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CLASSICAL BALTICS
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
9 Days
Day 1 USA-Vilnius
Depart USA on Finnair or SAS for overnight flight to Vilnius.
Day 2 Vilnius
Upon arrival in Vilnius, you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. At 8pm, your guide will join you for a welcome meeting.
Day 3 Vilnius
After breakfast, you begin the day with a city tour of Vilnius, Lithuania's capital for over 600 years. The tour includes the city's most beautiful churches - St. Peter and Paul, St. Ann's Church, a gem of Gothic architecture. After, you will continue to Vilnius University — one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe (founded 1579). Your day will end with a tour to the lovely Trakai Castle, completed in the 14th century and built on an island amid lakes and forests. (B).
Day 4 Vilnius-Riga
After breakfast, you depart by coach for Riga, the capital of Latvia. On the way, you will make a stop in Siauliai and visit The Hill of Crosses, one if Lithuania's holiest shrine. The next stop will be Rundale to visit the magnificent 18th Century Rundale Palace. This palace was designed by F.B. Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Rundale Palace is considered the finest example of baroque architecture in the Baltic States. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel in Riga. (B)
Day 5 Riga
You will begin the day with a city tour of Riga, a medieval Hanseatic town. The tour includes St. Peter's Church, the Powder Tower, and Dome Cathedral, which boasts one of the world's largest pipe organs. You will have an opportunity to see the old town which has some of the most beautifully restored merchant houses cozy beer cellars and cafes, historical monuments, and much more. Also, you'll get a chance to view some of the masterpieces of early 20th Century Art Nouveau architecture. The rest of the afternoon will be on your own. (B)
Day 6 Riga-Sigulda-Riga
After breakfast, you depart for Sigulda, also known as the "Latvian Switzerland," because of its beautiful landscapes. On the way, you'll drive through some of the rural areas of Latvia and get a chance to experience the true culture of this country. In Sigulda, you'll see the 13th Century Knight's Castle and the Gutmana Cave, which is linked to a romantic medieval legend. At the end of the tour, you'll be taken back to your hotel. Ask your hotel representative for dinner suggestions. (B)
Day 7 Riga-Tallinn
After breakfast, you depart for Tallinn, Estonian's capital. On the outskirts of Riga, you will visit the Ethnographic Open Air Museum, and also get a chance to see some of the traditional 17th century Latvian rural architecture. As you enter Estonia, you will stop in Parnu. Parnu is a resort town dating back to medieval times and is becoming a chic summer center of Estonia. It is also known as Estonia's Summer Capital. Upon arrival in Tallinn, you will check into your hotel. (B)
Day 8 Tallinn
A half day's tour of this picturesque old city will introduce you to whole districts dating back to the Middle Ages that are still intact today. You'll see the medieval upper and lower town with its narrow streets and beautiful merchants' houses. From there you will visit Pirita. This was the site of Olympic Yachting during the Moscow Olympics. Your tour continues with a visit to the song festival grounds, where national song festivals are held. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a tour to Kadriorg Palace. This palace was discovered in 1721 by the Russian Emperor Peter the Great. It was a gift for his wife, Catherine II, to use as their summer palace.(B)
Day 9 Tallinn-USA
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Tallinn airport for your flight home. (B)
CLASSICAL BALTICS
Tour Price Includes
- Round trip flight
- Round trip transfer
- Accommodations
- All Hotel Taxes
- Breakfast Daily
- Transportation by motorcoach
- Service of English speaking guide Day 3-8
- Sightseeing tours as per itinerary
- Individual information package (city guides, maps, etc.)
Accommodations
2008 Departure Dates and Prices
From New York*
Per person, Double Occupancy
| | Land Only | Air&Land |
| May 23 | $1399 | $2099 |
| June 6, 13 | $1399 | $2299 |
| July 4, 11, 18 | $1399 | $2299 |
| Aug 1, 8, 15 | $1399 | $2299 |
| Aug 22 | $1399 | $2149 |
| Sep 5, 19 | $1399 | $2149 |
| Single Supplement | $499 |
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*Discounted airfares available from other cities.
*Airport departure taxes and fuel surcharge are not included (Approximately
$250-$350)
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Updated Tours Section for 2008
In Other Words...
"I want you to know that the Latvian Extravaganza tour you arranged for my daughter and me was a very special success."
— TWS
"Many thanks to you for planning a lovely trip for us to the Baltic Republics earlier this month."
— J&J D
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