Baltic Experience





Discover diverse delights, medieval spires and bustling markets in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Experience the Baltic states on this 12-day 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. Visit colourful markets, be immersed in art and architecture and kayak on Lithuanian lakes. Hike through forests, learn about the layered history and indulge in home-cooked meals with friendly hosts. Join a trip with likeminded travellers and discover the rich history and fascinating customs of this region on a journey from Helsinki to Vilnius.
4.7
106 reviewsStart: Helsinki, Finland
End: Vilnius, Lithuania
- Duration
- 12 days
- Group size
- 1 to 14
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Walk through the perfectly preserved medieval wall and watchtowers of Tallinn's Old Town – the perfect spot to explore on foot.
- Discover the 13th-century Turaida Castle on a guided tour, then wander through woodlands and along the winding Guaja River.
- Visit Aukstaitija National Park, which offers unique opportunities for both action and relaxation. Kayak across the lakes, indulge in home-cooked meals or cleanse yourself in a traditional sauna.
- Explore Sigulda – a pretty town with medieval history that backs onto Gauja National Park. See the region from above on a cable car ride across the river, then join a guided tour of the Turaida Castle.
- Wander through the ornate architecture of Riga’s Old Town and explore the pastel-coloured buildings, bars and restaurants.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your adventure kicks off in Helsinki with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe check out the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Senate Square or catch a performance at the National Theatre. You may want to consider purchasing the Helsinki Card – which is both an economical way to travel on Helsinki City Transport (HKL) services and free admission to the main Helsinki sights and nearly 50 museums. After your meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with your group to get to know your fellow travellers.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Helsinki - Ateneum Art Museum - EUR22
- Helsinki - Cathedral - EUR10
- Helsinki - City Museum - Free
- Helsinki - Design Museum - EUR20
- Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum - EUR14
- Helsinki - Open-Air Museum Seurasaari - EUR18
- Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress - EUR7
- Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum - EUR22
- Helsinki - Rock Church - EUR8
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Leave Helsinki after breakfast and catch a ferry across the Gulf of Finland to the Estonian capital of Tallinn. Arrive mid-afternoon, check into your hotel and head out for a short orientation walk through the city. The rest of your day is then free to enjoy this beautifully preserved medieval city and all it has to offer. Maybe head out and enjoy some of the region's culinary specialties or stop for a drink and people watch on the main square. With its steep red roofs, spires, pastel-coloured buildings and new restaurants and bars, Estonia's capital is a real treat to explore. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Tallinn - Leader led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe explore the Old Town – home to the last remaining gothic town hall in northern Europe, Old Thomas. You could also see the Raapteek, which has housed a pharmacy since the 15th century, and St Olaf Church. Maybe head to Upper Tallinn, home to the noble families, to see amazing views of Lower Tallinn and the medieval spires of the town’s walls. The 13th-century Toompea Castle, where the Estonian Parliament sits, and the 19th-century orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are some of the main attractions. Alternatively, head to Pirita to chill out at Tallinn's most popular beach, or visit Kadriorg Palace, built by czar Peter the Great for his second wife Catherine I.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Tallinn - Estonian History Museum - EUR13
- Tallinn - Kadriorg Palace - EUR13
- Tallinn - Peter The Great Museum - EUR5
- Tallinn - City Bike Tour - EUR28
- Tallinn - City Museum - EUR8
- Tallinn - Kiek in de Kök Tower Museum - EUR12
- Tallinn - TV Tower - EUR16
- Tallinn - The Estonian Maritime Museum - EUR30
- Tallin - Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom - EUR14
Depart by bus after breakfast, cross the border and arrive in the Latvian capital of Riga in the afternoon. Riga is renowned for its welcoming locals and a fascinating art nouveau heritage. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe discover a vast collection of Latvian art spanning various periods at the Latvian National Museum of Art or catch a performance at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. Tonight, perhaps grab a drink at one of the many bars in the Old Town.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Your hotel in Riga is located about 15 minutes on foot from the Old Town, in the local residential area.
Travel by public transport to Sigulda – a pretty town with medieval history that backs onto Gauja National Park. Take the cable car across the river to Turaida Castle, which began construction in 1214 and is made from striking red bricks. After, join a guided tour and explore the castle grounds which feature sculptures set in evergreen woodland. This afternoon, lace up your boots and set off on a hike along the winding Gauja River with your leader, taking in the clear air and thick Latvian forest. This evening is then free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Sigulda - Gauja River Cable Car
- Sigulda - Day Trip
- Sigulda - Turaida Castle Guided Tour
The Gauja River cable car gets busy during Sundays in summer months, so your leader might change the order of sightseeing, and you’ll have free day in Riga today and go to Sigulda on the following day.
