Historic Baltic Republics - 2010/11 Itinerary

15 days - from $1760

• Explore the 3 capitals; Tallinn, Riga & Vilnius.
• Experience the rural Baltics - Neringa Spit & Latvia's Lakeland
• Relax on Saremaa Island - largest on the Baltic Sea

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Medieval Tallinn & Tartu
Arriving in the Estonian capital Tallinn, we enjoy a stroll through the picturesque Old Town - a jumble of medieval houses, turrets and walls. We travel south to Estonia's cultural capital, Tartu, then to the charming old city of Riga to discover a maze of crooked streets, museums and cafes. We also include a visit to the well-preserved manor of Rundale Palace - an exuberant fusion of German and Russian styles from the 18th century.

Legends of Lithuania
Crossing into Catholic Lithuania, we stop at Siauliai to see the unusual 'Hill of Crosses' and possibly the amber museum at Palanga, which tells of the legends of precious amber - 'Lithuanian gold'. We continue to the sandy peninsula of the Neringa Spit, and the town of Klaipeda. We walk among the spectacular sand dunes and traditional fishing villages of its national park. After touring historic Kaunas, we continue to the delightful Lithuanian capital of Vilnius where our sightseeing includes the cathedral and Trakai castle.

Ancient towns & Crusader Castles
We explore Latvia's lakeland area before heading for Sigulda and Cesis, one of the oldest and prettiest towns in the country. We then ramble through the forested Gauja valley to visit the romantic Crusader castles at Sigulda and Turaida before crossing to Estonia's Saaremaa Island, the largest on the Baltic Sea. The tranquil feeling of the area hides the turbulent past of a hardy seafaring folk.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Tallinn (Estonia). Day 2 Tallinn We explore the maze of cobbled streets and colourful buildings of the Estonian capital. Day 3 Tartu Continuing to Tartu, we discover Estonia's cultural capital. Days 4/5 Riga (Latvia) We enjoy a walking tour of Riga - arguably the most beautiful city in the Baltics - and have time to enjoy the markets and cafes. Day 6 To Klaipeda We stop at Rundale Palace, then cross into Lithuania where we see the unusual 'Hill of Crosses' and possibly the amber museum at Palanga. Day 7 Neringa Spit We explore the beautiful Neringa Spit, dotted with picturesque fishing villages and spectacular sand dunes. Days 8/9 Vilnius Enjoying visits to Kaunas and Trakai Castle en route, we reach Vilnius. Days 10/11 Lakes and castles Driving along the backroads, through villages, we stop to walk in the Lithuanian Lakelands and explore the romantic Crusader castles at Sigulda and Turaida. Days 12/13 Saaremaa Island (Estonia) We cross to Saaremaa Island where old windmills, churches and juniper groves provide an appealing landscape. Isolated from the Soviet occupation, this land has retained a unique culture. Day 14 Drive to Tallinn. Day 15 End the tour in Tallinn.

Accommodations: 14nts hotel; 14 breakfasts included.w
Transport: Charter bus/Public Bus/ Trams/Taxis/Ferry.
Comment: This tour is suitable for anyone in reasonable fitness and walks in the National Parks are easy.
Group: Approx. 15 to 20.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides/interpreters.
Trip Reference: HB2010

Dates & Prices
Start	End	Prices in US$	Local Payment	Availability
22 Aug 10	05 Sep 10	$1760	0
19 Sep 10	03 Oct 10	$1760	0
28 May 11	11 Jun 11	$1840	0
25 Jun 11	09 Jul 11	$1840	0

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.

The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour. For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour.
Single rooms are available for this tour at a supplement from US$ 540, depending on availability.

Historic Baltic Republics - 2010/11 Itinerary

15 days - from $1760

Itinerary:

Dates & Prices