This 9-day itinerary takes you on a journey through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, where you will walk the narrow, medieval streets; take in the UNESCO sites; immerse yourself in the culture and history of the region; and enjoy some unique and exclusive experiences, like a backstage tour at the Riga National Opera, a visit to a secret Soviet bunker, and a day trip to a tiny island off of Estonia’s coast, with an ancient culture of seafarers and fishermen. Indulge along the way in the luxuries and comforts of your 5-star accommodations.

Welcome to Vilnius, Lithuania!

Your driver will meet you at the airport and assist you to your hotel in the historic city center. This stylish boutique hotel is in the Old Town and is walking distance to all the major sites like the 16th-century Gate of Dawn.

Enjoy the hotel amenities at your leisure.

In the morning take part in a tour of Vilnius Old Town, known for its outstanding architectural diversity. UNESCO included the Old Town of Vilnius on the World Culture Heritage List because of its unique mixture of different architecture styles. Here you will see Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque masterpieces.

Visit the narrow medieval streets, secluded courtyards, town castles, and an incredible number of churches that all reflect the city’s rich and vibrant history.

During your tour you will partake in a tasting of one of the oldest Lithuanian alcoholic beverages from honey – mead (midus).

In the afternoon you will head out on a private-guided kayaking tour to see Trakai Castle. Trakai, the ancient capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, is situated amidst picturesque lakes, the largest of which, Galve, has over 20 islands. On your tour, enjoy a picnic and picturesque lake and castle views.

Return to Vilnius for your overnight stay.

Latvia is calling! Today you will depart with your driver and guide for the journey to Riga, making a few stops along the way.

The first stop will be the Hill of Crosses, a site of pilgrimage expressing the religious feeling of the Lithuanian people. The tradition of planting crosses started in the mid-19th century and is an expression of Faith, Love and Sacrifice. The exact number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put it at about 100,000.

Next, visit Rundale Palace. It was designed by the famous architect Rastelli as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland and is an exquisite masterpiece of symmetry and beauty. The parade rooms, the Duke’s private apartments, and the Duchess’ boudoir are open to visitors.

Continue onward to Riga. Upon arrival you will check-in to the prestigious 5-star Grand Palace Hotel.

Enjoy your evening at leisure. Dinner recommendation: Restaurant 3 (http://www.restaurant3.lv/en/)

This morning you will meet your Riga guide for a tour of the Old Town. The architecture of Riga is beautiful and diverse. Heritage of 800 years old Gothic churches, built by founders of Riga, medieval buildings in the Old Town, exquisite Art Nouveau, as well as wooden buildings, make Riga a real pearl of architecture.

An excellent place to start any tour is on top the spire, where you can see the whole of Riga laid out before you. This is the perfect way to get your bearings before you wander down the cobblestone streets. From here you may see the exterior of the Dome Cathedral, one of the largest and most distinctive houses of worship in the region. Beginning in the 13 century, the cathedral has gone through one construction after another and is now a curious combination of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and other styles. The church walls are crammed with plaques celebrating the glories of Latvia’s medieval rulers.

During your tour, take part in a backstage tour at the Riga National Opera. Enjoy this exclusive tour of the national opera of Latvia. The opera company includes the Latvian National Ballet, LNO Chorus, and LNO Orchestra.

To complete your tour, ride the Riga canal. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise in a wooden boat. What better way to view the beautiful landscape of the city!

After a long day of exploring, you will return to your hotel.

For dinner we recommend a gourmet restaurant – Vincents. This restaurant’s reputation has spread far beyond Latvia’s borders, with Prince Charles, Elton John, the Emperor of Japan and Heston Blumenthal among a very long list of prominent personalities and famous gourmands who have savoured the restaurant’s haute cuisine.

Today you will be traveling to Pärnu, Estonia while making a few interesting stops along the way.

Your first stop is in Sigulda, one of the most picturesque towns often called the ‘Latvian Switzerland’. It is located about 50 km from Riga in the Gauja River valley. You will stop at the ruins of the 13th century Order of Knights Castle, which was connected with other small buildings by underground passage ways. You will also stop at the Sculpture park dedicated to Latvian folklore, Bishop’s Castle in Turaida, and Gutmann’s cave.

Enjoy a cable car ride over the Gauja River, with a height of 42m, you can view the Gauja valley from the cable car that connects both banks of the river with the span of 1,020m. Enjoy views of castles, the bobsleigh track, and the charming scenery.

Next you will make your way to Ligatne, (30 minutes from Sigulda). Here you will tour a Secret Soviet bunker.  The Secret Soviet Bunker is located 9m underground of a rehabilitation center. The bunker was intended to serve as a shelter for Latvia’s Communist elite in case of a hypothetical nuclear war. The secrecy of the bunker was so great that for 30 years, employees and clients of the adjacent rehabilitation center remained unaware of the underground structure underneath their feet. All authentic underground furnishings have been retained!

After a long day, head to your accommodations in Pärnu.

After breakfast, get ready for a day trip to Kihnu island!

Kihnu is the seventh largest island in Estonia and contains four villages: Lemsi Village, Linaküla Village, Rootsiküla Village, and Sääre Village.

Kihnu is a small island with a strong community. It originates from seal hunters and fishermen, Kihnu’s cultural heritage – the clothing, language, music, and handmade crafts – are part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Transfer back to Pärnu.

Today you will leave Pärnu and continue onwards to Tallinn.

Admire the beauty of Tallinn, the best-preserved medieval city in Northern Europe, with its gothic spires, winding cobblestone streets and enchanting architecture. Tallinn is a must-see!

Upon arrival you will check-in to your hotel, take some time to refresh before your tour of the Old Town.

Unlike most European cities, which have ancient buildings mixed in between modern ones, Tallinn’s Old City is complete. The historical Tallinn center is surrounded by town walls – the jewel of medieval ages.

After the tour, you will return to the hotel and have the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, you will go on a beautiful drive through the surrounding suburbs of Tallinn where you will see a baroque park by Kadriorg palace, the sandy beach at Pirita, and the romantic ruins of St. Bridget’s Convent.

Take this opportunity to relax by the sea and enjoy the spectacular views of Tallinn from across the bay. We recommend lunch at NOA Chef’s Hall (no. 1 in Estonia in 2018, according to White Guide Nordic).

Return to the hotel for your final evening at leisure. Make it a memorable one by having dinner at the recommended Art Priori, where art is on the walls and on the plates.

After breakfast at the hotel, prepare to check-out. You will have a private transfer to the airport for your flight home.