Day 1, Arrive in Helsinki, Sunday

Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is to relax or perhaps begin your own discovery. Tonight, your tour director is hosting a welcome reception and will introduce you to your fellow travelers and to the fascinating tour that awaits you. (WR)

Day 2, Helsinki – Tallinn, Monday

Helsinki, the capital of Finland lies in the far south of the country, on a peninsula that is home to the busiest passenger port in the world. Our comprehensive sightseeing covers the most important and interesting areas such as the historical center, the Senate Square, the Cathedral, City Hall, the Presidential Palace, Finlandia Hall, and the Opera House. We stop at the Sibelius Monument and, whenever possible, at the Temppeliaukio church (known also as Rock church). In the afternoon we board a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. Afterward, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B) 

Day 3, in Tallinn, Tuesday

On a walking tour of Tallinn’s Upper and Lower Old Town, we visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Next up is a visit of Toompea Castle and the 14th-century Gothic Town Hall there. After the tour, we taste some Schnapps in a medieval house. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Optional tour: Visit the Kadriorg Palace

Day 4, to Riga, Wednesday

We travel by motor-coach to Riga, the capital of Latvia. On the way, we make a stop in Pärnu, located on the coast of Pärnu Bay. The city is known for its 19th-century timber villas and sandy Pärnu Beach, with its shallow waters and promenade. There is free time to stroll along the beach, have a cup of coffee or even a lunch break. We then continue to Riga where the afternoon is free to explore the city. (B)

Day 5, in Riga, Thursday

On our tour, we see the 700-year-old Riga Castle on the banks of the Daugava River, the magnificent Dome Cathedral, the St. Jacobs Cathedral, the St. Peter’s Church, the Parliament building, Liberty Monument, and the eclectic Art Nouveau buildings. After the tour, we sample Black Balsam, a dark and astringent liqueur made of 24 herbs and based on a 250-year-old recipe. The rest of the day is free to explore more of Riga. (B)

Optional tour: Food Market experience 

Day 6, to Vilnius, Friday

This morning, we set course for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. On the way, we stop at the baroque and rococo Rundale Palace Museum.  Built in the 18th century and surrounded by a French garden, the palace is an architectural marvel and a triumph of art over nature. After a lunch break here, we continue our journey to Vilnius with a stop at the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai. It represents Lithuania’s unique national and religious identity. The balance of the day is at leisure to begin exploring the city with its interesting architecture. (B, L)

Day 7, in Vilnius, Saturday

Vilnius is located on the confluence of the Neris and Velnele Rivers. In Old Vilnius, we visit the baroque St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church and the striking St. Anne’s Church. We also see Vilnius University, dating back to 1570, famous Gediminas’ Tower and Vilnius Castle. The afternoon is free to explore even more. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and your tour director for our farewell dinner. (B, D)

Optional tour: Visit of the Trakai castle 

Day 8, depart Vilnius, Sunday

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Vilnius airport. Alternatively, you can continue your journey and join Kompas’ “Grandeur and History of Poland” Tour. (B)