Baltic Experience

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
Baltic Experience
12 Days
From AUD $3775
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Baltic Experience

Baltic Experience

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience the Baltic states on this 12-day adventurous journey through Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. From the medieval spires of Tallinn and the funky bars of Riga to the Baroque-styled quirks of Vilnius.

Highlights

  • Walk through the perfectly preserved medieval wall and watchtowers of Tallinn's Old Town – the perfect spot to explore on foot.
  • Discover the 13th-century Turaida Castle on a guided tour, then wander through woodlands and along the winding Guaja River.
  • Visit Aukstaitija National Park, which offers unique opportunities for both action and relaxation. Kayak across the lakes, indulge in home-cooked meals or cleanse yourself in a traditional sauna.
  • Explore Sigulda – a pretty town with medieval history that backs onto Gauja National Park. See the region from above on a cable car ride across the river, then join a guided tour of the Turaida Castle.
  • Wander through the ornate architecture of Riga’s Old Town and explore the pastel-coloured buildings, bars and restaurants.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Public bus,Ferry,Canoe,Private vehicle,Train,Tram,Cable car

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Helsinki, Estonia

Finishes

Vilnius, Estonia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Helsinki
Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your adventure kicks off in Helsinki with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe check out the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Senate Square or catch a performance at the National Theatre. You may want to consider purchasing the Helsinki Card – which is both an economical way to travel on Helsinki City Transport (HKL) services and free admission to the main Helsinki sights and nearly 50 museums. After your meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with your group to get to know your fellow travellers.

Optional Activities:

  • Helsinki - Ateneum Art Museum (22 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Cathedral (10 EUR)
  • Helsinki - City Museum - Free
  • Helsinki - Design Museum (20 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum (14 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Open-Air Museum Seurasaari (18 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (7 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum (22 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Rock Church (8 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Tallinn
Leave Helsinki after breakfast and catch a ferry across the Gulf of Finland to the Estonian capital of Tallinn. Arrive mid-afternoon, check into your hotel and head out for a short orientation walk through the city. The rest of your day is then free to enjoy this beautifully preserved medieval city and all it has to offer. Maybe head out and enjoy some of the region's culinary specialties or stop for a drink and people watch on the main square. With its steep red roofs, spires, pastel-coloured buildings and new restaurants and bars, Estonia's capital is a real treat to explore. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations!

Included Activities:

  • Tallinn - Leader led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Tallinn
Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe explore the Old Town – home to the last remaining gothic town hall in northern Europe, Old Thomas. You could also see the Raapteek, which has housed a pharmacy since the 15th century, and St Olaf Church. Maybe head to Upper Tallinn, home to the noble families, to see amazing views of Lower Tallinn and the medieval spires of the town’s walls. The 13th-century Toompea Castle, where the Estonian Parliament sits, and the 19th-century orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are some of the main attractions. Alternatively, head to Pirita to chill out at Tallinn's most popular beach, or visit Kadriorg Palace, built by czar Peter the Great for his second wife Catherine I.

Optional Activities:

  • Tallinn - Estonian History Museum (13 EUR)
  • Tallinn - Kadriorg Palace (13 EUR)
  • Tallinn - Peter The Great Museum (5 EUR)
  • Tallinn - City Bike Tour (28 EUR)
  • Tallinn - City Museum (8 EUR)
  • Tallinn - Kiek in de Kök Tower Museum (12 EUR)
  • Tallinn - TV Tower (16 EUR)
  • Tallinn - The Estonian Maritime Museum (30 EUR)
  • Tallin - Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom (14 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Riga
Depart by bus after breakfast, cross the border and arrive in the Latvian capital of Riga in the afternoon. Riga is renowned for its welcoming locals and a fascinating art nouveau heritage. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe discover a vast collection of Latvian art spanning various periods at the Latvian National Museum of Art or catch a performance at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. Tonight, perhaps grab a drink at one of the many bars in the Old Town.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Riga
Travel by public transport to Sigulda – a pretty town with medieval history that backs onto Gauja National Park. Take the cable car across the river to Turaida Castle, which began construction in 1214 and is made from striking red bricks. After, join a guided tour and explore the castle grounds which feature sculptures set in evergreen woodland. This afternoon, lace up your boots and set off on a hike along the winding Gauja River with your leader, taking in the clear air and thick Latvian forest. This evening is then free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:

  • Sigulda - Gauja River Cable Car
  • Sigulda - Day Trip
  • Sigulda - Turaida Castle Guided Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Riga
Spend today exploring Riga. This morning, set out on an orientation tour, where you’ll see the Doma Cathedral, St Peter's Basilica, House of Blackheads, the Swedish Gate, The Great Guild and Small Guild and the Cat House. There is nothing scheduled for the rest of the day, so you’re free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit The Museum of Occupation of Latvia, which offers insight into the hardships suffered, during occupation by the Germans and Soviets. Or, wander through the Central Market Halls – a great place to haggle for supplies for a picnic lunch. Make sure you give the (bitter but reputedly healthy) Riga Black Balsam a try. The recipe is secret, but it contains rare ingredients such as valerian, wormwood, black pepper, ginger, gentian and linden flower.

