Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga

From London Heathrow, board your flight to Helsinki, arriving mid-afternoon. Following check-in at your hotel, you have some free time to begin exploring the eclectic Finnish capital. Situated on an archipelago surrounded by a number of smaller islands, Helsinki has plenty of nooks and crannies to delve into, many of which are connected by regular ferry services.

• Dinner

Set out on a guided city tour this morning on foot. The stylish and beautiful port-city of Helsinki is the world's second most northerly capital (after Reykjavik, in Iceland). It regards itself as a city where East meets West, having been heavily influenced by both cultures over the centuries, and is filled with nature thanks to its many public parks and open spaces. As you walk the compact streets, you can see evidence of 450 years of history in the architecture of its buildings, from the avant-garde to the Byzantine. Some of the sights you see include Senate Square, the city's 3 cathedrals, the Government Palace, Temppeliaukio Church, and Helsinki Market Square, overlooked by the Presidential Palace.

This afternoon you take a vintage tram ride through central Helsinki on restored carriages; either a motor car from 1909 or open trailer dating back to 1919. After your tram ride, you board a ferry to Suomenlinna fortress island, where you have free time to explore at leisure, before a return journey to Helsinki's Market Square pier. The rest of your evening is at leisure to continue exploring Helsinki at your own pace.

• Breakfast

Continue your Baltic adventure today with a journey to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. You transfer by coach to the ferry terminal, before sailing across the Gulf of Finland to the capital city of Estonia, your base for the next 3 nights

• Breakfast, Dinner

Setting out on a guided walking tour this morning, soak up the city's landmarks and attractions across both the Upper and Lower Towns. Admire the picturesque Lower Town and its medieval walls with many towers, the impressive over 600 year old Gothic Town Hall and its square, and the Town Council Pharmacy, which is one of the oldest continuously functioning pharmacies in Europe.

Continuing on your tour, you visit the Upper Town, known as Toompea. Here you can take a look at the elaborately decorated Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - the largest Orthodox church in the city, the Houses of Estonian Parliament and one of the oldest churches in Estonia - the Dome Church. Experience the magnificent panoramic views from Toompea Hills over the Lower Town and the rest of the city of Tallinn.

• Breakfast

Today you are free to sightsee independently. Perhaps return to the Old Town and visit the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, the only preserved Renaissance building in Tallinn. Another option is the unusually named 'Kiek in de Kök', which means 'Peek into the kitchen'. This historic tower is believed to have acquired its name due to its height, which allowed those inside to see through the windows of the surrounding buildings. It houses a permanent exhibition of Tallinn's military history and also serves as an entrance to the Bastion Tunnels, a network of hidden tunnels built in the 17th century during Swedish rule.

• Breakfast

Transfer by coach to the station, then join the train to Valga, travelling in Standard Class. On arrival you transfer by coach to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Enjoy scenic stops along the way at rural Sigulda and Turaida Castle. The rest of your day is at leisure, before you enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Embark on a guided walking tour this morning, uncovering Riga's history - both old and new. Marvel at a skyline filled with church steeples, wander broad avenues, and admire majestic Art Nouveau palaces. Riga is, above all, famous for its spectacular Art Nouveau architecture, and there is no other European city with so many buildings featuring this particular style.

See the city's stunning opera house and stop at several of Latvia's oldest and most prized houses of worship, including Riga Cathedral and St Peter's Church. Following your tour, spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. You may like to stop off at the Freedom Monument (known as 'Milda' to Rigans). This 138-foot tall statue, a symbol of Latvia's freedom and independence, sits gracefully between the Old Town and the city. You can also witness the changing ceremony of the Guards of Honour which happens every 30 minutes, and is done with such precision.

• Breakfast

Check out and transfer to Riga airport for your afternoon flight back to London Heathrow, via Helsinki, where your tour draws to a close.

• Breakfast