16-day Self-Drive Tours through the Baltic countries
Trip programme:
Day 1: Riga
Welcome to Riga, the capital of Latvia! Pick up your rental car at the airport. Drive to the hotel and check-in. Overnight stay in Riga.
Welcome to Riga, the capital of Latvia! Pick up your rental car at the airport. Drive to the hotel and check-in. Overnight stay in Riga.
Day 2: Riga
Experience Riga and its 800 years of development. Many medieval houses, the Town Hall square with the Blackhead House, the Cathedral with the opportunity to listen to an impressive organ concert, the building ensemble “Three Brothers”, the legendary Cat House, the authentic guild houses, St. Peter’s Church, St. John’s Court, many Art Nouveau buildings and many more are waiting for you to discover. It is also recommended to visit the famous Riga Market and taste delicious local produce. Overnight stay at a hotel in Riga.
Experience Riga and its 800 years of development. Many medieval houses, the Town Hall square with the Blackhead House, the Cathedral with the opportunity to listen to an impressive organ concert, the building ensemble “Three Brothers”, the legendary Cat House, the authentic guild houses, St. Peter’s Church, St. John’s Court, many Art Nouveau buildings and many more are waiting for you to discover. It is also recommended to visit the famous Riga Market and taste delicious local produce. Overnight stay at a hotel in Riga.
Day 3: Riga - Pärnu - Saaremaa
Your journey continues to the coastal town of Pärnu. Here you have time for a walk through the old town, where you should see the classicist Town Hall, the Orthodox St. Catherine’s Church, beautifully renovated Elizabeth Church, the remains of the town fortifications, the villa district with old avenues and parks, the beach promenade. Enjoy a pleasant walk along the Baltic Sea coast. Continue to the island of Saaremaa. Cross over by ferry from Virtsu to Kuivastu and continue the journey towards Kuressaare. Check-in at a hotel in Kuressaare. Overnight stay.
Your journey continues to the coastal town of Pärnu. Here you have time for a walk through the old town, where you should see the classicist Town Hall, the Orthodox St. Catherine’s Church, beautifully renovated Elizabeth Church, the remains of the town fortifications, the villa district with old avenues and parks, the beach promenade. Enjoy a pleasant walk along the Baltic Sea coast. Continue to the island of Saaremaa. Cross over by ferry from Virtsu to Kuivastu and continue the journey towards Kuressaare. Check-in at a hotel in Kuressaare. Overnight stay.
Day 4: Saaremaa Island
Get to know the contrasting island of Saaremaa. It is the largest island in Estonia, about 2670km2. Kilometres of lonely coasts, extensive forests and moors inspire nature’s lovers. Saaremaa’s highlights are Kuressaare with the medieval Castle, Angla with the windmills, Karja with St. Catherine’s Church, Kaali with the meteorite crater, the Panga cliff, the Massilinn Order Castle, the Mihkli Farm Museum and many more. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kuressaare.
Get to know the contrasting island of Saaremaa. It is the largest island in Estonia, about 2670km2. Kilometres of lonely coasts, extensive forests and moors inspire nature’s lovers. Saaremaa’s highlights are Kuressaare with the medieval Castle, Angla with the windmills, Karja with St. Catherine’s Church, Kaali with the meteorite crater, the Panga cliff, the Massilinn Order Castle, the Mihkli Farm Museum and many more. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kuressaare.
Day 5: Saaremaa - Haapsalu - Rummu - Tallinn
You will now leave Kuressaare and continue to Haapsalu, located directly on the Baltic Sea, with many colourful wooden houses, the legendary ruins of the Bishop’s Castle, the magnificent railway station as well as parks and avenues contribute to Haapsalu’s nostalgic charm. Continue towards Tallinn. On the way, stop at the Rummu open-cast mine and learn many interesting stories about this spectacular place. Arrival in Tallinn, check-in at a hotel. Free time at your disposal. Overnight stay in Tallinn.
