Small but exciting countries with charming historic cities, medieval, baroque and art nouveau monuments, unspoilt nature, endless beaches, plus a full day in enchanting Finland! The tour includes Rundale Castle, also known as the Versailles of the Baltic, Helsinki's bustling harbor market, the cobbled streets and ancient buildings of the former Hanseatic cities, all wrapped in salty mist!
Travel: By scheduled flights
Accommodation: In 4–5-star hotels, tailored to your need
Meals: according to the program
Guide: English speaking guide throughout the whole stay
Minimum number of persons: 2
Program description:
Day 1: Vilnius
Departure from Budapest with transfer to Helsinki, arrival in the late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel, free program. Hotel in Vilnius (1 night).
Day 2: Vilnius and Trakai
After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Vilnius on foot, discovering the main sights of the Old Town: the Cathedral Square with St. Stanislaus Cathedral and the Bell Tower, the Gothic St. Anne's Church, the University building founded by István Báthory and the Dawn Gate. In the early afternoon, visit the nearby Trakai Castle, which was the center of the Lithuanian Grand Duchy until 1323. Built on an island in the middle of the lake, the brick castle is Lithuania's most photographed landmark. After the visit to the castle, continue to Kaunas, accommodation (1 night).
Day 3: Kaunas, Rundale and Mount of Crosses
Explore the city of Kaunas in the morning hours, visit to the castle, the old town hall, the Gothic cathedral and the Perkunas House. In the afternoon, you will travel to the Hill of Crosses near the town of Siauliai, a pilgrimage site now home to more than 100,000 crosses. Continue towards Riga, stopping at the famous Rundale Castle. Also known as the Versailles of the Baltic, this magnificent Baroque castle was designed by the same Italian architect, Rastrelli, who designed the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. The beautifully restored French-style castle park is also worth a visit. Accommodation in Riga (1 night).
Day 4: Riga and Jurmala
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a bus tour of Riga's Art Nouveau district, then a walking tour of the Old Town, exploring the main sights and cobbled streets of the 800-year-old Hanseatic city: the Cathedral, the Main Square, the Parliament, Riga Castle, old merchant houses, the Shooting Tower. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Jurmala, a seaside resort that has been welcoming holidaymakers for 150 years, where you can enjoy the fresh sea air, the smell of coastal pine trees and the soft sandy beach. Take a stroll along the beach, among the romantic art nouveau buildings, then continue to Sigulda. Accommodation in Sigulda (1 night).
Day 5: Sigulda, Gauja National Park and Tallinn
A short city tour of Sigulda in the morning hours, followed by a visit to Gauja National Park. The Gauja River valley is surrounded by beautiful scenery, where one can learn about local legends at the ruins of Sigulda Castle, followed by a visit to the medieval Turaida Castle. Next stop is Tallinn, where you will arrive in the early afternoon. Explore the charming Old Town and the city center, walking through the old market square, the 13th century cathedral, the Orthodox St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle. Accommodation in Tallinn (1 night).
Day 6: Helsinki
Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the port and ferry to the Finnish capital. Morning sightseeing in the historic center of Helsinki, visiting the Presidential Palace, City Hall, Parliament Building, Senate Square, Finlandia Palace, Opera House, Esplanade Park, Uspensky Cathedral and the unique Rock Church. Short free time, then transfer to Helsinki airport for your return flight to Budapest.
Order of the programs may vary.
*The international classification of hotels may vary from country to country.
Dates, programs and accommodations are subject to change and prices will be adjusted accordingly.
