10 days tour

Winter In The Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

Winter In The Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

This tour includes:

Meals

There are buffet breakfasts in the hotels offering plenty of choice including cold meats, cheese, eggs, bread, jams, juice and coffee. Dinners are taken in the hotel restaurants or in local restaurants and will be hearty meals. Cuisine in this area is often centred around pork, veal, fish, potatoes, sauerkraut, and soups such as borsch (beetroot soup โ€“ in Lithuania this is also served cold). Dumplings are also popular and, in Trakai, large and delicious baked dumplings called kibinai are traditionally served.

Accommodation

The hotels typically used are found in the day-to-day itinerary. However, below is a selection of the notable places we stay. Vilnius: Comfort Hotel LT โ€“ Rockโ€™nโ€™Roll Vilnius (nights 1-2) With an industrial style and music theme, our Vilnius hotel has plenty of personality. The 80 rooms are all air conditioned with underfloor heating in the bathroom, plus the Mellow restaurant serves a menu packed with local produce. Other nice additions are a free-to-use gym and a lobby shop selling beers, snacks, sandwiches and more. Riga: Islande Hotel (nights 3-4) Near the Daugava River, the Islande has a magnificent panoramic view of Riga Old Town. Itโ€™s located in a green area of ฤถฤซpsala island, a 12-minute walk from the Old City, and offers a wide range of amenities, including a bowling alley, sauna, gym, two restaurants and a summer terrace. Helsinki to Stockholm: Overnight ferry (night 8) On our journey between the Finnish and Swedish capitals, we stay on the Silja Symphony or Silja Serenade (above) ferries. Both offer a comfortable stay on the Baltic Sea, with modern cabins, a variety of restaurants and cafes, plus a spa. Stockholm: ProfilHotels Riddargatan (night 9) An excellent location near the action and Scandi style makes ProfilHotels Riddargatan an ideal spot to explore the Swedish capital. Thereโ€™s also a library for some downtime plus a lobby bar for a glass of wine.

Guide

Normally four to 16, plus local leader and driver.

Transport

Travel is by private bus and scheduled boat services. The journey times vary and there are some longer distances to cover (up to 186mi/300km), which will mean several hours on the bus. However, we feel this is essential to see all the highlights.

Not included:

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available from on request) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Winter In The Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Vilnius
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Vilnius

      We begin this winter trip in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. If you have free time, you may wish to get a sneak preview of tomorrowโ€™s tour by wandering around the baroque old town โ€“ said to be the largest of its kind in eastern Europe. This evening, we have a welcome briefing at the hotel, in which we discuss the trip to come and meet each other for the first time. Accommodation: Comfort Hotel LT โ€“ Rockโ€™nโ€™Roll Vilnius (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Visit The Island Castle At Trakai; Tour Of Vilnius (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Visit The Island Castle At Trakai; Tour Of Vilnius (Breakfast)

      In the morning, we have a 30-minute transfer (18mi/30km) to Trakai, the one-time capital of Lithuania. Here we see Trakai island castle, a centuries-old stone fort on an island in Lake Galvฤ—. Itโ€™s a picturesque place to be and thereโ€™s a market around the waters. After our visit, we return to Vilnius for a three-hour bus and walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Senamiestis (Old Town), visiting the highlights, including: the cathedral; presidential palace; and the Aurora Gate, home to a well-known icon of the Virgin. Depending on your departure date, you may also be able to explore the enchanting Vilnius Christmas Market, which transforms Cathedral Square into a winter wonderland. Under the gleaming white of the towering cathedral spire, festive stalls offer handmade crafts, local treats and decorations. Sample traditional holiday sweets, pastries, and festive dishes at local cafes and restaurants. Accommodation: Comfort Hotel LT โ€“ Rockโ€™nโ€™Roll Vilnius (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Transfer To Riga, Visiting Kaunas, Siauliai Chocolate Factory And The Hill Of Crosses (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Transfer To Riga, Visiting Kaunas, Siauliai Chocolate Factory And The Hill Of Crosses (Breakfast,Lunch)

      We leave Vilnius this morning for Riga, the capital of Latvia. After 62mi (100km), which should take around 1hr 15min, we stop in Kaunas. Here, we have a two to three-hour tour to admire the architectural treasures of the city. It includes: the Vytautas Church; Perkunas house; baroque town hall; and Kaunas Cathedral, the largest gothic building in Lithuania. We continue our journey (95mi/155km, 2hr 15min) and stop at Siauliai, where we learn about the first chocolate factories in Lithuania. Here we visit the oldest chocolate factory in the country, where we learn how their chocolate is tempered and the artisan confections are produced. We also get the chance to make our very own, picking from various ingredients and wrapping them as a souvenir to go. After, we have a 10-minute drive to the Hill of Crosses, a striking collection of more than 100,000 crosses on a low hill. Itโ€™s a pilgrimage site but also acted as a symbol of defiance against the once-ruling Soviets, who had banned religion. The spot is now recognised by UNESCO as a symbol of national and religious identity. We then have a two-hour drive (80mi/125km) to Riga, arriving between 7.30pm and 8pm. We have the rest of the evening free to enjoy the wintery capital of Latvia. You may wish to try traditional Latvian foods such as grey peas with bacon, potato pancakes (kartupeฤผu pankลซkas), and sauerkraut soup (skฤbeล†u zupa) at the restaurants and cafes. Accommodation: Riga Islande Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Riga Walking Tour (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Riga Walking Tour (Breakfast)

