WARSAW AND THE BALTIC STATES (CLASSIC GROUP)
Price
Duration
Min People
Tour Code
INSIGHT-WTBS
Overview
Set out on an all-encompassing adventure of the Baltic capitals—journeying from Warsaw to Riga and on to Tallinn. Join a Local Expert in the Polish capital for an insider’s take on the city’s sights before hopping the Lithuanian border to Vilnius. After exploring the Old Town and the Gates of Dawn, the Gothic Trakai Castle beckons—an island fortress and architectural masterpiece on Lake Galve, that can only be accessed by wooden footbridge. Get to grips with Latvia as you barter with local stallholders at Riga’s Central Market—located in the massive aircraft hangers that once housed Zeppelins. Across the border in Tallinn, take your pick with the Insight Choice of a town hall square walking tour or a stroll through the Old Town to discover Estonian artisans.
Included/Excluded
Day 1 : Arrive Warsaw
- Welcome to Warsaw! Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at an authentic local restaurant
- Full of Polish charm that serves delicious traditional meals, accompanied by wine.
Day 2 : Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw
- A Local Expert will show you how well the Polish capital was restored after almost complete obliteration during World War II.
- This incredible restoration can be credited to the amazing detail of Canaletto’s paintings!
- Pass the tiered Palace of Culture and stroll through Łazienki Park to the Chopin Memorial.
- Take a moment to reflect at the Monument to Ghetto Heroes, built in 1948 to commemorate the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943.
- Then walk to the Market Square in the Old Town.
- Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the University Botanic Gardens with a biologist.
- The garden’s main function is the protection of biological diversity and the conservation of endangered Polish wild species.
- The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
- Don’t miss the chance to visit Wilanow Palace, the residence of Polish King Sobieski, known as Victor of Vienna, or perhaps attend an exclusive private recital of Chopin music by a celebrated Polish pianist?
Day 3 : Vilnius, Venerable Capital of Lithuania
- Pass Augustów and Suwalki during your scenic journey through Masuria, a region rich in lakes and vast forests.
- Cross into Lithuania and continue to the capital city of Vilnius.
Day 4 : Vilnius and the Castle of Trakai
- See the Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, the neoclassical cathedral and the charming Old Town.
- Walk along the streets of bohemian Užupis, a Vilnius neighbourhood that proclaimed itself a republic in 2002.
- A member of the government introduces you to its quirky history and artistic flair.
- A highlight of your travels will be a visit to the fortified island castle of Trakai.
- Originally built in the 15th century and now restored to all its glory, this red-brick castle is located on an island in Lake Galvė.
- Choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 5 : The Votive Hill of Crosses and the Art Nouveau Nirvana of Riga
- Head north to visit the unusual Votive Hill of Crosses near Siauliai, the symbol of resistance against the Soviet occupation.
- Tonight, our hotel is set in the most ideal location of the city, overlooking Riga’s Vērmane Garden and just a short stroll from the UNESCO World heritage Site of the city’s Old Town.
Day 7 : Surrender to the Magic of Tallinn
- Explore Tallinn with Insight Choice.
- Choose to embark on a panoramic walking tour leading to the Town Hall Square.
- Alternatively, stroll the fairy-tale Old Town and hear about Estonian artisans.
- Enjoy free time to browse Tallinn’s shops, famous for fine amber and silver jewellery.
- Join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for your Celebration Dinner.
- Toast to your trip, as you savour a freshly prepared meal, rich with traditional flavours and accompanied with wine.
Day 6 : Riga Sightseeing and onto Tallinn
- Explore Riga’s Old Town with your Local Expert, including a visit to the old aircraft hangars that now house the Riga Central Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe.
- Enjoy the vibrant colours and flavours when sampling some of the local delicacies as you wander through the maze of stalls.
- Your travels continue along the shores of the Gulf of Riga and across the Estonian border to reach Tallinn.
- Hailed by travel aficionados as the new Prague, Tallinn is a lively city, where history and modern culture merge.
- From its brightly coloured architecture to its quirky art scenes, Tallinn is made for the curious and creative.
Day 8 : Depart Tallinn
- Your trip comes to an end after breakfast.