Current as of: August 15, 2025 - 23:43
Current as of: August 15, 2025 - 23:43
1 out of 7 - Easy
Three Baltic States, centuries of history, one tour leader who brings each destination to life. This highlights-packed adventure begins with a medieval feast in Tallinn and ends with an unforgettable boat trip around the iconic island castle of Trakai. Along the way, discover golden coasts, sample local spirits and marvel at architecture from grand castles to art nouveau masterpieces. Each night ends in Premium accommodation, so when you’re not getting an insider’s view of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania you can treat yourself to a spa session or relax in style, ready for your next discovery.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Suitability: There is a fair amount of walking around towns, cities and parks, but all on good paths, mainly wooden boarded and sometimes cobbled streets in the old towns. The walks are suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
Itinerary: We make the most of our time on this adventure, visiting the highlights of these three countries with some long drives.
Renovations: Trakai Castle is currently undergoing renovation work, which may mean you see some scaffolding on the outside of the building.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Normally four to 16, plus a local tour leader and driver.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Begin your adventure in the medieval city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where centuries-old architecture meets a modern tech scene and Baltic history.
Around 6pm, say tere (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Estonian welcome by arranging dinner, an Estonian menu sourced from authentic medieval documents that reflects – as closely as possible – the dining of a wealthy household from the 15th century. Wash it all down with a craft beer tasting.
Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel (or similar)
Join our tour leader this morning for a fascinating exploration of Tallinn’s medieval highlights. On our two-hour walking tour, we hit highlights of the city, including Toompea Palace and Castle, the Town Hall Square, and Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
We then go behind the scenes of Tallinn Opera House to find out what happens before the curtain raises. We’ll step onto the main stage, visit the costume department or the scene-painting workshop, and perhaps even meet a singer or a dancer.
Enjoy free time after, perhaps visiting Telliskivi Creative City, the Seaplane Harbour Museum, or Balti Jaama market, an excellent opportunity to pick up local products and souvenirs.
Please note: In July, when the opera house is closed, we visit the opera house in Riga on Day 4 instead.
Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel (or similar)
Bid farewell to Tallinn this morning, as we head to Riga, the capital of Latvia. After 1hr 30min on the road, we stop at Jaanihanso Cidery in Parnu for a tour and tasting. This is where they created the first natural cider in Estonia, made entirely from local fresh apples using the traditional method for producing French champagne and Spanish cava.
After free time for lunch, we transfer (two hours) to Saulkrasti, Latvia, a collection of historic fishing settlements on the Gulf of Riga. Embark on a refreshing coastal walk (4mi/6km) to breathe sea air and stretch our legs, before completing our journey to Birini Manor, where you can swim in the lake during summer or enjoy other optional activities.
Accommodation: Birini Manor (or similar)
Spend this morning discovering the art nouveau (Jugendstil) masterpieces of Riga. Start with a guided bus tour of the Art Nouveau District, which has more than 750 buildings, making it the largest collection of art nouveau buildings in the world.
Next, take a walking tour of the Old Town, which includes Riga Castle, the Lutheran Dome Cathedral, St Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, built in 1698 during Swedish rule and more. During the visit, we also have a shot of Riga black balsam (a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur) in a bar reflecting old world Riga.
We also visit the Central Market, a place full of history and delicious local products, to explore food stalls offering a variety of fresh produce, meats and traditional Latvian products with a tasting included.
The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city, though you may want to head to our hotel where you can enjoy a visit to the spa.
Accommodation: Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah (or similar)
Head to Riga Central Station to catch the 30-minute train to Jūrmala, the quickest and most convenient way to reach this seaside town. The rest of the day is free for you to explore, relaxing among the pine forests and golden dunes; if the weather’s nice, you may also wish to take a dip in the sea.
The town is also home to unique wooden architecture in the Jugendstil, which you can explore by just walking through the streets, before we return to Riga, where you have another chance to unwind in the hotel spa.
Accommodation: Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah (or similar)
Leave Riga this morning and transfer (3hr 30min) to Kaunas, Lithuania. It’s home to a beautiful old town, packed with ancient monuments and landmarks, including a 13th-century castle, the Old Town Hall, Cathedral Basilica and historic churches, which we explore on a walking tour.
After lunch, visit the Stumbras Museum, the first museum dedicated to spirits in Lithuania. We learn all about the history of the Stumbras distillery and its role in the development of Lithuanian industrialisation, with a tasting included.
We then head to our hotel in the Old Town of Vilnius, where we can make good use of the spa facilities, which include a pool, sauna and relaxation area.
Accommodation: Stikliai Hotel (or similar)
The highlights of Vilnius await us today, as we embark on a walking tour of the city. Discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town and its historic monuments, the Gate of Dawn with its magnificent icon of the Virgin Mary, the Orthodox Cathedral of All Saints, Cathedral Square, the Jewish Quarter, as well as a visit to the Vilnius University architectural complex.
