Discovery of the Baltic States by Train

ADVANTAGES OF OUR SUSTAINABLE TRIP

• Small group of a maximum of 12 travelers: everyone receives attention
• Experienced guides and escorts: local (1 guide per country), licensed, and with in-depth knowledge
• Extraordinary itinerary designed by locals: reduces the impact of mass tourism
• A true delight for food lovers: authentic meals, tastings, organic farms, market visits, dinners with drinks included
• Scenic hikes, bike rides, boat excursions, various tramways, buses, and cable cars
• Ecological, diverse trip focused on public transportation: 6 trains, minibus, boat, bus, tramway, cable car…
• Learning experiences: Vilnius University Library, Gauja National Park, Singing Revolution
• Social evenings and immersion in local life
• Carbon-neutral, environmentally friendly trip: ~30-50 trees planted (receive your certificate to keep!)
• Tap water is drinkable everywhere along the route: a BPA-free reusable water bottle is provided to each traveler
• Relaxed pace and a wide choice of affordable, original, and authentic optional activities

Departures 2024:

June 27 to July 7
August 1 to 11
August 15 to 25

DAY 1 | PARIS / VILNIUS – ARRIVAL IN VILNIUS AND FIRST DISCOVERY. WELCOME TO THE BALTIC STATES

Departure on a regular flight to Lithuania. Arrival in Vilnius.

Optional – Private transfer from the airport to the hotel by car, with a welcome in the arrival hall by our driver.

Check-in and free time for the first discovery of the Lithuanian capital, depending on your train or flight schedules. Many cultures have contributed to the beauty and charm of this city, including Lithuanians, Poles, Jews, and Russians. The westernmost European city in the east, Vilnius offers an atmosphere of cultural crossroads in its UNESCO-listed Baroque quarter.

At 6:00 PM, meet your guide for a welcome drink to discuss the itinerary and meet your new friends. You will also receive your booklet with a detailed road book, a treat, and a BPA-free reusable bottle.

Orientation walk in the old town followed by a welcome dinner of Lithuanian specialties in a typical restaurant.

Overnight in Vilnius, 3-star hotel in the city center: Panorama or similar.

DAY 2 | VILNIUS, BAROQUE PEARL, AND TRAKAI, VILLAGE ON THE WATER (60 km + 5h walking – 09:00 AM / 06:00 PM)

After breakfast, meet your guide to explore the historic district of Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital founded in 1323.

Discover the highlights during a walking tour: the Gate of Dawn with the remains of the city walls and the famous Chapel of Mercy, a sacred site for Catholic pilgrims and believers. The upper part reveals magnificent churches, among which the most interesting are the Orthodox Church of St. Spirit, the Catholic Church of St. Casimir, and that of St. Theresa. Walk around the Town Hall Square which houses ancient merchant guilds, with the adjacent Jewish quarter marking a very rich history of Jews in Vilnius, which made up almost half of the city’s population before World War II.

Visit Vilnius University: study the famous mural of the four seasons in magical realism, stroll through its ancient 16th-century courtyards – one of the courtyards reveals the Church of St. John with its beautiful baroque organ and its 67-meter campanile – the panorama of the UNESCO district with its red-tiled roofs. And, of course, visit the red brick St. Anne’s Church, considered a masterpiece of Nordic Gothic architecture as well as the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus, known for the Chapel of St. Casimir. Lunch in an inclusive and social restaurant in the old town.

In the afternoon, head to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, located 27 kilometers from Vilnius by train (Skoda duplex electric train), in a National Park dotted with 15 lakes from the glacial period. It is a picturesque village inhabited by the eastern minority of the Karaites; there are only 60 descendants in the village currently, but they have managed to preserve their culture: they have their own temple, a school, and preserve their gastronomic traditions.

Visit the historic district with its small wooden houses, and take a boat ride on the lake around the famous red brick island castle. Taste Karaites specialties at a typical restaurant. Free time for a pleasant stroll along the lake.

