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Baltic Experience

Experience the Baltic states on this 12-day adventurous journey through Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. From the medieval spires of Tallinn and the funky bars of Riga to the Baroque-styled quirks of Vilnius, hidden delights await at every turn. Visit colourful markets, be immersed in art and architecture and kayak on Lithuanian lakes. Hike through forest, learn about the layered history here and indulge in homecooked meals with friendly hosts. Join a trip with likeminded travellers and discover the rich history and fascinating customs of this region on our journey from Helsinki to Vilnius.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. The single supplement excludes Days 9 and 10 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for ferry tickets. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

Tour details Collapse
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Number of Days
12
Price From
$4,155
Start Location
Helsinki, Finland
End Location
Vilnius, Lithuania
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Expand all
Day 1: Helsinki
Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your adventure kicks off in Helsinki with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe check out the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Senate Square or catch a performance at the National Theatre. You may want to consider purchasing the Helsinki Card – which is both an economical way to travel on Helsinki City Transport (HKL) services and free admission to the main Helsinki sights and nearly 50 museums. After your meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with your group.
Day 2: Tallinn
Leave Helsinki after breakfast and catch a ferry across the Gulf of Finland to the Estonian capital of Tallinn. Arrive mid-afternoon, check into your hotel and head out for a short orientation walk through the city. The rest of your day is then free to enjoy this exceptionally preserved medieval city and all it has to offer. Perhaps head out and enjoy some of the region's culinary specialties or stop for a drink and people watching on the main square. With its steep red roofs, spires, pastel-coloured buildings and new restaurants and bars, Estonia's capital is a real treat to explore. Seeing the vibrant streets of Tallinn now, it's difficult to fathom that Soviet occupation only ended in 1991.
Day 3: Tallinn
Today is free to do as you wish, but an exploration of the Old Town is recommended – home to the last remaining gothic town hall in northern Europe, Old Thomas as well as the Raapteek, which has housed a pharmacy since the 15th century. You can also see St Olaf Church. Maybe head to Upper Tallinn, home to the noble families, to see amazing views of Lower Tallinn and the medieval spires of the town walls. The 13th-century Toompea Castle, where the Estonian Parliament sits, and the 19th-century orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are some of the main attractions. Alternatively, head to Pirita to chill out at Tallinn's most popular beach, or visit Kadriorg Palace – a palace built by czar Peter the Great for his second wife Catherine I.
Day 4: Riga
Depart by bus after breakfast, cross the border and arrive in the Latvian capital of Riga in the early evening. Riga is renowned for its welcoming locals and a fascinating art nouveau heritage. Tonight, perhaps grab a drink at one of the many bars in the Old Town after you’ve settled into your lodgings.
Day 5: Riga
Travel by public transport to Sigulda – a pretty town with medieval history that backs onto Gauja National Park. Take the cable car across the river to Turaida Castle, which began construction in 1214 and is made from striking red bricks. Take a guided tour, then explore the castle grounds which feature sculptures set in evergreen woodland. Take a hike along the winding Gauja River with your leader, taking in the clear air and thick Latvian forest. Return to Riga for a free evening.
Day 6: Riga
Today, you’ll get the chance to explore Riga. Take an orientation tour and see the Doma Cathedral, St Peter's Basilica, House of Blackheads, the Swedish Gate, The Great Guild & Small Guild and the Cat House. There is nothing scheduled for the rest of the day, so you are free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps pay a visit to The Museum of Occupation of Latvia, which offers insight into the hardships suffered by Latvians during its occupation by, the Germans and the Soviets. The Central Market Halls are a great place to haggle for supplies for a picnic lunch if it takes your fancy. Make sure you give the (bitter but reputedly healthy) Riga Black Balsam a try. The recipe is secret, but it contains rare ingredients such as Valerian, Wormwood, Black Pepper, Ginger, Gentian and Linden flower.
