Baltics Historical Tour

Arrive at your first stop on this charming Baltic tour in Tallinn, Estonia where your local guides will be awaiting you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel. Head out to explore the best preserved medieval city in Northern Europe and arguably the most beautiful as you wander among the medieval stone walls and winding cobblestone streets that make up this capital city. Visit the world’s oldest running pharmacy and learn about medieval cures at the apothecary in Town Hall Square. Get lost in the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and marvel at streets and buildings, some over 500 years, old as you are transported to another era. Enjoy a traditional medieval dinner with your local guides as you learn about the intriguing history of Estonia and spend the rest of the evening freely.

Enjoy a tempting medieval breakfast in Tallinn and a quick stroll in town before heading out to Pärnu, a historically rich town that dates back to the Middle Ages as well as the long Soviet era and boasts a modernity with their recent development. Explore the colorful architecture of its tree-lined streets as you take a stroll admiring its circa-1700 A.D. churches and medieval buildings. Pay a visit to St. Elizabeth’s Church, which was built in 1747, and the Russian Orthodox church of St. Catherine’s Church dating back to 1768 for a quaint lesson in history. Watch the sunset at the seawall of Parnu Beach and search for the remains of the former wooden seawall during low tide!

Rise early for a traditional breakfast in Pärnu before continuing your journey onward to Riga, stopping in  Sigulda along the way. Get your castle fix in as you visit the castles of Sigulda, starting with the oldest — the medieval Castle of the Livonian Order, built in the 13th century by warrior-monks. Climb the castle’s north and south towers to enjoy picturesque views over the river valley. Continue your castle tour at the mystical New Castle built in the 18th century. Saving the best for last, head over to Turaida Castle located across the river valley as you learn about Latvian history and culture through its exhibitions. After touring the castles, continue your journey to the largest city of the Baltic states and the capital city of Latvia — Riga. 

Wander the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old center and admire its medieval churches and maze-like cobblestone streets. Explore the city’s mesmerizing art nouveau architecture with over 800 examples of the style, making it the world’s largest collection. Learn about the Latvian War of Independence as you pay a visit to the Freedom Monument and learn how the nation struggled with Soviet forces and Nazi takeovers in the 19th century.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing to Vilnius, stopping at the enchanting Rundale Palace along the way in southern Latvia. Explore the exquisite interior dating back to 1765 through 1768 and was designed by German sculptors and Italian painters. Get lost exploring the eastern wing of the palace as well as the fully restored suite of Duchess’ rooms. Once reaching the Lithuanian capital city of Vilnius, visit one of Lithuania’s most famous historical landmarks of the Upper Castle tower, the only building still standing from Gediminas’ Castle built in the 1400s. Enjoy the panoramic views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic old town as learn about Lithuanian culture and history from your guides. Afterward, go on a street art tour and get ready to be impressed by the socio-political graffiti highlighted around the streets of Uzupis, Pylimo, and Olimpieciu.

Rise early for breakfast in Vilnius before continuing your journey to Riga, with stops in Trakai and Siauliai along the way. Get your camera ready as you depart to the magical Trakai Island Castle, located on the island of Galvė Lake and dating back to the 14th century. Get lost exploring this enchanting castle as you learn the rich history of its transition from defense fortress to Grand Duke’s residence to prison. It now serves as a prime hub for many concerts and events held in Lithuania. Afterward, continue your journey to Riga as you stop in Siauliai to the world famous Hill of Crosses where you can discover the 2 million crosses that were brought in during the resistance to the Russian and Soviet regimes. Continue back to Riga where you will enjoy dinner and stay overnight.

Have breakfast in Riga before departing towards Tallinn, stopping at Mooska Farm in Võromaa along the way. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and nature as you learn about the ancestral and cultural heritage of this historically rich town. Visit a traditional smoked sauna making for a unique Mooska experience. Arrive in Tallinn to enjoy an Estonian dinner and stay overnight, spending the evening free as you wish to explore the town.

Enjoy one last breakfast and a quick stroll in the town before your local guides transport you to the airport to catch your return flight home.