Best of the Baltics

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Vilnius, Riga, Muhu Island, Tallinn

This private luxury tour explores the best of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. During private touring, explore the countries’ capital cities, cultural highlights and beautiful landscapes. 

Begin in Vilnius, the beautiful capital of Lithuania. During private touring with your expert local guide, explore the historic town center, an atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage Site of well-preserved architecture. Walk medieval backstreets, and see landmarks such as Vilnius Cathedral and St. Anne’s Church. Browse small shops for handmade linen and amber products, and visit a local food market. Take in panoramic views from the top of Castle Hill. Relax in leafy riverside parks. Walk around the historic buildings of Vilnius University. Tour the Jewish Quarter, and visit museums and other important sites related to the Jewish history of Vilnius. One afternoon, opt to visit the beautiful lake resort region of Trakai Historical National Park. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional in-depth cultural and Jewish touring in the city of Kaunas.

Next, transfer to Riga, Latvia. En route, visit the Hill of Crosses, an unusual pilgrimage site covered in thousands of religious artifacts. Also stop to tour Rundale Palace, an 18th-century Baroque palace with beautiful interiors and formal gardens in the Latvian countryside.

During private touring in Riga, visit the highlights of Latvia’s bustling capital. Explore neighborhoods filled with grand Art Nouveau buildings. See a mix of architecture from medieval to modern along the cobblestone streets of the historic center. See what’s in season at the expansive Central Market. Venture to the top of St. Peter’s Church for panoramic views over the city and the Daugava River. Learn about local Jewish history. Shop for traditional Latvian woven products in local shops and markets. Perhaps visit the Museum of the Occupation and other cultural institutions.

Continue north to Estonia. En route, perhaps pass through Gauja National Park, a wonderland of forested hills and riverside cliffs, and drive along the edge of the Gulf of Riga. Time permitting, also stop in Parnu, a historic Estonian resort town on the Baltic Sea.

Venture to rural Muhu Island, and stay two nights at luxurious Padaste Manor, the finest resort in the region. During private touring, experience traditional Estonian life and culture in the villages and countryside around Muhu and neighboring Saaremaa Island. Also enjoy the hotel’s expansive grounds, excellent food and postcard views of the Baltic Sea.

Continue to Tallinn, the enchanting capital of Estonia. Enjoy private touring of the fairy-tale Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a local insider, walk the narrow streets, admire ancient churches and merchant houses, gaze up at the imposing city walls, and take in spectacular views over the walled city and waterfront from Toompea hill. Also explore the open-air market, browse for beautiful Estonian textiles and crafts, and visit the city’s fashionable cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Venture outside the Old Town to see the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. Also explore leafy Kadriorg Park, a favorite area for locals that includes Kadriorg Palace, historic wooden houses, the Kumu Art Museum and other sights.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Vilnius, Lithuania Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Vilnius Morning private walking tour of the Old Town. Afternoon continue private city touring or afternoon excursion to Trakai Historical National Park Day 3 Vilnius – Riga, Latvia Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Tour Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace en route Day 4 Riga Full-day private tour Day 5 Riga – Muhu Island, Estonia Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 6 Muhu Island Private touring in region or at leisure at resort Day 7 Muhu Island – Tallinn Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private walking tour Day 8 Tallinn Full-day private tour Day 9 Depart Tallinn Private transfer to airport or port

Hotels

Vilnius: Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton Riga: Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga Muhu Island: Padaste Manor Tallinn: Hotel Telegraaf

Cost

$13,335 Per person (double occupancy)