LITHUANIA, LATVIA AND ESTONIA
In addition to the three metropolises – Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, in this tour we offer other charming cities, such as the charming university city of Kaunas, Kish – one of the oldest and most beautiful cities of Latvia and Tartu – a city that has “written” many a chapter of Estonian history. Each of these three countries is fascinating in its own way. Lithuania is known for its baroque-clerical capital Vilnius and the unique landscape of the Curonian Spit. Latvia is a country of opposites – on the one hand, a lively and modern Riga, on the other, a peaceful rural life outside the city. Estonia is the smallest and least populated country in the Baltic Sea, but has the longest coastline and the largest islands. Leaving Tallinn, you can quickly find yourself among nature – dense forests, peat bogs, swamps, meadows and empty beaches resemble Scandinavian climates.
Day 1 – arrival in Klaipeda
Day 2 – sightseeing of Klaipeda Klaipeda, the only port city of the country, is called by Lithuanians the “Gateway to the World”. Even today, you can easily recognize the medieval layout of the streets – chessboard, and the old street names reveal who lived next to them.
Day 3 -Klaipeda – excursion to the Curonian Spit (100 km) The Curonian Spit is an unusual promontory with a length of 100 km. In the narrowest place it is only 400 m. Nida is the personification of the Curonian Spit, its heart and certainly the most beautiful and popular tourist destination. The beautiful nature attracted many artists to Nida – one of the most important is the Nobel Prize winner for Literature Thomas Mann, whose former summer residence is now a museum.
Day 4 – Klaipeda – Kaunas – Trakai – Vilnius (330 km) After breakfast, departure from Klaipeda to Vilnius. In Kaunas, a short break to explore the picturesque Old Town with its long promenade. Then drive to Trakai – here among the green forests and by the blue lake there is a beautiful castle located on the island – the national sanctity of Lithuanians.
Day 5 – Vilnius – Hill of Crosses – Riga (380 km) The atmosphere of Vilnius is primarily impressive buildings from various eras and styles, interesting museums, giving the impression of exotic domes of Russian-Orthodox churches, colorful markets and the turbulent life of the
streets of the Old Town and Gedeminos Boulevard. The cathedral square is certainly one of the most important points for tourists. In Šiauliai, visit the Hill of Crosses, an international pilgrimage site with a thousand crosses of various materials, in all sizes. In the afternoon arrival in Riga.
Day 6 – Riga Sightseeing (30 km) Riga is a city with many faces. Sometimes it resembles Hanseatic cities, other times it appears in the light of the 19th century, it again surprises with the atmosphere of a typical large city. Visiting the most important monuments such as the Freedom Monument, St. Peter’s Church, the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, the Town Hall, the Great and Small Guild and the Cathedral Square with the Cathedral. In addition, visiting five market halls – the opportunity to taste various Lithuanian specialties.
Day 7 – Riga – Gauja National Park – Tartu (280 km) On the way to Tartu visit the Gauja National Park. The tourist center of Sigund with the ruins of the Teutonic Castle, thanks to its picturesque location and beautiful nature, has become a well-known holiday resort in recent years. On the way to Turaide there is the Gutman Cave – the largest cave in Latvia. Visiting the castle of bishops – Turaidy. Transfer to Kiesiu – one of the oldest cities in Latvia.
Day 8 – Tartu – Lahemaa National Park – Tallinn (230 km) Tartu is the oldest city in Estonia and the second most important, after Tallinn. Visiting the Old Town with its most often classicist tenement houses and university buildings and the Town Hall Square. On the way to Tallinn, visit the diverse landscape of the Lahemaa National Park . A special attraction is the manor house in Palmse, surrounded by a French park. Magnificent rooms allow an insight into the life of the former Baltic states.
Day 9 -Tallinn Sightseeing (25 km) No other city in the Baltic States has retained its medieval-Hanseatic face, like Tallinn’s Old Town. A ring of parks and green areas, which was established on the site of former trenches and ramparts, surrounds the historic center. On the Town Hall Square there is the Town Hall with the symbol of the city – the “Old Thomas” weather vane. There is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe – the Town Hall Pharmacy. Walk along the cathedral hill with Toompea Castle, Long
Herman Tower, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Cathedral School. Visiting the market, where you can look at the production of various craftsmen.
Day 10 – departure