GOINGBALTIC  GUARANTEED DEPARTURES 2017

BALTIC STATES («CLASSIC» AND «ALL INCLUSIVE»)

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Confidential tariffs 2017. Net prices per person in EUR, VAT included.

www.goingbaltic.com | sales@goingbaltic.com | Tel: +7 812 333 09 54

© 1996-2017 GoingBaltic. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without our prior written permission.
 ITINERARY
BALTIC STATES «CLASSIC» 8D/7N

DAY 1 / SUNDAY: VILNIUS (ARRIVAL) DAY 5 / THURSDAY: RIGA – SIGULDA – TURAIDA – GUTMANIS
- Arrival to Vilnius – PARNU - TALLINN
- Transfer to hotel (without guide) - Breakfast at the hotel
- Accommodation - Departure to Sigulda
- Visit of the Gauja Park
DAY 2 / MONDAY: VILNIUS
- Complete panoramic visit of Sigulda
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit of the Castle of Turaida
- Walking tour of the historical centre of Vilnius
- Visit of the Caves of Gutmanis
- Visit to Vilnius Cathedral
- Lunch
- Visit to Vilnius University
- Panoramic visit of Parnu
- Visit to the Catholic Church of St. John
- Arrival to Tallinn
- Free afternoon
- Accommodation
DAY 3 / TUESDAY: VILNIUS – KAUNAS – SIAULIAI – RUNDALE
DAY 6 / FRIDAY: TALLINN
- RIGA
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Walking tour of the historical center of Tallinn
- Departure to Kaunas
- Visit of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Complete panoramic tour of Kaunas
- Visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral
- Lunch
- Free afternoon
- Visit of the «Cross Hill» in Siauliai
- Departure to Rundale DAY 7 / SATURDAY: TALLINN
- Visit of Rundale Palace - Breakfast at the hotel
- Arrival to Riga - Free day
- Accommodation
DAY 8 / SUNDAY: TALLINN (DEPARTURE)
DAY 4 / WEDNESDAY: RIGA - Breakfast at the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel - Transfer to airport (without guide)
- Walking tour of the historical centre of Riga
- Visit of the Saint-Peter Church
- Visit of the Cathedral of Riga
- Free afternoon
 PRICES
BALTIC STATES «CLASSIC» 8D/7N

PRICES ARE PER PERSON IN EUR, ON BASIS OF DOUBLE ROOM, INCLUDING VAT
2N HL. 4* SUP. VILNIUS, 2N HL. 4* SUP. RIGA, 3N HL. 4* SUP. TALLINN

Period Price
07/05-08/10 499

DEPARTURES:
Month Day
May 7, 21
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 17
October 8

OUR PRICES INCLUDE:

Accommodation in the hotel of the chosen category.
Transfers and visits according to itinerary.
English-speaking local guide for all visits and transfers between cities.
7 buffet breakfasts (in hotels), 2 lunches.
Tea/coffee and mineral water during meals.
Handling fee.
IMPORTANT:
Groups of 9 pax or less may share the bus with passengers of other languages.
They will have their own English-speaking guide during the visits in the cities. Between the cities the transfers and visits will be done by bilingual
guide.
The order of visits is subject to change at any time due to operational reasons and museums schedules.
Porterage service is not included into the price.
 SUPPLEMENTS
BALTIC STATES «CLASSIC» 8D/7N

SUPPLEMENT FOR SINGLE ROOM 4* SUP.:

230 EUR PP
SUPPLEMENT 6 DINNERS IN HOTEL:
125 EURO PP

SELECTION OF HOTELS
BALTIC STATES «CLASSIC» 8D/7N

VILNIUS
4* SUP.: Novotel, Crowne Plaza, Best Western, or similar
RIGA
4* SUP.: Radisson Blu, Islande, Bellevue Park Hotel, or similar
TALLINN
4* SUP.: Park Inn by Radisson Meriton, Park Inn Central, Euroopa, or similar
 ITINERARY
BALTIC STATES «ALL INCLUSIVE» 8D/7N

DAY 1 / SUNDAY: VILNIUS (ARRIVAL) - Visit to Jurmala

- Arrival to Vilnius - Return to Riga
- Transfer to hotel (without guide)
DAY 5 / THURSDAY: RIGA – SIGULDA – TURAIDA – GUTMANIS –
- Accommodation
PARNU - TALLINN
DAY 2 / MONDAY: VILNIUS – TRAKAI – VILNIUS - Breakfast at the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel - Departure to Sigulda
- Walking tour of the historical centre of Vilnius - Visit of the Gauja Park
- Visit to Vilnius Cathedral - Complete panoramic visit of Sigulda
- Visit to Vilnius University - Visit of the Castle of Turaida
- Visit to the Catholic Church of St. John - Visit of the Caves of Gutmanis
- Free time for lunch - Lunch
- Visit to Trakai Island Castle - Panoramic visit of Parnu
- Return to Vilnius - Arrival to Tallinn
- Accommodation
DAY 3 / TUESDAY: VILNIUS – KAUNAS – SIAULIAI – RUNDALE -
RIGA DAY 6 / FRIDAY: TALLINN
- Breakfast at the hotel - Breakfast at the hotel
- Departure to Kaunas - Walking tour of the historical centre of Tallinn
- Complete panoramic tour of Kaunas - Visit of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Lunch - Visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral
- Visit of the «Cross Hill» in Siauliai - Free time for lunch
- Departure to Rundale - Visit to the Rocca al Mare Open-Air Museum
- Visit of Rundale Palace - Return to the hotel
- Arrival to Riga
DAY 7 / SATURDAY: TALLINN
- Accommodation
- Breakfast at the hotel
DAY 4 / WEDNESDAY: RIGA - Free day
- Breakfast at the hotel
Optional: Excursion to Helsinki
- Walking tour of the historical center of Riga
- Visit of the Saint-Peter Church DAY 8 / SUNDAY: TALLINN (DEPARTURE)
- Visit of the Cathedral of Riga - Breakfast at the hotel
- Free time for lunch - Transfer to airport (without guide)
- Visit to Riga’s Art Nouveau district
 PRICES
BALTIC STATES «ALL INCLUSIVE» 8D/7N