Return to Vilnius in the early evening. Vilnius Railway Station invites you to an outdoor railway exhibition. Spending an evening in Vilnius allows you to enjoy the many inner courtyards, transformed into lively terraces. It is also a chance to stroll through the narrow streets of the old quarter and visit the Artists’ Republic. Let yourself be surprised or ask your guide for good dinner recommendations!

Overnight in Vilnius, 3-star hotel in the city center: Panorama or similar.

OPTION: Hot air balloon flight over the red roofs of old Vilnius or Trakai Castle.

DAY 3 | CROSSING LITHUANIA BY TRAIN: VILNIUS TO KLAIPĖDA (380 km + 3h walking + 1h biking – 08:00 AM / 09:00 PM)

This morning, board the train bound for Klaipėda. With 5-6 departures per day on a journey of approximately 4 hours, it’s the only long-distance national line in Lithuania. Over the 376 km route, spend your time aboard the comfortable train, which offers hot drinks and snacks, while admiring the country’s landscapes: meadows, hills, valleys, towns, and villages.

Upon arrival in Klaipėda, explore this port city formerly known as Memelburg, at the end of East Prussia: the Bridge of the Exchange, the sailboat Meridian, Theatre Square, half-timbered houses, Friedrich Street, the castle site, John’s Hill, and the quays of the Dangė River with the marina.

In the early evening, take bicycles and cross the lagoon by ferry to the Curonian Spit: splendid views of the port cranes and large ships. Bicycle ride along the lagoon to the maritime gates, then through the forest to the sandy beach of the Baltic Sea. Picnic dinner by the seaside (either in a nearby tavern). Return to Klaipėda by bicycle and ferry.

Overnight in Klaipėda, 3-star hotel in the city center: Memel or similar.

DAY 4 | ADVENTURE ON THE CURLAND ISTHMUS (60 km + 4 hours of walking – 09:00 am/06:00 pm)

A day dedicated to the authentic discovery of the Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of sand separating the Baltic Sea from the Neman Estuary: 98 km long and less than 2 km wide, this sandy peninsula is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To avoid mass tourism, we opt for local transportation: by ferry and local bus to explore everything.

In the village of Juodkrante, discover 19th-century fishermen’s houses, Prussian holiday villas, and richly decorated weather vanes. The mystical hike through the Hill of Witches, a forest trail on ancient dunes, reveals over 100 wooden sculptures from local folklore – featuring characters from tales, witches, and devils. Once in Nida, visit the old town with its colorful houses and have lunch at the fishermen’s tavern to taste the local smoked fish. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the lagoon: visit the amber museum, Courland indigenous cemetery, Thomas Mann’s house, and the “Italian” view. In the late afternoon, climb to the Parnidis dune for a breathtaking panorama of the lagoon, the Baltic Sea, and the isthmus with its shifting dunes, forests, and red roofs. Free time: stroll to the sea, search for amber, relax at terraces.

Return to Klaipėda and evening at leisure. For those interested, extend the evening at a local bar, tasting local craft beer (Klaipėda is known for its beer).

Overnight in Klaipėda, 3-star hotel in the city center: Memel or similar.

DAY 5 | TRAIN THROUGH SAMOGITIA, HILL OF CROSSES, “LITTLE VERSAILLES” OF CURLAND – RUNDALE (327 km + 2 hours of walking – 09:00 am/06:00 pm)

This morning, take the train to Šiauliai (1 hour 45 minutes journey) where the famous Hill of Crosses (Kryžiu Kalnas) is located. Twin mounds are planted with thousands of crosses, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. With several hundred crosses erected in the late 19th century by believers seeking spiritual and physical healing, this site grew significantly during the Soviet period as a symbol of resistance against imposed atheism, especially after the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1993. Enjoy a typical lunch in a restaurant run by a family who chose to leave the Lithuanian capital to live in the tranquility of the province.

