Baltic Fly-Drive Holiday

Fly to Tallinn and collect the hire car at the airport. Drive to Estonia’s capital city (5km, 15 minutes) and check in to the hotel for two nights.

Enjoy a free day at leisure in Tallinn. Make time to explore the medieval Old Town with its enchanting muddle of 13th century church spires, maze of narrow streets and impressive Town Hall Square. Stop to relax in one of the city’s many chic cafés. Perhaps drive out to Tallinn’s TV Tower. Officially opened on July 11th, 1980, the 314m tower remains a striking symbol of Soviet engineering prowess. Its observation deck, situated at 175m, the highest in Northern Europe, offers panoramic views, including glimpses of Finland on clear days. The renovated tower also houses a museum. (B)

Depart for Tartu (180km). We recommend stopping en route in Estonia’s largest National Park - Lahemaa. Here, discover the beauty of northern Estonia’s landscape through the parks, forests, lakes, fishing villages and manor houses, including the fully restored 18th century Palmse Manor. Continue to the leafy city of Tartu, home to Estonia’s oldest and most renowned university. On arrival check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

Before leaving the city do include a visit to The Estonian National Museum in Tartu, the largest museum in Estonia. Explore the everyday life of Estonians and learn about Finno-Ugric peoples. The building is very impressive with temporary exhibitions, a restaurant, a museum shop, and beautiful outdoor areas, including a glass-roofed distillery by Lake Raadi.
Drive to Riga (245km), stopping in the town of Cesis en route to visit the medieval castle ruins. Continue to Sigulda, located in Gauja National Park. Arrive in Riga and check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

Spend the day exploring Latvia’s capital city. From the medieval Old Town and the large Art Nouveau district to the moving Occupational Museum of Latvia and the huge Central Market housed in old Zeppelin hangars, there is plenty to discover in this lively capital city. (B)

Today drive to Bauska (70km), a small town located close to the Lithuanian border. Here, in the Zemgale region of Latvia we recommend visiting the stunning Rundale Palace. This architecture gem was designed by the renowned Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the 16th century. Marvel at its opulent Baroque interiors and meticulously landscaped gardens, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Latvia's past  Also perhaps explore the ruins of Bauska Castle, a mid-15th century Livonian Order stronghold combined with the residence of the Dukes of Courland. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

Travel to Kaunas (200km) via the Hill Of Crosses in Siauliai. This religious hill is covered with tens of thousand of crosses and is recognised as a national centre of pilgrimage. Before arriving in Kaunas we commend stopping off at 9th Fort and see the visually striking Soviet-era memorial, one of the world's largest and most impressive examples of socialist brutalist architecture. On arrival in Kaunas, check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

Continue the journey to Vilnius (100km) setting time aside to stop at iconic Trakai Castle, a beautiful redbrick fortress set on a tranquil lake - the best known monument in Lithuania. Perhaps spend time exploring the fascinating castle museum. Whilst at Trakai do taste a local version of the Cornish Pasty. The Karaims are an ethnic group from Turkic decent and their national pastry 'kibinai' is made with minced meat and vegetables. Travel to Vilnius and on arrival check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

Spend the day at leisure in Lithuania’s capital. A city of churches with a steeple view on every corner, Vilnius has the largest baroque Old Town in Europe. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town and discover iconic landmarks like Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, and St. Anne’s Church. Perhaps visit Hales Food Market, Vilnius's oldest market. Here, meet with local bakers, butchers, cheese or wine makers and enjoy a unique taste of Lithuania. (B)