Tallinn welcomes you, an endearing medieval city on the coast of the Gulf of Finland.

Not the most sought-after destination in Europe, the capital of Estonia deeply surprises everyone who chooses to explore it - with one of the best preserved old towns in Europe, unique ethnicity and pure nature - just to name a few. Often considered as a cohort of similar nations with Latvia and Lithuania, in reality Estonia

is much closer to Finland, both ethnically and linguistically. They share one of the most unusual and distant language groups in Europe, some traditions and an Eastern Scandinavic demeanor.

Like most other towns in the Baltics, Tallinn was founded as a result of so-called Northern Crusades, when Christianised Western Europe could not put up with the fact that there were still places on the continent where pagans and infidels roamed.

Colonization of Eastern Baltics started in the 13th century with Danish and German alternating reigns, until Danes sold these lands to Livonian and Teutonic Orders.

Tallinn, or then Reval, boomed when accepted to the Hanseatic League. We walk along the Toompea hill fortress, which since the city's foundation has been the center of the state's power. Through history, Danes, Germans, Swedes and Russians shaped the citadel, which finally was redeemed by Estonians as the House of Parliament after independence. Nearby, we cannot help stopping by the imposing sacral symbols of Tallinn: Dome Cathedral and the onion-domed Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The viewpoints on the hill are the best places to admire panoramic views over the terracotta-roofed old town and the Baltic sea.

Tallinn astonishes tourists with an amazingly complete medieval old town, especially in terms of defensive walls and towers that kept their authentic appearance since the 16th century. Narrow streets wend our way to the low town with the heart in the Town Hall square, its houses honed as if they were from a toy chest. Nearby

We appreciate Holy Spirit Church with its 17th-century Baroque clocks, their clock faces still telling the right time. We pay a visit to St. Nicolas’ church that hosts a museum, marveling at the Gothic and Northern-Renaissance art masterpieces.

Looking at all this medieval abundance, the fact that Estonia is one of the most digitized countries in the world is not the first thing that comes to mind. And this is just a start for your surprises in Estonia!

Today we keep on exploring Estonia and its capital. To complete our image of the city, we delve into Kalamaja district, an eclectic neighborhood that recently has become the hippest quarter of Tallinn. Adjacent to the sea, it used to be a residential area for fishers and dock workers, with typical timber houses. But since Tallinn’s

railway connection to St. Petersbourg in the 1870s, the district started booming with industrial buildings, which culminated in the Soviet Union’s constructivism zest.

Having become obsolete, the buildings got abandoned, and only after the independence Estonian youth decided to bring life to the district by transforming the rundown Soviet-era structures into trendy cafes, artsy galleries and contemporary cultural spaces. The revamped district is now one of the most happening places in Tallinn. We stroll through the so-called ‘Culture kilometer’, surveying gray cumbersome plants spruced up with street-art. Among other things, we will see Linnahall, a concrete Soviet-style giant that was meant to be an open-air concert hall.

We continue our adventures and our next stop is Kadriorg, a Baroque neighborhood, famous for its green parks and villas of wealthy Estonians. But its main highlight is definitely Kadriorg palace and garden – the largest palace and park ensemble in Estonia. The name means ‘Catherine valley’, since it was bestowed by the Emperor Peter I to his spouse Catherine I after Russia’s taking over the Estonian lands in the18th century. Legend has it that the Emperor himself laid three bricks as a foundation for the palace. We stroll through the manicured park, some of its trees more than 200 years old. In the park we also find the Presidential palace, standing in front of the Kadriorg.

The alley leads us to the Gulf where we are captivated by an enormous monument of a bronze angel with a cross. Here we find out that the monument was erected as a tribute to Russian sailors on the warship ‘Rusalka’ (‘Mermaid’) that sank in 1893. The statue towers 16 meters high, pointing in over the horizon. The angel’s image is said to have been inspired by a 17-year-old girl, who worked as a maid in the sculptor’s house.

In the afternoon we started our way to Riga. Overnight in Riga.

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the largest metropolis in the Baltics. Founded as a commercial hub in 1201 by the German bishop Adalbert who came here to spread Catholicism, the town soon became the hotspot of European trade. During history, Riga was heavily influenced by Germans, Swedes and Russians, which is imprinted in its Northern-styled ambience. The cityscape is dominated by spires of three churches: St. Jacob’s church, a perfect example of the brick Gothic; St. Peter’s cathedral, the oldest house of worship in Riga, with the best panorama from the belfry; and The Dome - the main cathedral in the city, the Seat of the Archbishop.

The Dome is also the keeper of one of the biggest organs in Europe. The Nativity Orthodox Cathedral in Neo-Byzantine style reminds us of the Russian period in Riga’s history. Nowadays Latvia has an approximately equal number of Catholic, Lutheran and Orthodox Christians in the country.

During our city tour we stroll through the narrow streets of the oldest part of the town - the Convent Yard, pay attention to the Powder tower and Riga castle. We also get a closer look at the buildings of the Large and Small Guild - broker houses of the times when Riga was one of the most powerful economic centers in Northern Europe, a member of the Hanseatic Union. We can’t miss visiting the House of Blackheads, probably Riga’s most splendid edifice. The House of the Blackheads has been delighting Riga residents and guests for almost 700 years, keeping historical legacy about the legendary brotherhood of the Blackheads.