Spend today exploring Riga. This morning, set out on an orientation tour, where you’ll see the Doma Cathedral, St Peter's Basilica, House of Blackheads, the Swedish Gate, The Great Guild and Small Guild and the Cat House. There is nothing scheduled for the rest of the day, so you’re free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit The Museum of Occupation of Latvia, which offers insight into the hardships suffered, during occupation by the Germans and Soviets. Or, wander through the Central Market Halls – a great place to haggle for supplies for a picnic lunch. Make sure you give the (bitter but reputedly healthy) Riga Black Balsam a try. The recipe is secret, but it contains rare ingredients such as valerian, wormwood, black pepper, ginger, gentian and linden flower.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Riga - Leader led orientation walk
- Riga - Riverboat Cruise - EUR20
- Riga - St Peter's Tower - EUR9
- Riga - Central Market Halls - Free
- Riga - Museum of Occupation of Latvia - EUR8
- Riga - Beer Spa - EUR151
- Riga - Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum - EUR5
- Riga - Riga Art Nouveau Center - EUR9
- Riga - Panorama Observation deck of the Latvian Academy of Science - EUR8
Set off by private bus and cross the border into Lithuania. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcast. After a stop at the iconic Hill of Crosses at Siauliai, continue onto the former Prussian city of Klaipeda – the city of sculptures and jazz. Klaipeda used to be a member of the Hanseatic League and is the gateway to the Curonian Spit – a long and narrow sand dune peninsula separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. When you arrive, check into your hotel, then head out to the waterfront and explore the Old Town centre, which features 18th-century wooden buildings and other historic monuments.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Siauliai - Hill of Crosses
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Today, set off on a daytrip to explore the unique UNESCO World Heritage-listed Curonian Spit National Park – the second-oldest national park in the former Soviet Union. This area is full of beaches, sand dunes and forested areas. The peninsula formed only 5000 years ago by strong winds and currents, which constantly change the shape of the landscape to this day (recently, a whole village was swallowed by the sand!). According to legend, the spit was formed by the girl giant Neringa, who poured sand into the Baltic Sea to protect the bay from storms and create an embankment for fishermen. Explore the tiny village of Nida and the surrounding beaches and look in the distance to see the Russian border. Then for lunch, maybe try the smoked pike for which the spit is famous. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the national park – your leader will have the best recommendations if you’re looking for something to do!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Curonian Spit - Full Day Trip to the National Park
- Nida - Fisherman Ethnographic Museum - EUR2
After breakfast, travel by bus, train and car to the town of Ignalina. Then, continue your journey to Aukstaitija (pronounced owk-sty-chee-ah) National Park and the village of Ginuciai – your home for the night. When you arrive, spend the day exploring the national park, said to be one of the best in the Baltic States. With 126 lakes, an abundance of waterways, hills and woods, there is plenty to explore! Tonight, meet your host family and get to know them over a home-cooked dinner – you'll spend the next two days with them.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Please be mindful that during the summer months, it can be a good idea to bring bug spray.
This morning, you’ll take a guided kayak ride through the lakes and rivers, past villages and through forests, to an ancient pagan site on top of a hill with a wishing tree. The top affords great views across the surrounding forests and lakes. The rest of the day is free to visit some of the local attractions, such as the nearby villages that date from the 14th century and consist of traditional wooden houses and farmsteads. The 19th-century Ginuciai Watermill is another point of interest. You can hike to lookouts, fish, swim in the lake or river rapids, or relax. Maybe ask your host family to fire up the sauna for the ultimate relaxation and cleansing experience.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Aukstaitija National Park - Guided Kayak Trip
- Aukstaitija National Park - Sauna - EUR80
- Aukstaitija National Park - Bike Hire - EUR20
- Aukstaitija National Park - Beekeeping Museum - EUR6
The included kayaking activity is weather dependent and may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions. There is a flat fee to start up the sauna, which can be divided by the number of guests who partake.
