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General Conditions

 

BEST OF THE BALTICS 2006

HISTORIC CAPITALS AND CAPTIVATING COUNTRYSIDE
 

7 days / 6 nights, Helsinki - Tallinn - Pärnu - Vilnius - Trakai - Vilnius -

Kaunas - Siauliai - Riga - Valga - Tartu - Tallinn - Helsinki

Departures: June 19 / July 10, 24 / Aug 07, 21, 2006

The tour embraces all three Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, each of which has its own distinctive cultural tradition and historical heritage. The three capitals are renowned for their charming old town areas, full of architectural gems. The captivating countryside is worth discovering for its quaint towns, castles and unique landscapes. Independent for nearly a decade, the New Baltic States are worlds rich in history, architectural splendors, and revitalized culture. This program is designed to open windows of history as you explore Tallinn's medieval cobble stoned streets lined with colorful merchant house. From Vilnius with its imposing Gothic churches we travel to Riga, the capital of Latvia, and its graceful Art Nouveau structures. Continue to the ancient city of Sigulda, famous for its historical monuments of the 13th century - Turaida's castle and Sigulda's castle-ruins. Sigulda is host to the international Opera Music Festival, where music lovers from all over the world will gather.
 

Day 1 HELSINKI - TALLINN - PÄRNU
Morning departure from Helsinki for Tallinn by high-speed catamaran ferry, which takes you across the Gulf of Finland in 1,5 hours. On arrival in Tallinn, you will explore the city's most important sights on a three-hour tour. After lunch at a local restaurant in the Old Town, you have time for a stroll to enjoy the wealth of its medieval architecture. From Toompea, the Castle hill, you have a magnificent view over the city and the Baltic Sea. Tour continues to the genuine summer city of Pärnu, especially renowned for its spas. The harbor of Pärnu, with its romantic quays, is worth a walk. Overnight at Ranna Hotel or similar in Pärnu.

Day 2 PÄRNU - VILNIUS (B, L)
(Motorcoach, 520 km / 323 miles)
You travel along the famous Via Baltica from Pärnu to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. In August 1989 the Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians formed a human chain through all the three countries, and Via Baltica became to symbolize the road to freedom. Enjoy lunch on the way close to Bauska in Latvia and arrive in Vilnius in the evening. Overnight at Hotel Holiday Inn Vilnius or similar.
 


Day 3 VILNIUS - TRAKAI - VILNIUS (B, L)
(Motorcoach 100 km / 62 miles)
The day begins with a trip to the village of Trakai, home to the people of Karaite, which was transferred here from Crimea by the Grand Duke Vytautas. Visit a medieval castle, which is situated on a small island connected to the mainland by a picturesque bridge. Return to Vilnius and lunch in the Old Town. In the afternoon you will get a close view of the monumental sights of Vilnius, all bearing witness to the rich history of the city. They include the Cathedral, the University, which dates back to the 1570's, and the white church of Saints Peter and Paul. Overnight at Hotel Holiday Inn or similar.



Day 4 VILNIUS - KAUNAS - SIAULIAI - RIGA

(B, L)

(Motorcoach 445 km / 277 miles)
Tour proceeds to Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania. Explore the Old Town on a walking tour. After lunch, continue towards Riga. Leaving the town of Siaulilai, you will see a spectacular sight: a mound covered with thousands of big and small crosses. The locals call this place the Hill of Crosses. Overnight at Hotel de Rome or similar in Riga.


 

Day 5 RIGA (B, L)
(Motorcoach 50 km / 31 miles)
The morning sightseeing introduces Riga's historic sights, which display a wide variety of architectural styles. The new part of the town - also about a hundred years old - is very interesting with its 19th-century Art Nouveau architecture. Visit to ethnographic open-air museum, which exhibits the life and culture of Latvia. Overnight at Hotel de Rome or similar in Riga.

Day 6 RIGA - VALGA - TARTU - TALLINN (B, L) 
(Motorcoach 470 km / 292 miles)
On your way from Riga to Tartu, you will cross the border in Valga, which is a divided city. 8000 of the inhabitants live in Latvia and 2000 in Estonia. Tartu is the oldest city and the scientific centre of Estonia, also known as the city of eternal youth, as it is always full of young university students. The renowned University was established in the early part of the 17th century. After lunch, journey back to Tallinn through rural landscapes dotted with farmhouses and windmills. Overnight at Hotel Viru or similar in Tallinn.



Day 7 TALLINN - HELSINKI (B, L)
(Motorcoach, ferry 70 km / 43 miles)
Morning at leisure and lunch at a local restaurant in the Old Town. Late afternoon arrival in Helsinki by catamaran.
 

 

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Departure Dates

Mondays: June 19

July 10, 24 /

Aug 07, 21


Prices in US Dollars

Price for 7-day tour

Per person in double room

2,165

Single Supplement

660

Child under 12 years in extra bed sharing room with two adults

1,615

 

Included

  • 6 nights hotel accommodations of your choice

  • Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily

  • 7 x lunches

  • Transportation by private coach

  • Catamaran ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn

  • Sightseeing in Tallinn, Vilnius, Kaunas & Riga with English-speaking local guide

  • Visits and entrance fees according to the program

  • Multilingual tour leader

  • Service charges and taxes on included items

Not Included

  • Airfare and airport taxes

  • Gratuities

  • Personal insurance / personal items

  • $ 25 Service fee

Please note:

Meeting point in Helsinki:
In the Kanava Terminal at Katajanokka by the Nordic Jet Line group check-in counter one hour prior to departure time. Look for FTB assistant with Baltic Republics sign.

Note! Nationals of some countries require a visa for entry to one or all three of the Baltic States. It is of extreme importance that you check what the current visa requirements are at the time of booking.

Add-ons: Tour Options

  • Additional nights in Helsinki

  • Silja Line Cruise, Helsinki to Stockholm

List of Hotels

Night 1

Ranna Hotel or similar

Pärnu / Estonia

 

Night 2 & 3

Hotel Holiday Inn

Vilnius / Lithuania

 

Night 4 & 5

Hotel de Rome or similar

Riga / Latvia

 

Night 6

Hotel Viru or similar

Tallinn / Estonia

 

 

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 Copyright Five Stars of Scandinavia, Inc. 2006