Exploring by train and hiking in the heart of the Baltic States

Breakfast at the hotel, then meet with your guide to get to know the group, presentation of the trip and distribution of your detailed road book and a welcome gift .

Explore Vilnius on foot: the Gate of Dawn, the Chapel of Mercy, the Orthodox and Catholic churches, Town Hall Square, and the old Jewish Quarter. Visit Vilnius University , founded in 1579, its historic courtyards, and admire the rooftops of the Old Town from the bell tower of St. John's Church . Also discover St. Anne's Church, a jewel of Gothic brick architecture, and the Cathedral with its St. Casimir Chapel.

Lunch included in a socially and inclusively-oriented restaurant in the heart of the old town.

In the afternoon, travel by electric train to Trakai , the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, nestled in a national park dotted with glacial lakes. Explore this picturesque village and discover the heritage of the Karaite community, its traditions, and its cuisine. Enjoy a boat trip around the island castle , an emblem of Trakai, before walking to the train station (approximately 3 km) and returning to Vilnius by train. Evening at leisure.

Night in Vilnius, in a central 3-star hotel: Panorama SKY, Moon Garden or similar.

🚆 Distance by train: 60 km

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 10 to 12 km

🕒 Duration of activities: from 8:30 am to 7 pm

Breakfast at the hotel, then a stroll through the bohemian Užupis district with your guide or a leisurely morning, depending on your preference. Nicknamed the "Montmartre of Vilnius," this artists' quarter declared itself an independent republic in 1997, with its own flag, symbolic currency, and poetic constitution.

Late morning departure by train to Klaipėda . During the 4-hour journey and the 376 km covered, admire the Lithuanian landscapes, including meadows, hills, towns, and villages. Hot drinks and snacks are available on board.

Upon arrival, take public transport to your hotel before exploring Klaipėda, formerly Memelburg and a port city with a rich Prussian past. Your walk will take you from the Stock Exchange Bridge to the sailing ship Meridianas, passing by Theatre Square, half-timbered houses, Friedrich Alley, the Old Castle, and the quays along the Dangė River.

In the early evening, take the ferry to the Curonian Spit , offering beautiful views of the port and its tall ships. Enjoy a stroll along the lagoon, then through the forest to the sandy beach on the Baltic Sea. A typical dinner with drinks awaits you on the spit , and for the more adventurous, a swim in the Baltic Sea!

🚆 Distance by train: 376 km

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 6 km

🕒 Duration of activities: from 8:30 am to 9 pm

Night in Klaipėda, in a central 3-star hotel: Old Mill Hotel, Memel Hotel or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure by minibus for a day exploring the Curonian Spit , a narrow strip of sand classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, between the Baltic Sea and the lagoon.

In Juodkrantė, set off on a hike on Witch Hill , a forest trail dotted with more than 100 wooden sculptures inspired by Lithuanian folklore, featuring fantastic creatures, witches and fairytale characters.

In Nida, stroll through the narrow streets lined with colorful houses, admire the old fishermen's cottages and traditional weather vanes, then visit the Amber Museum , dedicated to this iconic Baltic resin and its history. Enjoy lunch in a fisherman's tavern featuring local smoked fish.

Continue with a stroll along the lagoon, discovering the Courland cemetery, the house of Thomas Mann and the famous "Italian view".

In the late afternoon, head to the Parnidis dune to admire the panoramic views of the shifting dunes, the forests, the lagoon, and the Baltic Sea. You can also enjoy some free time to visit the beach, search for amber, or climb to the lighthouse.

Return to Klaipėda and free evening. Take the opportunity to discover a local brewery and its craft beers or enjoy dinner in a restaurant in the city.

Night in Klaipėda, in a central 3-star hotel: Old Mill Hotel, Memel Hotel or similar.

🚐 Distance by minibus: 95 km

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 6 km

🕒 Duration of activities: from 9am to 6pm

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer by public bus to the train station and departure by train to Šiauliai (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, meet your private transport to reach the Hill of Crosses , an iconic site in Lithuania. Since the 19th century, thousands of crosses have been placed there, symbols of faith, hope, and resistance to the atheism imposed under the Soviet regime. Having become an international pilgrimage site, it notably hosted Pope John Paul II in 1993.

Continue to Joniškis for a typical lunch in a family-run restaurant , before crossing into Latvia and visiting Rundāle Palace , nicknamed the "Little Versailles" of Courland. This Baroque and Rococo masterpiece, designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, architect of the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, reveals its state rooms, galleries, and the apartments of the Duke and Duchess, testaments to the splendor of the former Duchy of Courland.

At the end of the day, we'll travel to Riga , the Latvian capital and metropolis of the Baltic States. Founded in 1201, it charms visitors with its UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, its gardens, its picturesque canal, and its remarkable Art Nouveau heritage. The evening is free for a first exploration of the capital.

Night in Riga, in a central 3-star hotel: Opera Hotel, Forums Boutique Hotel or similar.

🚆 Distance by train: 173 km

🚐 Distance by minibus: 190 km

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 4 km

🕒 Duration of activities: from 9am to 7pm

Breakfast at the hotel, then immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Riga at the central market , housed in five former airship hangars from the 1930s. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the old town, this lively market is ideal for discovering local products and specialties.

Next, explore the historic heart of Riga . As you wander through the narrow streets and squares, admire the House of the Blackheads, Riga Castle, the House of the Three Brothers, the Freedom Monument, the National Opera, the old city walls and several iconic religious buildings, including the churches of St. Peter, St. James and St. John, as well as the majestic Dome Cathedral.

Lunch at a local restaurant during the tour.