PRICES ARE PER PERSON IN EUR, ON BASIS OF DBL ROOM, INCLUDING VAT
2N HL. 4* SUP. VILNIUS, 2N HL. 4* SUP. RIGA, 3N HL. 4* SUP. TALLIN

Period Price
07/05-08/10 599)

DEPARTURES:
Month Day
May 7, 21
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 17
October 8

OUR PRICES INCLUDE:

Accommodation in the hotel of the chosen category.
Transfers and visits according to itinerary.
English-speaking local guide for all visits and transfers between cities.
7 buffet breakfasts (in hotels), 2 lunches.
Tea/coffee and mineral water during meals.
Handling fee.
IMPORTANT:
Groups of 9 pax or less may share the bus with passengers of other languages.
They will have their own English-speaking guide during the visits in the cities. Between the cities the transfers and visits will be done by bilingual
guide.
The order of visits is subject to change at any time due to operational reasons and museums schedules.
Porterage service is not included into the price.
 SUPPLEMENTS
BALTIC STATES «ALL INCLUSIVE» 8D/7N

SUPPLEMENT FOR SINGLE ROOM 4* SUP.:

230 EUR PP
SUPPLEMENT 6 DINNERS IN HOTEL:
125 EURO PP

SELECTION OF HOTELS
BALTIC STATES «ALL INCLUSIVE» 8D/7N

VILNIUS
4* SUP.: Novotel, Crowne Plaza, Best Western, or similar
RIGA
4* SUP.: Radisson Blu, Islande, Bellevue Park Hotel, or similar
TALLINN
4* SUP.: Park Inn by Radisson Meriton Conference & Spa, Park Inn Central, Euroopa, or similar
 BALTIC STATES
A MEDIEVAL TREASURE HIDDEN IN AN UNSPOILED NATURE

The Baltic States are a treasure trove of historical, cultural and natural delights, offering seaside
holidays on unspoiled beaches to sophisticated city-breaks in masterpieces of medieval architecture.
 LITHUANIA - VILNIUS
AMAZING LANDSCAPES AND A BAROQUE SYMPHONY

Lithuania is an amazing kaleidoscope of arts, cultures, and religions. Discover Mitteleuropa in Vilnius with its pastel facades,
cobblestone streets, and baroque churches, while not forgetting other Lithuanian gems like Kaunas, Trakai, and the Curonian Spit!
 LATVIA – RIGA
ART NOUVEAU ELEGANCE IN THE BIGGEST BALTIC CAPITAL

Located at the crossroads between Russia and Northern Europe, Latvia has beautiful beaches and majestic palaces.
Riga, its dynamic capital, has an amazing medieval centre surrounded by elegant Art Nouveau buildings.
 ESTONIA - TALLINN
A MEDIEVAL SPIRIT SET IN A PRISTINE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Estonia is a jewel of nature with unspoiled lakes, beaches, and islands. Its historical cities are guarded by medieval castles:
the proud towers and spires of Tallinn soar high above the Baltic Sea.
 PROGRAM
BALTIC STATES «CLASSIC» 8D/7N

DAY 1 / SUNDAY: VILNIUS (ARRIVAL)

Arrival in Vilnius.
Transfer to the hotel (without guide).
Accommodation.

DAY 2 / MONDAY: VILNIUS – TRAKAI – VILNIUS

Breakfast at the hotel.
Walking tour of the historical center of Vilnius. Vilnius is a true baroque jewel bursting with a treasure trove of architectural styles. The city’s Old Town features more
than 1500 historical buildings, making it one of the largest in Europe, while its pastel facades, beautiful churches, and cobblestoned streets create a unique, romantic
atmosphere.
At the same time, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is still a small city, perfect for walking along its cobblestoned streets, secret yards, and majestic squares. Founded in
1323 by the Grand Duke Gediminas on the banks of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, Vilnius has been a major trade centre in the Baltic region for centuries and was home to
the Hansa merchants, not to mention the many invaders who have occupied the country at different points throughout its long history: Germans, Poles, Russians, and
Swedes. Vilnius was also the general headquarters of Napoleon’s army when he attempted to occupy Russia. This multinational influence has affected the architecture of
the city, with its facades that now feature gothic, renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical styles, as well as its cultural and religious life. Here you can see a variety of
Catholic churches with their ornate facades and colonnades, austere Protestant churches with their high spires, and Orthodox cathedrals with their rich decoration and
onion-shaped cupolas, all of which serves as just one more reason why the historical centre of Vilnius is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vilnius was the
European Cultural Capital in 2009 as, despite its stateliness, it is an active modern city: its ambiance is young, lively, and dynamic thanks to the fact that Vilnius is the
main University City in Lithuania. Every year Vilnius hosts many colourful fairs, theatre performances, and festivals.
Vilnius Cathedral, with its imposing neoclassical façade, stands at the end of Gediminas Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Vilnius, a part of the vast Vilnius Castle
Complex that also includes the Upper Castle, Lower Castle, Royal Palace, and Arsenals. The whole complex is dominated by Gediminas Tower, rising from prominent
Castle Hill above Old Town, the start of our walking tour. First we will go by the Presidential Palace, the official residence of the President of Lithuania, and Vilnius
University, the oldest in the Baltic States and home to the Catholic Church of St. John. We will then admire renaissance-styled St. Michael’s Church; St. Anne’s
Church, which has the most beautiful exterior of all of Vilnius’ churches; the Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Bernardine); and the Orthodox Cathedral of the
Theotokos. The other side of the Vilnia River is home to the Uzupis artists’ quartier, where we will enjoy a panoramic view of Vilnius from near the Artillery Bastion
before re-entering through the city walls at the Gate of Dawn. We will walk in front of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit and St. Casimir’s Church before arriving
at Town Hall Square, a beautiful example of 18 th century Neoclassicism. Nearby are the Old Jewish Quartier, the Choral Synagogue, Orthodox St. Nicolas Church, and
Catholic St. Nicolas Church, the most ancient in Lithuania.
Visit to Vilnius Cathedral. The first Christian church was built here in 1251 to replace a pagan temple and commemorate the baptism of Mindaugas, the king of
Lithuania. The church was damaged and had to be rebuilt several times throughout the centuries, each rebuild featuring different styles, including gothic, renaissance,
and baroque, some of the remains of which still survive and are available for our viewing pleasure. The building’s present neoclassical facade was designed by Lithuanian
architect Laurynas Gucevičius at the end of the 18th century, while the cathedral’s interior contains many valuable frescos, pictures, sculptures, and tombstones. The
crypt is home to a valuable fresco dating back to the end of the 14th century: The Crucifixion, the oldest wall painting in Lithuania. St Casimir’s Church is a treasure
trove of frescos, decorative stucco works, and sculptures, being one of the most valuable examples of mature baroque architecture in Lithuania. A silver coffin made in
the 18th century holds the remains of St. Casimir, Grand Duke and patron saint of Lithuania. The cathedral’s external bell tower, a city landmark, was erected in the
15th century on the location of a defensive tower that was part of Vilnius’ Lower Castle.
Visit to Vilnius University. Founded in 1568 by Polish Jesuits at the initiative of King Stephen Báthory, it was from its inception an important cultural centre in the Baltic
region. Built mostly in the baroque style, we will admire its historical halls and the beautiful frescoes that decorate its arches and vaults. The university complex
occupies an entire district inside Old Town and is divided into 12 inner courts built during the last four centuries. The main court features the Church of St. John (Sv.
Jono), initially built in 1387 in the gothic style and then rebuilt in the 18 th century in Lithuanian baroque. Its bell tower, at 69 meters, is the tallest building in Vilnius’
Old Town.
Visit to the Catholic Church of St. John. This location inside the university was once home to a gothic church built at the end of the 14 th century that replaced an older
wooden one. In the 16th century the church was transferred to the Jesuits, who rebuilt it in the renaissance style and gave it its current structure. The facade was once
again modified in the 18th century after a fire, this time in the baroque style. The elegant bell tower is one of the tallest buildings in Old Town, at 69 meters. During the
Soviet occupation it became the typography department of the University, while nowadays it has returned to its religious functions and serves as the university’s church.
It is dedicated to both St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist.
Free afternoon.