Continue to Rundale, known for its extravagant castle amidst bucolic nature. Take a guided tour of the castle, designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, master architect of the Russian imperial court, also known for the Winter Palace (the Hermitage). Explore the rooms of this baroque-rococo summer ducal residence, including the throne room, the white hall, galleries, the duke’s apartments, and the duchess’s boudoir. The former Duchy of Courland, which existed between 1561 and 1795, was rich in agriculture, had two overseas colonies, and gave rise to Dorothea of Courland, companion of Talleyrand and heiress to its wealth.

Final leg of the journey to Riga and evening at leisure. As the capital of Latvia and the metropolis of the Baltic States, Riga has nearly 800,000 inhabitants. Founded in 1201, it preserves the medieval old town classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ring of gardens and elegant boulevards, the picturesque canal, and the famous Art Nouveau district.

Overnight in Riga, 3-star hotel in the city center: Forums Boutique Hotel or similar.

DAY 6 | RIGA, ELEGANT METROPOLIS OF THE BALTIC STATES: HANSEATIC HERITAGE, ART NOUVEAU, AND LOCAL LIFE (5 hours of walking – 09:00 am/02:00 pm

Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, discovering its essential landmarks: the House of the Blackheads, the castle, the Three Brothers House, the Freedom Monument, the National Opera, the old city walls, and the churches of St. Peter, St. James, St. John, and the Dome Cathedral.

Explore the Art Nouveau district. This dominant architectural style in Riga boasts over 800 impressive facades. Enjoy a guided tour of the neighborhood and visit the Art Nouveau Museum, preserving interiors with objects and furniture typical of Riga’s iconic style. Have lunch at a local restaurant during the tour.

Visit Riga’s Central Market. Comprising five former Zeppelin airship hangars, this site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like Riga’s old town. The hangars date back to 1930, and each one is dedicated to a different specialty: butchery, vegetables, etc. It’s a great opportunity to sample local specialties! An excursion into the former Jewish quarter offers insight into an important page of history.

Enjoy free time in the late afternoon for individual discoveries.

Overnight in Riga, 3-star hotel in the city center: Forums Boutique Hotel or similar.

DAY 7 | FREE DAY IN RIGA OR OPTIONAL ESCAPE TO KEMERI NATIONAL PARK: HISTORICAL BUILDINGS AND HIKING IN THE BOG; HISTORICAL SEASIDE RESORT OF JŪRMALA

Enjoy a free day to delve deeper into your cognitive experience of Riga: visit the Anatomy Museum or the Railway Museum, explore the typical neighborhoods of Agenskalns, Grizinkalns, and Mezaparks, learn about recent history at the Museum of Occupations, or take a train ride to the seaside!

OPTION: Join the optional escape to the stunning Kemeri National Park by local electric train and shuttle: admire the architecture of the stations every 5 minutes. Hike in the national park along the Great Bog Trail to understand the complex ecosystem of this region and observe the flora and fauna. The Kemeri station reveals bath buildings and dilapidated spas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore Jūrmala, a seaside resort along 30 km of sandy beach. Stroll through the streets admiring the wooden architecture and take a walk on the beach, where you can also enjoy a swim if the weather permits.

Overnight in Riga, 3-star hotel in the city center: Forums Boutique Hotel or similar.

DAY 8 | GAUJA NATIONAL PARK: 50 SHADES OF GREEN, HISTORY, AND DISCOVERIES; TRAIN TO TARTU, ACADEMIC CENTER OF ESTONIA (260 km – 08:00 am/07:00 pm)

We depart from Riga this morning by taking the local train to Sigulda (53 km, 1 hour), a small wellness town that serves as a gateway to Gauja National Park, beloved by Latvians. Visit the small Kropotkin family castle, located in a beautiful park. Cross the Gauja Valley by cable car (1 km) to admire the 50 shades of green. A short hike through the forest leads you to Gutman’s Cave.

