Travel Notices

Highlights of the Baltics

Explore the best of the Baltics: Historic Vilnius in Lithuania, beautiful Riga, the “Paris of the North” in Latvia, and Tallinn, the medieval capital of Estonia

Overview

from$3899Tour + Flights from$2999Tour Only 11days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on Oct 9, 2025 departure from NYC
$400 Instant Savings. Expires Jan 16, 2025.*   All prices reflect savings.
Piggy bank
$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures April – October 2025 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & CultureNature & Wildlife
Activity Level Advanced
What to Expect This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness
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Explore the absolute best of Europe on our 11-day journey to the Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Although small, these countries are full of unforgettable experiences, picturesque landscapes, delectable cuisine, and much more. Start your adventure discovering the timeless charm and unique architecture in Vilnius, Lithuania, home to one of the oldest preserved Old Towns in Northern Europe. Be sure to complete your trip with a visit to the fairy-tale Trakai Castle and enjoy a traditional Lithuanian pastry, the Kibinai! Wander your way through the treetops in Anyksciai before arriving in Riga, Latvia. Known as the “Paris of the North,” Riga is home to cobblestone streets lined with intricately designed buildings in its ornate Art Nouveau district, open-air museums, and marvelous cathedrals. Venture outside of the city to Gauja National Park, a hidden gem recognized as the “Switzerland of Latvia.” The last stop on your journey is Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. Step back in time as you walk along the winding streets past 14th and 15th-century walls, towers, and soaring church spires. Then, leave the city behind for the breathtaking natural landscape covering over half of Estonia with wetlands, bogs, and forests. Visiting this region offers travelers sights and activities not found anywhere else in Europe, so get your bags packed, cameras ready, and meet us in the Baltics!

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round-trip flights from NYC (JFK or EWR) including taxes & fees
  • All ground transportation and transfers
  • 9 nights accommodation in superior first class hotels
  • 15 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners including welcome and farewell dinners
  • Professional, English-speaking tour director and local guides
  • Comprehensive touring program and entrance fees

Optional add-ons

  • Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
  • Private guided tour of the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
  • Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
  • Gauja National Park, Turaida Castle & a secret Soviet bunker with lunch

Why you'll love it

  • Discover the Old Town, Cathedral Square, the Orthodox Cathedral of All Saints, and Vilnius University on a walking tour of Vilnius.
  • Learn how to create a a traditional Kibinai, a Lithuanian pastry.
  • Take a walk on Laju Takas, a spectacular treetop walking path in Anyksciai.
  • Tour Riga, the "Paris of the North", including the Old Town, the Swedish Gate, the Monument of Liberty, Riga's Castle, and the Art Nouveau district.
  • En route to Tallinn, Estonia, visit an eco-farm and engage in an organic horticulture workshop.
  • Stop at a cider house in Kaelase, enjoying a tasting as you learn about the process of making cider.
  • See the Town Hall, Dome Cathedral, and the Toompea Palace in Tallinn.
  • Visit Kardriorg Palace, the jewel of Tallinn.
  • Enjoy the fresh air as you walk along the boardwalks of an Estonian bog at Lahemaa National Park.
  • Explore the enchanting 400-year-old fishing village of Altja.

Itinerary at a Glance

Highlights of the Baltics map

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $400 off if you book by Jan. 16, 2025!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 3, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Apr 13, 2025
Book by Thu, Jan 16, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 3 – Apr 13
$4499 –$400 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 22, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Jun 1, 2025
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May 22 – Jun 1
$4599 –$400 $4199 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jun 26, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Jul 6, 2025
Book by Thu, Jan 16, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jun 26 – Jul 6
$4799 –$400 $4399 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Aug 3, 2025
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Jul 24 – Aug 3
$4799 –$400 $4399 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 21, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Aug 31, 2025
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Aug 21 – Aug 31
$4499 –$400 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 11, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Sep 21, 2025
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Sep 11 – Sep 21
$4399 –$400 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 9, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Oct 19, 2025
Book by Thu, Jan 16, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 9 – Oct 19
$4299 –$400 $3899 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Fri, Apr 4, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Apr 13, 2025
Book by Thu, Jan 16, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 4 – Apr 13
$3599 –$400 $3199 Select
Starts: Fri, May 23, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Jun 1, 2025
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May 23 – Jun 1
$3699 –$400 $3299 Select
Starts: Fri, Jun 27, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Jul 6, 2025
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Jun 27 – Jul 6
$3899 –$400 $3499 Select
Starts: Fri, Jul 25, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Aug 3, 2025
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Jul 25 – Aug 3
$3899 –$400 $3499 Select
Starts: Fri, Aug 22, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Aug 31, 2025
Book by Thu, Jan 16, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 22 – Aug 31
$3599 –$400 $3199 Select
Starts: Fri, Sep 12, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Sep 21, 2025
Book by Thu, Jan 16, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 12 – Sep 21
$3499 –$400 $3099 Select
Starts: Fri, Oct 10, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Oct 19, 2025
Book by Thu, Jan 16, 2025 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 10 – Oct 19
$3399 –$400 $2999 Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Highlights of the Baltics
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy $599
Optional Excursions
Museum of Occupations & Freedom Fights1 $30
Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum2 $108
Gauja National Park, Turaida Castle & Secret Soviet Bunker with lunch3 $265