You will now leave Kuressaare and continue to Haapsalu, located directly on the Baltic Sea, with many colourful wooden houses, the legendary ruins of the Bishop’s Castle, the magnificent railway station as well as parks and avenues contribute to Haapsalu’s nostalgic charm. Continue towards Tallinn. On the way, stop at the Rummu open-cast mine and learn many interesting stories about this spectacular place. Arrival in Tallinn, check-in at a hotel. Free time at your disposal. Overnight stay in Tallinn.
Day 6: Tallinn
Self-guided city tour of Tallinn. Sights we recommend to see: the Cathedral Church, the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Town Hall and many more. From the viewing platform of the Upper Town, you have a magnificent view of the harbour and over the city with the Toompea Castle, the narrow Old Town streets and the Town Hall Square. Other highlights of Tallinn include the former Brigid Monastery in Pirita, the baroque Kadriorg Castle and its beautiful garden, KUMU Art Museum and the famous Singers’ Meadow. Overnight stay at a hotel in Tallinn.
Self-guided city tour of Tallinn. Sights we recommend to see: the Cathedral Church, the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Town Hall and many more. From the viewing platform of the Upper Town, you have a magnificent view of the harbour and over the city with the Toompea Castle, the narrow Old Town streets and the Town Hall Square. Other highlights of Tallinn include the former Brigid Monastery in Pirita, the baroque Kadriorg Castle and its beautiful garden, KUMU Art Museum and the famous Singers’ Meadow. Overnight stay at a hotel in Tallinn.
Day 7: Tallinn - Lahemaa National Park (approx. 95km)
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Day to run away from the city and enjoy pure Estonian nature. Lahemaa National Park – the largest park in Estonia and one of Europe's biggest national parks. We recommend that you explore the Jägala waterfall and the legendary “Captain’s Village”. A visit to the Viru Raba high moor is a must for all nature lovers. For today’s overnight stay we have chosen something very special for you. You will stay in the majestic VIHULA mansion in the midst of beautiful nature. Let today end in a cozy atmosphere.
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Day to run away from the city and enjoy pure Estonian nature. Lahemaa National Park – the largest park in Estonia and one of Europe's biggest national parks. We recommend that you explore the Jägala waterfall and the legendary “Captain’s Village”. A visit to the Viru Raba high moor is a must for all nature lovers. For today’s overnight stay we have chosen something very special for you. You will stay in the majestic VIHULA mansion in the midst of beautiful nature. Let today end in a cozy atmosphere.
Day 8: Excursion to Lahemaa National Park
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Another day in Lahemaa National Park. With its beautiful coastline and romantic hiking trails leading through unspoilt landscapes, forests and beaches, the park is an ideal place to relax mind and body. We also recommend visiting the restored manor houses of Palmse and Sagadi, walking on the beach of Vösu, admiring the old fishermen’s houses of Altja and visiting the nature museum in Oandu. Overnight stay at Vihula Manor.
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Another day in Lahemaa National Park. With its beautiful coastline and romantic hiking trails leading through unspoilt landscapes, forests and beaches, the park is an ideal place to relax mind and body. We also recommend visiting the restored manor houses of Palmse and Sagadi, walking on the beach of Vösu, admiring the old fishermen’s houses of Altja and visiting the nature museum in Oandu. Overnight stay at Vihula Manor.
Day 9: Lahemaa National Park - Tartu - Cesis
The journey continues to Tartu. The numerous sights of this town include the Town Hall built in 18th century, the Cathedral Hill with the ruins of the Cathedral Church, St. John’s Church with the unique terracotta sculptures from the Middle Ages, the fountain with the sculpture “Kissing Students” as well as the Angel’s Bridge and the Devil’s Bridge. Today’s programme includes a visit to Sangaste Castle, which was modelled based on the famous Windsor Castle in England. You will continue to Cesis. Afterwards you will explore the medieval town of Cesis and spend the evening in a local Latvian restaurant. Overnight stay.
