Day 1
Tallinn
Arrival in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Northern Europe.
( Leisure )
Baltic Grand Explorer
Route: Tallinn → Lahemaa National Park → Tallinn → Saaremaa island → Cēsis → Gauja National Park → Riga → Jūrmala → Riga → Rundāle Palace → The Hill of Crosses → Klaipėda → Curonian Spit → Kaunas → Vilnius → Trakai
( Tour summary )( Heritage sites )
A more in-depth journey through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, combining the must-see Baltic capitals with national parks, historic towns, islands and spectacular coastal landscapes.
From medieval Tallinn and the forests of Lahemaa to Saaremaa Island, Gauja National Park and elegant Riga, the journey continues to Lithuania's Curonian Spit, vibrant Kaunas, baroque Vilnius and Trakai Castle.
With 12 days travellers have more time to go beyond the capitals and experience the Baltics through a richer mix of culture, nature and distinctive landscapes.
- Estonia
- Tallinn Old Town, Kadriorg Palace, Lahemaa National Park, Palmse & Sagadi Manors, Saaremaa Island
- Latvia
- Cesis, Gauja National Park, Turaida Castle, Riga Old Town, Jurmala, Rundale Palace
- Lthuania
- Hill of Crosses, Curonian Spit National Park, Klaipeda, Pazaislis Monastery, Kaunas, Vilnius Old Town, Trakai Castle
Itinerary.
Day 2
Tallinn – Lahemaa National Park – Tallinn
160 km, 2,5 h
Discover Estonia beyond the capital in Lahemaa National Park, where pristine forests, picturesque coastline and historic Palmse and Sagadi manor estates reveal the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
Special visit: local maritime museum – hear fascinating stories from local hosts while enjoying a relaxed coffee break.
Day 3
Tallinn – Saaremaa island
215 km, 3 h
30 min
Travel to Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, crossing by ferry before continuing through peaceful rural landscapes to Kuressaare, known for its charming old town and impressive medieval castle.
Special visit: Wine Farm – visit the island vineyard and enjoy a tasting of artisanal wines shaped by maritime climate and long summer days.
Day 4
Saaremaa island – Cēsis
380 km, 5,5 h
30 min
Leave Saaremaa by ferry and travel south through Estonia into Latvia. Continue to Cēsis, a picturesque medieval town with a historic castle and atmospheric streets, surrounded by the forested landscapes of Gauja National Park.
Day 5
Cēsis – Gauja National Park– Riga
130 km, 2 h
Explore the scenic Gauja River Valley, often called the Switzerland of Latvia, with its forested hills, historic landmarks and medieval Turaida Castle. Continue to Riga, Latvia’s lively capital, renowned for its rich architectural heritage.
Special visit: Traditional Latvian Bakery — enjoy a bread tasting and lunch featuring local flavours.
Special visit: Secret Soviet Bunker — discover a remarkable Cold War site and experience a Soviet-style canteen meal.
Day 6
Riga – Jūrmala
50 km, 1 h
Explore Riga’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and impressive Art Nouveau architecture before visiting Jūrmala, Latvia’s famous seaside resort, known for its sandy beaches and historic wooden villas.
Special visit: Riga Central Market & Black Balsam Tasting — Discover local delicacies at one of Europe’s largest traditional markets and taste Latvia’s famous herbal liqueur.
Day 7
Riga – Rundāle Palace – Hill of Crosses - Klaipeda
380 km, 5 h
Travel south towards Lithuania, discovering two remarkable Baltic cultural landmarks en route.
Visit Rundāle Palace, the magnificent Baroque residence often called the Versailles of the Baltics, renowned for its lavish interiors and French-style gardens.
Continue to the Hill of Crosses, an extraordinary pilgrimage site and symbol of national resilience, before reaching the Baltic port city of Klaipėda.
Day 8
Klaipėda – Curonian Spit – Klaipėda
120 km, 2 h
Explore the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit, a narrow peninsula of sweeping sand dunes, pine forests and traditional fishing villages. Discover its distinctive coastal landscapes and the unique heritage of communities shaped by life beside the Baltic Sea.
Special visit: Taste locally smoked fish and discover the traditional lifestyle of Curonian Spit fishermen.
Day 9
Klaipėda – Kaunas
215 km, 3 h
Leave the Baltic coast and travel to Kaunas, Lithuania’s vibrant second city. En route, discover Pažaislis Monastery, a magnificent Baroque complex, before exploring Kaunas’s historic Old Town and distinctive interwar heritage.
Special visit: Gourmet Stories from Kaunas – discover Lithuanian culinary traditions while exploring the Old Town.
Day 10
Kaunas– Vilnius
105 km, 1,5 h
Continue to Vilnius, Lithuania’s elegant capital, renowned for its UNESCO-listed Baroque Old Town, winding streets and rich architectural heritage.
Special visit: Užupis — Explore Vilnius’s bohemian artists’ quarter and self-declared independent ‘republic’.
Day 11
Vilnius – Trakai – Vilnius
60 km, 1, 5 h
Explore Vilnius before travelling to Trakai, where the picturesque medieval island castle rises from the waters of Lake Galvė, creating one of Lithuania’s most iconic views.
Special visit: Karaim Culinary Experience — Meet the heritage of Trakai’s Karaim community, prepare traditional kibinai and enjoy lunch at a local Karaim restaurant.
Day 12
Vilnius
Departure from Vilnius after an in-depth journey through the Baltic capitals, national parks, islands and coastlines, enriched by local culture and authentic experiences.
( Photo gallery )
