Europe Private Tour (LIT003) Classic Latvia and Lithuania 10 Days 9 Nights

Transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Riga.

Overnight at Grand Poet Hotel or equivalent.

Stroll through the historic lanes of Riga, founded in 1201 by the German Bishop Albert. Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals, boasting spectacular architecture.

Visit Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gates, the Three Brothers, the Guild House, and the Freedom Monument.

Afterward, travel to the seaside resort town of Jurmala and visit Kemeri National Park. Jurmala is one of the oldest resort towns on the Baltic coast, with a long history as a spa destination. It was once the most luxurious getaway in the 1930s and remained popular after World War II. Today, it continues to be a favorite holiday spot, featuring over 30 kilometers of white sandy beaches and fresh sea air.

In addition to the beautiful beaches, you will see a town filled with charming wooden houses, intriguing monuments, and modern spa buildings. You can also take a leisurely stroll down Jomas Street, the main pedestrian thoroughfare of Jurmala. On the way back to Riga, enjoy the sunset over Kemeri bog, another scenic viewpoint.

Kemeri National Park is a natural wonder that provides a home to thousands of migratory birds, and it was once a renowned resort for medical tourism and health-giving thermal baths. Visitors come here to soak in its unique beauty and explore the relics of bygone days. Kemeri bog is a true treasure trove for nature lovers, with dwarf pine trees, deep bogs, lakes, and wild rosemary.

hotel Overnight In Riga at Grand Poet Hotel or similar

Today, you will visit medieval towns and the picturesque Latvian countryside. Your first stop along the way is the town of Cesis, reminiscent of a classic medieval town with its stone fortification walls, town hall, and other iconic 14th-century landmarks. After lunch, visit the Araisi Archaeological Site to see the reconstructed 9th-century wooden Lake Castle. The Lake Castle is a unique attraction unlike anything else in Northern Europe.

There are also 3 open-air dwellings dating from the Stone and Bronze Ages on Daughter’s Island. Afterward, you will explore the beautiful scenery of the Gauja River surrounding the town of Sigulda.

Next, visit Gutman's Ala, the largest sandstone cave in the Baltics, where you will hear the Latvian medieval legend of the Rose of Turaida. Then tour the museum and the ruins of Turaida Castle, where our coordinator will accompany you on a walking tour of the gardens and castle grounds (takes 1.5 - 2 hours).

hotel Overnight In Riga at Grand Poet Hotel or similar

Today, you will journey through the rolling Latvian hills toward Lithuania. Our first destination is Rundale Palace, the summer residence of the Duke of Courland, renowned for its magnificent gardens and splendid architecture. Today, it is recognized as the most prominent Baroque and Rococo monument in Latvia. Complementing the Baroque architecture is its exquisite, intricately designed French garden. Both the palace and gardens were designed in the 16th century by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

Next, continue driving to the Hill of Crosses, one of Lithuania's most extraordinary sites. This historic hill dating back to the 14th century is covered with more than 100,000 crosses, standing as a symbol of faith and Lithuanian national identity. Some crosses are places of worship, while others commemorate the many people deported to Siberia. Here, you will gain a deeper understanding of the local people's harrowing past, their steadfast faith, and their enduring hope for the future.

In the evening, arrive in Palanga and check in at Vanagupe Hotel and SPA.

Start your day with a visit to the Palanga Amber Museum, where you will learn about the history of amber and the significance of this precious stone to the Lithuanian people. Afterwards, explore the Curonian Spit, where you will encounter picturesque sand dunes, lush forests, and charming resort towns that were once fishing villages. We will take you to experience the unspoiled beauty of the Curonian Spit on the other side of the lagoon, where you will also have the chance to taste smoked fish fresh from local fishermen.

In the afternoon, return to Klaipeda, Lithuania's only seaport. Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll through the cozy Old Town or watch the boats sailing through the harbor.

hotel Overnight In Klaipeda at Michaelson Boutique Hotel or similar

Today, we will travel along the Curonian Lagoon to explore the small surrounding villages. In the morning, you will visit the Vente Horn bird ringing station, where thousands of birds fly past daily during their migration to the southern hemisphere. Afterwards, we will drive along the scenic road by the Nemunas River, the largest river in Lithuania. Along the way, we will pass charming small villages and numerous castles before taking you to visit and stay overnight at Panemune Castle.

Overnight at Panemune Castle

Today, we will drive along the beautiful Nemunas River to Rumsiskes. The village of Rumsiskes is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe, where you will see miniature houses from the 18th–19th centuries. It brings together traditional dwellings from various regions across Lithuania in one location. In the afternoon, explore Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania. Located in the heart of the country, Kaunas is famous for its modernist interwar architecture, fascinating history, and lovely nature.

In Kaunas, you will learn about the history of Lithuania after regaining independence from occupation during both World Wars.

Overnight in Kaunas at Kaunas Hotel or similar

Travel to see the enchanting island castle and stunning views in Trakai. In the Middle Ages, this town was the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and was once an important and powerful city. Today, Trakai is a peaceful summer resort town with a population of only around 5,000 residents. It is also famous for its Karaim community, who have lived here since the 14th century and created the "kibinai" pastry, the finest local baked treat in the region. Enjoy lunch in town before arriving in Vilnius in the afternoon.

hotel Overnight In Vilnius at Artagonist Hotel or similar

In the morning, we will take you on a walking tour of Vilnius, Lithuania's charming capital that tells its historical stories through beautiful streets and Baroque architecture. Vilnius is renowned for over 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches.

Visit the Old Town, Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas' Tower, St. Anne's Church, the Old University, and the Gate of Dawn. Then continue to Uzupis, a self-declared independent republic within the boundaries of Vilnius, founded twenty years ago by local artists. The walking tour takes about 2.5 hours. In the afternoon, relax at your leisure in Vilnius. Overnight in Vilnius at Artagonist Hotel or similar.

On your departure day, if time permits, you can take a stroll around Vilnius, send postcards, or shop for souvenirs from Lithuania. Transfer to the airport 3 hours prior to check-in time.