The journey continues to Tartu. The numerous sights of this town include the Town Hall built in 18th century, the Cathedral Hill with the ruins of the Cathedral Church, St. John’s Church with the unique terracotta sculptures from the Middle Ages, the fountain with the sculpture “Kissing Students” as well as the Angel’s Bridge and the Devil’s Bridge. Today’s programme includes a visit to Sangaste Castle, which was modelled based on the famous Windsor Castle in England. You will continue to Cesis. Afterwards you will explore the medieval town of Cesis and spend the evening in a local Latvian restaurant. Overnight stay.
Day 10: Gauja National Park
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Today you get to know the picturesque Gauja National Park. Visit the medieval hilltop castle of Turaida, the Gutman’s Cave surrounded by the legend of the Rose of Turaida, take a walk in the beautiful Sigulda Castle Park. Other must-see sights in the Gauja National Park: Ungurmuiza Manor, the historic Araisi Water Castle, Ligatne Paper Mill Village with the Soviet Bunker and many more. Overnight stay at a hotel in Cesis.
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Today you get to know the picturesque Gauja National Park. Visit the medieval hilltop castle of Turaida, the Gutman’s Cave surrounded by the legend of the Rose of Turaida, take a walk in the beautiful Sigulda Castle Park. Other must-see sights in the Gauja National Park: Ungurmuiza Manor, the historic Araisi Water Castle, Ligatne Paper Mill Village with the Soviet Bunker and many more. Overnight stay at a hotel in Cesis.
Day 11: Riga - Rundale - Siauliai - Vilnius (approx. 350km)
Before you leave Latvia and continue to Lithuania, we recommend you to visit one of the most famous and most worth seeing architectural monuments of Latvia - the Rundale Castle. The castle was once the summer residence of the Courland Duke Biron and is one of the most magnificent baroque buildings in the Baltic States. Continue the journey towards Siauliai (Lithuania) and stop at the Mountain of Crosses. A sea of crosses, tens of thousands or even more, in all imaginable sizes. A unique and special hill of devotion, surrounded by legends. With new experiences, continue your journey towards Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Check-in and overnight stay at a hotel in Vilnius.
Before you leave Latvia and continue to Lithuania, we recommend you to visit one of the most famous and most worth seeing architectural monuments of Latvia - the Rundale Castle. The castle was once the summer residence of the Courland Duke Biron and is one of the most magnificent baroque buildings in the Baltic States. Continue the journey towards Siauliai (Lithuania) and stop at the Mountain of Crosses. A sea of crosses, tens of thousands or even more, in all imaginable sizes. A unique and special hill of devotion, surrounded by legends. With new experiences, continue your journey towards Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Check-in and overnight stay at a hotel in Vilnius.
Day 12: Vilnius - Trakai - Vilnius (approx. 55km)
The capital of Lithuania surprises with its abundance and variety of sights. You will visit the baroque Casimir’s Church, the Gate of Dawn, St. Peter and Paul’s Church, the Vilnius University Ensemble, St. John’s Church and many more. Walk through the famous and legendary artists’ quarter “Uzupis”.
In the afternoon we suggest you to visit Trakai, about 26km from Vilnius. Trakai is particularly interesting because of the picturesque landscape and the historical castle of the Lithuanian princes. Return to Vilnius. Overnight stay at a hotel.
The capital of Lithuania surprises with its abundance and variety of sights. You will visit the baroque Casimir’s Church, the Gate of Dawn, St. Peter and Paul’s Church, the Vilnius University Ensemble, St. John’s Church and many more. Walk through the famous and legendary artists’ quarter “Uzupis”.
In the afternoon we suggest you to visit Trakai, about 26km from Vilnius. Trakai is particularly interesting because of the picturesque landscape and the historical castle of the Lithuanian princes. Return to Vilnius. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 13: Vilnius - Kaunas - Klaipeda
Drive from Vilnius to Kaunas. Take a walk in the Old Town and explore the Town Hall Square, the Baroque Church of St. Francis Xavier, the Perkunas House, the Gothic Vytautas Church, the Peter and Paul Cathedral and many more. We also recommend a visit to the Pazaislis Monastery, which is one of the most impressive architectural ensembles of the Lithuanian Baroque. Then continue to Klaipeda. Check-in at a hotel. Overnight stay.