DAY 3 / TUESDAY: VILNIUS – KAUNAS – SIAULIAI – RUNDALE – RIGA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Kaunas.
Complete panoramic tour of Kaunas. This city of rich history that was the capital of Lithuania between the two world wars is located at the confluence of the two
major rivers of Lithuania, the Neris and the Nemunas, close to the Kaunas reservoir. This strategic position, at the crossroads of several main trade routes, attracted
human settlements from as early as the second millennium BC, while the town is believed to have been founded in 1030. As trade flourished in the 15 th century, its
importance grew, finally becoming a member of the Hanseatic League in 1441. Due to its importance, the city has been attacked several times throughout its history by
the Teutonic knights, Swedes, Russians, and even Napoleonic armies. Regardless, the city still keeps a tight grip on its important cultural legacy, with many monuments
and other fascinating sites. Kaunas also has an important Jewish past, a community which composed up to 25% of the city’s population before World War II.
During this panoramic visit we will admire Government Square and some of Kaunas’ magnificent churches, among which are the Neo-Byzantine Church of St. Miguel
Archangel and Resurrection Church, with its wonderful views of the city. After a stop at busy Laisves Aleja (Liberty Avenue), the city’s main street, near gothic St.
Gertrude Church, we will make our way to the old city. Here we will discover the city’s main treasures, such as Vytautas Church, one of the oldest in the city; the
gothic House of Perkunas; baroque Kaunas City Hall; St. George’s Convent; St Francis Xavier Church; and the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica, the biggest gothic edifice in
Lithuania, and neighbour to majestic and recently restored Kaunas Castle, dating back to the 14th century.
Departure to Siauliai.
Free time for lunch.
Visit to the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai. Surrounded by beautiful nature about 12 km north of Siauliai, this mystical place is a Catholic pilgrimage site that has seen
pilgrims come to lay down their crosses and rosaries since the 14 th century as a sign of religious and national identity, including even Pope Jean Paul II in 1993. In spite of
the destruction of the landmark on numerous occasions by foreign occupiers, the number of crucifixes today is estimated to be more than 100,000, from tiny crosses to
the colossal crucifixes devoted to the martyrs and heroes of national independence.
Departure to Rundale.
Visit to Rundale Palace. This was the summer residence of the Duke of Courland-Semigallia, Ernest Johann Von Biron. Von Biron was born to a family of servants in the
Kettler dynasty, the dukes of Courland-Semigallia, and later entered the service of Bestuzhev, the Russian ambassador, one of the most powerful men in the duchy, and
the Russian princess Anna Ivanovna’s lover. A handsome man, Von Biron managed to replace his master as the princess’ lover, and when she became empress (tsarina) in
1730, Ernst Johann Von Biron was rewarded with estates, money, and titles. He followed her to Russia and quickly expanded his influence in the court, becoming the
most powerful man in the Russian Empire. When the last Duke of Courland-Semigallia from the Kettler dynasty died without an heir in 1737, Empress Anna Ivanovna
managed to secure the duchy for her protégé and lover. Von Biron then returned to his homeland as duke, where he lived a life of opulence and extravagance. Shortly
after arriving, he ordered that two luxurious palaces be built by the most famous architect in St. Petersburg, Bartolomeo Rastrelli: Jelgava Palace as his main residence
and Rundale Palace as his summer residence. Rastrelli built in Rundale a beautiful baroque, Italian-inspired palace with harmonious proportions, lavish stucco
decorations, and beautiful French gardens. After the duke’s death, the palace changed hands several times, including becoming the property of the Shuvalov family and
even the Soviet authorities. It has been recently restored and nowadays is used by the Latvian authorities to house the most important visitors of the country and heads
of foreign states. Its most stunning halls are the Golden Living Room, the White Living Room, and the Great Gallery, as well as the duke’s private rooms, all of them
decorated in the rococo style.
Arrival to Riga.
Accommodation.

