. This resilience is embodied in the Baltic Way, a peaceful demonstration of unity when, in 1989, nearly two million people formed a human chain linking Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius to peacefully demand independence. This powerful moment of solidarity reflects a shared strength and spirit that continues to define the Baltics today.


In both Latvia and Estonia, we’ll meet people who have lived through these changing times and carried forward their traditions, creativity, and a deep connection to their land. Their warmth, humour, and pride in their heritage turn each encounter into a meaningful moment, helping us understand the essence of what it means to be living in the Baltics.

Trakai Castle on an island in Lithuania

Image: Giedrius Akelis


Tailored Extensions to Deepen Your Journey

To enrich the Baltic Essence experience even further, fine by nature offers customised pre- and post-tour options that allow you to dive deeper into the region’s captivating culture. Begin your journey with a pre-tour in Lithuania, a destination recently recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the top places to travel in 2025. With its historic cities, traditional cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, Lithuania provides an enriching start to the adventure.


Helsinki city centre at night

Image: Visit Finland/Juha Kalaoja


For those inspired to continue exploring, a post-tour in Finland awaits, offering a chance to experience the serene beauty of the Finnish countryside or delve into Helsinki’s rich design and cultural landscape. For Leila Myllymäki-Hay, Finland is a second home, and she looks forward to sharing Helsinki’s highlights, as well as some of its lesser-known gems, that reflect her deep connection to this Nordic capital, her former hometown.


Kihnu Mare in a tradtional house on Kihnu Island in Estonia

Image: Kihnu Mare


fine by nature: Crafting Journeys with Heart

At fine by nature, the goal is to provide travel experiences that offer not only sights but also connections. This tour is crafted to allow each guest to see the beauty of the Baltics through the eyes of those who live there, from artisans to farmers, city-dwellers to islanders. Hosted by Leila Myllymäki-Hay, founder of fine by nature, this journey ensures that each moment is an opportunity to see, taste, and feel the unique spirit of these lands - a Baltic journey that stays with you long after the tour ends.


As a proud member of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO), fine by nature upholds the highest standards in delivering immersive, responsible travel experiences that support local communities and enrich the traveller’s journey.


Baltic Essence Tour, August 17-30, 2025 (click the link for further information and bookings)

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