Today, we leave Finland in our wake and cross the Gulf from Scandinavia to Estonia. We dock in the port of Tallinn and drive east along the coast until we arrive at picturesque Kadriorg Palace. Built in the 18th century by Russian Emperor Peter the Great as a gift to his wife Catherine, this sweeping confection of a building now houses one of the country’s best art collections. Here, we take a guided tour of its intricate interior, taking in the exquisite and mesmerising ceiling in the main hall, as well as the impressive, manicured gardens and fountains that the palace overlooks.
After this most regal outing we continue to Tallinn to settle into our hotel before heading out for dinner in a local restaurant. You will stay for two nights at the four-star Nordic Forum Hotel.
Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga
From
£1,210pp
Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga
Overview
Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga offer a rich and intertwining history which adds up to make a fascinating journey. The area boasts a number of gems that UNESCO has designated as World Heritage sites including the incomparable Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Take the opportunity to wander through a maze of old-town streets, marvel at a melting pot of architecture and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this wonderful corner of Europe.
Full itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Fly to Helsinki and transfer to your hotel, where you'll stay in the four-star Scandic Grand Marina. This evening, enjoy a welcome drinks reception and dinner to get to know your fellow travellers better.
Day 2: Helsinki & free afternoon
Helsinki is a beautiful, bustling capital city – an idyllic archipelago nestled on the Gulf of Finland and boasting over 300 islands. Surrounded by lush forests and vast, picturesque parks, both Central Park and Kaivopuisto Park offer stunning views overlooking the sea, just two of the city’s tranquil spots that provide us with an uplifting breath of fresh air.
Our morning tour takes us around many of Helsinki’s highlights, including its striking Railway Station and the sculptural Sibelius Monument, resembling organ pipes. During the afternoon, we’re free to explore the city’s vastly varied sights.
Included experience
Guided tour of Helsinki
Day 3: Suomenlinna Fortress
Today, prepare to be transported back in time as we take a short ferry ride from the mainland to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna Fortress. Despite a tumultuous history, the fortress is now the epitome of peace and tranquillity.
Our expert guide will bring the fort’s history back to life as we explore Suomenlinna’s four bastions, as well as a wealth of other attractions within the fortress walls, including deep and eerie connecting tunnels, a turquoise-topped dual use church/lighthouse, the ominous canons, lakes, gardens and even a beach. Outside of the crumbling fortress walls, we meander through the cobbled streets, across connecting bridges and in between old wooden buildings now home to quaint restaurants and artists’ workshops.
In the afternoon you’ll have some free time where you may choose to head back to Helsinki or stay on Suomenlinna.
Included experience
Guided tour of Suomenlinna Fortress
Day 4: Kadriorg Palace
Today, we leave Finland in our wake and cross the Gulf from Scandinavia to Estonia. We dock in the port of Tallinn and drive east along the coast until we arrive at picturesque Kadriorg Palace. Built in the 18th century by Russian Emperor Peter the Great as a gift to his wife Catherine, this sweeping confection of a building now houses one of the country’s best art collections. Here, we take a guided tour of its intricate interior, taking in the exquisite and mesmerising ceiling in the main hall, as well as the impressive, manicured gardens and fountains that the palace overlooks.
After this most regal outing we continue to Tallinn to settle into our hotel before heading out for dinner in a local restaurant. You will stay for two nights at the four-star Nordic Forum Hotel.
Included experience
Guided tour of Kadriog Palace and gardens
Day 5: Tallinn
Estonia’s capital Tallinn is, quite simply, a time warp. Its fairy tale UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, a rabbit-warren of atmospheric streets neatly situated below an impressive hilltop Upper Town, offers endless discovery: an ancient castle, a pastel-coloured baroque Parliament building, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
As you enter Tallinn’s Old Town through its landmark 14th century Viru Gate, you’re immediately struck by the heady fragrance of fresh blooms from the plethora of flower shops that line the road ahead. Sitting in the shadows of the church steeples, castle walls and grand cathedrals you’ll happen across a hotchpotch of winding streets and alleyways, colourful buildings and traditional traders. Stroll through Catherine’s Passage, an atmospheric hidden alleyway lined with all manner of artists’ workshops
Once we’ve enjoyed our morning walking tour of the upper and lower Old Town with a local guide, there’s time to seek out various local treasures, wander through the shadows of the city walls, or maybe just a short stop to sip a coffee and watch the world go by.
Included experience
Guided walking tour of Tallinn
Day 6: Tartu
After breakfast we continue our tour to Tartu, Estonia’s second largest city and its cultural capital, home to the country’s most renowned university. On our arrival we’ll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the picturesque city centre.
The Old Town Square is the perfect place to people watch and take in the views of the Emajogi River, the Kissing Students Fountain, the pretty pink Town Hall and the curious Leaning House – home to the Tartu Art Museum. Not only has that, but the medieval St John’s Church, boasted some of the best views over the Old Town from its belfry.
We set off again mid-afternoon on our journey to Riga, capital of Latvia, where we’ll settle into our hotel before heading out for the evening to sample some local cuisine in a nearby restaurant. You will stay in either the four-star Radisson Blu Elizabete or the four-star Wellton Hotel and Spa.
Included experience
Visit Tartu
Day 7: Riga & free afternoon
Today, we visit beautiful Riga, largest of the Baltic State cities. Situated at the mouth of the River Daugava, this charming, cosmopolitan city offers a real mix of architectural styles. Spires of dark, gothic churches tower above the shadowy cobblestone streets below.