DAY 4 / WEDNESDAY: RIGA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Walking tour of the historical center of Riga. Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the biggest and the most cosmopolitan of the three Baltic capitals. Situated on the banks of
the Daugava, or Dvina River and 10 kilometres from the Baltic Sea, Riga was an important trading post of the Vikings and then again of German merchants. By the 12 th
century some German missionaries arrived, and soon the Pope declared a crusade against the Baltic tribes in order to convert them to Christianity by force. The Christian
army was commanded by Albert Von Buxhoeveden, Archbishop of Bremen, who arrived in 1201. He fortified Riga, which under his rule became a city that minted its own
money and in 1221 signed its own constitution. After Albert’s death, Riga continued its development and in 1281 became a member of the Hanseatic League, while the
German nobility continued to rule the city under Polish, then Swedish, and finally Russian domination. After its annexation by Peter the Great in 1721, Riga experienced
a great economic boom, becoming the fourth city in the Russian Empire after St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Warsaw, and its most important port. Between 1920 and 1940
it became the capital of newly independent Latvia, and after World War II, Riga and all of Latvia, along with the other Baltic republics, was forcibly incorporated into
the Soviet Union. The capital of newly independent Latvia since 1991, the city is regaining its old splendour, and its historical centre is listed on UNESCO’s World
Heritage List, with Riga declared European Cultural Capital in 2014.
The centre of Riga is richly decorated with an incredible variety of architectural styles, including gothic, renaissance, baroque, classicism, Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, and
national romanticism. In the modern section, the Art Nouveau buildings and their fantastic decorative elements are extraordinary and unrivalled, while the wooden
buildings of the 19th century that still survive are also unique. We will enjoy a panoramic walking tour around the historical centre, with its perfectly preserved paved
streets and charming medieval atmosphere in which we will admire the magnificent buildings that belonged to the rich merchants of the Hansa. We will start our tour
with a view of Riga Castle, built in 1330, one of the most well-preserved castles in Northern Europe, and now the official residence of the President of Latvia and home
to the National History Museum of Latvia. We will then visit some parts of the old city walls, including the Swedish Gate and Powder Tower, after which we will
continue our visit through the old Nunnery and Hospital of the Holy Spirit. We will admire some of the city’s most ancient civil buildings, such as the House of The
Three Brothers, the oldest residence in Riga; the House of the Black Heads, which was the seat of the famous brotherhood of captains and Hanseatic merchants; and
the more recently built Small and Great Guild Halls, which were the cultural centres of the craftsmen and merchants, respectively. We will also visit the most important
religious buildings in Riga: St. James’ Cathedral, St. John’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, and the Dome, or Riga Cathedral. We will finish our walk in old Market Square
in front of the town hall.
Visit to St. Peter’s Church. A beautiful gothic building that dates back to 1209, it was carefully renovated after being damaged by fire due to bombings during World
War II.
Visit to the Dome (Riga Cathedral). The biggest church in the Baltic countries and a gothic pearl built in 1211 near the Daugava River, it also incorporates elements of
many other styles, including Romanesque, baroque, and even Art Nouveau. Dedicated to the Protestant cult, its austere interior gives an impression of solidity, with
some of its walls more than two meters thick. It is famous due to its spectacular organ, one that is the greatest in Europe and was inaugurated in 1844 with four
keyboards and more than 6,700 pipes.
Free afternoon.

DAY 5 / THURSDAY: RIGA – SIGULDA – TURAIDA – GUTMANIS – PARNU – TALLINN

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Sigulda.
Gauja National Park. The Gauja River valley is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Europe, with its rivers and streams, soft hills, thick forests, and exquisite
caves. Finno-Ugrian tribes called the Livonians came to the valley in the 11 th century, beginning the construction of numerous castles and wooden fortifications,
including Satesele, Turaida, and Kubesele. It has been declared a national park both for its natural beauty and for its historic importance. The main touristic centre of
the area is the town of Sigulda.
Complete panoramic visit to Sigulda. This charming town located in the centre of the Gauja Valley is the area’s main attraction. We will admire Sigulda New Castle,
constructed at the end of the 19 th century by the Kropotkin family, and the ruins of Sigulda Old Castle, built in 1207 by the Livonian Order. On the other side of the
Gauja River is the village of Turaida.
Visit to Gutmanis Cave. Situated on the banks of the Gauja River, it is the biggest and deepest cave in the whole Baltic region, and has been a touristic attraction for
centuries. It has also given rise to many stories and legends, the most famous being the “Rose of Turaida.” We will be able to admire some of the cave paintings that
adorn the walls.
Visit to Turaida. On the other bank of the Gauja River, across from Sigulda, lies the village of Turaida. Its wooden Lutheran church built in 1750 is one of the oldest
wooden churches in Latvia. We will also visit the Livonian graveyard where the tomb of Maija, the legendary "Rose of Turaida," and a sculpture garden are located.
Regardless, its main attraction is undoubtedly the medieval Castle of Turaida. Constructed in 1214, this majestic red brick building occupies a hill above the village and
has survived numerous wars, fires, and attacks.
Free time for lunch.
Departure to Parnu.
Short panoramic tour of Parnu. Situated 130 kilometres south of Tallinn at the mouth of the Parnu River and on the Baltic Sea, this city is known as the summer capital
of Estonia. This is because of how energetic Parnu gets during the summer thanks to the numerous visitors attracted to its sandy beaches and the beautiful forests
around them. The city has 750 years of history and a rich Hanseatic past. During our short stop, we will walk around Ruutli, Parnu’s main pedestrian street, which
features many typical wooden and stone Estonian buildings. We will see the Tallinn Gates, also known as the King’s Gates, and medieval Red Tower, dating back to the
15th century, making it the oldest monument in Parnu. We will also admire the exteriors of two beautiful baroque churches, Lutheran St. Elisabeth Church and
Orthodox St. Catherine Church, the latter of which was built by order of the Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great.
Arrival to Tallinn.
Accommodation.

