Baltic Fly-Drive Holiday

This popular fly-drive itinerary travels from Tallinn to Riga and on to Vilnius but also visits spectacular attractions between the enchanting Baltic capitals. Pass through laidback provincial towns containing the region’s unique wooden architecture or stop at protected national parks to observe rare birds, plants and wild animals. Drive via Lahemaa National Park to the university town of Tartu, explore the medieval town of Cesis and stop at the eerie Hill of Crosses en route to Kaunas. From Vilnius, it is possible to visit Stalin World in Druskininkai, described as a cross between Disneyland and a Soviet Gulag prison camp. 

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

FLY TO TALLINN

Fly to Tallinn and collect the hire car at the airport. Drive to Estonia’s capital city and check in to the hotel for two nights.

DAY 2

TALLINN

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. (B)

DAY 3

TALLINN TO TARTU (185km)

Depart for Tartu 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)

DAY 4

TARTU TO RIGA (250km)

Drive to Riga, 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)

DAY 5

RIGA

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)

DAY 6

RIGA TO BAUSKA (65km)

Continue to Bauska, a small town located close to the Lithuanian border. Here, in the Zemgale region of Latvia it is possible to visit Rundale Palace as well as the ruins of Bauska Castle and a Zemgalian farm. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 7

BAUSKA TO KAUNAS (210km)

Travel to Kaunas 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. On arrival in Kaunas, check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 8

KAUNAS TO VILNIUS (98km)

Continue the journey to Vilnius setting time aside to stop at Trakai Castle, a beautiful redbrick fortress set on a tranquil lake - the bestknown monument in Lithuania. Perhaps spend time exploring the fascinating castle museum. Travel to Vilnius and on arrival check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

DAY 9

VILNIUS

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. Discover a treasure trove of pristine winding streets and colourful baroque buildings. (B)