Included Activities:

  • Riga - Leader led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

  • Riga - Riverboat Cruise (20 EUR)
  • Riga - St Peter's Tower (9 EUR)
  • Riga - Central Market Halls - Free
  • Riga - Museum of Occupation of Latvia (8 EUR)
  • Riga - Beer Spa (151 EUR)
  • Riga - Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum (5 EUR)
  • Riga - Riga Art Nouveau Center (9 EUR)
  • Riga - Panorama Observation deck of the Latvian Academy of Science (8 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Klaipeda
Set off by private bus and cross the border into Lithuania. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcast. After a stop at the iconic Hill of Crosses at Siauliai, continue onto the former Prussian city of Klaipeda – the city of sculptures and jazz. Klaipeda used to be a member of the Hanseatic League and is the gateway to the Curonian Spit – a long and narrow sand dune peninsula separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. When you arrive, check into your hotel, then head out to the waterfront and explore the Old Town centre, which features 18th-century wooden buildings and other historic monuments.

Included Activities:

  • Siauliai - Hill of Crosses

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Curonian Spit
Today, set off on a daytrip to explore the unique UNESCO World Heritage-listed Curonian Spit National Park – the second-oldest national park in the former Soviet Union. This area is full of beaches, sand dunes and forested areas. The peninsula formed only 5000 years ago by strong winds and currents, which constantly change the shape of the landscape to this day (recently, a whole village was swallowed by the sand!). According to legend, the spit was formed by the girl giant Neringa, who poured sand into the Baltic Sea to protect the bay from storms and create an embankment for fishermen. Explore the tiny village of Nida and the surrounding beaches and look in the distance to see the Russian border. Then for lunch, maybe try the smoked pike for which the spit is famous. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the national park – your leader will have the best recommendations if you’re looking for something to do!

Included Activities:

  • Curonian Spit - Full Day Trip to the National Park

Optional Activities:

  • Nida - Fisherman Ethnographic Museum (2 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Aukstaitija National Park
After breakfast, travel by bus, train and car to the town of Ignalina. Then, continue your journey to Aukstaitija (pronounced owk-sty-chee-ah) National Park and the village of Ginuciai – your home for the night. When you arrive, spend the day exploring the national park, said to be one of the best in the Baltic States. With 126 lakes, an abundance of waterways, hills and woods, there is plenty to explore! Tonight, meet your host family and get to know them over a home-cooked dinner – you'll spend the next two days with them.

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Aukstaitija National Park
This morning, you’ll take a guided kayak ride through the lakes and rivers, past villages and through forests, to an ancient pagan site on top of a hill with a wishing tree. The top affords great views across the surrounding forests and lakes. The rest of the day is free to visit some of the local attractions, such as the nearby villages that date from the 14th century and consist of traditional wooden houses and farmsteads. The 19th-century Ginuciai Watermill is another point of interest. You can hike to lookouts, fish, swim in the lake or river rapids, or relax. Maybe ask your host family to fire up the sauna for the ultimate relaxation and cleansing experience.

Included Activities:

  • Aukstaitija National Park - Guided Kayak Trip

Optional Activities:

  • Aukstaitija National Park - Sauna (80 EUR)
  • Aukstaitija National Park - Bike Hire (20 EUR)
  • Aukstaitija National Park - Beekeeping Museum (6 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Vilnius
Continue your journey today by local train to the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. Having once been occupied by Sweden, Poland, France and Russia, each occupier has left its mark. Take an orientation walk with your leader when you arrive, seeing Cathedral Square and its free-standing belfry and the length of pedestrianised Pilies Gatve, lined by baroque churches. The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, better known as the KGB Museum, as it’s in the former KGB headquarters. If you’d like a break from historic monuments, maybe take a walk through some of the gardens around the city. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.

Optional Activities:

  • Vilnius - Trakai Island Castle (12 EUR)
  • Vilnius - TV Tower (16 EUR)
  • Vilnius - Gediminas Castle Tower (8 EUR)
  • Vilnius - University Museum (3 EUR)
  • Vilnius - National Museum (6 EUR)
  • Vilnius - Museum Of Occupations And Freedom Fights (6 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Vilnius
Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after you check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,775
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Experience the Baltic states on this 12-day adventurous journey through Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. From the medieval spires of Tallinn and the funky bars of Riga to the Baroque-styled quirks of Vilnius.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 May 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Blake
Traveled, September 2023

09/25/2023

The Baltic experience was a fantastic trip with a good balance of new cities and amazing outdoor activities in Lithuania. Highlights was bike riding along the Spit and a relaxing kayak along the river and lakes.

4.0
Rosalyn
Traveled, September 2023

09/18/2023

We had a great trip through the Baltics with a fun group of fellow travelers and an excellent group leader, Alex W. Loved that we got to explore the charming capital cities and spend time outdoors in several national parks. We flew into Helsinki a day early and in retrospect should have added another day or two. Highly recommend the Baltic Experience trip.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989