DAY 6 / FRIDAY: TALLINN

Breakfast at the hotel.
Walking tour of the historical center of Tallinn. Tallinn is situated on the northern coast of Estonia across from Helsinki on the Gulf of Finland. Although there are
remains of human settlements from the fifth millennium B.C., and the city’s fortress already existed in 1050, Tallinn is officially considered to have been founded in
1219 by Danish crusaders. This explains the origin of its name, which in Estonian means “Danish City.” The city was rapidly fortified and developed, and in 1285 it
became the northernmost member of the Hanseatic League. The Danish were followed by Teutonic knights, whose descendants made up the majority of the population
until the 19th century, and called the city by its German name: Reval. Despite the fact that it was part of Sweden beginning in 1561 and a part of Russia beginning in
1710, the majority of the population remained Germanic, something that greatly influenced the city’s historical architecture. After Estonia gained independence in
1991, Tallinn’s centre was carefully restored, and today it is one of the most beautiful European capitals. The city fascinates with its old houses, narrow cobblestone
streets, and bell towers and spires reaching for the sky. Tallinn is a member of UNESCO’s World Heritage List and was declared European Cultural Capital in 2011.
We will have a walking tour through the charming medieval streets of the historical center. Tallinn’s old town is divided into two main parts: Toompea, or “Cathedral
Hill,” and All Linn, or the “Lower Town.” Estonia has always been ruled from Toompea, where we will appreciate Toompea Castle, where the Estonian Parliament
meets, and the Stenbock House, the official seat of the Estonian government. This spot also features the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral, and
we will also visit the belvedere to enjoy stunning views of the city. Afterward we will head to All Line, or Tallinn’s lower town, where renaissance and baroque facades
alternate with world-renowned Hanseatic architecture, also called the Brick Gothic Style. The oldest cobblestone streets and buildings here were built in the 13th
century, while along Muurivahe Street we will see several bastions and towers from the old city walls, the most remarkable being the Powder Tower, also called Kiek
in de Kok. We will then walk past the Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine and the Cistercian Nunnery of St. Michael. The most notable landmarks of the Lower
Town are the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads—a guild of young and single merchants—the Church of the Holy Ghost, St. Nicholas’ Church, and St. Olaf’s
Church, whose spire was the highest building in the world from 1549 to 1625. We will finish our tour at impressive Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square), where we will find
the town hall building that was built in 1404, and the Great Guild, built in 1410, whose gothic hall used to be the meeting place for the city’s merchants. On the
opposite side of the square sits Raeapteek (Town Hall Pharmacy), the oldest working pharmacy in Europe, which has been open since the early 15 th century.
Visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This large, richly decorated temple is the most important Orthodox church in Tallinn. Built on Toompea Hill in 1900 when
Estonia was part of the Russian Empire, the church is dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, Prince of Novgorod, and was erected by the Russians in place of a statue of Martin
Luther. It boasts Tallinn’s most powerful church bell ensemble, consisting of eleven bells made in St. Petersburg, including one that weighs 15 tons and is the largest in
Tallinn. You can hear the entire bell ensemble playing before church services. The interior features several icons and beautiful decorative mosaics, along with a massive
central cupola.
Visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral. This cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Tallinn. It was built shortly after the arrival of the Danish crusaders in Tallinn in the early
13th century, while the original wooden church was soon replaced by a gothic stone cathedral. It had to be rebuilt several times, which is why its architecture is a
menagerie of styles, the most obvious being gothic and baroque. The cathedral was the burial place for local nobility over the centuries: The Cathedral’s floor is paved
with tombstones and its walls are covered with heraldic reliefs of the German Baltic community. There is a magnificent carved wooden pulpit, and the cathedral is also
famous for its unique 1914 organ.
Free afternoon.
DAY 7 / SATURDAY: TALLINN
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day.

DAY 8 / SUNDAY: TALLINN (DEPARTURE)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to airport (without guide).
 PROGRAM
BALTIC STATES «ALL INCLUSIVE» 8D/7N

DAY 1 / SUNDAY: VILNIUS (ARRIVAL)

Arrival in Vilnius.
Transfer to the hotel (without guide).
Accommodation.