We get to know a legend about the Cat House. Two cats stand on the corner turrets of a building facing the Large Guild, their backs arched and tails poised as if preparing for the leap. It is a famous and peculiar building, once scandalous and even a reason for a lawsuit.

We also stop by the Freedom Monument that symbolizes Latvian statehood, national unity and independence. The woman on top of the monument is holding three golden stars, which represent Latvia's historical regions. You can see representations of Latvian culture, imagined in the form of folk characters and historical events.

Just around the corner, we find ourselves meandering in the maze of bucolic wooden houses, secluded in the city center, which definitely add some cozy charm to the bustling capital. But even if it is already enough to be privileged with a status of UNESCO, Riga can offer much more. In the end of the 19th century, Riga exploded with a new architectural style that is now famous as Jugendstil (or Art-Nouveau). Around 800 quirky buildings with whimsical characters and ornate decorations appeared in the city, which today makes Riga the richest keeper of such architecture in the world.

In the morning we start our way to Vilnius - the capital of Lithuania. After a short refreshment break you will start a city tour. During our walk, we will discover the variety of architectural styles of historic churches and city buildings. The city’s Old Town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Charming neoclassical and baroque churches, a choral synagogue, a majestic castle, a cobbled labyrinth of parks, squares, bars, cafes, restaurants and the Gate of Dawn will make your impressions of this city unforgettable.

The symbol of Vilnius is visible from many spots in the Old Town and serves as a reminder of the romantic legend of Vilnius. This was the hill where the Iron Wolf appeared to Gediminas, the first Grand Duke of Lithuania, in a dream. This is how the story of Vilnius in the 14th century began. Although only the remains of the Upper Castle still exist, the restored tower is an integral part of the city. Today we will enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view of the city from the Gediminas Castle Tower. We go on to the main square of Vilnius - Cathedral Square. It is the heart of the Lithuanian capital. Life pulsates from the early morning until late at night here. We will visit the most important Catholic building in Lithuania - Vilnius Cathedral. A 57-meter tall bell tower stands right by the cathedral and is one of the symbols of Vilnius. We will not miss visiting the Cathedral catacombs.

Then you are on your way to the Church of St. Anne, which impresses you with its expressive towers, countless arches, hundreds of artworks, ornate metal gates, and many other embellishments. Standing tall about the Lithuanian capital St. Anne’s Church has watched history unfold around it. The 500-year-old church remains a prime example of Gothic architecture and is so beautiful that Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have admired the shrine. The most impressive part of the church is its facade - 33 diverse kinds of brick were used to build this one. The interior, including the altar, was shaped in Baroque style, but it is more modest than the beautiful facade.

We will also visit the Amber Museum-Gallery, since this stone is a symbol of the Baltics. You will see the biggest amber piece of this museum that weighs 3 kilograms. Also, you will be very surprised that amber can be white and black, green and red, varicolored, and even blue!

A truly miraculous place awaits us as well. The Gate of Dawn, in Lithuanian - Aušros Vartai is one of the most famous historical and religious monuments in Vilnius. Also, it is a pilgrimage site. The city’s defensive wall had ten gates, though the Gate of Dawn is the only one to have survived to the present day. The miraculous painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy in the Gate of Dawn is one of the most famous Renaissance paintings in Lithuania.

Today we continue our adventures and our road leads us to the medieval Trakai.

Trakai takes great pride from having been the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania although the Grand Duke ruled from this area only for a couple of years. Even after the moving of the ruling family to Vilnius, Trakai remained an important city, the capital of one of several Voivodeships of Lithuania. The former importance of Trakai is evident in the mighty 14th-century Trakai Island Castle. Now it houses a museum of the Lithuanian history. The castle is famous for its Gothic architecture and special location – a picturesque island on Lake Galve, one of the deepest lakes in Lithuania.

We will reach the castle by crossing the long wooden bridge and feel a real fairy tale atmosphere. From the very start of entering the castle, we seemed to go back in time. We will explore grand rooms full of medieval furniture, costumes, and maps. Also, we will discover the Grand Duke's Tower and climb the wooden stairs to visit the rest of the rooms. During our tour, we will touch the history.

After coming back to Vilnius, you have some free time to explore the city on your Own.

Today our itinerary comes to an end. You spent your time eventfully, discovered the culture of the country and will keep these emotions for your lifetime. We are always happy to become your devoted companion for your future travels!

 

● 6 x nights in 3* hotels: 2 x Tallinn(Hotel Tallink Express 3* or similar) , 2 x Riga (Rija Vef Hotel 3* or similar), 2 x Vilnius (Panorama Hotel 3* or similar).

● Meals: HB (Indian lunches).

● English-speaking local guidance in each city.

● English-speaking city tour: Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius.

● Transfer to all itinerary highlights outside Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius incl. Transfers from/to airports.

● Entrances: Dome Cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Nicolas museum in Tallinn; St. Peter’s cathedral, Dome cathedral, House of Blackheads, St. Jacob’s church in Riga; Cathedral catacombs, St. Anne’s Church, Amber Museum-Gallery, Gediminas Castle Tower in Vilnius; Trakai Island Castle.