9 days tour

Highlights Of Helsinki & The Baltics

$ 1,285 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $1,285.00

Highlights Of Helsinki & The Baltics

This tour includes:

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Accommodation

8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Guide

Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Others

Join a local guide for a walking tour of Helsinki, Finland’s capital Catch a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn Enjoy lunch at a medieval restaurant in Tallinn Discover Tallinn with a local guide Sightsee in Pärnu; a resort city in Estonia Visit Saulkrasti; a Latvian seaside town Learn about Latvian history at the Latvian War Cemetery Discover Riga; Latvia’s vibrant capital Visit the famous Hill of Crosses in Lithuania Marvel at Trakai Island Castle Explore Vilnius; capital of Lithuania

Not included:

Flights

You will be responsible for booking your own international and/or domestic flights. We additionally recommend you do not book your airfare until your place on the tour is confirmed. Please make sure to check the times that your tour will start and end before booking your flights.

Others

International flights Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. Travel insurance For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.  All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.

Optional

Optional excursions are not included in the tour cost. All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result. Some optional excursions need to be pre-booked, please contact us to find out more

Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide Expat Explore with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. The requirements include the following coverage: Trip Interruption Trip Delay Medical Expenses Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation The insurance must also cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. Before you book your tour, youโ€™re welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radarโ€™s insurance partner, Cover Genius.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Highlights Of Helsinki & The Baltics

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Of Tour In Helsinki
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Of Tour In Helsinki

      Your 9-day adventure through the Highlights of Helsinki and The Baltics starts today! Arrive in Helsinki, the capital of Finland and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel. After a brief introduction to the upcoming itinerary, set off on a locally guided walking and driving tour through Helsinki. Marvel at some of the city’s top sights including Senate Square, the Uspenski Cathedral, the Havis Amanda, Kauppatori Market and more! Be sure to note what you would like to explore more on your free day tomorrow. This evening, look forward to a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.


      Guided tour of Helsinki: Enjoy an insightful walking tour of Helsinki with a local guide this evening and see the city’s top sights and attractions. See the Havis Amanda, the famous art nouveau fountain which is said to symbolise the birth of the city of Helsinki, visit Senate Square, see Helsinki Cathedral which is Finlandโ€™s most photographed building, and marvel at Uspenski Cathedral which is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. Finish off the guided tour with a walk through Kauppatori Market where you can shop for souvenirs, keepsakes and well-priced Finnish crafts!


      Meals: supper
  • Day 2 Day 2: Helsinki: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Helsinki: Free Day

      Hei Helsinki! Today offers a full free day to discover this artistic and modern city which is consistently listed as one of the world’s happiest and most liveable cities. Why not visit one of the many saunas for a relaxing local experience? This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Suomenlinna Fortress on an optional excursion, including a ferry ride, light lunch and museum entrance. Then, join the Evening in Helsinki optional excursion to discover more of the city’s incredible attractions such as the Amos Rex art museum, Temppeliaukio Church and Sibelius Monument. Conclude an exciting day by sitting down for dinner with an ocean view and tasting delicious Finnish dishes!



      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 3 Day 3: Helsinki - Tallinn
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Helsinki - Tallinn

      Leaving the shores of Helsinki behind, it’s time to start our Baltic adventure! Catch a ferry and sail across the Gulf of Finland towards Tallinn, the enchanting capital city of Estonia. Arrive in the afternoon and head to a historic restaurant in the Old Town for an included lunch. Afterwards, set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Wander Tallinn’s charming cobblestone streets and admire its gorgeous medieval architecture while you learn more about this fascinating city. The evening is free to spend as you wish; choose to relax at the hotel or set off and do some more exploring!


      Helsinki to Tallinn ferry crossing: Hop aboard and enjoy a cruise across the Gulf of Finland, from Finland to Estonia. Be sure to take in the scenic views as the ferry makes its way to Tallinn.

      Lunch at a medieval restaurant in Tallinn: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town Square.

      Guided walking tour of Tallinn: Join a local guide for a walking tour of Tallinn, Estonia’s lively capital! Filled with mediaeval churches, cobbled walkways and a vibrant, contemporary culture, Tallinn is a photographerโ€™s dream. Highlights include St Olavโ€™s church, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tall Hermann Tower, Town Hall Square and more.


      Meals: breakfast,lunch
  • Day 4 Day 4: Tallinn: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Tallinn: Free Day

      After an introduction to the top attractions in Tallinn yesterday, take today as an opportunity to discover this enchanting city in-depth! Its compact size makes it easy to navigate and explore on foot. In the Old Town, be sure to visit the 12th Century St. Olaf‘s Church which has survived being struck by lightning about 10 times and burnt down three times! Wander around the Old Town, relax in one of the city’s many green spaces (did you know that Tallinn was Europe’s Green Capital in 2023?) or take in the views from the TV tower. The choice is yours on this free day!



      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 5 Day 5: Tallinn - Pรคrnu - Latvian Military Cemetery - Riga
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Tallinn - Pรคrnu - Latvian Military Cemetery - Riga

      Say “farewell” to Tallinn and head towards our next Baltic country. Before crossing the border into Latvia, visit Pärnu. This seaside resort town is a popular summer vacation spot for Estonians! After some time to explore, hop back on the coach. First stop in Latvia is Saulkrasti, a picturesque coastal town along the Gulf of Riga. Later this afternoon, arrive in Riga and stop to pay your respects at the Latvian Military Cemetery before arriving at the hotel for the evening. After checking into the hotel, visit Riga’s Old Town and admire the city’s Art Nouveau and Gothic architectural marvels on an orientation walking tour! Enjoy a free evening in this vibrant city.


