Baltic & Russian Explorer: Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, St. Petersburg & Moscow - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrival to Riga

You'll start your Baltic exploration in beautiful Riga, the capital of Latvia. A representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodation to rest and refresh. 

If you have time and energy, you can spend a free evening exploring the charming streets of Riga.

Day 2: Riga City Tour

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. You'll go on a walking tour of the Old Town, which includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds, and the Freedom Monument.

The afternoon is reserved for a visit to Jurmala, a vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches.

In the evening, you can enjoy an organ concert at Dome Cathedral.

Day 3: Riga Market & Opera Tour

Wake up bright and early to explore the gorgeous Latvian capital. You'll start with a tour of the Riga Central Market. Try smoked meats, pickled vegetables, Latvian bread, seasonal treats, and other delectable local fare. The market opened in 1930 and consists of five former Zeppelin airship hangars. Today, it is one of the largest covered markets in Europe. 

In the afternoon, tour the Latvian National Opera and Ballet House, a unique architectural masterpiece of the 19th century. Your guide will lead you through the interior of the building and tell you about the history of the opera.  The tour finishes with a refreshing glass of sparkling wine.

Day 4: Transfer to Tallinn

Today, you'll leave beautiful Latvia and travel along the coastal highway towards the Estonian summer resort of Parnu. You'll do a short tour of the resort before continuing through the North Estonian land of forests to arrive at Tallinn in the early afternoon. 

Once in the capital, you'll be taken to your accommodation, where you can rest before enjoying a free evening.

Day 5: Tallinn City Tour

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. You'll do a sightseeing tour that takes you around the medieval city walls and to Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Old Town Hall, and the Great Guild Hall. 

In the afternoon, you'll do excursion to Kadriorg Park, and visit KUMU, the new Estonian art museum, with its award-winning collection of classic and contemporary fine art.

Day 6: Ferry to Helsinki

After breakfast, you will take a ferry and enjoy a thrilling tour through the Finnish archipelago before arriving in Helsinki.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest up before heading out to explore the Finnish capital on your own. 

Day 7: Helsinki & Suomenlinna Fortress Tour

Helsinki is located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture, and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. Go on a sightseeing tour that takes you around the city's harbors and the Senate Square. you will see the Lutheran Cathedral, the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument. You'll also visit the famous Church-in-the-Rock.

In the afternoon, head on an excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress. This cultural treasure was built in the 18th century, and it is one of the world's largest sea fortresses, sprawling across a series of six small islands.

Day 8: Train to St.Petersburg

Today, you will take a speed train to exciting Russia. Departure is after breakfast, and you will be able to enjoy a scenic 4-hour ride to the imperial city of St. Petersburg. 

The afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy at your own leisure.

Day 9: St.Petersburg City Tour

St. Petersburg is an amazing city. Its imperial palaces and museums enjoy worldwide fame, while its Neva River and its many canals have earned it the title of “The Venice of the North.” During the morning sightseeing tour, you'll get acquainted with all the splendors of the city: the Peter-Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, the Nevsky Convent and much more.

The afternoon offers an excursion to Zarskoye Selo, the city's opulent royal palace. Walk through the impressive Catherine’s Palace and the Amber Room, which was destroyed during World War II and restored for St. Petersburg’s tri-centennial celebrations.

Take a break by having a tea party at a traditional apartment in the city center, before continuing on a walking tour to Tauride Palace & Gardens, Smolny Cathedral, and other landmarks.

Day 10: Imperial Tour & Matryoshka Class

The morning is reserved for a visit to Peterhof, an uncontested masterpiece of the time of Peter the Great, with the impressive Grand Palace, Grand Cascade and Water Avenue. You will also take a hydrofoil to enjoy a half-hour ride on the Neva river.

In the afternoon, you'll do a Matryoshka Master Class. These traditional wooden dolls are the most famous Russian souvenir, and you'll be able to make your own to take home. Learn from local artisans during this unique cultural experience.

Day 11: High-Speed Train to Moscow

Enjoy your last morning in St. Petersburg before boarding the Sapsan high-speed train to Moscow. The train ride takes you through endless Russian landscapes along the River Volga.

You'll arrive at the Russian capital in the late afternoon. You can choose to rest or explore on your own.

Day 12: Moscow City Tour

Moscow, The Mother of Russia, is a genuine Russian city where you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone catering to tourists. Its Kremlin and onion-domed cathedrals are an iconic symbol of the nation.

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour that includes the highlights of the vast city: the Red Square with St. Basil’s Cathedral, Theatre Square with Bolshoi Theatre, and Sparrow Hills with Moscow University. You will also visit the Kremlin grounds.

In the afternoon, visit the Moscow Metro. Although public transit is not usually included in city tours, Moscow's is a must. You'll go through historical stations on the Ring-Line before taking a guided stroll along the famous pedestrian Arbat Street.

Day 13: Sergiev Posad Day Trip

The day offers a full day excursion to the quaint town of Sergiev Posad. The town's main attraction is the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, the most important Russian monastery and the spiritual heart of the Russian Orthodox Church. The whole Lavra has been beautifully restored for the 700th anniversary of the birth of St. Sergius of Radonezh.

You'll return to Moscow in the late afternoon.

Day 14: Depart from Moscow

It is time to continue onto your next adventure. Happy travels!