-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

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 Tallinn (Estonia). 2 In Tallinn; city tour. 3 Bus to Tartu; explore Toomemagi Hill. 4 Drive to Riga (Latvia); walking tour. 5 In Riga; optional excursion to Jurmala. 6 Visit Rundale Palace; Siauliai "Hill of Crosses" and optional Amber museum en route to Klaipeda (Lithuania). 7 Neringa Spit; bus or optional hydrofoil to Kaunas. 8 Tour Kaunas; continue to Vilnius via Trakai Castle. 9 In Vilnius, tour. 10 Drive to Madona (Latvia); explore Latgale Lakes area. 11 Drive to Sigulda via Cesis; visit castles and Gauja NP. 12 Ferry to Saaremaa Island (Estonia). 13 Sightseeing on Saaremaa. 14 Drive to Tallinn. 15 End Tallinn.

Accommodation: 14nts hotel - graded standard throughout; 14 breakfasts included.
Transport: Charter bus/Public Bus/Trams/ Taxis/Ferry/On foot.
Comment: A comprehensive cultural tour of the Baltic Republics. Suitable for anyone in reasonable health, easy walks in National Parks are combined with city explorations.
Group: Approx. 15 to 20.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides/interpreters.
Trip Reference: HB