Drive from Vilnius to Kaunas. Take a walk in the Old Town and explore the Town Hall Square, the Baroque Church of St. Francis Xavier, the Perkunas House, the Gothic Vytautas Church, the Peter and Paul Cathedral and many more. We also recommend a visit to the Pazaislis Monastery, which is one of the most impressive architectural ensembles of the Lithuanian Baroque. Then continue to Klaipeda. Check-in at a hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 14: Excursion to the Curonian Spit
Explore the Curonian Spit, which is famous for its untouched nature with huge shifting sand dunes, thatched fishermen's houses and endless sandy beaches. In the fishing village of Nida, visit the High Dune with sundial, the Protestant church with ethnographic cemetery, the famous Thomas Mann House. Continue your journey towards Juodkrante and make another short detour to Pervalka to the Dead Dune. A hike here is a must. In the fishing village of Juodkrante, explore the cormorant colony, the legendary Witches’ Hill, the old villa district of the former spa town and Amber Bay. Return to Klaipeda. Overnight stay.
Explore the Curonian Spit, which is famous for its untouched nature with huge shifting sand dunes, thatched fishermen's houses and endless sandy beaches. In the fishing village of Nida, visit the High Dune with sundial, the Protestant church with ethnographic cemetery, the famous Thomas Mann House. Continue your journey towards Juodkrante and make another short detour to Pervalka to the Dead Dune. A hike here is a must. In the fishing village of Juodkrante, explore the cormorant colony, the legendary Witches’ Hill, the old villa district of the former spa town and Amber Bay. Return to Klaipeda. Overnight stay.
Day 15: the Curonian Spit (Nida) - Palanga - Liepaja - Kuldiga - Jurmala (approx. 355km)
You say goodbye to Klaipeda and drive to Palanga. This seaside resort on the Baltic coast is famous for its amber museum in the former castle of Count Tyszkiewisz.
The tour then continues via Liepaja to Kuldiga. Here you will see the architecture typical to Kuldiga, River Venta with the widest waterfall in Europe and the old brick bridge over the river. Afterwards drive to Jurmala. Sightseeing tour of the town. Jurmala’s pride is its rich natural resources: healing mineral baths, peat mud, pine forests, healthy beach climate, dunes and sandy beaches stretching 32.8km. Overnight stay at a hotel in Jurmala.
You say goodbye to Klaipeda and drive to Palanga. This seaside resort on the Baltic coast is famous for its amber museum in the former castle of Count Tyszkiewisz.
The tour then continues via Liepaja to Kuldiga. Here you will see the architecture typical to Kuldiga, River Venta with the widest waterfall in Europe and the old brick bridge over the river. Afterwards drive to Jurmala. Sightseeing tour of the town. Jurmala’s pride is its rich natural resources: healing mineral baths, peat mud, pine forests, healthy beach climate, dunes and sandy beaches stretching 32.8km. Overnight stay at a hotel in Jurmala.
Day 16: Jurmala - Riga (approx. 35km)
Drive to Riga airport. Return of the rental car. Journey home.
Drive to Riga airport. Return of the rental car. Journey home.
The following services are included in the price:
- 15 nights with breakfast in good 3-star hotels;
-
16 days rental car (e.g., VW Polo or similar for 2 people, VW Touran or similar for 4 people) with fully comprehensive insurance without excess:
- Premium protection package; windscreen, headlight and tyre protection, accident insurance;
- Border crossing costs (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania);
- Unlimited kilometres;
- Second driver, registered with the rental company for the entire duration of the trip;
- Parking fees at hotels in Riga, Kuresaaare, Tallinn, Vilnius, Klaipeda and Jurmala;
Price example:
The price from 1290 EUR* per person in a double room (calculated for 4 people)
The price from 1450 EUR* per person in a double room (calculated for 2 people)
*The price was calculated for the low season (October - April). Prices for high season on request.
Programme changes are possible according to your wishes. Free choice of dates! The trip can be booked all year round!