During our morning walking tour, we explore these hidden delights and the medieval maze that makes up the Old Town, including the striking foliage-covered Powder Tower - home to the Latvian War Museum, and the central Dome Square - the heart of seven atmospheric streets. Stand on the marked spot on the square and you can see all three golden cockerels on top of the Old Town church spires.
During the afternoon, you’re free to explore the city as you wish, a stroll through Riga’s famously vast Central Market, five pavilions of old Zeppelin hangars so iconic that it’s included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the city’s Old Town.
Included experience
Guided walking tour of Riga
Day 8: RETURN FLIGHT
After breakfast it’s time to bid a fond farewell to the beauty of the Baltics and take the transfer for the flight home.
- Guests: 2 Adults
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Board: Various Meals
- Departing: Selected UK Airports
- Offer Date: 25th April 2025
CONTACT US
Your Classic Experiences
✓£250pp deposit followed by 4 monthly payments of £240pp
✓Return flights from a selection of regional airports with hotel transfers
✓7 nights in four-star accommodation, with daily breakfast and 3 dinners
✓Ferry crossing from Helsinki to Tallinn
✓The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager
✓Add travel insurance from £27pp
Your Classic Experiences
✓5 guided tours including Helsinki, Suomenlinna Fortress, Kadriorg Palace and gardens, Tallinn and Riga
✓Visit Tartu and enjoy a comfortable ferry crossing from Finland to Estonia
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Fly to Helsinki and transfer to your hotel, where you'll stay in the four-star Scandic Grand Marina. This evening, enjoy a welcome drinks reception and dinner to get to know your fellow travellers better.
Day 2: Helsinki & Free Afternoon
Helsinki is a beautiful, bustling capital city – an idyllic archipelago nestled on the Gulf of Finland and boasting over 300 islands. Surrounded by lush forests and vast, picturesque parks, both Central Park and Kaivopuisto Park offer stunning views overlooking the sea, just two of the city’s tranquil spots that provide us with an uplifting breath of fresh air.
Our morning tour takes us around many of Helsinki’s highlights, including its striking Railway Station and the sculptural Sibelius Monument, resembling organ pipes. During the afternoon, we’re free to explore the city’s vastly varied sights.
Day 3: Suomenlinna Fortress
Today, prepare to be transported back in time as we take a short ferry ride from the mainland to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna Fortress. Despite a tumultuous history, the fortress is now the epitome of peace and tranquillity.
Our expert guide will bring the fort’s history back to life as we explore Suomenlinna’s four bastions, as well as a wealth of other attractions within the fortress walls, including deep and eerie connecting tunnels, a turquoise-topped dual use church/lighthouse, the ominous canons, lakes, gardens and even a beach. Outside of the crumbling fortress walls, we meander through the cobbled streets, across connecting bridges and in between old wooden buildings now home to quaint restaurants and artists’ workshops.
In the afternoon you’ll have some free time where you may choose to head back to Helsinki or stay on Suomenlinna.
Day 4: Kadriorg Palace
Day 5: Tallinn
Estonia’s capital Tallinn is, quite simply, a time warp. Its fairy tale UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, a rabbit-warren of atmospheric streets neatly situated below an impressive hilltop Upper Town, offers endless discovery: an ancient castle, a pastel-coloured baroque Parliament building, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
As you enter Tallinn’s Old Town through its landmark 14th century Viru Gate, you’re immediately struck by the heady fragrance of fresh blooms from the plethora of flower shops that line the road ahead. Sitting in the shadows of the church steeples, castle walls and grand cathedrals you’ll happen across a hotchpotch of winding streets and alleyways, colourful buildings and traditional traders. Stroll through Catherine’s Passage, an atmospheric hidden alleyway lined with all manner of artists’ workshops.
Once we’ve enjoyed our morning walking tour of the upper and lower Old Town with a local guide, there’s time to seek out various local treasures, wander through the shadows of the city walls, or maybe just a short stop to sip a coffee and watch the world go by.
Day 6: Tartu
After breakfast we continue our tour to Tartu, Estonia’s second largest city and its cultural capital, home to the country’s most renowned university. On our arrival we’ll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the picturesque city centre.
The Old Town Square is the perfect place to people watch and take in the views of the Emajogi River, the Kissing Students Fountain, the pretty pink Town Hall and the curious Leaning House – home to the Tartu Art Museum. Not only has that, but the medieval St John’s Church, boasted some of the best views over the Old Town from its belfry.
We set off again mid-afternoon on our journey to Riga, capital of Latvia, where we’ll settle into our hotel before heading out for the evening to sample some local cuisine in a nearby restaurant. You will stay in either the four-star Radisson Blu Elizabete or the four-star Wellton Hotel and Spa.
Day 7: Riga & Free Afternoon
Today, we visit beautiful Riga, largest of the Baltic State cities. Situated at the mouth of the River Daugava, this charming, cosmopolitan city offers a real mix of architectural styles. Spires of dark, gothic churches tower above the shadowy cobblestone streets below.
During our morning walking tour, we explore these hidden delights and the medieval maze that makes up the Old Town, including the striking foliage-covered Powder Tower - home to the Latvian War Museum, and the central Dome Square - the heart of seven atmospheric streets. Stand on the marked spot on the square and you can see all three golden cockerels on top of the Old Town church spires.
During the afternoon, you’re free to explore the city as you wish, a stroll through Riga’s famously vast Central Market, five pavilions of old Zeppelin hangars so iconic that it’s included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the city’s Old Town.
Day 8: Return Flight
After breakfast it’s time to bid a fond farewell to the beauty of the Baltics and take the transfer for the flight home.
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