Baltic Experience

12 Days | Discover diverse delights in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

4.9 out of 5 based on 52 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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EUR €1,939
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Experience the diverse delights of the Baltic states on this adventurous journey through Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. From the medieval spires of Tallinn and the funky bars of Riga to the Baroque-styled quirks of Vilnius, hidden delights await. Visit colourful markets, be immersed in art and architecture and kayak Lithuanian lakes. Join us and discover the rich history and fascinating customs of this region on our journey from Helsinki to Vilnius.

Trip overview

Map of Baltic Experience including Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania
Start
Helsinki, Finland
Finish
Vilnius, Lithuania
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Estonia
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BMSE
This trip generates 19 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • With its perfectly preserved medieval wall and watchtowers, Tallinn's quaint Old Town is a great place to explore on foot.
  • Explore 13th-century Turaida Castle on a guided tour, then wander through pristine woodlands and along the winding Guaja River.
  • Aukstaitija National Park offers unique opportunities for both action and relaxation. Kayak across pristine lakes, indulge in home-cooked meals or cleanse yourself in a traditional sauna.
  • Cycle along the endless dunes and stunning beaches of Lithuania's Curonian Spit National Park on a full-day bike tour, making a visit to charming Nida village.
  • See the whimsical and ornate architecture of Riga’s Old Town, where the narrow and pastel-coloured buildings house bars and restaurants.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The areas visited on this trip can be very cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, coat and anything else that will keep you cosy.
  • Scandinavia can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to optional activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to have the best value holiday in Scandinavia.
  • Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Occasionally bathrooms will be shared with other guests.
  • This trip is designed to give you a fair amount of free time so you can explore each destination at your own pace. We will, however, take you on regular orientation walks, so you'll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries.
  • We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations, ferry ports and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and across cobblestones. Train stations often don’t have lifts available.
  • There are a few long days of travel by public transport (up to 7 hours), as you'll be covering a lot of ground. Please read the Itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
  • If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip by starting your travels in either Copenhagen or Oslo. Check out our trips 'Scandinavia & Baltic Circuit' and 'Oslo to Vilnius'.

Itinerary

Map of Baltic Experience including Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Public bus, Ferry, Canoe, Private vehicle, Train, Tram, Cable car

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Homestay (2 nights)

Activities
  • Sigulda - Gauja River Cable Car
  • Sigulda - Day Trip
  • Sigulda - Turaida Castle Guided Tour
  • Siauliai - Hill of Crosses
  • Curonian Spit - Bike Ride
  • Curonian Spit - Full Day Trip to the National Park
  • Aukstaitija National Park - Guided Kayak Trip
Add on activities
  • Helsinki - Ateneum Art Museum - EUR20
  • Helsinki - Cathedral - Free
  • Helsinki - City Museum - Free
  • Helsinki - Design Museum - EUR15
  • Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum - EUR14
  • Helsinki - Open-Air Museum Seurasaari - EUR10
  • Helsinki - National Museum of Finland - EUR16
  • Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress - EUR7
  • Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum - EUR18
  • Helsinki - Rock Church - EUR8
  • Tallinn - Estonian History Museum - EUR12
  • Tallinn - Kadriorg Palace - EUR9
  • Tallinn - Peter The Great Museum - EUR5
  • Tallinn - City Bike Tour - EUR25
  • Tallinn - City Museum - EUR6
  • Tallinn - Kiek in de Kök Tower Museum - EUR12
  • Tallinn - TV Tower - EUR15
  • Tallinn - The Estonian Maritime Museum - EUR25
  • Tallin - Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom - EUR11
  • Riga - Riverboat Cruise - EUR20
  • Riga - St Peter's Tower - EUR9
  • Riga - Central Market Halls - Free
  • Riga - Museum of Occupation of Latvia - EUR5
  • Riga - Beer Spa - EUR121
  • Riga - Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum - EUR5
  • Riga - Riga Art Nouveau Center - EUR9
  • Riga - Panorama Observation deck of the Latvian Academy of Science - EUR6
  • Nida - Fisherman Ethnographic Museum - EUR2
  • Aukstaitija National Park - Sauna - EUR50
  • Aukstaitija National Park - Bike Hire - EUR15
  • Aukstaitija National Park - Beekeeping Museum - EUR6
  • Trakai - History Museum & Castle - EUR12
  • Vilnius - TV Tower - EUR13
  • Vilnius - Gediminas Castle Tower - EUR6
  • Vilnius - University Museum - EUR3
  • Vilnius - National Museum - EUR4
  • Vilnius - Museum Of Occupations And Freedom Fights - EUR6

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. The single supplement excludes Days 9 and 10 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for ferry tickets. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 52 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Samuel · Traveled September 2023
My father and I went on this trip because we wanted to travel to a location not often traveled to. We had some historical knowledge beforehand but this trip truly blew us away. Our guide, Ilona, was wonderful. She was full of information and made the entire trip so enjoyable. She was so passionate about her country and the entire area. Anybody interested in history and the struggle for freedom and independence should make this trip a priority.
Review submitted 16 Oct 2023

Christine · Traveled September 2023
This group tour is an excellent way to visit the Baltic states with public transportation. There was free time in each location to indulge in personal interests. Well-planned, well-organized, right amount of free time and orientation walks in each location.
Review submitted 29 Sep 2023

Blake · Traveled September 2023
The Baltic experience was a fantastic trip with a good balance of new cities and amazing outdoor activities in Lithuania. Highlights was bike riding along the Spit and a relaxing kayak along the river and lakes.
Review submitted 25 Sep 2023

Rosalyn · Traveled September 2023
We had a great trip through the Baltics with a fun group of fellow travelers and an excellent group leader, Alex W. Loved that we got to explore the charming capital cities and spend time outdoors in several national parks. We flew into Helsinki a day early and in retrospect should have added another day or two. Highly recommend the Baltic Experience trip.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2023

Robyn · Traveled September 2023
Highly recommend visiting these beautiful countries with interesting history. We travelled in September and had lovely weather throughout. Well thought out itinerary to get the most of the visit. Out tour guide Alex was brilliant - thanks for a wonderful trip
Review submitted 17 Sep 2023
Baltic Experience
From
EUR €1,939