Baltic Christmas Markets Escape 2026

Welcome to Vilnius! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Dinner

Deck the Halls Start your festive adventure this morning with a sightseeing tour to get acquainted with Vilnius’s UNESCO listed Old Town. Follow your Local Guide through the narrow winding streets, visit Cathedral Square and view important landmarks including the University, the castle, and Gediminas Tower. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to experience Vilnius’ magical Christmas markets. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT FESTIVE STATUS Vilnius is well known for its commitment to creating special festive moments. Leading up to Christmas, the city transforms itself, creating a magical atmosphere to delight all who visit. Its uniquely artistic and unconventional Christmas trees are just one reason why the city was nominated as the European Christmas Capital in 2025
Breakfast

Baltic Pearl Enjoy a morning scenic drive, cross the border into Latvia, and continue to the charming, historic city of Riga, located on the Baltic coast. This afternoon, join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour, enjoy views of the Freedom Monument and Art Nouveau District, plus a walking tour along the cobbled lanes in the Old Town. Free time this evening. (B) 186 miles / 300 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE With an abundance of Art Nouveau architecture in its center, Riga has gained a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On top of this it still has well-preserved medieval buildings and can be considered a cultural hub having been influenced by its Hanseatic, Swedish, and Russian rulers
Breakfast

Festive Firsts Today, enjoy free time to visit Riga’s Christmas Markets, and watch the city transform under the sparkling festive illuminations as you sample local gingerbread and sip karstvîns (mulled wine). (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT BRANCHING OUT Locals claim that the first public decorated Christmas Tree was displayed in Riga’s town square in 1510. It is said that a guild of young, unmarried merchants, known as the Brotherhood of Blackheads, decorated the tree with apples and roses, before dancing around it and then setting it alight to symbolize good riddance to past failures and good luck for the future!
Breakfast

City of Spires Start your day with a scenic drive along the Gulf of Riga before crossing the border into Estonia, the most northern Baltic country, and reach Tallinn, its capital city, with its stunning skyline of spires. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, strolling the charming streets, browsing the Christmas market in the Town Hall Square, admiring the Christmas tree, and sampling local specialties. (B) 196 miles / 315 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT INNOVATION & CHARM Behind the beautiful facade of this medieval, coastal gem, lies an entrepreneurial and pioneering society. Combining an exciting mix of old and new, Tallinn is the capital city of one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world and has gained the accolade of being the “Silicon Valley of Europe” due to its thriving technological businesses
Breakfast

Festive Flavors Follow your Local Guide this morning, to discover the Hanseatic Old Town of Tallinn. Admire the Lühike Jalg Gate, the merchant houses, the medieval walls, and the Town Hall. Visit the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Free time this afternoon, to continue your discovery of Tallinn’s Christmas markets, browse the stalls of local handicrafts, pick up some traditional holiday gifts and decorations, and sample some festive specialties. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL SPECIALTIES Glögi (mulled wine) is a traditional Christmas drink, a warm, spiced wine. Special to Estonia is the traditional Vana Tallinn Glögli, which includes a shot of the local rum-based Vana Tallinn liqueur. Alternatively choose a non-alcoholic version or a comforting hot chocolate. As you browse around the Christmas market stalls, look out for those who offer traditional commemorative mugs with your drink, and take one home as a souvenir!
Breakfast Dinner

Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)