Day 7: Klaipeda
Set off by private bus after breakfast and cross the border into Lithuania. After a stop at the famous Hill of Crosses at Siauliai, continue onto the former Prussian city of Klaipeda, the city of sculptures and jazz. Klaipeda used to be a member of the Hanseatic League and is the gateway to the Curonian Spit – a long and narrow sand dune peninsula separating the Curonian lagoon from the Baltic Sea. When you arrive, check into your hotel, then head out to the waterfront and explore the Old Town centre, which features 18th-century wooden buildings and other historic monuments.
Day 8: Curonian Spit
Today, take a day trip to explore the unique World Heritage-listed Curonian Spit National Park – the second-oldest national park in the former Soviet Union. This area is full of beaches, sand dunes and forested areas. The peninsula is only 400 m wide in parts but 98 km long. It formed only 5000 years ago by strong winds and currents which constantly change the shape of the landscape to this day. Only recently a whole village was swallowed by the inexorable sand. According to legend, the spit was formed by the girl giant Neringa, who poured sand into the Baltic Sea to protect the bay from storms and create an embankment for fishermen to live. Explore the tiny village of Nida and the surrounding beaches by bike and look in the distance to see the Russian border. Then for lunch, maybe try the smoked pike for which the spit is famous.
Day 9: Aukstaitija National Park
After breakfast, travel by bus, train and car to the town of Ignalina, then on to Aukstaitija (pronounced owk-sty-chee-ah) National Park and the charming village of Ginuciai – your home stay for the night. As one of the best national parks in the Baltic states, Aukstaitija has 126 lakes, an abundance of waterways, hills and woods. Enjoy the hospitality and home-cooking of our host family for the next two days.
Day 10: Aukstaitija National Park
This morning, you’ll take a guided kayak ride through the lakes and rivers, past villages and through forests, to an ancient pagan site on top of a hill with a wishing tree. The top affords great views across the surrounding forests and lakes. The rest of the day is free to visit some of the local attractions, such as the nearby villages that date from the 14th century and consist of traditional wooden houses and farmsteads. The 19th-century Ginuciai Watermill is another point of interest. You can hike to lookouts, fish, swim in the lake or river rapids, or relax. Perhaps ask your host family to fire up the sauna for the ultimate relaxation and cleansing experience.
Day 11: Vilnius
Continue your journey today by local train to the capital of Lithuania – Vilnius. Having once been occupied by Sweden, Poland, France and Russia, each occupier has left its mark in some way. Vilnius offers a different picture of the Baltics than Riga and Tallinn, but it’s every bit as interesting. Take an orientation walk with your leader when you arrive, seeing Cathedral Square and its free-standing belfry and the length of pedestrianised Pilies Gatve, lined by baroque churches. The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, previously called the Museum of Genocide Victims and better known under the name KGB Museum, as it is located in the former KGB headquarters of Vilnius. If you’d like a break from Vilnius’ historic monuments, maybe take a walk through some of the charming gardens around the city.
Day 12: Vilnius
Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after you check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Inclusions Expand
Meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners.
Transport: Public bus, Ferry, Canoe, Private vehicle, Train, Tram, Cable car.
Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights), Homestay (2 nights).
Tallinn - Leader led orientation walk.
Sigulda - Gauja River Cable Car.
Sigulda - Day Trip.
Sigulda - Turaida Castle Guided Tour.
Riga - Leader led orientation walk.
Siauliai - Hill of Crosses.
Curonian Spit - Bike Ride.
Curonian Spit - Full Day Trip to the National Park.
Aukstaitija National Park - Guided Kayak Trip.
Departure dates Expand
Start End Availability Price AUD
03 May 2025 14 May 2025 8 $4,195
10 May 2025 21 May 2025 3 $4,350
17 May 2025 28 May 2025 8 $4,155
24 May 2025 04 Jun 2025 8 $4,195
28 May 2025 08 Jun 2025 7 $4,260
31 May 2025 11 Jun 2025 9 $4,155
04 Jun 2025 15 Jun 2025 3 $4,395
11 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025 10 $4,320
14 Jun 2025 25 Jun 2025 5 $4,395
18 Jun 2025 29 Jun 2025 9 $4,320
21 Jun 2025 02 Jul 2025 9 $4,320
25 Jun 2025 06 Jul 2025 12 $4,320
28 Jun 2025 09 Jul 2025 10 $4,320
02 Jul 2025 13 Jul 2025 8 $4,395
05 Jul 2025 16 Jul 2025 10 $4,155
12 Jul 2025 23 Jul 2025 8 $4,155
19 Jul 2025 30 Jul 2025 5 $4,290
23 Jul 2025 03 Aug 2025 11 $4,155
26 Jul 2025 06 Aug 2025 11 $4,155
30 Jul 2025 10 Aug 2025 10 $4,320
02 Aug 2025 13 Aug 2025 11 $4,485
06 Aug 2025 17 Aug 2025 11 $4,485
09 Aug 2025 20 Aug 2025 9 $4,530
13 Aug 2025 24 Aug 2025 12 $4,485
16 Aug 2025 27 Aug 2025 10 $4,485
23 Aug 2025 03 Sep 2025 8 $4,590
27 Aug 2025 07 Sep 2025 8 $4,590
30 Aug 2025 10 Sep 2025 10 $4,485
03 Sep 2025 14 Sep 2025 8 $4,485
06 Sep 2025 17 Sep 2025 10 $4,530
10 Sep 2025 21 Sep 2025 12 $4,485
13 Sep 2025 24 Sep 2025 12 $4,485
17 Sep 2025 28 Sep 2025 11 $4,485
20 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 4 $4,470
24 Sep 2025 05 Oct 2025 12 $4,320
27 Sep 2025 08 Oct 2025 12 $4,320
04 Apr 2026 15 Apr 2026 12 $4,360
18 Apr 2026 29 Apr 2026 12 $4,360
02 May 2026 13 May 2026 12 $4,360
09 May 2026 20 May 2026 12 $4,360
13 May 2026 24 May 2026 12 $4,360
16 May 2026 27 May 2026 12 $4,360
23 May 2026 03 Jun 2026 12 $4,360
27 May 2026 07 Jun 2026 12 $4,360
30 May 2026 10 Jun 2026 12 $4,360
03 Jun 2026 14 Jun 2026 12 $4,535
06 Jun 2026 17 Jun 2026 12 $4,535
10 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026 12 $4,535
13 Jun 2026 24 Jun 2026 12 $4,535
17 Jun 2026 28 Jun 2026 12 $4,535
20 Jun 2026 01 Jul 2026 12 $4,535
24 Jun 2026 05 Jul 2026 12 $4,535
27 Jun 2026 08 Jul 2026 12 $4,535
01 Jul 2026 12 Jul 2026 12 $4,535
04 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 12 $4,360
08 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 12 $4,360
15 Jul 2026 26 Jul 2026 12 $4,360
18 Jul 2026 29 Jul 2026 12 $4,360
22 Jul 2026 02 Aug 2026 12 $4,360
25 Jul 2026 05 Aug 2026 12 $4,360
29 Jul 2026 09 Aug 2026 12 $4,535
01 Aug 2026 12 Aug 2026 12 $4,710
05 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026 12 $4,710
08 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 12 $4,710
12 Aug 2026 23 Aug 2026 12 $4,710
15 Aug 2026 26 Aug 2026 12 $4,710
19 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026 12 $4,360
26 Aug 2026 06 Sep 2026 12 $4,710
29 Aug 2026 09 Sep 2026 12 $4,710
02 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026 12 $4,710
05 Sep 2026 16 Sep 2026 12 $4,710
09 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026 12 $4,710
12 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 12 $4,710
16 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 12 $4,710
19 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 12 $4,535
23 Sep 2026 04 Oct 2026 12 $4,535
26 Sep 2026 07 Oct 2026 12 $4,535
10 Oct 2026 21 Oct 2026 12 $4,360