Continue your journey today by local train to the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. Having once been occupied by Sweden, Poland, France and Russia, each occupier has left its mark. Take an orientation walk with your leader when you arrive, seeing Cathedral Square and its free-standing belfry and the length of pedestrianised Pilies Gatve, lined by baroque churches. The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, better known as the KGB Museum, as it’s in the former KGB headquarters. If you’d like a break from historic monuments, maybe take a walk through some of the gardens around the city. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Vilnius - Trakai Island Castle - EUR12
- Vilnius - TV Tower - EUR16
- Vilnius - Gediminas Castle Tower - EUR8
- Vilnius - University Museum - EUR3
- Vilnius - National Museum - EUR6
- Vilnius - Museum Of Occupations And Freedom Fights - EUR6
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after you check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Public bus, Ferry, Canoe, Private vehicle, Train, Tram, Cable car
Hotel (9 nights), Homestay (2 nights)
- Tallinn - Leader led orientation walk
- Sigulda - Gauja River Cable Car
- Sigulda - Day Trip
- Sigulda - Turaida Castle Guided Tour
- Riga - Leader led orientation walk
- Siauliai - Hill of Crosses
- Curonian Spit - Full Day Trip to the National Park
- Aukstaitija National Park - Guided Kayak Trip
- Helsinki - Ateneum Art Museum - EUR22
- Helsinki - Cathedral - EUR10
- Helsinki - City Museum - Free
- Helsinki - Design Museum - EUR20
- Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum - EUR14
- Helsinki - Open-Air Museum Seurasaari - EUR18
- Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress - EUR7
- Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum - EUR22
- Helsinki - Rock Church - EUR8
- Tallinn - Estonian History Museum - EUR13
- Tallinn - Kadriorg Palace - EUR13
- Tallinn - Peter The Great Museum - EUR5
- Tallinn - City Bike Tour - EUR28
- Tallinn - City Museum - EUR8
- Tallinn - Kiek in de Kök Tower Museum - EUR12
- Tallinn - TV Tower - EUR16
- Tallinn - The Estonian Maritime Museum - EUR30
- Tallin - Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom - EUR14
- Riga - Riverboat Cruise - EUR20
- Riga - St Peter's Tower - EUR9
- Riga - Central Market Halls - Free
- Riga - Museum of Occupation of Latvia - EUR8
- Riga - Beer Spa - EUR151
- Riga - Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum - EUR5
- Riga - Riga Art Nouveau Center - EUR9
- Riga - Panorama Observation deck of the Latvian Academy of Science - EUR8
- Nida - Fisherman Ethnographic Museum - EUR2
- Aukstaitija National Park - Sauna - EUR80
- Aukstaitija National Park - Bike Hire - EUR20
- Aukstaitija National Park - Beekeeping Museum - EUR6
- Vilnius - Trakai Island Castle - EUR12
- Vilnius - TV Tower - EUR16
- Vilnius - Gediminas Castle Tower - EUR8
- Vilnius - University Museum - EUR3
- Vilnius - National Museum - EUR6
- Vilnius - Museum Of Occupations And Freedom Fights - EUR6
This trip generates 19 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- 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.
- Many hotel rooms in Europe are not equipped with air-conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
- 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.
- Make sure to check the weather for the time of year you wish to visit, as it can vary significantly depending on the season.
- 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'.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Hotel Arthur
Vuorikatu 19
Helsinki
FINLAND
Phone: +358 09173441
Description
Hotel Arthur is located close to the railway station in the heart of Helsinki. The main sights, shopping district and theatres are just a short walk away. The recently refurbished rooms are cosy and brightly coloured. All rooms have a private shower/toilet, telephone, TV, and hair dryer - some also have a minibar. If you choose to arrange additional accommodation at this location you may be required to change rooms for the nights which are not included as part of your Intrepid itinerary.
Instructions
From Helsinki Vantaa International Airport (airport code HEL), your best option is to take the train to the main railway station in Helsinki. Alternatively public bus No. 615 or the Finnair Bus go to Rautatientori (railway square). The train/bus journey takes about 35 minutes and both modes of transport depart frequently. From the railway station it's a 5 minute walk to our hotel. Go to the square on the eastern side of the railway station. Take Vilhonkatu Street which leads off the top left corner of the square with the railway station behind you. You will come to a metro station at the corner of Vilhonkatu and Kaisaniemenkatu, Here turn left and head towards Kaisaniemi Park. Our hotel is located on the next corner on the right hand side. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport directly to the hotel.
Pre booked arrival transfer from Helsinki Vantaa International Airport (HEL): If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall in front of the airport's exit doors, holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name on it. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +358 50 545 5454.
Dates and prices
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.
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.
Reviews
Filter by rating