Capitals of the Baltic

On arrival into the Estonian capital you are met and transferred to your hotel, a former telephone exchange. One of Tallinn’s few boutique hotels, Hotel Telegraaf is located in the city’s picturesque old town, occupying the 19th century former telegraph building. The hotel’s 83 rooms and suites combine classic and Art Deco touches and most feature views over the medieval old town. A fine Russian restaurant plus a spa complex, complete with Finnish sauna and indoor pool, complete the amenities.

Hotel Telegraaf

Begin your exploration of this charming city with a walking tour of the Old Town. Start off in the Upper Town on Toompea Hill, where the Parliament buildings are located, and enjoy the breath-taking views. Continue to the onion-domed Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Tall Hermann, the 14th century defensive tower of the Toompea Castle. Head to the Lower Town with a visit to Europe’s oldest pharmacy, the 15th century Raeapteek. This afternoon, visit the seaside village of Pirita and the convent ruins before arriving at the palace and parkland district of Kadriorg for a leisurely walk and museum visit.

Hotel Telegraaf | Meals: B

This morning visit the popular Estonian Maritime Museum in the seaplane harbour. Housed in a converted hangar in the area of Peter the Great’s naval fortress it has a variety of displays divided into three levels – air, sea and underwater – including a 1936 submarine Lembit, a century-old icebreaker Suur Tõll, a full-scale replica of a World War I era Short Type 184 seaplane and the wreck of the wooden ship Maasilinn dating to the 16th century. Afternoon at leisure.

Hotel Telegraaf | Meals: B

Head south to the seaside resort of Pärnu, with time for a stroll along the beach, down the promenade or around the medieval town. Cross the border into Latvia and continue your journey, stopping to visit the sculpture park at Sigulda with its castle ruins and hear the history and intriguing tales of Turaida Castle. Head into the countryside tonight for dinner at Kungu Rija, a charming restaurant in a traditional Latvian log barn. Savour a variety of Latvian dishes before retiring for the night at your Riga hotel.

Grand Palace Hotel | Meals: BLD

Acquaint yourself with the Latvian capital today on foot. Explore the medieval and romantic architecture of the Old Town and the Art Nouveau enclave known as Quiet Riga. Visit the Dome Cathedral, Liv Square and the Convent Yard of the Holy Ghost before continuing to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Town Square. Explore the Central Market and finish the day with a special behind-the-scenes tour of the majestic Latvian Opera.

Grand Palace Hotel | Meals: BL

A day at leisure to rest and enjoy Riga at your own pace.

Grand Palace Hotel | Meals: B

Continue your journey south to Lithuania today stopping en route at Latvia’s most beautiful palace, Rundāle Palace. Built in the Rococo style, the palace combines 18th century Italian trends with Muscovite Baroque elements. A special behind-the-scenes War and Peace tour is included at the castle where scenes from the BBC’s production were filmed.

Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square | Meals: BLD

Easily explored on foot, Lithuania’s capital is delightfully compact. A walking tour today introduces you to the city’s many architectural delights. Admire the incredible Vilnius Cathedral and the grandeur of the Presidential Palace, Vilnius University and learn about the tragic history of the Jewish Ghetto before continuing to the shrine of the Gates of Dawn and the Amber Gallery Museum. This afternoon you are driven to the 14th century island castle at Trakai, built in the middle of one of the region’s most picturesque lakes. Enjoy a sundowner by the Trakai castle.

Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square | Meals: B

Head into the countryside today to Kernavė, a small settlement 50km west of Vilnius in the picturesque Pajauta Valley. Known as Lithuania's Troy, the remains of a 13th century city have been excavated and listed as a major UNESCO World Heritage site, with a complex ensemble of archaeological strata including the old town of Kernavė, forts, unfortified settlements, burial sites and other historical and cultural artefacts and monuments. Return to the city with the afternoon at leisure.

Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square | Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B