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© Denis Simonet / flickr.com
© Denis Simonet / flickr.com
© Denis Simonet / flickr.com
BALTIC ADVENTURE
SELF-DRIVE IN ESTONIA, LATVIA AND LITHUANIA
Welcome to the Baltic countries, these three countries are still unknown and yet so rich in history. You will discover amazing destinations: Vilnius and its romantic castle, Riga and its old medieval centre, Tallinn and its ramparts...
DAY 1 DISCOVER VILNIUS
Arrival at Vilnius airport and pick-up of a rental car (not included in the price package). Sightseeing in Vilnius – walking tour with a private, English speaking local guide. Vilnius is located in the south-east of the country a few dozen kilometres from Belarus, by the river Néris amidst small hills
If Tallinn is unquestionably the most picturesque of the three cities, Riga the most urban, Vilnius is the most alive. Its inhabitants are generally warmer, less reserved and there is
an international atmosphere due to the influence of the Lithuanian diaspora and the openness that the city has always shown towards Central Europe and the outside world.
Explore the baroque Old town and get lost its cobbled streets when you visit Palace of the Grand Duke, St. Anna`s Church, and the classical exterior of gargantuan Vilnius Cathedral. The Gates of Dawn was built in 1503 and only surviving gate of the first original five gates in the city and one of the most visited shrines which is worshipped by the representatives of other creeds too. Don’t miss to try the savoury flavours of the Lithuania, like -cepelinai- a tasty potato dish, soups and dumplings. The self-proclaimed “Republic” of Užupis is Vilnius’ Bohemian and artistic district is a place to host exhibition, concerts and poetry evenings as well. Get a bird's-eye-view in Vilnius from the “Hill of Tree Crosses” for a spectacular panorama.
Overnight at the hotel Amberton Vilnius or similar (B)
DAY 2 TRAKAI GETAWAY
Breakfast in the hotel
Today have a daytrip to the closet castle to Vilnius.
In the 14th century, Tarkai Island castle was an administrative and economic centre for the management and defence of the country. Today, it is the only castle build on the island in Eastern Europe and the centre of attraction of the city of Trakai.
Discover the medieval town, its wooden houses and the most famous castle in Lithuania, which stands on a peninsula in the middle of Lake Galve. The castle museum presents prehistoric objects in the halls that surround the inner courtyard and revives the Grand Duchy of Lithuania at the time it was extended from the Baltic to the Black Sea. In the outbuildings you can see gathered furniture, ceramics and glass objects.
The place is an escape from the hectic city life to enjoy the trips on the lakes and enjoy the beautiful scenery in Varnikai Botanical Zoological Reserve and Aukštadvaris.
Overnight at the hotel Amberton Vilnius or similar (B)
DAY 3 HILL WITH CROSSES AND RUNDĀLE PALACE
Breakfast in the hotel
Departure to Siauliai in the north of the country and stop at the Hill of Crosses near the village of Jurgaičiai. Nobody really knows the origin. Pilgrims come from all over the world to add crosses to the thousands that are already there. They are decorated with rosaries and are of all sizes from the smallest to the most monumental ones.
After crossing the border with Latvia, drive to Bauska and Rundāle Palace. This small town claims the finest of Latvian Baroque castles, an architectural masterpiece built in the late 17th century for the Duke of Courland, on the plans of the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Visit Rundāle Castle and its Baroque Art Museum. Continue your journey to Riga.
Overnight at the City Hotel Teater hotel or similar (B)
DAY 4 RIDE IN RIGA
The merchants of the Hanse have introduced their houses and their stone warehouses, the oldest dating from the 15th century. The city is enriched with Art Nouveau buildings, many due to Mikhail Eisenstein, father of the filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein himself a native of Riga.
Places not to be missed: the Swedish Gate and the Powder Tower, the buildings of the Great and Little Guilds, the group of houses known as the Three Brothers, the Church of St. John, Parliament,
St. Mary's Cathedral.
When you are in Riga, you should taste their delicious black bread, smoked cheese. Enjoy the local specialities at one of the beautiful parks on a picnic.
Overnight at the City Hotel Teater hotel or similar (B)
DAY 5 PASSAGE BY TURAIDA
Breakfast at the hotel
Drive to the charming town of Sigulda, located in the heart of the Gauja National Park, the largest park in Latvia. This city is known for its castles dating from Crusades and caves. You can also make a detour to the Turaida Castle with its magnificent round tower, very well preserved. The estate also includes a Protestant Lutheran church, one of the few wooden churches.
Departure to Estonia along the coast of the Baltic Sea through Parnu famous seaside resort and its huge white sand beaches.
Arrival in Tallinn. Only a few cities in Europe, like Tallinn, preserve their remains of 15th centuries. The medieval old city is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the center, take a visit to the Town Hall square, where the market also offers handmade crafts and local specialties.
At the evening, explore the bohemian Kalamaja district, the colorful wooden houses and the vibrant cafés and restaurants. Balti Jaam Market is the place to go also to buy local food and explore the local vibe of the city.
Overnight at the Sokos Viru hotel or similar (B)
DAY 6 EXPLORING TALLINN
Breakfast in the hotel
Sightseeing in Tallinn – walking tour with a private, English speaking local guide, in the city centre of Tallinn.
The Toompea Castle is an imposing building that stands at the western end of the Lossi plats. Nothing remained of the Danish fortress built in 1219, but three of the four towers erected during its rebuilding by the knights Porte-Glaive, in 1227/1229. The largely baroque appearance of the castle dates from the 18th century, when it was rebuilt on the order of Catherine II.
Dating back to the 19thcentury, the St. Alexander Nevski Orthodox Cathedral dominates the Lossi plats, at the top of Pikk Jalg (Long Leg) Street. This imposing testimony of Russian imperialism harmonizes very little with the much older surrounding buildings. Do not miss a stop at Kadriorg Castle. Kadriorg means "Valley of Catherine", named after the wife of Pierre 1st.
To see city from above, drive to the TV tower, to the tallest building in Estonia of 314 m to enjoy 360 degree view of Tallinn.
Overnight at the Sokos Viru hotel or similar
DAY 7 DEPARTURE
Breakfast in the hotel
Make your way to Tallinn airport where you return your rental car.
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Included in the package
· 6 overnights in the mentioned hotels or similar
· 6 breakfasts at the hotels
· 2 hrs sightseeing with a local guide (English speaking) in Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn - walking tour
· Entrance to the Trakai Castle and its museum
· English speaking assistance (oon phone) during the tour, from your local agency
Not included in the package
· Drinks
· Rental Car
· Transfers - other than mentioned above
· Luggage handling
· Flights
· Tips
· Personal Expenses
· Lunches & Dinners