Between the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania there is a surprising variety of culture and architectural style, as well as many historic and religious sites to keep any tour itinerary brimming with experience. For many, a guided tour is the best way to experience as much of the region as possible in a limited amount of time, without having to worry about organising many of the particulars.
While Tallinn or Vilnius are the more popular choices for start points on tours of the Baltic region, Helsinki, which lies just across the Baltic Sea from Estonia, is occasionally included, adding yet another dimension to the tour experience. So here are five of the best tours of the Baltics based on price, itineraries and previous guest reviews.
Baltic Lifestyle & Gastronomy
From: €1,096/per person
Combining cultural attractions with the region’s rich culinary heritage, this 11-day Baltic tour is designed to satisfy all of your senses. Starting in the Estonian capital of Talinn, you’ll be accompanied around some of the city’s most notable attractions, which offer a striking juxtaposition of medieval and modern, before sampling traditional local dishes that have been enjoyed here for centuries. Other tour highlights include visits to the immense beauty of Aukstaitija National Park in Lithuania, where you can traverse its scenic landscapes on a bike, and a fascinating trip to a brewery in Latvia to discover the art of Baltic-style beer brewing. The tour concludes in Riga, Latvia, where you can take advantage of an optional airport transfer. The price of the trip includes 10 overnight stays at centrally located 3-4 star hotels, entrance to some attractions, and all transportation between destinations.
Baltic Capitals Private Tour
From: €1,390/per person
Representing the best value for money in terms of personalized experience, this Baltics private tour from Baltic Holidays, while coming pre-packaged with an itinerary that is designed to give you a great experience of the region, has room to tailor the experience to your preferences. Using local driver guides and hotels located in the old town of the cities included, you can get a deeper insight into the region that just would not be possible on a group tour. All three capital cities of the Baltic states: Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, are included, with day trips to castles and national parks on the side.
The Best of the Baltic Highlights Tour with 4* hotels
From €908/ per person
Taking in three magical Baltic countries over 8 days, this tour includes overnight stays exclusively in 4-star hotels, ensuring a touch of luxury at the end of each action-packed day. Among the main highlights are extended stop-offs in Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, Trakai, and both the Hill of Crosses and Samogitia National Park in Lithuania. The tour price includes a welcome meeting with champagne-cocktail, personalised welcome package, buffet breakfasts every morning, multi-lingual tour guides, all transport between destinations, and entrance to several popular attractions.
Eight Day Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia Tour
From €466/ per person
For those looking to travel the Baltic region in the space of a week, and on a budget, this tour of the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian capitals, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, is a great immersive exploration of the cities. It includes walking tours through each city’s old town, while leaving plenty of free time in between to explore in your own way. With the exception of Kadriorg Palace and Gutmanis Cave, entrance fees are not included in the price. However, all guides, transport, breakfast and seven nights in 3-star accommodations are taken care of.
Baltic Experience
From €2,282/ per person
One of the longer tours available is a more comprehensive exploration of the whole Baltic region. Starting out in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, the tour takes in Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and there is an option to catch a show at the National Theatre. The Baltic state capitals are a natural part of any tour, but there is also the chance to visit Curonian Spit National Park in Lithuania, as well as the country’s ancient forest wood carvings. The tour then passes into Poland, to Warsaw, before ending in Berlin, where highlights like the Brandenburg Gate and Kreuzberg neighbourhood make their way onto the itinerary.