- Explore Lahemaa National Park: Estonia's largest, rich biodiversity, captivating coastal landscapes
- Visit Tartu - European Capital of Culture 2024
- Discover Latvia's Baroque masterpiece - Rundale Palace
- Stop off at one of Lithuania's most iconic images - the fairy-tale castle of Trakai
Baltic Fly-Drive Holiday
Explore all three Baltic States at your own pace on this 10-day fly-drive from Tallinn to Vilnius. Spend time in the three contrasting capitals, but discover plenty more along the way, from the forests and manor houses of Lahemaa National Park to the university city of Tartu and the medieval towns and castles of Cesis and Sigulda.
Continue through Latvia to magnificent Rundale Palace and Bauska before crossing into Lithuania, stopping at the extraordinary Hill of Crosses on the way to Kaunas. Visit Trakai’s red-brick island castle before ending in Vilnius, with time to explore its historic Old Town. With manageable driving distances and plenty of opportunities to stop en route, this is an ideal introduction to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania by car.
Tour Itinerary
Fly to Tallinn and transfer to the hotel, 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)
This morning pick up your car hire and 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 Occupation 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 thousands of crosses and is recognised as a national centre of pilgrimage. Before arriving in Kaunas we recommend 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 descent 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)
Pricing Information
Price Includes
- Return International flights from the UK to the Baltics *
- All taxes and charges
- Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast
- Car Hire Group B with CDW, unlimited mileage, insurance, theft, vat, airport fees and all local taxes**
Price Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Parking charges
- Super damage waiver and deposit for rental vehicle
Price Includes
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Optional excursions
Price Notes
* Air Baltic fly from London Gatwick to Tallinn and from Vilnius (via Riga). Other options are available
** Please contact us for terms and conditions of the car hire plus any optional extras such as additional driver, or GPS
This is an example itinerary accompanied by a guide price. If you would like alternative options, or if you have a higher or lower budget than the guide price, please ring one of our travel specialists on 0207 666 1244 and we can tailor this trip to suit your precise requirements.
A municipal fee of approximately 2 EUR per person per night applies in Riga and is typically payable locally. On this holiday to the Baltics it would be 4 EUR which is approx. £3.47 per person. Exchange rate and local taxes may change before you pay at the hotel
A city tax of approximately 2 EUR per person per night applies in Vilnius and is typically payable locally. On this holiday to the Baltics it would be 4 EUR which is approx. £3.47 per person. Exchange rate and local taxes may change before you pay at the hotel
A city tax of approximately 1 EUR per person per night applies in Kaunas and is typically payable locally. On this holiday to the Baltics it would be 1 EUR which is approx. £0.87 per person. Exchange rate and local taxes may change before you pay at the hotel
For single room supplements and solo travellers please contact us for prices
Tour Route Map
- Estonia, Tallinn
- Estonia, Tartu
- Latvia, Cesis
- Latvia, Riga
- Latvia, Bauska
- Latvia, Rundale Palace
- Lithuania, Hill of Crosses
- Lithuania, Kaunas
- Lithuania, Vilnius
Tour Accommodation
Image Gallery
Reviews
I think Eastern Europe and the Baltics are fascinating from the point of view of history, language and architecture. I'm glad that your company shares that view. I regularly check your website for inspiration. I'm already thinking of trip no 4 with Regent Holidays.