      Visit Pärnu: Enjoy a stop in the resort city of Pärnu in southwestern Estonia. Pärnu is a seaside city overlooking Pärnu Bay and is renowned for its street art, colourful houses and scenic beach.

      Enjoy a stop in Saulkrasti: The seaside town of Saulkrasti is a great place to drink in the beauty of the Latvian shoreline without huge crowds. This is where Latvian locals spend days by the beach.

      Visit the Latvian Military Cemetery: Also called the Brothersโ€™ Cemetery or Cemetery of the Brethren, the Latvian Military Cemetery is a national monument that commemorates the sacrifice of 2,000+ Latvian soldiers who gave their lives for their country during 1915-1920, fighting in World War I and the Latvian War of Independence.

      Orientation tour of Riga: Embark on an orientation walking tour of Riga, Latvia’s exciting capital city. See the impressive architecture and learn more about Latvia’s history and culture. Riga boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere combined with Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture. The city is home to popular landmarks like the Riga Dome Cathedral, Saint Peter’s Church, Big Christopher, the Three Brothers, the Old City Wall and the Freedom Monument.


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 6 Day 6: Riga: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Riga: Free Day

      Enjoy a full free day to experience Riga! As the largest of the Baltic capitals and with over 800 years of history, Riga is sure to captivate with its blend of architectural wonders, luscious greenery and world-class cuisine. Wander through the UNESCO-protected Old Town and let landmarks like the House of the Black Heads and the Riga Dom Cathedral take your breath away. Treat yourself to a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants, do a spot of shopping or visit one of Riga‘s many celebrated museums or art galleries. However you choose to spend this free day, it’s sure to be one to remember!



      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 7 Day 7: Riga - Hill Of Crosses - Trakai - Vilnius
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Riga - Hill Of Crosses - Trakai - Vilnius

      Leaving Riga early this morning, get ready for a jam-packed day of incredible sights. Crossing the border from Latvia into Lithuania, today’s first stop is steeped in mystery and history. Visit the Hill of Crosses, an important religious site and UNESCO World Heritage Site near the city of Šiauliai. Then, travel onwards to Trakai. This quaint town is home to a true fairytale site - the Trakai Island Castle! After snapping plenty of pictures, the tour travels to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Embark on an orientation tour and spot some of the city’s most beautiful attractions including the Vilnius Cathedral, Church of St Anne and Gediminas Tower. Enjoy some free time before sitting down for dinner with the group.


      Visit the Hill of Crosses: Experience a visit to the Kryziu Kalnas Hill of Crosses in Lithuania which has been one of the world’s most singular expressions of human faith and sacrifice for over 100 years. Pilgrims have been flocking to the sight for centuries and today there are 200,000+ crosses, carvings and shrines. The tradition of leaving crosses on the hill began only in 1831 by relatives of rebels who died fighting the Russian tsar of the time. 

      Trakai Island Castle: First built in the 14th Century, Trakai Island Castle once served as a residence for the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Unfortunately, the castle was severely damaged by the 17th Century. It was finally rebuilt with incredible precision in the 1950s. In winter, the lake surrounding the castle freezes over and creates a fairytale-like atmosphere. In summer, bright blue waters and luscious greenery surround the castle, making it a top attraction in Lithuania all year round! 

      Guided tour of Vilnius: Join your tour leader for a guided tour of Vilnius. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers centuries of history to explore, and has a long and storied past. Learn about the history and see more of this city’s Baroque-style architecture and medieval buildings and monuments. Highlights include the Vilnius Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the Vilnius Town Hall and the Adam Mickiewicz statue. You can also cross the river into the Uลพupio Respublika, a self-proclaimed republic within Vilnius which has its own constitution and an army of 11 men.


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 8 Day 8: Vilnius: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Vilnius: Free Day

      Labas rytas Vilnius! Lithuania was occupied three times (twice by Russia and once by Germany) and this turbulent past is reflected in its capital’s impressive street art and museums. However, Vilnius is also full of life and locals take any opportunity to celebrate the city’s freedom and unique culture. Walk or take the funicular up Gediminas Tower, wander around one of Europe’s largest old towns or simply relax at one of the city’s many coffee shops. Join the Vilnius+ optional excursion to tour a political-prison-turned-ultra-cool-event-space, explore the self-proclaimed republic of Uลพupis, visit an Amber Museum and enjoy a tasty local lunch - all in one day! You’ll truly be spoilt for choice on this free day.



      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 9 Day 9: End Of Tour In Vilnius
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: End Of Tour In Vilnius

      After 9 days of discovering the top attractions in Helsinki and the many Baltic travel highlights, this unforgettable trip from Helsinki to Vilnius comes to an end this morning. Enjoy one final breakfast with your newfound travel buddies and be sure to swap contact details before going your separate ways. Wishing you a safe journey onwards!



      Meals: breakfast
+6
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 10 / Max: 90

Age range allowed for this experience.

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