Helsinki and The Baltics

Upon arrival at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, you’ll be met with a transfer to our centrally located hotel. You’ll be able to store your bags at the hotel if it’s not yet check-in time, and take a nice walk along the harbor. After checking in, you’ll have some time to refresh before our group introductions and welcome dinner.

On our first full day, we’ll visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and have a guided tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki. The fortress was built in the mid-18th century by the Swedish military as a defensive stronghold to protect Helsinki from Russian expansion. It’s a massive structure that spans several islands, offering a unique blend of military history, architecture, and beautiful natural scenery. Suomenlinna is not just a historical site; it’s also a vibrant part of modern-day Helsinki. The islands are home to a small community of residents, cafes, museums, galleries, and shops and are accessible via a short ferry ride from downtown Helsinki. After lunch, we’ll visit the Design Museum, dedicated to showcasing both Finnish and international design, encompassing industrial design, fashion, and graphic design. Established in 1873, it stands among the oldest design museums globally. You’ll then have a bit of free time before regrouping for our dinner.

The next morning we’ll enjoy a half day city walking tour, discovering Helsinki’s architecture and daily life. On display will be Art Nouveau buildings, and one of the largest orthodox churches in western Europe. Then we’ll pay a visit to the city’s amazing Oodi Library, which doesn’t just lend books but allows patrons to use sewing machines and photo editing machines, among others. This modern library proudly serves as Helsinki’s living room. After lunch, we’ll see Hakaniemi Market Hall, renowned for its authentic atmosphere and diverse offerings. Established in 1914, this two-story building hosts about 70 vendors. The ground floor primarily features high-quality food items. The upper floor is home to specialty shops selling textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and household items. We’ll then have a group dinner.

Meals Included
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4 will take us on a ferry journey to Tallinn, Estonia, and we’ll enjoy lunch onboard. The amazing buffet has so many vegan options! We’ll have free time or time to unwind before meeting for our group dinner.

Day 5 in the morning we’ll have a walking tour of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is incredibly well-preserved, with cobblestone streets, gothic spires, and colorful medieval buildings. Walking here feels like stepping into a fairytale. We’ll see the Upper Old Town and the Lower Old town, including the walls of the city, and the only Gothic town hall in Europe. After lunch we’ll visit a Dominican monastery, established in 1246. There will then be a bit of free time before dinner.

The next morning we’ll experience the KGB prison cells, a chilling historical site that offers a sobering glimpse into the Soviet era. Located in the basement of a building in the Old Town, these cells were once part of the headquarters of the Soviet secret police during the Soviet occupation of Estonia. After lunch we’ll head to Telliskivi, located just west of Tallinn’s Old Town. This area has been transformed from a former industrial area into a vibrant creative hub known as Telliskivi Creative City. This district is a focal point for culture, art, and innovation, attracting both locals and visitors. We’ll then enjoy a group dinner.

Meals Included
Day 4: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

On Day 7, we’ll spend much of the day traveling by bus to Riga, Latvia. We’ll bring lunch with us to eat en route. Upon arrival you’ll have time to relax and refresh a bit before regrouping for our dinner.

Day 8 we’ll visit Riga Old Town, where impressive Art Nouveau makes up 30% of its buildings. Here we have yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the narrow streets of Old Town will bring you back to medieval times, where you can touch the walls of magnificent churches from the 13th century and listen to stories of how riga has become an influential trade center in the Nordic area. Colorful and expressive facades of the Art Nouveau buildings will immerse you into the turn of the 20th century and the prosperous life of Riga at the time. After lunch we’ll visit the beautiful Art Nouveau Museum, and then have a bit of free time before dinner.

Meals Included
Day 7: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

On Day 9 we’ll spend much of the day traveling by bus to Vilnius, Lithuania, bringing our lunch with us. After checking into our hotel, you’ll have some time to relax and refresh before our group dinner.

Day 10 we’ll have a walking tour in this jewel of the Baltic region. Our guide will explain how the architecture shows the history of Vilnius, from the medieval ages and running its way to modern life. We will learn about the multiculturalism of Vilnius, where lots of different nationalities have lived together for ages. And we’ll be shown “Baltic gold”–amber–and understand its importance for the region. We’ll then visit Uzupis district, the Republic of Arts which has different happenings every day. It’s like a country within a city. Our guide will tell us why Lithuanians love Vilnius and why this city is so special. After our group lunch you will have free time to explore this enchanting city, and perhaps shop for linen, for which it’s famously known. We’ll then reconvene for our group dinner.

The next morning we’ll visit the somber and slightly terrifying Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights. This museum serves as a poignant testament to the nation’s tumultuous history under Soviet and Nazi occupations. Housed in the former headquarters of the KGB (Soviet secret police), this museum offers an in-depth exploration of the Lithuanian people’s struggles and resistance during these oppressive regimes. After lunch you’ll have free time to relax, explore, or pack for our departure the next day, and then we’ll meet for our farewell dinner.

On Day 12, our tour will end after breakfast.

Meals Included
Day 9: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 11: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 12: Breakfast