Kensington
9 Day Helsinki & Baltics Highlights
9 Day Helsinki & Baltics Highlights
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and culture of the Baltic states and their Scandinavian neighbor, Finland. Travel south from Helsinki and visit the capitals of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania bursting with local flavors and UNESCO-recognized medieval architecture.
Uncover a mix of old and new in Helsinki, as your private guide leads you through the historic city center. Board a ferry and traverse the deep blue waters of the Baltic Sea to Tallinn, the beating heart of Estonia. Explore the charming old city and delve into the history of this small resilient nation. On your way to Latvia, experience a whiff of the Middle Ages, a time of romantic legends, castles, and heroic figures, when you visit the ruins of the 13th century Turaida Castle. Marvel at Europe’s largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Riga. Journey south to Lithuania; experience the essence of the centuries gone by at Rundale Palace, visit the storied Hill of Crosses, and expose your senses to the poetic beauty of Vilnius.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
| Day 1 |
This sustainable capital city will charm you with its beautiful sea-facing landscape, diverse architecture and world-famous design. While the city is modern and lively, the archipelago and green forests are quickly reached via an efficient public transportation system for those looking for nature. Helsinki's neoclassical buildings were often used as a backdrop for films set in the Soviet Union including The Kremlin Letter (1970), Reds (1981), and Gorky Park (1983). |
| Day 2 |
This sustainable capital city will charm you with its beautiful sea-facing landscape, diverse architecture and world-famous design. While the city is modern and lively, the archipelago and green forests are quickly reached via an efficient public transportation system for those looking for nature. Helsinki's neoclassical buildings were often used as a backdrop for films set in the Soviet Union including The Kremlin Letter (1970), Reds (1981), and Gorky Park (1983). |
| Day 3 |
A medieval gem on the north coast of Estonia, Tallinn is a cultural and historical treasure well worth attention on any adventure to the Baltics. This picturesque city will enchant you at every turn! From grand castles to resplendent cathedrals, Tallinn’s Old Town neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect place to begin exploring. Enter through Viru Väravad, or Viru Gate, the former fortress whose remaining two towers beckon you into the heart of the city. Highlights of Old Town include Tallinna raekoda, the Gothic-style town hall, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the instantly recognizable Russian Orthodox cathedral with towering domes, and Toompea Castle, an immense palace atop Toompea Hill and once the seat of Estonian royalty. Don’t forget to peruse Tallinn’s many museums to discover Estonia’s finest art and immersive historical exhibits. The Kumu Art Museum boasts the country’s best contemporary art pieces, while the Estonian Open Air Museum allows you to follow the footsteps of Tallinn’s villagers in preserved taverns and school houses dating back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Visit the KGB Museum to learn more about the city’s past occupation by the Soviet Union. Let Tallinn, Estonia enthrall you! |
| Day 4 |
A medieval gem on the north coast of Estonia, Tallinn is a cultural and historical treasure well worth attention on any adventure to the Baltics. This picturesque city will enchant you at every turn! From grand castles to resplendent cathedrals, Tallinn’s Old Town neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect place to begin exploring. Enter through Viru Väravad, or Viru Gate, the former fortress whose remaining two towers beckon you into the heart of the city. Highlights of Old Town include Tallinna raekoda, the Gothic-style town hall, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the instantly recognizable Russian Orthodox cathedral with towering domes, and Toompea Castle, an immense palace atop Toompea Hill and once the seat of Estonian royalty. Don’t forget to peruse Tallinn’s many museums to discover Estonia’s finest art and immersive historical exhibits. The Kumu Art Museum boasts the country’s best contemporary art pieces, while the Estonian Open Air Museum allows you to follow the footsteps of Tallinn’s villagers in preserved taverns and school houses dating back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Visit the KGB Museum to learn more about the city’s past occupation by the Soviet Union. Let Tallinn, Estonia enthrall you! |
| Day 5 |
Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia, offers a captivating blend of medieval charm and contemporary energy. Founded in 1201, Riga’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of stunning architecture and historical landmarks. Wander through its cobblestone streets to admire the intricately carved facades of buildings like the House of the Blackheads, a striking 14th-century guildhall that epitomizes Riga's rich merchant history. Nearby, the iconic St. Peter’s Church offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck, providing a perfect vantage point to appreciate Riga’s sprawling urban landscape. Riga's architectural landscape is a fascinating mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles. The city is particularly renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, with over 800 buildings showcasing this ornate and elaborate style. A stroll along Alberta iela reveals some of the most impressive examples of this architectural movement, where intricate details and whimsical designs bring a unique charm to the city. For a deeper dive into Riga’s architectural heritage, visit the Art Nouveau Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved building that exemplifies the era’s elegance and creativity. The vibrant Central Market, housed in former Zeppelin hangars, is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. It’s one of Europe’s largest and oldest markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to local delicacies. The market’s diverse array of stalls reflects Latvia’s culinary traditions and offers a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors. Additionally, Riga’s cultural scene is enriched by numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Riga Opera Festival and the annual Riga International Film Festival. Fun fact: Riga is home to the world's oldest professional symphony orchestra, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1926 and continues to captivate audiences with its exceptional performances. |