1. The optional Museum of Occupations & Freedom Fights requires a minimum of two passengers to operate.

2. The optional Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum requires a minimum of four passengers to operate.

3. The optional Gauja National Park, Turaida Castle, and a secret Soviet bunker with lunch requires a minimum of four passengers to operate.

Transfers for Passengers Booking Tour Only
Optional Airport Transfers1
Arrival Transfer: Vilnius airport to hotel $37
Departure transfer: Tallinn hotel to airport $36

1. Price based on a minimum of two passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York City (NYC)1 included

1. NYC departures will be from either JFK or EWR based upon availability.

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

  • Depart the United States on your overnight flight to Vilnius, Lithuania

Day 2 Arrive Vilnius, Lithuania

  • Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant

Hotel Vilnia or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel for check-in. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Day 3 Vilnius

  • Discover Vilnius on a walking tour through the city
  • Visit the city's Jewish Quarter and unique Užupis District
  • Join an optional visit to the Museum of Occupations & Freedom Fights

Hotel Vilnia or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Gate of Dawn, Vilnius

This morning, join your guide on a walking tour of Vilnius. Your tour begins in one of Northern Europe's oldest preserved Old Towns. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town boasts a rare mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture. Visit the Gates of Dawn, which opened in 1522 and is the city's only remaining defensive wall. With the splendid image of the Virgin Mary painted to protect the city, the wall stands as an essential spiritual landmark. Your tour continues to Cathedral Square, the outstanding Orthodox Cathedral of All Saints, and Vilnius University, one of the oldest schools in Europe. Learn about the Jewish Quarter and Lithuania's strong connection with Jewish heritage, and discover why Vilnius was once referred to as the "Jerusalem of the North."

Later this afternoon, continue your walking tour to the Užupis District, a self-proclaimed "republic" inside the Old Town. It has its own anthem, constitution, president, bishop, two churches, the Bernadine Cemetery—one of the oldest in the city—seven bridges, and its own guardian, The Bronze Angel of Užupis. During the Soviet era, the authorities let Užupis go to ruin, but today, it is thriving as a creative and artistic community with its constitution, anthem, and president.

The rest of your afternoon is free at leisure, or you may choose an optional visit to the Museum of Occupations & Freedom Fights.

Optional Excursion: Museum of Occupations & Freedom Fights, $30
Museum of Occupations & Freedom Fights Photo by Wilson44691 on Wikipedia

Stroll to the Museum of Occupations & Freedom Fights to reflect on Lithuanian history with a guided tour. Once a former gymnasium, it was the headquarters of the Gestapo during the occupation in WWII and was then taken over by the Soviet KGB. Learn more about Lithuania’s complex history of occupation, which ended in 1990 when Lithuania declared independence from the USSR.

Note: This tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.

Day 4 Vilnius

  • Pay a respectful visit to the Memorial of Paneriai
  • Visit Trakai Castle, picturesquely situated on the middle of Lake Galvė
  • Sail the surrounding waters of the castle by boat
  • Learn how to create a traditional Kibinai, a Lithuanian pastry

Hotel Vilnia or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Trakai Castle, Vilnius

After breakfast, pay a respectful visit to the Memorial of Paneriai on the outskirts of Vilnius, the same site where over 100,000 Jews lost their lives during WWII. Today, it is a place of commemoration and remembrance.

