Classical Baltics Vilnius

Vilnius-Hill of Crosses-Riga-Parnu-Tallinn-Tartu-Sigulda-Vilnius

Day 2 Saturday: VILNIUS-TRAKAI-VILNIUS ( 50 km)
9:00 a.m. a city tour of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. The tour includes: St.Peter and Paul’s Church, Gediminas Castle, Cathedral Square  with St. Stanislaw Cathedral and Bell tower, St.Ann and Bernardines’ Church, Amber gallery-museum,  Uzupis -one of the oldest districts of Vilnius, mentioned in the historical sources as far back as the 16th century, nowadays the artists’ “republic”, which has its own constitution, national anthem, calendar and map,   the Gates of Dawn with a holy image of the Virgin Mary, Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Town Hall Square and Vilnius University (founded in 1579) with St. John’s Church. Afternoon trip to Trakai (25 km from Vilnius), the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Visit to the insular castle of the 14th century, erected on a small island in the lake Galve. Return to Vilnius. In the evening optional:  dinner at Lithuanian restaurant “ Lokys” or similar. OVERNIGHT: Vilnius "NOVOTEL" or similar

Day 3 Sunday: VILNIUS - HILL OF CROSSES - RUNDALE - RIGA (380 km)
9:00 a.m. departure by coach to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Stop at the Hill of Crosses (16 km from Šiauliai), the unforgettable place with thousands of crosses on two small hills. A further drive to Riga. Stop in Rundale. Visit to Rundale Palace of the 18th century, a beautiful late baroque palace in Latvia. It is a splendid example of the early work of famous Italian architect F.B.Rastrelli. Arrival in Riga, check-in at the hotel. OVERNIGHT: Riga "RADISSON BLU RIDZENE" or similar

Day 4 Monday: RIGA
9:00 a.m. a city tour of Riga. A combined coach and walking tour encompasses the most significant sights of Riga: driving along the central boulevards of Riga, enjoying the view of the City Canal Parks, the Bastion Hill, the Powder Tower, the Latvian National Theatre, the Fine Arts Museum, the Art Nouveau Buildings of the beginning of the 20th century, the Freedom Monument, University of Latvia, Latvian National Opera House and the Daugava River. During the walking part of the tour you will enjoy the beauty of the ancient Hanseatic  City: picturesque streets of the Old Town, the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St.Peter, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, St.Jacob’s Church,  St. Mary Magdalene's Church the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle.  Following the visit of the famous market halls of Riga. Afternoon optional: excursion to Jurmala. In the evening optional:  dinner at Latvian restaurant “ Rozengrals ” or similar. OVERNIGHT: Riga "RADISSON BLU RIDZENE" or similar

Day 5 Tuesday: RIGA - PäRNU - TALLINN (300 km)
9:00 a.m. departure for Tallinn with a stop in Pärnu, Estonian “Summer Capital”. This little town has been known as a summer health resort since the first spa opened here in the 1830s. A further drive to Tallinn. Arrival in Tallinn, check-in at the hotel.
OVERNIGHT: Tallinn "MERITON GRAND HOTEL TALLINN" or similar

Day 6 Wednesday: TALLINN
9:00 a.m. a city tour of Tallinn, visiting the Old Town of Tallinn - an example of Gothic architecture in the Baltic and Nordic countries. The tour includes Toompea Castle fortifications, the Dome Church (13th century), the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky (19th century), Town Hall Square (15th century), St. Catherine's Passage, where artists of St. Catherine guild present their work, St.Olaf’s Church. Afternoon optional:  excursion to Kadriorg Park and visit to Kadriorg Palace. In the evening optional:  dinner at medieval  restaurant “ Peppersack ” or similar. OVERNIGHT: Tallinn "MERITON GRAND HOTEL TALLINN" or similar

Day 7 Thursday: TALLINN - TARTU - SIGULDA (380 km)
9:00 a.m. Depart for Sigulda, stopover in Tartu, the second largest town in Estonia. City tour of Tratu including Tartu University, Toome Hill Park with its monuments, sculptures, bridges and ruins of gothic Church, panoramic view of the town with Jaani Church and Town Hall Square. A further drive to Sigulda (Latvia). Short stop in a small ancient town of Ce­is for a walk in Castle Park. Arrival in Sigulda, check-in at the hotel. OVERNIGHT: Sigulda "SEGEVOLD" or similar

Day 8 Friday: SIGULDA - VILNIUS (350 km)
9:00 a.m.  walk in Gauja National Park, including visit to Turaida Castle and the ruins of the 13th century Crusader Castle in Sigulda. A further drive to Vilnius. Arrival in Vilnius, check-in at the hotel. OVERNIGHT: Vilnius "NOVOTEL"or similar

Day 9  Saturday: VILNIUS
Breakfast. End of the tour.