In the afternoon, the atmosphere shifts as you explore the Art Nouveau district , famous for its richly decorated facades. Riga boasts over 800 remarkable buildings in this style, making the capital one of Europe's leading centers for this architectural heritage. Accompanied by a guide, admire the architectural details before visiting the Art Nouveau Museum , housed in a historic apartment with period interiors and furnishings.

Free late afternoon to enjoy Riga at your own pace.

Night in Riga, in a central 3-star hotel: Opera Hotel, Forums Boutique Hotel or similar.

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 6 km

🕒 Duration of activities: from 9am to 5pm

Breakfast at the hotel, then a free day in Riga to explore the capital as you wish: museums, authentic districts of Āgenskalns, Grīziņkalns or Mežaparks, the Museum of the Occupations or a train trip to the seaside resort of Jūrmala.

LATVIA OPTION: Escape to Ķemeri National Park for a nature getaway. Accessible by local electric train and then minibus, discover the famous Great Bog Trail, its marsh landscapes, and its rich biodiversity. Continue to the ancient spa town of Ķemeri, then on to Jūrmala, renowned for its 30 km of fine sandy beaches. After lunch at a local restaurant , stroll among the traditional wooden villas and enjoy a walk along the seafront, or even a swim if the weather permits. Return to Riga at the end of the day.

🚆 Distance by train: 85 km

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 6 km

🕒 Duration of activities: from 9am to 7pm

In the evening, join the group for a traditional dinner , a chance to share your discoveries. To continue the evening, head to a folk music club housed in vaulted brick cellars, where live concerts, Latvian beers and ciders, and traditional dances open to all will immerse you in the local atmosphere.

Night in Riga, in a central 3-star hotel: Opera Hotel, Forums Boutique Hotel or similar.

Enjoy a packed breakfast, then depart early by direct train to Tartu , traveling through the Latvian and Estonian countryside. Upon arrival, your Estonian guide will meet you at the station before you travel by minibus to the Peipsimaa region for a convivial lunch with the Old Believers , a Russian Orthodox community that has preserved its faith and traditions since the 17th century.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip on Lake Peipus , one of the largest lakes in Europe, to the fishing village of Varnja. Discover its wooden houses, boats, fishing nets, and onion fields that line the famous "Onion Route." Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of this community, then share a warm moment over tea served from a samovar , accompanied by local sweets. If the lake level does not allow for the boat trip, it will be replaced by a visit to the Old Believers Museum.

Return to Tartu in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. In the early evening, walk to Aparaaditehas , a former factory transformed into a vibrant creative district filled with galleries, artists' studios, and independent boutiques. Enjoy dinner at one of its restaurants before returning to the hotel.

Night in Tartu, in a central 3-star hotel: Dorpat or similar.

🚆 Distance by train: 240 km

🚐 Distance by minibus: 90 km

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 3 km

🕒 Duration of activities: from 7:30 am to 9 pm

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then set off to explore Tartu , a university town with a unique charm and the intellectual heart of Estonia. During a guided walk through the historic center , discover Oscar Wilde's bench, the Students' Fountain, the town hall, the university campus and its connection to the astronomer Struve, the Angel and Devil Bridges, the cathedral, and the main pedestrian street.

Around midday, take public transport to Tartu train station and board the train to Tallinn . Enjoy the journey and admire the landscapes of central Estonia, between the meadows and forests of Aegviidu.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel, ideally located opposite the old town, then enjoy your first introductory stroll in Tallinn . A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the Estonian capital captivates visitors with its ramparts, monumental gates, cobbled streets, old merchant houses and historic churches, all testaments to its rich medieval past.

Free late afternoon to stroll and discover the city at your own pace.

Night in Tallinn, in a central 3-star hotel: Go Hotel Schnelli, Hestia Ilmarine or similar.

🚆 Distance by train: 188 km

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 5 km

🕒 Duration of activities: from 9am to 6pm

Breakfast at the hotel, then explore Tallinn's Upper Town , dominated by Toompea Fortress, home to the Parliament and the Orthodox Cathedral. Visit the Dome Church and its collection of coats of arms and tombstones, then head to the Patkuli and Kohtu viewpoints to admire the Old Town walls and rooftops.

Continue into the medieval lower town , with the Town Hall square and its old Hanseatic houses, then the Impasse Sainte-Catherine, renowned for its traditional craft workshops.

Lunch and afternoon free for your personal explorations.

ESTONIA OPTION: Discover the Noblessner waterfront district, a former industrial site transformed into a contemporary living space. Enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant, then visit the Maritime Museum , housed in the former seaplane hangars. You'll have the opportunity to explore a real submarine and learn about Estonian maritime history. Free time in the district.

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 4 km

🕒 Activity duration: from 12pm to 5pm

In the early evening, meet the group at Kalamaja and Telliskivi Creative City , former railway workshops transformed into a vibrant creative district with galleries, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Share a farewell dinner with drinks at a lovely spot in the area.

Night in Tallinn, in a central 3-star hotel: Go Hotel Schnelli, Hestia Ilmarine or similar.

🚶 Walking distance: approximately 6 km

🕒 Duration of activities: from 7pm to 9pm

Breakfast at the hotel, then a free morning or day depending on your flight schedule, for a last coffee on a terrace, a final souvenir to find in the cobbled streets, or simply to savor these last moments in the Baltic countries before returning home.

END OF SERVICE.

And what if the adventure didn't end there? Join us in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, just a 2-hour fast ferry ride away, adding another country to your travel itinerary. Or unpack your bags on the wild islands of Saaremaa and Muhu, nestled among windmills, juniper forests, and deserted beaches, for a more secluded finale to your Baltic journey. The most adventurous can even return by ferry and train via Stockholm and Hamburg, extending the trip to the very end. Interested in one of these extensions? Our team will be happy to prepare a customized quote for you.