In Turaida, spend a good hour at the open-air museum. This large green space includes the manor with its typical buildings and pond system, the park of the famous sculptor Indulis Ranka, the 17th-century wooden church still in use, the tomb of the legendary Rose of Turaida, and finally the ruins of the red brick episcopal castle.

Enjoy a typical lunch with regional specialties. Join a renowned local artisan to discover the traditional black bread baking process. Immerse yourself in the rituals of yesteryears and taste the artisanal bread.

Continue to Valga, a border town split in two: one half is in Latvia and the other in Estonia! Take the Estonian train to Tartu, the country’s second-largest city and a major academic center. Check-in at the hotel and explore the authentic neighborhoods of Aparaaditehas and Karlova: stroll around and have dinner.

Overnight in Tartu, 3-star hotel in the city center: Soho or similar.

DAY 9 | TARTU’S CURIOSITIES AND ESTONIA THROUGH THE TRAIN WINDOW: JOURNEY TO TALLINN (190 km – 3 hours of walking)

Guided walking tour in Tartu, known for its University founded in 1632 by the King of Sweden, Gustav Adolf: Oscar Wilde’s bench, Student Fountain, Town Hall, university campus, Struve’s story, Angel’s Bridge and Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral, and main pedestrian street. Lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, take the train from the beautiful Tartu station to Tallinn: the express train passes through the meadows of central Estonia and the forests of Aegviidu. Upon arrival in Tallinn, check-in at the hotel adjacent to the train station, facing the medieval old town. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Tallinn is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe with its fortifications, cobblestone streets, numerous churches, and beautiful mansions. Over the centuries and successive occupations, the city has been enriched with numerous monuments built in a multitude of different architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Classical…

In the early evening, explore Tallinn on foot and by tram: medieval city walls, maritime gates, modern downtown, and finally the Kadriorg district with its elegant park: rococo palace by Niccolo Michetti, presidential residence, architecture of the KUMU museum, Rusalka monument, and the Song Festival Grounds where the Singing Revolution originated – a national phenomenon that led the country to independence.

Enjoy free time in the medieval old town in the evening.

Overnight in Tallinn, 3-star hotel in the city center: Shnelli or similar.

DAY 10 | TALLINN (09:00 am/01:00 pm – 4 hours of walking)

Explore the Upper Town dominated by Toompea Fortress, home to the Parliament, the Orthodox Cathedral, and beautiful historical residences. Visit the Dome Church with its collection of coats of arms and tombstones. By gaining altitude, you can admire the views offered by the Patkuli and Kohtu viewpoints. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city walls, among other sights.

Continue with a visit to the Lower Town, which has preserved its medieval spirit since the 13th century. Explore Town Hall Square, lined with splendid medieval buildings and rich Hanseatic mansions that testify to the city’s prosperity and the merchants of the time. Visit St. Catherine’s Passage with its Estonian craft guilds. To conclude the tour, treat yourself to a meal in the old town and savor artisanal marzipan at Tallinn’s oldest café, founded in 1864.

Enjoy free time in the late afternoon for your personal discoveries – take a stroll in old Tallinn or visit the new seaside Port Noblessner district with its creative architecture. Right next door, don’t miss the Maritime Museum, housed in the former seaplane harbor – go aboard a submarine!

Join the group for the last evening of this wonderful journey: explore the Telliskivi Creative City district, formerly an industrial area turned creative hub with galleries, shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the restaurant in the old brick factory and a local digestif at the bar – a train car.

Overnight in Tallinn, 3-star hotel in the city center: Shnelli or similar.

DAY 11 | TALLINN: LAST DAY IN THE BALTIC STATES – TALLINN / PARIS

Depending on your flight schedule, morning/free day (breakfast included). Transfer on your own to Tallinn Airport. Departure on a regular flight to Paris.