DAY 2 / MONDAY: VILNIUS – TRAKAI – VILNIUS

Breakfast at the hotel.
Walking tour of the historical centre of Vilnius. Vilnius is a true baroque jewel bursting with a treasure trove of architectural styles. The city’s Old Town features more
than 1500 historical buildings, making it one of the largest in Europe, while its pastel facades, beautiful churches, and cobblestoned streets create a unique, romantic
atmosphere.
At the same time, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is still a small city, perfect for walking along its cobblestoned streets, secret yards, and majestic squares. Founded in
1323 by the Grand Duke Gediminas on the banks of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, Vilnius has been a major trade centre in the Baltic region for centuries and was home to
the Hansa merchants, not to mention the many invaders who have occupied the country at different points throughout its long history: Germans, Poles, Russians, and
Swedes. Vilnius was also the general headquarters of Napoleon’s army when he attempted to occupy Russia. This multinational influence has affected the architecture of
the city, with its facades that now feature gothic, renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical styles, as well as its cultural and religious life. Here you can see a variety of
Catholic churches with their ornate facades and colonnades, austere Protestant churches with their high spires, and Orthodox cathedrals with their rich decoration and
onion-shaped cupolas, all of which serves as just one more reason why the historical centre of Vilnius is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vilnius was the
European Cultural Capital in 2009 as, despite its stateliness, it is an active modern city: its ambiance is young, lively, and dynamic thanks to the fact that Vilnius is the
main University City in Lithuania. Every year Vilnius hosts many colourful fairs, theatre performances, and festivals.
Vilnius Cathedral, with its imposing neoclassical façade, stands at the end of Gediminas Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Vilnius, a part of the vast Vilnius Castle
Complex that also includes the Upper Castle, Lower Castle, Royal Palace, and Arsenals. The whole complex is dominated by Gediminas Tower, rising from prominent
Castle Hill above Old Town, the start of our walking tour. First we will go by the Presidential Palace, the official residence of the President of Lithuania, and Vilnius
University, the oldest in the Baltic States and home to the Catholic Church of St. John. We will then admire renaissance-styled St. Michael’s Church; St. Anne’s
Church, which has the most beautiful exterior of all of Vilnius’ churches; the Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Bernardine); and the Orthodox Cathedral of the
Theotokos. The other side of the Vilnia River is home to the Uzupis artists’ quartier, where we will enjoy a panoramic view of Vilnius from near the Artillery Bastion
before re-entering through the city walls at the Gate of Dawn. We will walk in front of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit and St. Casimir’s Church before arriving
at Town Hall Square, a beautiful example of 18 th century Neoclassicism. Nearby are the Old Jewish Quartier, the Choral Synagogue, Orthodox St. Nicolas Church, and
Catholic St. Nicolas Church, the most ancient in Lithuania.
Visit to Vilnius Cathedral. The first Christian church was built here in 1251 to replace a pagan temple and commemorate the baptism of Mindaugas, the king of
Lithuania. The church was damaged and had to be rebuilt several times throughout the centuries, each rebuild featuring different styles, including gothic, renaissance,
and baroque, some of the remains of which still survive and are available for our viewing pleasure. The building’s present neoclassical facade was designed by Lithuanian
architect Laurynas Gucevičius at the end of the 18th century, while the cathedral’s interior contains many valuable frescos, pictures, sculptures, and tombstones. The
crypt is home to a valuable fresco dating back to the end of the 14th century: the Crucifixion, the oldest wall painting in Lithuania. St Casimir’s Church is a treasure
trove of frescos, decorative stucco works, and sculptures, being one of the most valuable examples of mature baroque architecture in Lithuania. A silver coffin made in
the 18th century holds the remains of St. Casimir, Grand Duke and patron saint of Lithuania. The cathedral’s external bell tower, a city landmark, was erected in the
15th century on the location of a defensive tower that was part of Vilnius’ Lower Castle.
Visit to Vilnius University. Founded in 1568 by Polish Jesuits at the initiative of King Stephen Báthory, it was from its inception an important cultural centre in the Baltic
region. Built mostly in the baroque style, we will admire its historical halls and the beautiful frescoes that decorate its arches and vaults. The university complex
occupies an entire district inside Old Town and is divided into 12 inner courts built during the last four centuries. The main court features the Church of St. John (Sv.
Jono), initially built in 1387 in the gothic style and then rebuilt in the 18 th century in Lithuanian baroque. Its bell tower, at 69 meters, is the tallest building in Vilnius’
Old Town.
Visit to the Catholic Church of St. John. This location inside the university was once home to a gothic church built at the end of the 14 th century that replaced an older
wooden one. In the 16th century the church was transferred to the Jesuits, who rebuilt it in the renaissance style and gave it its current structure. The facade was once
again modified in the 18th century after a fire, this time in the baroque style. The elegant bell tower is one of the tallest buildings in Old Town, at 69 meters. During the
Soviet occupation it became the typography department of the University, while nowadays it has returned to its religious functions and serves as the university’s church.
It is dedicated to both St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist.
Free time for lunch.
Visit to Trakai Island Castle. Situated 15 kilometres from Vilnius, Trakai was declared a national park not only because of the natural beauty of its 200 lakes and dense
fir and birch forests, but also because of the historical importance of the place: it was the seat of the Grand Dukedom of Lithuania and the second capital of the country
during the Middle Ages. Its imposing castle is a splendid 14 th century building on a small island in the middle of an idyllic lake. The majestic silhouette of its high, red
brick walls and slender towers are reflected in the lake’s waters.
After a short journey from Vilnius, we will discover this area with its stunning natural beauty, reaching the magnificent medieval castle of Trakai by crossing a wooden
walking bridge over the lake. The castle’s construction began at the end of the 14 th century as an enlargement of the neighbouring Peninsula Castle, complete with its
imposing Donjon, Ducal Hall, walls, and defensive towers.
Return to Vilnius.

DAY 3 / TUESDAY: VILNIUS – KAUNAS – SIAULIAI – RUNDALE – RIGA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Kaunas.
Complete panoramic tour of Kaunas. This city of rich history that was the capital of Lithuania between the two world wars is located at the confluence of the two
major rivers of Lithuania, the Neris and the Nemunas, close to the Kaunas reservoir. This strategic position, at the crossroads of several main trade routes, attracted
human settlements from as early as the second millennium BC, while the town is believed to have been founded in 1030. As trade flourished in the 15 th century, its
importance grew, finally becoming a member of the Hanseatic League in 1441. Due to its importance, the city has been attacked several times throughout its history by
the Teutonic knights, Swedes, Russians, and even Napoleonic armies. Regardless, the city still keeps a tight grip on its important cultural legacy, with many monuments
and other fascinating sites. Kaunas also has an important Jewish past, a community which composed up to 25% of the city’s population before World War II.
During this panoramic visit we will admire Government Square and some of Kaunas’ magnificent churches, among which are the Neo-Byzantine Church of St. Miguel
Archangel and Resurrection Church, with its wonderful views of the city. After a stop at busy Laisves Aleja (Liberty Avenue), the city’s main street, near gothic St.
Gertrude Church, we will make our way to the old city. Here we will discover the city’s main treasures, such as Vytautas Church, one of the oldest in the city; the
gothic House of Perkunas; baroque Kaunas City Hall; St. George’s Convent; St Francis Xavier Church; and the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica, the biggest gothic edifice in
Lithuania, and neighbour to majestic and recently restored Kaunas Castle, dating back to the 14th century.
Departure to Siauliai.
Free time for lunch.
Visit to the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai. Surrounded by beautiful nature about 12 kilometres north of Siauliai, this mystical place is a Catholic pilgrimage site that has seen
pilgrims come to lay down their crosses and rosaries since the 14 th century as a sign of religious and national identity, including even Pope Jean Paul II in 1993. In spite of
the destruction of the landmark on numerous occasions by foreign occupiers, the number of crucifixes today is estimated to be more than 100,000, from tiny crosses to
the colossal crucifixes devoted to the martyrs and heroes of national independence.
Departure to Rundale.
Visit to Rundale Palace. This was the summer residence of the Duke of Courland-Semigallia, Ernest Johann Von Biron. Von Biron was born to a family of servants in the
Kettler dynasty, the dukes of Courland-Semigallia, and later entered the service of Bestuzhev, the Russian ambassador, one of the most powerful men in the duchy, and
the Russian princess Anna Ivanovna’s lover. A handsome man, Von Biron managed to replace his master as the princess’ lover, and when she became empress (tsarina) in
1730, Ernst Johann Von Biron was rewarded with estates, money, and titles. He followed her to Russia and quickly expanded his influence in the court, becoming the
most powerful man in the Russian Empire. When the last Duke of Courland-Semigallia from the Kettler dynasty died without an heir in 1737, Empress Anna Ivanovna
managed to secure the duchy for her protégé and lover. Von Biron then returned to his homeland as duke, where he lived a life of opulence and extravagance. Shortly
after arriving, he ordered that two luxurious palaces be built by the most famous architect in St. Petersburg, Bartolomeo Rastrelli: Jelgava Palace as his main residence
and Rundale Palace as his summer residence. Rastrelli built in Rundale a beautiful baroque, Italian-inspired palace with harmonious proportions, lavish stucco
decorations, and beautiful French gardens. After the duke’s death, the palace changed hands several times, including becoming the property of the Shuvalov family and
even the Soviet authorities. It has been recently restored and nowadays is used by the Latvian authorities to house the most important visitors of the country and heads
of foreign states. Its most stunning halls are the Golden Living Room, the White Living Room, and the Great Gallery, as well as the duke’s private rooms, all of them
decorated in the rococo style.
Arrival to Riga.
Accommodation.

