10 Day Classic Baltics

Depart for Estonia

Arrive in Tallinn and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening at approximately 6 PM, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the fascinating journey that awaits you. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM or earlier, if possible Overnight: Tallinn Meals: Dinner

Discover this World Heritage city today with cobbled streets set beneath spires of 14th-century churches. Tallinn, the northernmost Baltic capital, was a favored port location coveted by its more powerful neighbors, starting centuries of war until it finally achieved its own independence. You can see layers of Tallinn's history at Peter the Great's Kadriorg Palace with its splendid Royal Gardens, and the private cottage he occupied on his visits. Continue to the Song Festival grounds, and the spectacular ruins of the 15th century St. Bridget's Convent rising along the banks of the Pirita River. Then, a walking tour of the upper part of the Old Town and view the pink Baroque-style Toompea Castle, Estonia's traditional seat of power, and the Gothic Town Hall. Visit the still active Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral built in the style of a 17th century Moscow church. The rest of the day is at leisure to visit some of Tallinn's markets, or stop at a lovely cafe or boutiques within the carved stone walls of the Old City. Get together for dinner tonight Overnight: Tallinn Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning drive to the Latvian capital of Riga situated at the mouth of the Daugava River. This sophisticated and beautiful historic city on the Baltic coast was named the “Little Paris of the North.” The afternoon is at leisure to get acquainted with this charming city's delightful Old Town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll enjoy finding treasures here and exploring the narrow medieval streets, Gothic and Baroque churches and 19th-century buildings. Be sure to visit Riga's lively Central Market, with its abundant displays from all over the Baltics ranging from smoked fish and fresh produce to handmade souvenirs - it's one of the most famous markets in Europe. Tonight, have dinner together and share some of the day's highlights Overnight: Riga Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, explore Riga's impressive architecture encompassing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical facades. On your tour, view Riga Castle, dating back to the 1440s, St. Jacobs Cathedral and St. Peter's Church, one of the oldest and most valuable monuments of medieval architecture in the Baltic States, among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stop at the impressive and very popular Freedom (Liberty) Monument honoring soldiers killed during the War of Independence, bearing a symbolic female holding aloft three stars representing the 3 regions of Latvia during the first republic. The rest of the day is on your own. Or, participate in the optional tour to the open-air Ethnographic Museum that depicts 18th-century farm life. The over 72 historic structures re-create a proper village preserved from this era. Costumed actors show daily life from bygone days along with music and dance while craftsmen demonstrate various tasks - you'll feel as if you've gone back in time Optional: Open Air Ethnographic Museum Overnight: Riga Meals: Breakfast

Depart Riga for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, one of the oldest and largest cities in the Baltics. Along the way, a beautiful panorama of the verdant countryside unfolds before your eyes. Upon arrival in Vilnius, check in to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Then, a riveting optional tour to the infamous KGB Museum, located in the heart of Vilnius, used as a top security prison from 1940 to 1989. The extensive photo exhibits and intact secret KGB spying equipment aids you in envisioning imprisonment in these cold, damp and narrow cells. For Lithuanians, this museum symbolizes the 50-year Soviet occupation, site of the Gestapo headquarters and later the control of the KGB. Tonight dinner is at the hotel Optional: KGB Museum Overnight: Vilnius Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tour Vilnius, a vivacious university city, and one of the most beautiful "Old Towns" in Eastern Europe. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city's architectural landmarks are a striking mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. Visit the Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul with its extraordinary sculptural decorations and view St. Anne's Church, a superb example of Gothic architecture. View Vilnius University, Gediminas Tower and Vilnius Castle in the Upper Town. Time on your own to wander along the charming lanes of the town with its quaint shops and enjoy lunch on your own at a local café. Don't miss the optional afternoon tour to red brick Trakai Castle on Galve Lake, regally standing on an island by itself completely surrounded by water. This is truly such a beautiful sight and one you'll always remember. Trakai Castle is one of the most photographed places in Europe. This historic and world-famous Gothic palace was built by Lithuanian Dukes and once served as their residence. Time to stroll the grounds and visit the Palace Museum to see the extensive display of medieval exhibits before returning to Vilnius Optional: Excursion to Trakai Castle Overnight: Vilnius Meals: Breakfast

Depart Lithuania and cross the border into Poland. After lunch en route, arrive in Warsaw, Poland's cosmopolitan capital and cultural center of the country on the banks of the Vistula River. The balance of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with this city on your own. Enjoy dinner together tonight Overnight: Warsaw Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's introduction to bustling Warsaw includes glorious Lazienki Park one of the jewels of the city. Here, stand before the striking bronze monument to Frederic Chopin, the famed Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era, born in a small village west of Warsaw. Continue along the Royal Route with its historic monuments and residences to the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto; stop at the inspiring Memorial that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Walk through the Old Town with its cobbled streets to Market Square. Visit the Cathedral of St. John and see the Royal Castle, the former residence of Polish kings, lovingly restored after its destruction during World War II. The remainder of the day is at leisure or, perhaps, join the optional tour to Wilanow Palace*. This former summer residence of the Polish kings was built at the end of the 17th century for King Jan Sobieski III and is situated just outside of Warsaw. The tour of the palace makes Polish history come alive. Later in the afternoon, attend an optional Chopin concert, a highlight of the day. A piano recital of Chopin's most favorite works is performed in a stunning setting. Enjoy a glass of champagne during intermission *If booking both Wilanow Palace & Chopin Concert optional tours, please keep in mind that you may have limited time in between for dinner Optional: Wilanow Palace Optional: Chopin Concert Overnight: Warsaw Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast