Explore a magnificent corner of Europe that is rich with history. Atmospheric towns full of diverse architecture and an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The countries bordering the Baltic Sea have managed to remain slightly under the radar when it comes to busy tourist spots in Europe, yet those who visit these Baltic beauties are richly rewarded.
Helsinki is where we spend the first three nights of this tour. A leafy landscape that’s typical of Scandinavia plus the modern development that began for the 1952 Olympic Games creates a lively hub of culture, education and industry thriving at the centre of Helsinki today.
It's hardly surprising that most Finns have visited Estonia when you see how simple the Tallink Ferry makes hopping across the Gulf seem. With Helsinki being in the south of Finland, and Tallinn, the Estonian capital, in the north of the country, the two cities essentially face each other, although they are very much of a contrast.
South of Tallinn we find the city known as Estonia’s cultural capital – Tartu. A perfect pit stop when travelling through the forests towards Latvia. This pretty city is firmly focused on the intellectual, as home to the National University of Estonia and a variety of important museums.
From Helsinki just north of the Baltics to Riga, our southernmost stop, this tour rakes in four cities across a trio of countries on the cusp of where Russia and Europe collide. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will discover the very best on offer from this hidden gem corner of Europe made up of Finland, Estonia and Latvia.
Itinerary
Arrival in Helsinki - After a short flight to Helsinki, we transfer to our hotel, the four-star Scandic Grand Marina. This evening, enjoy a welcome drinks reception and dinner to get to know your fellow travellers better.
Helsinki - Helsinki is a beautiful, bustling capital city – an idyllic archipelago nestled on the Gulf of Finland and boasting over 300 islands. Surrounded by lush forests and vast, picturesque parks, both Central Park and Kaivopuisto Park offer stunning views overlooking the sea, just two of the city’s tranquil spots that provide us with an uplifting breath of fresh air.
Our morning tour takes us around many of Helsinki’s highlights, including its striking Railway Station and the sculptural Sibelius Monument, resembling organ pipes. During the afternoon, we’re free to explore the city’s vastly varied sights.
Suomenlinna Fortress - Today, prepare to be transported back in time as we take a short ferry ride from the mainland to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna Fortress. Despite a tumultuous history, the fortress is now the epitome of peace and tranquillity.
Our expert guide will bring the fort’s history back to life as we explore Suomenlinna’s four bastions, as well as a wealth of other attractions within the fortress walls, including deep and eerie connecting tunnels, a turquoise-topped dual use church/lighthouse, the ominous canons, lakes, gardens and even a beach. Outside of the crumbling fortress walls, we meander through the cobbled streets, across connecting bridges and in between old wooden buildings now home to quaint restaurants and artists’ workshops.
In the afternoon you’ll have some free time where you may choose to head back to Helsinki or stay on Suomenlinna.
Kadriorg Palace - Today, we leave Finland in our wake and cross the Gulf from Scandinavia to Estonia. We dock in the port of Tallinn and drive east along the coast until we arrive at picturesque Kadriorg Palace. Built in the 18th century by Russian Emperor Peter the Great as a gift to his wife Catherine, this sweeping confection of a building now houses one of the country’s best art collections. Here, we take a guided tour of its intricate interior, taking in the exquisite and mesmerising ceiling in the main hall, as well as the impressive, manicured gardens and fountains that the palace overlooks.
After this most regal outing we continue to Tallinn to settle into our hotel before heading out for dinner in a local restaurant. You will stay for two nights at the four-star Nordic Forum Hotel.
Tallinn - Estonia’s capital Tallinn is, quite simply, a time warp. Its fairy tale UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, a rabbit-warren of atmospheric streets neatly situated below an impressive hilltop Upper Town, offers endless discovery: an ancient castle, a pastel-coloured baroque Parliament building, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
As you enter Tallinn’s Old Town through its landmark 14th century Viru Gate, you’re immediately struck by the heady fragrance of fresh blooms from the plethora of flower shops that line the road ahead. Sitting in the shadows of the church steeples, castle walls and grand cathedrals you’ll happen across a hotchpotch of winding streets and alleyways, colourful buildings and traditional traders. Stroll through Catherine’s Passage, an atmospheric hidden alleyway lined with all manner of artists’ workshops
Once we’ve enjoyed our morning walking tour of the upper and lower Old Town with a local guide, there’s time to seek out various local treasures, wander through the shadows of the city walls, or maybe just a short stop to sip a coffee and watch the world go by.
Tartu - After breakfast we continue our tour to Tartu, Estonia’s second largest city and its cultural capital, home to the country’s most renowned university. On our arrival we’ll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the picturesque city centre.
The Old Town Square is the perfect place to people watch and take in the views of the Emajogi River, the Kissing Students Fountain, the pretty pink Town Hall and the curious Leaning House – home to the Tartu Art Museum. Not only has that, but the medieval St John’s Church, boasted some of the best views over the Old Town from its belfry.
We set off again mid-afternoon on our journey to Riga, capital of Latvia, where we’ll settle into our hotel before heading out for the evening to sample some local cuisine in a nearby restaurant. You will stay in the four-star Radisson Blu Elizabete for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Riga - Today, we visit beautiful Riga, largest of the Baltic State cities. Situated at the mouth of the River Daugava, this charming, cosmopolitan city offers a real mix of architectural styles. Spires of dark, gothic churches tower above the shadowy cobblestone streets below.
During our morning walking tour, we explore these hidden delights and the medieval maze that makes up the Old Town, including the striking foliage-covered Powder Tower - home to the Latvian War Museum, and the central Dome Square - the heart of seven atmospheric streets. Stand on the marked spot on the square and you can see all three golden cockerels on top of the Old Town church spires.
During the afternoon, you’re free to explore the city as you wish, a stroll through Riga’s famously vast Central Market, five pavilions of old Zeppelin hangars so iconic that it’s included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the city’s Old Town.
Return home
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
Guided tour of the Finnish capital Helsinki, a melting pot of Scandinavian and Russian influences, and explore the Suomenlinna Fortress, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site straddled across six of Helsinki’s islands, with a local guide.
Visit to the Latvian capital Riga, with a guided walking tour of the riverside Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage gem boasting a mix of gothic and Art Nouveau architecture.
Explore the Estonian capital Tallinn on a guided walking tour, featuring the charming Medieval Lower Town and the hilltop Upper Town, and visit Kadriorg Park.
Enjoy a relaxing countryside drive from Tallinn to Estonia’s cultural capital Tartu, with time to enjoy the impressive museums, university-town atmosphere and Old Town.
Journey across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia aboard a modern, comfortable ship.
Our Price Includes
The price of this holiday is per person based on one person in a double/twin room for sole occupancy. The price includes:
Seven nights’ in four-star accommodation
Daily breakfast and three dinners (including two in a local restaurant),
Return flights
Departures taxes and transfers
All tours as mentioned
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
Included excursions are: tour of Helsinki; guided visit of Suomenlinna Fortress; ferry crossing from Helsinki to Tallinn; visit to Kadriorg Park; guided tours of Tallinn and Riga
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Scandic Grand Marina -
★★★★
The four-star Scandic Grand Marina is situated by the waterfront of Katajanokka and housed in an Art Nouveau building. The environmentally friendly hotel features spa and wellness facilities and a fitness centre (local charges may be applicable), and has rooms with wooden floors, while large, arched windows and high ceilings in the restaurant and bar create a bright atmosphere.
Please note the use of air conditioning is at the discretion of the hotel.
Radisson Blu Elizabete -
★★★★
The hotel offers a bar and a restaurant located on the ground floor, as well as stylish and well-appointed rooms.
Please note the use of air conditioning is at the discretion of the hotel.
Nordic Forum Hotel -
★★★★
The bright, stylish hotel boasts a large bar and restaurant, as well as a top floor heated swimming pool with views of Tallinn’s famed towers. The rooms and public areas are designed to reflect a combination of Old Town and nature.
Please note the use of air conditioning is at the discretion of the hotel.
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Other Information
Holiday code
R562
Holiday provided by Riviera Travel
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Riviera Travel (ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430). These ABTA and ATOL bonds mean that, when you book a Riviera Travel holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.