DAY 4 / WEDNESDAY: RIGA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Walking tour of the historical centre of Riga. Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the biggest and the most cosmopolitan of the three Baltic capitals. Situated on the banks of
the Daugava, or Dvina River and 10 kilometres from the Baltic Sea, Riga was an important trading post of the Vikings and then again of German merchants. By the 12 th
century some German missionaries arrived, and soon the Pope declared a crusade against the Baltic tribes in order to convert them to Christianity by force. The Christian
army was commanded by Albert Von Buxhoeveden, Archbishop of Bremen, who arrived in 1201. He fortified Riga, which under his rule became a city that minted its own
money and in 1221 signed its own constitution. After Albert’s death, Riga continued its development and in 1281 became a member of the Hanseatic League, while the
German nobility continued to rule the city under Polish, then Swedish, and finally Russian domination. After its annexation by Peter the Great in 1721, Riga experienced
a great economic boom, becoming the fourth city in the Russian Empire after St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Warsaw, and its most important port. Between 1920 and 1940
it became the capital of newly independent Latvia, and after World War II, Riga and all of Latvia, along with the other Baltic republics, was forcibly incorporated into
the Soviet Union. The capital of newly independent Latvia since 1991, the city is regaining its old splendour, and its historical centre is listed on UNESCO’s World
Heritage List, with Riga declared European Cultural Capital in 2014.
The centre of Riga is richly decorated with an incredible variety of architectural styles, including gothic, renaissance, baroque, classicism, Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, and
national romanticism. In the modern section, the Art Nouveau buildings and their fantastic decorative elements are extraordinary and unrivalled, while the wooden
buildings of the 19th century that still survive are also unique. We will enjoy a panoramic walking tour around the historical centre, with its perfectly preserved paved
streets and charming medieval atmosphere in which we will admire the magnificent buildings that belonged to the rich merchants of the Hansa. We will start our tour
with a view of Riga Castle, built in 1330, one of the most well-preserved castles in Northern Europe, and now the official residence of the President of Latvia and home
to the National History Museum of Latvia. We will then visit some parts of the old city walls, including the Swedish Gate and Powder Tower, after which we will
continue our visit through the old Nunnery and Hospital of the Holy Spirit. We will admire some of the city’s most ancient civil buildings, such as the House of The
Three Brothers, the oldest residence in Riga; the House of the Black Heads, which was the seat of the famous brotherhood of captains and Hanseatic merchants; and
the more recently built Small and Great Guild Halls, which were the cultural centres of the craftsmen and merchants, respectively. We will also visit the most important
religious buildings in Riga: St. James’ Cathedral, St. John’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, and the Dome, or Riga Cathedral. We will finish our walk in old Market Square
in front of the town hall.
Visit to St. Peter’s Church. A beautiful gothic building that dates back to 1209, it was carefully renovated after being damaged by fire due to bombings during World
War II.
Visit to the Dome (Riga Cathedral). The biggest church in the Baltic countries and a gothic pearl built in 1211 near the Daugava River, it also incorporates elements of
many other styles, including Romanesque, baroque, and even Art Nouveau. Dedicated to the Protestant cult, its austere interior gives an impression of solidity, with
some of its walls more than two meters thick. It is famous due to its spectacular organ, one that is the greatest in Europe and was inaugurated in 1844 with four
keyboards and more than 6,700 pipes.
Free time for lunch.
Visit to Riga’s Art Nouveau district. With more than 750 buildings featuring distinct facades and rich decoration, it is the biggest collection of Art Nouveau in the world.
Its construction started between the end of the 19 th century and the beginning of the 20 th century, but its most famous buildings are wonderful examples of Jugendstil,
which was characteristic of the inter-war period. There are two main types of Art Nouveau architecture and decoration in Riga: Rationalist-perpendicular, with vertical
lines along many floors, and National-Romanticism, which incorporates elements of traditional architecture and natural materials. In 1997, UNESCO included 475
hectares in Riga’s centre in its World Heritage List, a protected area that embraces the historical heart of the city and the surrounding districts on the right bank of the
Daugava River and includes most of the Art Nouveau district.
Visit to Jurmala. The largest resort city in the Baltic States is well known for its natural treasures: its mild climate, sea, healthy air, therapeutic mud, and mineral
water. The city’s main attraction is almost 33 kilometres of long white sandy beaches that are hedged by large pine forests and the city’s natural border, the river
Lielupe. More than 3,500 traditional wooden houses used to be summer residences for Riga’s elite, while most of these buildings are now declared national monuments.
Return to Riga.

