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Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga

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4.2 stars(17 reviews)
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Discover three shining stars of the Nordic and Baltic regions

8 days From £1,199 per person

2023 Tour code: 23BAG

About the tour

Explore cobbled streets and avant-garde architecture as you marvel at the fascinating history and culture which stretches across three shining stars of the Nordic and Baltic regions - Finland, Estonia and Latvia.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - To Helsinki

Fly from London Heathrow, or your local airport, to Helsinki and check into your hotel ahead of a free evening to begin exploring the eclectic Finnish capital. Situated on an archipelago and surrounded by smaller islands, Helsinki has plenty of nooks and crannies to discover, as well as beautiful public parks and open spaces.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Helsinki

Set out on a guided city tour. The stylish port city of Helsinki is the world's second most northerly capital after Reykjavik and is a place where East meets West in a wonderful collision of two cultures. As you look around with your local guide, admire centuries of history, from the avant-garde to the Byzantine. Among the highlights, you'll see Senate Square, Helsinki's three different cathedrals, the Government Palace, Temppeliaukio Church and the Market Square - overlooked by the Presidential Palace. In the afternoon, enjoy a vintage tram ride through central Helsinki, travelling in restored carriages. Afterwards, board a ferry to Suomenlinna fortress island where you have free time.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - Tallinn

Leaving Helsinki behind, continue your Baltic adventure with a journey to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Sailing across the Gulf of Finland, you'll be able to soak up the passing picturesque islands and admire unique nature. Spend three nights in Tallinn's storybook surroundings, filled with lovingly restored 14th-century buildings, pretty churches, and charming cobbled streets lined with terracotta-roofed buildings. This city boasts a calm atmosphere and has picture opportunities around every twist and bend.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Tallinn

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Tallinn, soaking up the city's great landmarks and attractions across both the Upper and Lower Towns. Admire the picturesque Lower Town and its medieval walls dotted with towers, the impressive Gothic Town Hall and its square, and the Town Council Pharmacy - one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe. Continuing your tour, visit the Upper Town, known as Toompea. Here, discover the elaborately decorated Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Houses of the Estonian Parliament, and one of the oldest churches in Estonia - the Dome Church. From here you can admire panoramic views from the Toompea Hills over the Lower Town and the rest of the city.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Tallinn

Your day is free to continue sightseeing. Perhaps return to the Old Town, where you could visit the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads - the only preserved Renaissance building in Tallinn. Another option is a visit to the unusually named 'Kiek in de Kök', which means 'peek into the kitchen'. This historic tower is believed to have gotten this name from its height, which allowed those inside to see into the windows of their neighbour's houses.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Riga

Transfer to the station and join the train to Valga. On arrival, a coach transfers you to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Enjoy a scenic stop along the way at Turaida Castle, a beautiful castle found in a forested area of the Gauja National Park. The rest of your day is free to begin exploring before you enjoy a three-course dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Considered one of the most dynamic capitals in the Baltic States, Riga is a vibrant city with broad avenues, trendy cafés, restaurants, and shopping centres.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Riga

Uncovering Riga's history - both old and new - marvel at a skyline of church steeples, wander broad avenues and admire historic palaces on a guided tour. Riga is famous for its spectacular Art Nouveau architecture, and there's no other European city with as many buildings built in this style. See the city's stunning opera house and stop at Latvia's oldest and most-prized houses of worship, including Riga Cathedral and St Peter's Church. Your afternoon is free to spend sightseeing at your own pace. Maybe seek out one of the city's modern art centres or meander the streets spotting its many Gothic spires.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Riga & home

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, via Helsinki. On arrival at London Heathrow, or your local airport, your holiday comes to an end.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Scandic Grand Marina, Helsinki

Scandic Grand Marina, Helsinki

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Hotel Islande, Riga

Hotel Islande, Riga

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Nordic Forum, Tallin

Nordic Forum, Tallin

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Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Flight upgrades
UK rail connections
London hotels

Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 17 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (7)
  2. 4 stars
    (7)
  3. 3 stars
    (3)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

R Hersey

4 stars

Submitted 02 Oct 2022

A very informative and enjoyable trip.

Collected by Trustpilot

N King

3 stars

Submitted 24 Sep 2022

Too many early days, poor food at Tallin hotel, not enough rail travel

Collected by Trustpilot

Dianne David

4 stars

Submitted 23 Sep 2022

Three fascinating and varied cities. Small and friendly group led by a very helpful tour manager. We would have liked another day in Helsinki and the hotel in Riga was a bit far from the centre, otherwise this would have been a 5 star. More 4.5 than 4 stars actually.

Collected by Trustpilot

Sheila

5 stars

Submitted 19 Sep 2022

Wonderful! Great hotels, food and tour manager. Would use Rail Discoveries again..

Collected by Trustpilot

Thomas

5 stars

Submitted 19 Sep 2022

The tour was excellent as was Rosie. The Hotels in both Helsinki and Tallin were excellent, the hotel in Riga was disappointing from the view of location although we had good views across the wide river, and the service was poor. The flight back was protracted due to the two flight arrangement and long changeover at Helsinki. Would and have, still recommended to friends

Collected by Trustpilot

Stephen Riley

4 stars

Submitted 19 Sep 2022

EXCELLENTLY ORGANISED TOUR OF 3 BALTIC CITIES LED BY AN EXCELLENT TOUR MANAGER.

Collected by Trustpilot

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Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga

Discover three shining stars of the Nordic and Baltic regions

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