| Day 6 |
Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia, offers a captivating blend of medieval charm and contemporary energy. Founded in 1201, Riga’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of stunning architecture and historical landmarks. Wander through its cobblestone streets to admire the intricately carved facades of buildings like the House of the Blackheads, a striking 14th-century guildhall that epitomizes Riga's rich merchant history. Nearby, the iconic St. Peter’s Church offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck, providing a perfect vantage point to appreciate Riga’s sprawling urban landscape. Riga's architectural landscape is a fascinating mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles. The city is particularly renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, with over 800 buildings showcasing this ornate and elaborate style. A stroll along Alberta iela reveals some of the most impressive examples of this architectural movement, where intricate details and whimsical designs bring a unique charm to the city. For a deeper dive into Riga’s architectural heritage, visit the Art Nouveau Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved building that exemplifies the era’s elegance and creativity. The vibrant Central Market, housed in former Zeppelin hangars, is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. It’s one of Europe’s largest and oldest markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to local delicacies. The market’s diverse array of stalls reflects Latvia’s culinary traditions and offers a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors. Additionally, Riga’s cultural scene is enriched by numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Riga Opera Festival and the annual Riga International Film Festival. Fun fact: Riga is home to the world's oldest professional symphony orchestra, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1926 and continues to captivate audiences with its exceptional performances. |
| Day 7 |
Vilnius, the charming capital of Lithuania, is a city where historical grandeur meets vibrant modernity. The heart of Vilnius is its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Wander through its cobblestone streets and admire the stunning Baroque architecture. This architectural gem is renowned for its intricately decorated interior and the delicate plasterwork that graces its walls. Vilnius is also home to Gediminas’ Tower, a historical fortress offering panoramic views of the city. The tower is a remnant of the Upper Castle and provides a fascinating glimpse into Lithuania's medieval past. It's an ideal spot for those interested in history and photography alike. For more details on this landmark, visit the Vilnius Tourism Gediminas' Tower page. A stroll through the Uzupis district reveals a quirky and artistic side of Vilnius. Often compared to Paris's Montmartre, this bohemian enclave has declared itself an independent republic with its own constitution and artistic spirit. The district's vibrant murals and lively art scene make it a unique spot for exploration. Discover more about Uzupis at the Uzupis Art Incubator. Fun Fact: Vilnius is known for its impressive number of churches, with over 40 in the Old Town alone. This makes it a paradise for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual and historical insights. |
| Day 8 |
Vilnius, the charming capital of Lithuania, is a city where historical grandeur meets vibrant modernity. The heart of Vilnius is its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Wander through its cobblestone streets and admire the stunning Baroque architecture. This architectural gem is renowned for its intricately decorated interior and the delicate plasterwork that graces its walls. Vilnius is also home to Gediminas’ Tower, a historical fortress offering panoramic views of the city. The tower is a remnant of the Upper Castle and provides a fascinating glimpse into Lithuania's medieval past. It's an ideal spot for those interested in history and photography alike. For more details on this landmark, visit the Vilnius Tourism Gediminas' Tower page. A stroll through the Uzupis district reveals a quirky and artistic side of Vilnius. Often compared to Paris's Montmartre, this bohemian enclave has declared itself an independent republic with its own constitution and artistic spirit. The district's vibrant murals and lively art scene make it a unique spot for exploration. Discover more about Uzupis at the Uzupis Art Incubator. Fun Fact: Vilnius is known for its impressive number of churches, with over 40 in the Old Town alone. This makes it a paradise for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual and historical insights. |
| Day 9 |
Vilnius, the charming capital of Lithuania, is a city where historical grandeur meets vibrant modernity. The heart of Vilnius is its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Wander through its cobblestone streets and admire the stunning Baroque architecture. This architectural gem is renowned for its intricately decorated interior and the delicate plasterwork that graces its walls. Vilnius is also home to Gediminas’ Tower, a historical fortress offering panoramic views of the city. The tower is a remnant of the Upper Castle and provides a fascinating glimpse into Lithuania's medieval past. It's an ideal spot for those interested in history and photography alike. For more details on this landmark, visit the Vilnius Tourism Gediminas' Tower page. A stroll through the Uzupis district reveals a quirky and artistic side of Vilnius. Often compared to Paris's Montmartre, this bohemian enclave has declared itself an independent republic with its own constitution and artistic spirit. The district's vibrant murals and lively art scene make it a unique spot for exploration. Discover more about Uzupis at the Uzupis Art Incubator. Fun Fact: Vilnius is known for its impressive number of churches, with over 40 in the Old Town alone. This makes it a paradise for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual and historical insights. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
08/09/19 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $4,266 |
Get A Quote |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
