Overview:
Combine a stay in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, with the three Baltic capitals of Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. Explore the charming capitals of the Baltics and Belarus which are all full of historical arctitecture, culture and traditions. Visit the fascinating sights throughout the Baltics and Belarus and enjoy the traditional foods in local restaurants combined with a great selection of optional tours throughout your journey. Our knowledgeable local guides will help you make this escorted tour a memorable experience with memories to last you many years to come!
Package price is from £1,370 per person based on availability and two people sharing a standard twin/double room.
Single supplement is £500 per person
2017 Departure Dates:
| Departure |
Return |
08 Jun
|
18 Jun
|
22 Jun
|
02 Jul
|
06 Jul
|
16 Jul
|
20 Jul
|
30 Jul
|
03 Aug
|
13 Aug
|
17 Aug
|
27 Aug
|
.
Tour Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL MINSK
Arrival at the airport and transfer to Hotel Renaissance Minsk**** or similar, check-in and welcome meeting in the evening.
DAY 2: MINSK
Minsk is one of the last undiscovered secrets of Europe, modern and historical at the same time, a green city with a cosmopolitan and bustling atmosphere and surprisingly bright, clean and safe. The morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Independence Square and the Independence Avenue with its amazing collection of Stalinist Classicism, the Old Town, the Island of Tears, the reconstructed Trinity District and the Janka Kupala Park. The afternoon offers optional visit to Museum of the Great Patriotic War with more than 8000 exhibits related to the devastating tragedy of WWII in Belarus.
DAY 3: MINSK
The day offers and optional excursion to one of the greatest treasures of Belarus, Mir Castle, ca. 100 km southwest of Minsk, a UNESCO World heritage site. The castle is an exceptional example of a central European fortification, reflecting in its design and layout successive cultural influences of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance that blend harmoniously to create an impressive monument to the history of Belarus. The evening offers an optional dinner at Restaurant Gambarinus.
DAY 4: MINSK - VILNIUS
The morning is free in Minsk to explore more of the city individually. In the afternoon we are driving 180 km to reach Vilnius, check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva**** or similar.
DAY 5: VILNIUS
Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning sightseeing tour includes a panoramic tour of the city and a walking tour of the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, with the well-preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galve. In the evening, enjoy an optional folklore dinner at Restaurant Belmontas.
DAY 6: VILNIUS - RIGA
Heading for Riga, the first stop is the Hills of Crosses, one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania. After crossing into Latvia, we soon reach the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace we travel through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to reach Riga late afternoon, check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija**** or similar.
DAY 7: RIGA
Before we get acquainted with Riga we have the possibility of discovering medieval Latvia. The optional tour for this morning takes us to the stunning scenery of the Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida, and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before we return to Riga. The afternoon offers an optional visit to the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, a spacious exposition of 18th century country life. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.
DAY 8: RIGA
Riga founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert is the largest of the 3 Baltic capitals and boasts a true kaleidoscope of various architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Forest.
DAY 9: RIGA - TALLINN
The tour continues along the coastal highway to the Estonian summer resort of Parnu. We do a short tour of the resort before we continue through the North Estonian land of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon, check-in at the Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia**** or similar.
DAY 10: TALLINN
Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. In the afternoon an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian art museum, with its collections of classic and contemporary fine art. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Peppersack.
DAY 11: FAREWELL TALLINN
Breakfast at your hotel and transfer to Tallinn Airport for your return flight.
Optional tours:
- 3 hour visit to Museum of the Great Patriotic War £35 pp
- 6 hours excursion to Mir Castle £69 pp
- Dinner at Restaurant Gambarinus £35 pp
- 3 hour excursion to Trakai and visit to Trakai Castle £35 pp
- Folklore dinner at Restaurant Belmontas £35 pp
- 4-hour excursion Gauja National Park £45 pp
- 3-hour excursion to Open Air Museum £35 pp
- Organ concert at the Dome Cathedral £32 pp
- 4-hour excursion to Jurmala £35 pp
- Latvian dinner at Restaurant Forest £35 pp
- 3-hour excursion to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU £35 pp
- Medieval dinner at Restaurant Peppersack £35 pp
- Half board at the hotel(10 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea) £310 pp
Package Includes:
- Flights from the UK to Minsk and return from Tallinn
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 20 kg)
- Airport transfers
- 10 nights' accommodation at centrally located 4 star hotels
- Breakfast daily
- Welcome meeting and welcome package
- Entrances to Old University in Vilnius, Rundale Palace and Medieval Guild Hall in Tallinn
- English speaking guide
- 1st class coaches or minivans throughout the itinerary
- Portage at the hotel
- 24-hour emergency
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
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