Baltic Highlights New Year

Duration: 8 days · Countries: 3 · Sights: 19

Tour Description

Three medieval capitals, one extraordinary New Year – this 8-day journey through the heart of the Baltic states is the most festive way to close out the year and step into the new one.

The adventure opens in Vilnius, Lithuania's baroque gem, where cobbled lanes lead to centuries-old churches, the iconic Gediminas Tower and the mystical Gates of Dawn. An optional afternoon excursion to the fairy-tale island castle of Trakai and a traditional Lithuanian dinner set the tone for the days ahead.

The road north carries you past the Hill of Crosses – one of the most powerful and moving sights in the Baltics – before arriving at the grandeur of Rundale Palace, Latvia's finest baroque treasure. Riga then takes centre stage: its kaleidoscope of architectural styles, from medieval Old Town to the world-renowned Art Nouveau district, provide the perfect backdrop for welcoming the new year. The evening of New Year's Eve brings a fabulous Gala dinner, and New Year's Day is yours entirely – to wander, reflect or simply savour the city at your own pace.

The final leg takes you along the coastal highway through the charming resort of Pärnu and into Tallinn, where medieval tranquillity and modern energy coexist in perfect harmony. Ancient city walls, ornate cathedrals and the award-winning KUMU art museum round off a journey that has spanned history, culture and celebration in equal measure.

From €995 per person.

What's Included

  • 7 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels
  • 7 x buffet breakfast
  • Welcome meeting with champagne-cocktail or juice
  • Personalised welcome package
  • 3-hour Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn old town walking tours
  • Entrances to Old University in Vilnius, Rundale Palace and medieval Great Guild Hall in Tallinn
  • Fabulous New Year Gala
  • Service of English and German speaking tour escort
  • Service of 1st class cars or 1st class minivans throughout the itinerary
  • Porterage at hotels

Tour Program

Day 1: Arrival Vilnius

Arrival in Vilnius, optional transfer to Hotel Artis Centrum**** or similar, check-in, welcome meeting.

Day 2: Vilnius

Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning walking tour of the Old Town includes Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, St. Anne's Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, with the well preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galve. The evening offers an optional Lithuanian dinner at Restaurant Senoji Trobele.

Day 3: Vilnius – Riga

Heading for Riga, the first stop is the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania. After crossing into Latvia, we soon reach the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace we travel through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to reach Riga late afternoon, check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija**** or similar.

Day 4: Riga

Riga, founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles and by the end of December the whole city is preparing for a vibrant New Year celebration. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon offers an optional tour to Riga Art Nouveau district and a visit to the Art Nouveau Museum. In the evening we enjoy an entertaining and fabulous New Year Gala.

Day 5: Riga

New Year's Day in Riga is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take the time to explore the city at your own pace, soak in its charming atmosphere, or simply relax and savor the start of the new year in your own way.

Day 6: Riga – Tallinn

The tour continues along the coastal highway to the Estonian summer resort of Parnu. We do a short tour of the resort before we continue through the North Estonian land of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon, check-in at the Hotel L'Ermitage**** or similar.

Day 7: Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The Old Town is magical all the year but it is at its best in the run-up to Christmas and New Year, where the magic is felt at every corner. The walking tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. In the afternoon an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian art museum, with its collections of classic and contemporary fine art. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv.

Day 8: Tallinn Departure

Optional transfer to the airport.