Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will be met and transferred to
your hotel. The rest of the day is to relax or perhaps begin
your own discovery. Tonight, your tour director is hosting a
welcome reception and will introduce you to your fellow
travelers and to the fascinating tour that awaits you. (WR)
Helsinki, the capital of Finland lies in the far south of the
country, on a peninsula that is home to the busiest
passenger port in the world. Our comprehensive
sightseeing covers the most important and interesting
areas such as the historical center, the Senate Square,
the Cathedral, City Hall, the Presidential Palace, Finlandia
Hall, and the Opera House. We stop at the Sibelius
Monument and, whenever possible, at the Temppeliaukio
church (known also as Rock church). In the afternoon we
board a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, situated on the
southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. Afterward, we
transfer to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at
leisure. (B)
On a walking tour of Tallinn’s Upper and Lower Old Town,
we visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Next up is a visit
of Toompea Castle and the 14th-century Gothic Town Hall
there. After the tour, we taste some Schnapps in a
medieval house. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Optional tour: Visit the Kadriorg Palace
We travel by motor-coach to Riga, the capital of Latvia.
On the way, we make a stop in Pärnu, located on the
coast of Pärnu Bay. The city is known for its 19th-century
timber villas and sandy Pärnu Beach, with its shallow
waters and promenade. There is free time to stroll along
the beach, have a cup of coffee or even a lunch break.
We then continue to Riga where the afternoon is free to
explore the city. (B)
On our tour, we see the 700-year-old Riga Castle on the
banks of the Daugava River, the magnificent Dome
Cathedral, the St. Jacobs Cathedral, the St. Peter’s
Church, the Parliament building, Liberty Monument, and
the eclectic Art Nouveau buildings. After the tour, we
sample Black Balsam, a dark and astringent liqueur
made of 24 herbs and based on a 250-year-old recipe.
The rest of the day is free to explore more of Riga, shop,
or savor some Latvian crêpes. (B)
Optional tour: Food Market experience
This morning, we set course for Vilnius, the capital of
Lithuania. On the way, we stop at the baroque and
rococo Rundale Palace Museum. Built in the 18th
century and surrounded by a French garden, the palace
is an architectural marvel and a triumph of art over
nature. After a lunch break here, we continue our journey
to Vilnius with a stop at the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai. It represents Lithuania's unique national and religious
identity. The balance of the day is at leisure to begin
exploring the city with its interesting architecture. (B, L)
Vilnius is located on the confluence of the Neris and
Velnele Rivers. In Old Vilnius, we visit the baroque St. Peter
and St. Paul’s Church and the striking St. Anne’s Church.
We also see Vilnius University, dating back to 1570,
famous Gediminas' Tower and Vilnius Castle. The
afternoon is free to explore even more. In the evening,
join your fellow travelers and your tour director for our
farewell dinner. (B, D)
Optional tour: Visit of the Trakai castle
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Vilnius airport.
Alternatively, you can continue your journey and join
Kompas’ “Grandeur and History of Poland’ Tour. (B)
Inclusion
Arrival transfer from Helsinki airport to the hotel
8 day/7-night guided tour featuring:
Centrally located first class hotels:
1 night in Helsinki
2 nights in Tallinn
2 nights in Riga
2 nights in Vilnius
Buffet breakfast daily
A welcome reception in Helsinki (heavy hors d’oeuvres, a glass of wine, beer or soft drink)
A lunch in Vilnius (coffee or tea included)
A farewell dinner in Vilnius (coffee or tea included)
Hotel taxes and service charges
Fast ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn
Touring by modern air-conditioned motor-coach
Professional English-speaking tour director
Sightseeing tours with licensed local guides
Admission included where indicated in bold letters
Luggage handling at the hotels
Whisper technology enhanced touring
Departure transfer from Vilnius to Vilnius airport
Tour spotlights:
Helsinki’s imposing landmarks
Tallinn and its Toompea Castle
Riga’s magnificent Old Town
Vilnius, medieval quarters and baroque architecture
Special Features:
Schnapps tasting in Tallinn
Riga Black Balsam presentation and degustation
Exclusion
International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included
Note
Hotel Accommodations / Select Hotels
Helsinki: Scandic Grand Marina (F)/Radisson Blu Seaside (F) or similar
Tallinn: Original Sokos Viru (F) or similar
Riga: Radisson Blu Latvija (SF) or similar
Vilnius: Radisson Blu Lietuva (F) or similar
