Baltic Metropoles

Heading for Riga, the first stop is the Hill of Crosses, one
of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania. After crossing
into Latvia, we soon reach the magnificent Rundale Palace,
the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland.
Following a guided tour of the palace we travel through the
rolling hills of Southern Latvia to reach Riga late afternoon,
check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija**** or similar.

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is
the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real
kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The walking tour of
the morning takes to Art Nouveaux district and Old Town
including Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s  Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and
Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is
reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian
sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy
beaches. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the
Dome Cathedral.

After we get acquainted with Riga, we have the possibility
of discovering medieval Latvia. The this
morning takes us to the stunning scenery of the Gauja
National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the
medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the
ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights
of the Sword before we return to Riga. The afternoon offers
an optional visit to the Ethnographical Open-Air Museum, a
spacious exposition of 18th century country life.

The tour continues along the coastal highway to the
Estonian summer resort of Parnu. We do a short tour of the
resort before we continue through the North Estonian land
of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon, check-in at
the Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia**** or similar.

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and
modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place
in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir
markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing
tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church,
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall
and Great Guild Hall. In the afternoon an optional
excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to
KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian Art Museum,
with its collections of classic and contemporary fine
art. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at
Restaurant Maikrahv.

This day offers an optional day excursion to Lahemaa
National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial
to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour ends with a visit to the charming 16th century Vihula
Manor and the Vodka Museum. After lunch break, we
head back to Tallinn to take the ferry to Helsinki and
enjoy a refreshing tour through the Finnish archipelago
before arriving in Helsinki. Upon arrival we are
transferred to our hotel and check-in at Hotel Radisson
Blu Seaside**** or similar.

Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and
Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the
green and lively Finnish capital. The sightseeing tour
takes us around the harbours and the Senate Square with the Lutheran Cathedral, up central Mannerheim
Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia
Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the
famous Church-in-the-Rock. The afternoon offers an
optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural
treasure whose construction was started in the 18th
century as a sea fortress. Located on an island, the
fortress is a unique attraction for visitors.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.