Continue to Trakai Castle, which is picturesquely situated in the middle of a lake. Standing tall with a medieval-style appearance, the castle exudes a fairy-tale-like essence and can only be accessed by a wooden drawbridge. Explore the castle grounds, visit the museum, and view the myriad of ancient artifacts.

Afterward, discover the magical blue waters of Lake Galvė by boat. Relax to the sound of the calming waters as you pass through the neighboring islands. Later, go to a local restaurant where you will learn how to make a traditional Lithuanian pastry called Kibinai. Follow time-tested Lithuanian cooking methods with your host before sitting down to taste your wonderful creation! Return to Vilnius and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 5 Anyksciai, Birzai & Riga, Latvia

  • Walk along a treetop walkway overlooking the beautiful forests and river at Anyksciai Regional Park
  • Visit Birzai Castle and learn about traditional Lithuanian beer making and tasting

Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Laju Takas observation tower

Say goodbye to Vilnius and begin your journey to Riga! En route, stop in Anyksciai Regional Park, and walk on Laju Takas, a spectacular treetop walkway. This one-of-a-kind walkway is 68 feet high and stretches 984 feet long. The observation tower offers a unique perspective with views of the famous Anyksciai hill, the curves of Saint River, and, in the distance, the twin spires of Saint Matthew's Church, the tallest in Lithuania.

Continue to the town of Birzai, known as ''beer town'' for its production of famous and unique local beer. After lunch, visit Birzai Castle, followed by a visit to the castle's cellar to learn more about traditional beer-making traditions accompanied by a tasting and songs.

Afterward, continue to Riga and check into your hotel.

Day 6 Riga, Latvia

  • Discover Riga on a walking tour of the city
  • Explore the medieval architecture of Riga's Old Town
  • Walk through the ornate Art Nouveau district
  • Join an optional visit to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Old Town of Riga

After breakfast, depart on a walking tour of Riga. Hailed as the "Paris of the North," immerse yourself among this grand Baltic capital's cobblestone streets and magnificent architecture. Embrace Riga's most exciting sites, including the Old Town, the Swedish Gate, the Monument of Liberty, and Riga's Castle. Continue to the  Riga Dome, home to one of the largest organs in Europe (6,768 pipes!) Next, enjoy a wonderful walk through the Art Nouveau district, a staple of any visit to Riga. Look out for the brilliantly decorated facades and intricately designed buildings as you take in one architectural masterpiece after another.

Following your walking tour, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore on your own or take an optional excursion to the Latvian Open Air Museum.

Optional Excursion: Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, $108
Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

Transfer from Riga to one of the largest and oldest open-air museums in all of Europe. Explore the vast array of historical buildings dating from the 17th century through the 1930s. Stroll through traditional farmsteads and reflect on the tools and crafts that made up everyday living.

Note: This private tour requires a minimum of 4 passengers to operate.

Day 7 Riga

  • Spend the day exploring Riga on your own, or take part in a full-day optional excursion to Gauja National Park

Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Gauja National Park, Turaida Castle & Secret Soviet Bunker with lunch, $265
Turaida Castle, Gauja National Park

Swap the city for the crisp fresh air and breathtaking natural beauty of Gauja National Park, also known as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Visit the incredible Turaida Castle situated in the heart of the park. Built in the 13th century as a residence of the Bishop of Riga, the castle stands firm today, welcoming visitors and offering a great view of the surrounding landscape. Next, visit a formerly secret underground Soviet bunker. Built as a place of refuge in case of a nuclear war, step back in time and witness a piece of history only recently discovered in the early 2000s. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Riga.

Note: This private tour requires a minimum of 4 passengers to operate.

Day 8 Pärnu, Kaelase, Tallinn, Estonia

  • Visit a local eco-farm and engage in an organic horticulture workshop
  • Visit Jaanihanso Cider House and enjoy a cider tasting with snacks

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Estonian table apples

This morning, depart for Tallinn, Estonia. En route, visit an eco-farm that specializes in organic gardening. Meet the friendly owners who will take you to their herb yard and greenhouse. During this time, learn more about the difference between eco-growing and chemically fertilized plants and how each affects human health. Then, partake in planting seeds in their greenhouse before sitting down and enjoying homemade smoothies and lemonade made with herbs picked from their garden.