      Today we enjoy a two-hour walking tour of Riga, including Riga Castle, the Lutheran Cathedral Dome; St Peterโ€™s Church, and the Swedish Gate. We also visit the Central Market. Here, vast hangers that once housed zeppelins are filled with delicious goods. Learn about Latvian cuisine and cultural traditions from our tour leader and tuck into a variety of local specialties, such as: cheese, smoked products, pickled vegetables, fish and bread; and traditional black balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made from a recipe that includes various natural ingredients, such as roots, herbs and spices. We then have free time to explore Riga. You might like to visit the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, or the Riga Art Nouveau Museum. When the Christmas spirit is in full swing, we can wander the cobbled streets of the old town, where the medieval buildings are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, and visit Dome Square, where Christmas stalls offer mulled wine and Latvian treats. Accommodation: Riga Islande Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Transfer To Tallinn; Visit The Oldest Coffee Shop In Estonia (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Transfer To Tallinn; Visit The Oldest Coffee Shop In Estonia (Breakfast)

      We leave Riga this morning and transfer (195mi/315km, 4hr 30min) to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. After free time for lunch, we visit the oldest coffee shop in the country. Here, we learn about marzipan painting โ€“ an ancient tradition in Tallinn โ€“ from a pro and create a figure of our own, while also enjoying coffee and sweet treats. We then have free time to experience Tallinn in winter. Depending on the time of year, we can visit Tallinn Christmas Market, magical with its Old Town backdrop. The entire square is dressed in lights, festive ornaments and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Alternatively, your free time could be spent in the bohemian district of Kalamaja, exploring Balti Jaama market or at the Fotografiska Tallinn Photography Museum. Accommodation: Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6: Tour Tallinn; Free Time For More Exploration (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Tour Tallinn; Free Time For More Exploration (Breakfast)

      This morning, we have a three-hour walking tour of the Tallinn landmarks, visiting: Toompea Palace, the seat of the Estonian Parliament, the medieval Toompea Fortress, Alexander Nevski Orthodox Cathedral, the Church of St Maria (13th to 18th century), the Town Hall Square and the 15th-century Pharmacy. After, we have free time to further explore Tallinn, perhaps revisiting the Christmas market or indulging in other wintery treats. Accommodation: Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Ferry To Helsinki; Walking Tour To Explore The Finnish Capital (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Ferry To Helsinki; Walking Tour To Explore The Finnish Capital (Breakfast)

      We leave Tallinn this morning and take the ferry (1hr 30min) across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, capital of Finland. The ferry features multiple restaurants and cafes, some also offer entertainment such as live music, performances or cinemas. After arriving, we have a 15-minute transfer to the hotel. We then embark on a two-hour walking tour (we may use public transport). Our exploration takes us around the harbours, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and market square. We also explore the Temppeliaukio Church, a spectacularly futuristic Lutheran church dug into bedrock. We then have free time to enjoy Helsinki. Accommodation: Arthur Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 8: Free Time In Helsinki; Overnight Ferry To Stockholm (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Free Time In Helsinki; Overnight Ferry To Stockholm (Breakfast)

      After checkout, we have free time in the city. To make our explorations a little easier, we can store luggage at the hotel. The Finnish capital is home to many beautiful parks. Esplanadi or Kaivopuisto look particularly beautiful in the snow. Alternatively, embrace the Finnish tradition of saunas, there are several public ones to try. We then have an overnight ferry to Stockholm, leaving at 5pm. The vessel typically has a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars and entertainment. Accommodation: Ferry

  • Day 9 Day 9: City Tour Of Stockholm (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: City Tour Of Stockholm (Breakfast)

      We have breakfast on the ferry, before transferring to the hotel, where we can store our luggage. We then embark on a three-hour city tour of Stockholm by bus and foot. It includes two squares on Riddarholmen and Sรถdermalm islands and a walk through the Old Town. We then have free time to enjoy Stockholm, which offers a variety of winter activities and attractions. Indulge in the Swedish custom of fika, a cultural institution in which friends socialise over a hot drink and snack or pastry. Alternatively, visit the spa facilities at Centralbadet and Sturebadet for a Swedish sauna or discover the city on a guided boat tour that visits the Fjรคderholmarna islands. Depending on your departure date, you could explore the Christmas markets, where you can enjoy festive decorations, local crafts and seasonal treats. The cold period is the perfect time to enjoy hearty Swedish dishes, such as pea soup (รคrtsoppa) with pancakes (รคrtsoppa och pannkakor), warm cinnamon buns (kanelbullar), and mulled wine (glรถgg). Accommodation: Profil Hotels Riddargatan (or similar)

  • Day 10 Day 10: End Stockholm (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: End Stockholm (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin our return journeys home. If youโ€™d like a little more time to explore Stockholm, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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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: 16 / Max: 80

Age range allowed for this experience.

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