Newly emerged, refreshed after the period of Soviet presence and control, developing at a crazy speed, the Baltic countries are now at their peak for exploration. While rapidly modernising they still retain the old charm of their ramshackle image, along with a new contemporary facade. Our tour takes you through the three dazzling and enthralling Baltic capitals, each with its highly unique character and each extraordinary rich in architectural, cultural and spiritual heritage.
Discover multinational Vilnius and immerse yourself in cosmopolitan Riga; with its grandeur and sophistication rivalling many European capitals, it also boasts some of the best nightlife. Stroll through the winding streets in Tallinn’s Old Town. The oldest capital in the Northern Europe, Tallinn presents itself as an attractive mixture of old and new – a modern city with a medieval twist. Our Baltic discovery also takes us through small charming villages, where life is lived at a slow, rural pace, and along the astonishingly fine sand dunes of theBaltic Sea, essentially combining the best of the three states. Lose yourself in the labyrinths of history and cultural diversity; discover the Baltics, where the past is still alive.
PRICE
LAND-ONLY PRICE: £649
PACKAGE PRICE: £749
Travel style: discovery journey ITINERARY: Day 1. Arrival in Vilnius. Transfer to your hotel. Check in. Welcome meeting. Day 2. Set on the conflux of two rivers, the history of Vilnius goes back to the 14th century (though first references to it can be found in the 11th century) when it was proclaimed the Lithuanian capital. The city has always been an important cultural and political centre, a melting pot of different nations, religions and cultures – Lithuanians, Jews, Russians, Poles, Ukrainians, and Tartars. Attitudes of tolerance, openness and hospitality have continued throughout the centuries. The European Union has declared that Vilnius - the first capital from the new EU members – will be the European capital of culture in 2009.
The pride of Vilnius is the old town, the largest in Europe and included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Its unique harmony of Gothic, Baroque and Classic architecture will charm you with its romantic ambience. Our tour visits the main sites of the city: Vilnius cathedral and Gediminas Tower – the cradle of what was once the capital of the largest country in Europe: the old town where every street seems to end with a church; the University’s maze of courtyards and aulas, St. Annes church – so fragile and beautiful that Napoleon wanted to take it to Paris, the Dawn Gates - the sole remaining gates of the city, attracting worshippers from all over Lithuania and Poland and is famous for its healing and magical powers.
In the afternoon we continue our tour of Lithuania visiting the well preserved medieval castle of Trakai, located beside the picturesque Galve Lake. During Lithuania’s heyday this was a military stronghold which rivalled Vilnius for political power. In the evening you will enjoy a traditional Lithuanian dinner at one of city’s restaurants. Overnight at a four star hotel.
Day 3. Today we leave Vilnius and head to Riga. We travel by comfortable coach and on the way we will stop at the surreal and mysterious Hill of Crosses. The Hill of Crosses gives you a deep insight into the Lithuanian national character. The history of the Hill starts with the unsuccessful uprisings of 1831 and 1863. When the nation wanted to commemorate the fallen, crosses were planted turning the Hill of Crosses into a major place of remembrance. Under Soviet rule, the Hill of Crosses was regarded as a focus for patriotic pilgrimage and symbolised silent resistance to the Communism regime. Every time the site has been bulldozed and razed to the ground, the locals have responded by planting new crosses.
After entering Latvia we visit the magnificent Rundale Palace – one of the country’s architectural wonders. This splendid former summer residence of the Duke of Courland is often called the Latvian Versailles. It was built by Rastrelli, the architect of the Winter Palace (now the Hermitage Museum) in St. Petersburg. Arrival in Riga in the late afternoon. Check in. Overnight at a four star hotel. Day 4. We leave Riga and go to the stunning and unspoiled Gauja National Park (90km.) Named after longest Latvian river Gauja (452km.) it offers amazing river scenery, with red cliffs, some rising as high as 90m. It is often called the Livonian Switzerland. Its beauty can be admired between the small towns of Sigulda and Cesis. We visit Sigulda, a popular walking and kayaking base, set on the shores of the Gauja. We will visit the Episcopal Castle and the ruins of the Sword Knights Castle, Maja’s tombstone and the mysterious Gutman cave. Return to Riga. Overnight at a four star hotel. Day 5. Founded in 1201, Riga is the biggest Baltic city with more than 720,000 inhabitants, a third of the country’s population. Once major trade centre and home of Protestantism, modern Riga has retained its cosmopolitan character. It is a Baltic megapolis, bursting with colour, sophistication, and urban sleekness combined with medieval churches, merchant houses and Art Nouveau buildings. Our tour will take you through the old town (also included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list), a maze of narrow cobbled narrow streets, lined with red brick houses and churches. The biggest Cathedral in the Baltics is in Cathedral Square in the heart of the city. Riga’s castle - the former headquarters of the Livonian Order, now the residence of the Latvian President. We will also visit the surrealistic Three Brothers and Freedom monument.
In the afternoon we will relax at Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort. Jurmala is a picturesque town with wooden houses, sleek new hotels, Soviet style buildings and sandy beaches. In Soviet times Jurmala housed the most important musical event, the Song Festival. It was considered the most upmarket Soviet resort, attracting the elite and bohemian from all over the USSR. In the evening you will enjoy a traditional Latvian dinner at one of city’s restaurants.
Day 6. We bid farewell to Latvia and travel to Estonia – the smallest of the three Baltic States. We drive by coach along the coastal highway to the Estonian summer resort of Parnu, often called “the summer capital” since almost every Estonian visits this place at least once every summer. We will enjoy the Baltic Sea famous for its fine sandy beaches and we will stroll along Parnu’s most famous asset - its 7km. long beach. Upon arrival in Tallinn transfer to hotel and check in. Day 7. Tallinn is without question one of the most attractive capitals in Europe. You will be mesmerised by its well preserved medieval old town, the network of narrow streets, the charming buildings, and churches. Tallinn was started as a Viking trading post, with its membership of the Hanseatic League and its strategically excellent location it emerged as an important trade centre, this position declining with the fall of Livonian Order. Today Tallinn is growing rapidly with new business centres, modern buildings, and a busy life style.
Our guide takes you to the Town Square, as old as Tallinn itself, the Town Hall , a beautiful Gothic arcade dating from the time of the Hanseatic League; one of oldest working pharmacies dating back to 1422; Toompea castle, originally a Danish fortification; and Alexander Nevskij church an architectural reminder of Tsarist Russia’s presence in Estonia. In the evening you will enjoy traditional Estonian dinner at one of city’s restaurants. Day 8. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation & meals: 7 nts 4* hotel DBL 7 breakfasts Transport: coach and go on foot Tour staff & support: English-speaking guide, transfer driver Other services & Info >>>
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