THE GRAND BALTIC RAIL JOURNEY
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Duration - 11 days
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Guide optionsEnglish
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Cancellation PolicyStandard
Overview
The Grand Baltic Rail Journey offers a relaxed and thoughtful way to explore the region in small groups of no more than 12 travelers. It combines slow train travel, vibrant cities and authentic local experiences with stays in comfortable, centrally located 3-star hotels with half-board.
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 cultural highlights – the Hill of Crosses, Old Believers’ villages, Curonian Spit
Description
THE GRAND BALTIC RAIL JOURNEY
This 11-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-star hotels with comfortable half-board arrangements. Highlights include Vilnius’ baroque Old Town, Trakai Castle, the Curonian Spit, Latvia’s Rundāle Palace and Riga’s Art Nouveau district, Estonia’s Tartu, medieval Tallinn, and the traditional Old Believers’ villages along Lake Peipus. Optional excursions explore national parks and lakeside villages. 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 life, this journey offers a thoughtful, immersive, and unforgettable Baltic experience.
What's included
- Inclusions:
- Expert English-speaking trip leader/guide for a local’s point of view.
- 10 nights in centrally located 3-star hotels
- Travel on scheduled trains, in 2nd class
- Travel on an air-conditioned van/minibus
- Pedal boat or sailboat cruise on Lake Galve in Trakai
- Guided cultural tours: Vilnius, Trakai, Klaipeda, Curonian Spit, Riga, Sigulda, Tartu, Lake Peipus,
- Original visits: Vilnius University, Riga Art Nouveau Museum, Museum of Banned Books (in Tallinn).
- Visits to important monuments: Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, Sigulda Castle.
- Entrance fees according to the program.
- Carbon offset: 3 trees planted per traveler in a deforested area of Lithuania.
- Road book with a map of the Baltic States
- Small group guarantee: Never more than 12 travelers.
- Half-board: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners with wine/beer.
- Exclusions:
- International flights to/from the trip start and end points
- Travel insurance (medical, trip cancellation, or baggage)
- Optional excursions (e.g., Kemeri National Park & Jurmala seaside)
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary (outside half board)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, tips, etc.)
- Ferry or local transport for optional extensions or side trips beyond the main itinerary
- Visa fees, if applicable
- Gratuities for guides or drivers
Itinerary
- Visited Places:
- Vilnius
- Trakai
- Klaipeda
- Curonian Spit
- Šiauliai County
- Pilsrundāle
- Riga
- Sigulda
- Tartu
- Lake Peipus
- Tallinn
The Grand Baltic Rail Journey – 11 Days
Day 1: Vilnius – Arrival and first stroll through Vilnius’ charming streets. Overnight at Hotel Panorama 3*, Vilnius (or similar).
Day 2: Vilnius & Trakai – Guided walk through Vilnius’ baroque Old Town and Vilnius University. Train to Trakai to see the red-brick castle on the lake, wooden houses, and Karaite heritage. Overnight at Hotel Panorama 3*, Vilnius (or similar).
Day 3: Across Lithuania to the Baltic Sea Coast – Scenic 376 km train journey through countryside. Guided walk in Klaipėda’s historic port and evening stroll on the Curonian Spit. Overnight at Hotel Memel 3*, Klaipėda (or similar).
Day 4: Curonian Spit – Explore the UNESCO-listed peninsula by ferry, minivan, and on foot. Visit Juodkrantė, Hill of Witches, Amber Museum in Nida, and enjoy the dunes. Overnight at Hotel Memel 3*, Klaipėda (or similar).
Day 5: Hill of Crosses & Rundāle Palace – Train to Siauliai to see the Hill of Crosses, lunch in a small-town family restaurant, then visit Rastrelli’s baroque Rundāle Castle in Courland. Overnight at Opera Hotel 3*, Riga (or similar).
Day 6: Riga – Guided walk through Riga’s medieval Old Town and Art Nouveau district. Visit the Art Nouveau Museum and Central Market. Overnight at Opera Hotel 3*, Riga (or similar).
Day 7: Riga at leisure or coastal escape – Free day to explore museums, neighborhoods, and cafés, or optional train trip to Kemeri National Park and Jurmala seaside. Evening dinner with folk dancing. Overnight at Opera Hotel 3*, Riga (or similar).
Day 8: Gauja National Park & Tartu – Explore Latvia’s “Little Switzerland” with its castle and nature trails. Visit Sigulda’s creative quarter and market. Train to Tartu for guided walk and dinner in the creative factory district. Overnight at Hotel Dorpat 3*, Tartu (or similar).
Day 9: Old Believers’ villages & Tallinn – Excursion along the Onion Route to lakeside fishing villages and Old Believers’ heritage. Train through Estonian countryside to Tallinn. Overnight at Hotel Shnelli 3*, Tallinn (or similar).
Day 10: Tallinn – Guided tour of Tallinn’s walled Old Town and fortress towers. Free afternoon to explore artisan shops and viewpoints. Farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel Shnelli 3*, Tallinn (or similar).
Day 11: Tallinn & Departure – Free time to explore Tallinn at your own pace before departure or onward journey.
Trip Details: Small group of up to 12 travelers, slow train travel, expert local trip leader, centrally located 3-star hotels, half board, unique stops, authentic suppliers, sustainable travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does the THE GRAND BALTIC RAIL JOURNEY take?
THE GRAND BALTIC RAIL JOURNEY duration is 11 days.
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You can book THE GRAND BALTIC RAIL JOURNEY at least in 60 days. Check availability calendar in "Book Now" form to see currently available dates.
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