The Baltic Express: Tallinn - Riga - Vilnius
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Duration - 8 days
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Guide optionsEnglish
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Cancellation PolicyStrict
Overview
The Baltic Express: Discover the Baltic States at a gentle pace, traveling by train from storybook Tallinn to vibrant Riga and baroque Vilnius. Enjoy guided walks, time in nature, memorable local meals, and free afternoons in a small, friendly group.
Highlights
- Small group travel – maximum 12 travelers ensures personalized attention, deeper local interactions,
- Expert local guides in every country – specialized local knowledge in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
- Authentic local suppliers – stays, meals, and activities are sourced from local, non-chain businesse
- Slow train travel – comfortable, scenic journeys (max 120 km/h) between destinations
- Unique combination of UNESCO World Heritage sites and off-the-beaten-path discoveries
- Mindful travel supporting sustainable tourism in the region
- Handpicked hotels in prime locations, just steps from the train stations
- Half-board ensuring a relaxed journey: hearty breakfasts and authentic local meals included daily
Description
The Baltic Express: Tallinn - Riga - Vilnius
This 8-day adventure through the three Baltic States is designed for small groups of no more than 12 travelers, offering a personalized and sustainable travel experience. The journey combines slow train travel through scenic landscapes, lively city discoveries, and authentic local immersion, guided by expert trip leaders who bring each destination to life. Travelers stay in centrally located 3- and 4-star hotels with comfortable half-board arrangements. Highlights include medieval Tallinn and its UNESCO Old Town, Latvia’s Gauja National Park with castles and forest trails, Riga’s Art Nouveau district and Central Market, baroque Vilnius and its historic University, and the charming village of Trakai with its red-brick castle. Optional excursions explore national parks and artisan villages along the way. Every step of the journey is mindful of the environment, with a carbon footprint offset through tree planting in the regions visited. Combining culture, nature, and everyday Baltic life, this journey offers a thoughtful, immersive, and unforgettable Baltic experience.
What's included
- Inclusions:
- 7 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels, centrally located
- Half-board: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
- English-speaking trip leader and guide
- Travel by regular line trains (Tallinn – Sigulda – Riga – Vilnius)
- Guided cultural visits in Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius
- Visit to Turaida and Segewold Castles
- Entrance fees according to program
- Carbon offset – trees planted per traveller in Lithuania
- Roadbook with map of the Baltic States
- Reusable water bottle and gift pack
- Exclusions:
- Transport to and from Tallinn and from Vilnius
- Airport transfers unless pre-booked as optional
- Optional excursions including the Trakai Castle excursion in Vilnius, offbeat Tallinn tours or Seapl
- Harbor visit, and Kemeri National Park bog trail and lunch
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks outside included meals unless specified
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, tips, and gratuities for guides and trip leader
- Travel insurance
- Any additional activities outside the guided program
Itinerary
- Visited Places:
- Vanalinn
- Rotermanni kvartal
- Kalamaja
- Telliskivi Creative City
- Port Noblessner
- Balti Jaama Turg
- Balti jaam
- Valga
- Sigulda
- Castle Of The Livonian Order In Sigulda
- Turaida Castle
- Gauja National Park
- Krimuldas Muiža
- Riga
- Vecrīga
- Art Nouveau building
- City Canal
- Dome Square
- Riga Cathedral
- Livu square
- Riga Castle
- Ķemeri National Park
- Ķemeri
- Jūrmala
- Hill of Crosses
- Vilnius
- Vilnius Old Town
- Margutis Easter Egg
- Užupis
- Trakai Island Castle
Day 1: Tallinn – Arrival and first exploration of Tallinn at your own pace. Overnight at Hotel Shnelli 3/4, Tallinn (or similar).
Day 2: Tallinn – Guided walking tour of Tallinn’s UNESCO Old Town, including fortress walls and cobbled streets. Free afternoon to explore artisan cafés and viewpoints. Overnight at Hotel Shnelli 3/4, Tallinn (or similar).
Day 3: Sigulda – Scenic 390 km train journey through forests and lakes to Sigulda, followed by a guided walk in the town and visit to Segewold Castle. Meet a local artisan at a walking-stick workshop. Overnight at Hotel Sigulda 3/4, Sigulda (or similar).
Day 4: Gauja National Park & Riga – Hike the Valley of Caves and enjoy a rustic countryside lunch. Visit Turaida Castle, sculpture park, and Krimulda Manor with wine tasting, then take a cable car ride over the valley. Train to Riga for dinner and folk dancing. Overnight at Opera Hotel 3/4, Riga (or similar).
Day 5: Riga – Guided walking tour of Riga’s medieval Old Town, followed by exploration of the Art Nouveau district and apartment-museum. Visit the Central Market. Overnight at Opera Hotel 3/4, Riga (or similar).
Day 6: Riga to Vilnius – Free morning in Riga or optional trip to Kemeri National Park, afternoon train to Vilnius, passing the Hill of Crosses along the way. Overnight at Hotel Conti 4, Vilnius (or similar).
Day 7: Vilnius & Trakai – Guided walk through Vilnius’ baroque Old Town and University (1579). Lunch at a socially responsible restaurant. Optional excursion to Trakai to see the red-brick castle, wooden houses, and Karaite heritage. Overnight at Hotel Conti 4, Vilnius (or similar).
Day 8: Vilnius – Morning free to explore Vilnius at your own pace before departure or onward journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does the The Baltic Express: Tallinn - Riga - Vilnius take?
The Baltic Express: Tallinn - Riga - Vilnius duration is 8 days.
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You can book The Baltic Express: Tallinn - Riga - Vilnius at least in 21 days. Check availability calendar in "Book Now" form to see currently available dates.
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