We also visit the self-proclaimed republic of Užupis, which has its own anthem, constitution, president, and guardian – the Bronze Angel of Užupis. Today, this creative district is a hub for art and regularly hosts fashion festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and poetry evenings.
After, we head to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where we take a scenic boat trip on Lake Galvė, which surrounds the iconic Trakai Island Castle. The boat ride offers unique views of the medieval castle from different angles, allowing you to fully appreciate its impressive architecture and historic charm.
Returning to Vilnius, we have a memorable farewell dinner, where the dishes reflect the culinary history of Lithuania, all the way back to the Middle Ages.
Accommodation: Stikliai Hotel (or similar)
You’ve feasted on medieval cuisine, explored all three Baltic capitals and seen Trakai Castle from the water, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Tallinn: Radisson Collection Hotel (nights 1-2)
Begin your adventure at this modern hotel in the Estonian capital. The sleek rooms come with rain showers, Nespresso coffee machines and complimentary access to the gym, swimming pool and sauna. It’s also an easy walk from the UNESCO-listed Old Town, providing easy access to the medieval masterpieces of Tallinn.
Near Riga: Birini Manor (night 3)
Just outside the capital of Latvia, the historic Birini Manor is surrounded by a picturesque park, lakes and manor buildings. Aside from immersing yourself in true Latvian history, you can take a refreshing dip in the lake, head to the Watermill for a drink in the cosy pub or treat yourself in the spa. The rooms reflect the manor itself, full of traditional charm.
Riga: Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah (nights 4-5)
A few steps from the Old Town, the Grand Poet provides modern, boutique style just moments from living history. The contemporary rooms come with complimentary access to the wellness centre, which has a swimming pool, bio-sauna, aroma room and fitness suite. For even more relaxation, head to the Snob Bar, where you can gather with the group for signature and classic cocktails in a stylish setting.
Vilnius: Stikliai Hotel (nights 6-7)
End the adventure with two nights at the Stikliai, right in the heart of Vilnius old town. Toast the adventure in the elegant bar – where your bar tender might put on a show – or take a short walk outside to visit the iconic Poniu Laime bakery. The hotel rooms we designed by renowned interior designer Anne Toulouse in a French style – an elegant end to the tour.
Worth knowing
Cuisine in this area is often centred around pork, veal, fish, potatoes, sauerkraut, and soups such as borsch (beetroot soup – in Lithuania this is also served cold). Dumplings are also popular.
Travel is by private minibus.
The climate is largely influenced by the Baltic Sea. Summer has temperatures of 20C-30C (68F-86F). In the evenings, the temperatures will not drop too much. There is little rain in summer but, of course, it is always a possibility, so come prepared. The days will be long, with 19 hours of daylight.
In spring and autumn, there is the possibility of light rain and temperatures can be cool. Estonia is the furthest north we travel and therefore the coldest, although the temperature range described applies. Lithuania is the furthest south, which makes it the warmest country of the three. Estonia is often described as the more Scandinavian country than the other two.
Start hotel: Radisson Collection Hotel, 3 Ravala Street, 10143 Tallinn
Phone: +372 682 3000
Recommended arrival time: There is a welcome briefing around 6pm, followed by a welcome meal
Airport: Tallinn Airport (TLL)
The start hotel is approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
There’s one group transfer to Vilnius Airport (VNO), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Tallinn
Location end: Vilnius
Water included: Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Lithuania, Estonia or Latvia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia’s time zone: UTC +03:00
Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia’s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia’s currency: Euro (EUR)
It is best to change your money on arrival as the exchange rates are fair. You will visit lots of large cities and the guide will show you where to exchange money if you need. ATMs and banks are available in the larger cities. You can use credit/debit cards in many shops and restaurants though cash is usually preferred for smaller purchases.
Lunch costs vary depending on the venue. If you buy lunch at a local shop, €10-€12 will be enough, but if we stop at a cafe, you are likely to spend closer to €15. Dinner is usually about €23-€35. A beer costs around €5-€8 and a bottle of wine €20-€35. Budget around €30-€40 per day for meals. Entrance fees to sites will be between €6 and €17.
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. Tipping is at your discretion, but many wish to tip their tour leaders and driver at the end of the trip. We suggest €2 per group member, per day for the driver and €4 per group member, per day for the guide.
Most groups prefer to present the money to the tour leader at the end of the week with two separate envelopes (one for the tour leader and one for the driver). This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
If you wish to tip hotel staff and local guides, we have found it useful for the group to have a tipping kitty. Your tour leader can advise you on the amount, but as a guide expect it to be €20 per person for the week.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.