Highlights of the Baltic States

This private tour is perfect for anyone seeking a luxury tour of the highlights of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. Each day’s touring is very flexible, with your own expert guide and driver, and focuses on beautiful and historically significant cities in the region, special insider experiences, private day trips, and access to our favorite local attractions. Accommodations are at the finest hotels in the region. Artisans of Leisure can also make arrangements for travelers who are interested in researching their Jewish family heritage.

Begin in Vilnius, the beautiful capital of Lithuania filled with narrow cobblestone streets, Baroque churches, interesting museums, wooded parks, folk-artists’ workshops and markets. During private touring, explore the magical Old Town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its proliferation of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance and classical structures. Also, visit lakeside Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, to see its gorgeous island castle and learn about the Karaites, ethnic Turkic Jews who have been living in the area since the late 14th century.

Drive to Riga, the capital of Latvia. En route, stop at the Hill of Crosses, a unique pilgrimage site covered with thousands of crosses; and Rundale, to tour the 18th-century Rundale Palace. Arrive in Riga, famed for its remarkable collection of Art Nouveau buildings—regarded as some of the finest in Europe. See some of the most impressive examples of this and other architectural styles during private touring. Also visit the wonderful Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, and the bustling Central Market.

En route to Estonia, tour Gauja National Park, a natural wonderland of forested hills, riverside cliffs and bogs; Sigulda, a picturesque town spanned by a string of medieval castles and legendary caves; Cesis, a well-preserved medieval market town of ancient stone and wood houses; and stop at a fishermen’s farmstead on the Gulf of Riga to sample local delicacies. Cross the border into Estonia and arrive in Parnu, Estonia’s premier seaside resort town. Enjoy flexible touring of Parnu’s cultural highlights, then depart for Saaremaa Island, famous for its natural beauty, and spend the night in an enchanting seaside town. Continue to Tallinn, stopping en route to tour local villages and beautiful Kaali Lake.

Arrive in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia and one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Enjoy comprehensive private touring of Tallinn’s most interesting sights and neighborhoods, including the very well-preserved, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town—the medieval jewel of Estonia—and its narrow streets, church spires and merchants’ houses. One day, take an excursion to Lahemaa National Park, home to some of Estonia’s most beautiful landscapes. See the natural highlights of the park, as well as places of cultural interest inside the park, such as a traditional fishing village and historic manor houses.

Conclude your tour in Helsinki, Finland, a dynamic waterfront city with a lively cultural life and an abundance of interesting architecture and excellent museums. During flexible private touring, visit the scenic Fisherman’s Market; Temppeliaukio, the famed “Rock Church” carved from solid stone; and a selection of museums as desired. Also, enjoy a day-trip to Porvoo, the second-oldest city in Finland and an architectural treasure.