DAY 5 / THURSDAY: RIGA – SIGULDA – TURAIDA – GUTMANIS – PARNU – TALLINN

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Sigulda.
Gauja National Park. The Gauja River valley is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Europe, with its rivers and streams, soft hills, thick forests, and exquisite
caves. Finno-Ugrian tribes called the Livonians came to the valley in the 11 th century, beginning the construction of numerous castles and wooden fortifications,
including Satesele, Turaida, and Kubesele. It has been declared a national park both for its natural beauty and for its historic importance. The main touristic centre of
the area is the town of Sigulda.
Panoramic visit to Sigulda. This charming town located in the centre of the Gauja Valley is the area’s main attraction. We will admire Sigulda New Castle, constructed
at the end of the 19th century by the Kropotkin family, and the ruins of Sigulda Old Castle, built in 1207 by the Livonian Order. On the other side of the Gauja River is
the village of Turaida.
Visit to Gutmanis Cave. Situated on the banks of the Gauja River, it is the biggest and deepest cave in the whole Baltic region, and has been a touristic attraction for
centuries. It has also given rise to many stories and legends, the most famous being the “Rose of Turaida.” We will be able to admire some of the cave paintings that
adorn the walls.
Visit to Turaida. On the other bank of the Gauja River, across from Sigulda, lies the village of Turaida. Its wooden Lutheran church built in 1750 is one of the oldest
wooden churches in Latvia. We will also visit the Livonian graveyard where the tomb of Maija, the legendary "Rose of Turaida," and a sculpture garden are located.
Regardless, its main attraction is undoubtedly the medieval Castle of Turaida. Constructed in 1214, this majestic red brick building occupies a hill above the village and
has survived numerous wars, fires, and attacks.
Free time for lunch.
Departure to Parnu.
Short panoramic tour of Parnu. Situated 130 kilometres south of Tallinn at the mouth of the Parnu River and on the Baltic Sea, this city is known as the summer capital
of Estonia. This is because of how energetic Parnu gets during the summer thanks to the numerous visitors attracted to its sandy beaches and the beautiful forests
around them. The city has 750 years of history and a rich Hanseatic past. During our short stop, we will walk around Ruutli, Parnu’s main pedestrian street, which
features many typical wooden and stone Estonian buildings. We will see the Tallinn Gates, also known as the King’s Gates, and medieval Red Tower, dating back to the
15th century, making it the oldest monument in Parnu. We will also admire the exteriors of two beautiful baroque churches, Lutheran St. Elisabeth Church and
Orthodox St. Catherine Church, the latter of which was built by order of the Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great.
Arrival to Tallinn.
Accommodation.

DAY 6 / FRIDAY: TALLINN

Breakfast at the hotel.
Walking tour of the historical center of Tallinn. Tallinn is situated on the northern coast of Estonia across from Helsinki on the Gulf of Finland. Although there are
remains of human settlements from the fifth millennium B.C., and the city’s fortress already existed in 1050, Tallinn is officially considered to have been founded in
1219 by Danish crusaders. This explains the origin of its name, which in Estonian means “Danish City.” The city was rapidly fortified and developed, and in 1285 it
became the northernmost member of the Hanseatic League. The Danish were followed by Teutonic knights, whose descendants made up the majority of the population
until the 19th century, and called the city by its German name: Reval. Despite the fact that it was part of Sweden beginning in 1561 and a part of Russia beginning in
1710, the majority of the population remained Germanic, something that greatly influenced the city’s historical architecture. After Estonia gained independence in
1991, Tallinn’s centre was carefully restored, and today it is one of the most beautiful European capitals. The city fascinates with its old houses, narrow cobblestone
streets, and bell towers and spires reaching for the sky. Tallinn is a member of UNESCO’s World Heritage List and was declared European Cultural Capital in 2011.
We will have a walking tour through the charming medieval streets of the historical center. Tallinn’s old town is divided into two main parts: Toompea, or “Cathedral
Hill,” and All Linn, or the “Lower Town.” Estonia has always been ruled from Toompea, where we will appreciate Toompea Castle, where the Estonian Parliament
meets, and the Stenbock House, the official seat of the Estonian government. This spot also features the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral, and
we will also visit the belvedere to enjoy stunning views of the city. Afterward we will head to All Line, or Tallinn’s lower town, where renaissance and baroque facades
alternate with world-renowned Hanseatic architecture, also called the Brick Gothic Style. The oldest cobblestone streets and buildings here were built in the 13th
century, while along Muurivahe Street we will see several bastions and towers from the old city walls, the most remarkable being the Powder Tower, also called Kiek
in de Kok. We will then walk past the Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine and the Cistercian Nunnery of St. Michael. The most notable landmarks of the Lower
Town are the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads—a guild of young and single merchants—the Church of the Holy Ghost, St. Nicholas’ Church, and St. Olaf’s
Church, whose spire was the highest building in the world from 1549 to 1625. We will finish our tour at impressive Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square), where we will find
the town hall building that was built in 1404, and the Great Guild, built in 1410, whose gothic hall used to be the meeting place for the city’s merchants. On the
opposite side of the square sits Raeapteek (Town Hall Pharmacy), the oldest working pharmacy in Europe, which has been open since the early 15 th century.
Visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This large, richly decorated temple is the most important Orthodox church in Tallinn. Built on Toompea Hill in 1900 when
Estonia was part of the Russian Empire, the church is dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, Prince of Novgorod, and was erected by the Russians in place of a statue of Martin
Luther. It boasts Tallinn’s most powerful church bell ensemble, consisting of eleven bells made in St. Petersburg, including one that weighs 15 tons and is the largest in
Tallinn. You can hear the entire bell ensemble playing before church services. The interior features several icons and beautiful decorative mosaics, along with a massive
central cupola.
Visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral. This cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Tallinn. It was built shortly after the arrival of the Danish crusaders in Tallinn in the early
13th century, while the original wooden church was soon replaced by a gothic stone cathedral. It had to be rebuilt several times, which is why its architecture is a
menagerie of styles, the most obvious being gothic and baroque. The cathedral was the burial place for local nobility over the centuries: The Cathedral’s floor is paved
with tombstones and its walls are covered with heraldic reliefs of the German Baltic community. There is a magnificent carved wooden pulpit, and the cathedral is also
famous for its unique 1914 organ.
Free time for lunch.
Visit to the Rocca al Mare Open-Air Museum. This beautiful museum is a splendid reconstruction of an Estonian village made with authentic wooden buildings brought
here from all over Estonia. It is located four kilometres west of Tallinn, in a forest on the shore of the Baltic Sea. The open-air museum features 72 buildings, including
private houses, barns, a chapel, a school, and traditional wind and water mills. It allows the visitor to discover what country life in Estonia was like during the 18 th and
the 19th centuries.
Return to the hotel.

DAY 7 / SATURDAY: TALLINN

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day.
Optional: Excursion to Helsinki.

DAY 8 / SUNDAY: TALLINN (DEPARTURE)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to airport (without guide).