Next, continue towards Tallinn and stop at Jaanihanso Cider House in the town of Kaelase. Tour the factory and apple orchards and learn more about making cider. Enjoy a tasting of five different delectable ciders with accompanying cheese and snacks. Later this evening, arrive in Tallinn and check in to your hotel.

Day 9 Tallinn, Estonia

  • Enjoy a panoramic tour of Tallinn
  • Visit the magnificent Kadriorg Palace and the National Art Museum
  • Discover the Kalamaja district on a walking tour
  • Explore the Old Town Tallinn during a walking tour
  • Visit the Estonian Opera House

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral, Tallinn

After breakfast, begin your first full day in Estonia with a panoramic tour of Tallinn, ending at Kadriorg Palace. Founded in 1718 by Russian Tsar Peter I in honor of his wife Catherine I, it is considered a crown jewel of Tallinn. Stroll through the colorful gardens and flower parks before entering the National Art Museum. Wander through the halls of the exquisite interior and admire an assortment of brilliant pieces from international artists. 

Next, continue to the Balti Jaama market, which offers an excellent opportunity to see and enjoy local products, following a walking tour of the Kalamaja district. Often considered a hipster area of Tallinn, it is best known for its colorful wooden houses, bohemian charm, and industrial heritage. Kalamaja has been the city's main fishing port from the Middle Ages onward. Its name even means 'fish house' in Estonian. Fishermen, fishmongers, and boatmen have lived here since the 14th century. Part of Kalamaja's old industrial infrastructure has been preserved and is still operating today. 

Later, continue your walking tour to Old Town Tallinn, one of Northern Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Feel the aura of the 14th and 15th-century walls, towers, and soaring church spires as you walk along the winding streets. See the 14th-century Gothic Town Hall and the magnificent pink Baroque-style Toompea Palace, then visit the Dome Cathedral. Then, stand in awe at the outstanding architecture of the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral.

Round out the day with a visit to the Estonian Opera House. Take a guided tour and gain an insight into some of the many facilities the Opera House offers and what goes on behind the scenes before the curtain rises. Learn about the architecture, stagecraft, opera, and ballet.

Day 10 Tallinn & Lahemaa National Park

  • Visit Lahemaa National Park
  • Walk along the boardwalks of an Estonian bog
  • Visit a 400-year-old fisherman's village
  • See the Baroque-style Palmse Manor
  • Enjoy a medieval feast-style dinner with your fellow travelers

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Fishermen huts, Altja village

This morning, leave the city behind for the breathtaking natural landscape of Lahemaa National Park. Wetlands, bogs, and forests cover nearly three-quarters of Estonia. Today allows you to step outside and enjoy the fresh air that comes with it. Visit a traditional Estonian bog and walk along the boardwalks while taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Listen to the relaxing sound of water cascading at the Jägala waterfall. Enjoy the view of the shore and explore the enchanting 400-year-old fishing village of Altja. Then, visit the Baroque-style Palmse Manor. This afternoon, return to Tallinn and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Enjoy a wonderful farewell medieval feast-style dinner with your fellow travelers this evening at a local restaurant in Tallinn.

Day 11 Depart Tallinn/Arrive USA

  • Transfer to the airport for your return flight
  • Arrive in the USA later today

Breakfast

Hotels

Hotel Vilnia
Hotel Vilnia
First Class

Originally built in the 19th century, Hotel Vilnia is situated in the heart of the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, just opposite the entrance to the Bernardine Garden and within short walking distance of Cathedral Square, Vilnius University and Gediminas' Castle. This part of Vilnius is in a quiet, relaxing area surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of churches, parks, and monuments.

More information

Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel
Wellton Riverside Spa Hotel
First Class

Located in the historical center of Riga Old Town, the Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel is within walking distance from UNESCO world heritage attractions such as House of the Blackheads, Riga Dome Cathedral, and Latvian National Opera. The hotel also offers a full-service spa experience with services such as an Aqua Thermal Area, facials, scrubs, wraps, and specialized baths. There is a heated swimming pool, gym, and sauna on-site as well. 

More information

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn
Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn
Deluxe

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn is an exclusive and luxurious hotel that blends modern comfort and traditional elegance. The hotel is located in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town, only a few minutes walk from the famous Town Hall, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn City Museum, and the Estonian National Opera.   

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Trip Details

More Common Questions

* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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