Highlights of the Baltic States & Finland

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

This private luxury tour of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland features the best of this beautiful and historically rich region along the Baltic Sea. It includes flexible private touring of the top cities and cultural sites, opportunities to shop for fine local handicrafts and modern designs, options for specialized activities such as visiting Jewish heritage sites, and accommodation at the top hotels and resorts in the region.

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. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange excursions to the beautiful lake resort region of Trakai Historical National Park, as well as 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.

Next, venture to rural Muhu Island to stay two nights at a luxurious manor hotel, 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: the medieval jewel of Estonia and 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 and boutiques. Venture outside the Old Town to see the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds and Telliskivi Creative City. Also explore leafy Kadriorg Park, a favorite area for locals that includes Kadriorg Palace, historic wooden houses, the Kumu Art Museum and other sights.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange an excursion to Lahemaa National Park, a private chocolate or marzipan workshop, private visits to local art galleries or specialized Jewish touring. This tour can be fully customized according to your interests and schedule.

Continue by ferry across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, the beautiful seaside capital of Finland. During flexible touring with your own private guide, experience the lively culture, interesting architecture and excellent museums of Finland's dynamic waterfront capital. Visit Temppeliaukio, the famed "Rock Church" hewn from solid stone. Tour outdoor markets, indoor food halls, historic squares and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and see landmark buildings such as Finlandia Hall, the Railway Station and the Olympic Stadium. Drive along the coast to see beautiful historic villas and the impressive Sibelius Monument, which is dedicated to Finland's most beloved composer. Artisans of Leisure will arrange for you to have a private tour of the Alvar Aalto House, the home of the most important Finnish architect of the 20th century. If desired, also visit the nearby Studio Aalto. There will also be time to visit renowned cafes and Finnish design shops along Esplanadi Park in central Helsinki. Other touring options include the Arabia porcelain factory, the Design District, art museums such as Kiasma and Ateneum, Kaivopuisto Park and Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.

Upon request, private excursions can be arranged to the most interesting places surrounding Helsinki, such as the island of Suomenlinna, the Iittala glass factory and museum, beautiful Aulanko Park, Lake Tuusula, and the atmospheric artist house-studios of Visavuori and Halosenniemi. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange access to a traditional Finnish sauna, reservations at top Helsinki restaurants, in-depth shopping for the best Finnish design, cooking classes, touring related to Jean Sibelius, tickets to performances at Finlandia Hall or the Savonlinna Opera Festival, and more.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Vilnius, Lithuania Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Vilnius Full-day private tour Day 3 Vilnius – Riga, Latvia Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights with touring 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 tour Day 8 Tallinn Full-day private tour Day 9 Tallinn – Helsinki, Finland Private transfer to port for high-speed ferry to Helsinki. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 10 Helsinki Full-day private city tour Day 11 Depart Helsinki Private airport transfer

Hotels

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

Cost

$15,295 Per person (based on double occupancy)