Charms of the Baltics: Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga

Helsinki is a beautiful, bustling capital city – an idyllic archipelago nestled on the Gulf of Finland and boasting over 300 islands. It sprawls like a mosaic of islands, forests, and sleek architecture, surrounded by the glistening Baltic Sea.

Today, we'll split into smaller groups to explore it all with a local guide. Helsinki does not boast landmarks that are as instantly recognisable as other European cities, it's been a little more under the radar with tourists and, as such, still seems like a bit of an undiscovered gem.  

We'll see the railway station, designed by world-renowned architect Eliel Saarinen. With its granite walls, clock tower and statues next to the main entrance - it's considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world and has served as a transportation hub and a meeting spot since 1919.

We'll also head to Sibelius Park to see the Sibelius Monument. Resembling organ pipes, is made of welded steel with over 600 pipes, it was designed to honour composer Jean Sibelius' and has a bust of him on the side. 

If you're unfamiliar with the composer, you'll have the opportunity to hear some of his most famous pieces with a magical live performance in the beautiful and historic surroundings of the Baroque-style ballroom of the Balderin sali. With its perfect acoustics, it's the ideal location to listen to the music of Jean Sibelius and gain a deeper appreciation for the Finnish heritage.

Helsinki is incredibly walkable - it only takes 40 minutes to get from one side of the city to the other - so, during your time at leisure this evening, why not continue to explore? Your knowledgeable Tour Manager is on hand to suggest further sites based on your unique interests.

We'll peer back through time this morning on a visit to Suomenlinna Fortress. It's been shaped by three historic eras when it helped to defend first Sweden, who built it during their reign here, then Russia and ultimately Finland. Despite its tumultuous past, this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is now the epitome of peace and tranquillity.

Crossing from the mainland by ferry, our expert guide will bring the fort's history back to life as we explore Suomenlinna's six kilometres of walls, 100 cannons, exciting tunnels, and beautiful parks. Outside of the crumbling fortress walls, we meander through the cobbled streets, across connecting bridges and in between old wooden buildings. Over 800 residents call the island Suomenlinna home, so you'll also see quaint parks, libraries, a church, and shops.

This afternoon is free for you to continue exploring independently. You can choose to stay on Suomenlinna or head back to the mainland.

This morning, we'll wave goodbye to Finland, crossing the Gulf of Finland by ferry to Estonia.

Docking in Tallinn, we'll drive east, enjoying coastal views until we reach Kadriorg Palace. Built by Peter The Great, Russian Tsar, to honour his wife, Catherine, the palace is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Northern Europe.

During our guided tour of the palace and gardens, we'll marvel at the intricate interior, seeing the palace's largest and grandest room - the Great Hall - where the story of Actaeon and Diana, the goddess of the hunt, adorns the ceiling. The palace is also home to a brilliant art museum full of paintings, prints and sculptures from Western European and Russian art, including works by Pieter Breughel the Younger, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Jacob Jordaens and more.

After our visit, we'll head back to Tallinn to settle into our hotel before heading out to dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, we'll split into smaller groups to explore Estonia's capital city with a knowledgeable guide, who'll show you all the highlights of this captivating city and offer a local perspective on daily life in Tallinn.

You'll notice the city has a distinctly different feel to Helsinki - where the Finnish capital is more modern, Tallinn has retained an old-world charm. The old town is a well-preserved example of a medieval Northern European trading city and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Entering through its landmark 14th-century Viru Gate, we'll wander the faded cobbled streets that make up its labyrinthine old town and work our way up to Upper Town, which offers panoramic views of the city below.

As we explore, we'll stop at several shops and eateries to sample delicious local produce - what better way to experience the aromas and distinctive flavours typical to Estonia? This is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth, as we tuck into pastries and chocolate. We also stop at the Town Hall Pharmacy, the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe, which has been in the same building for over 600 years. Known as the Raeapteek, it has provided locals with a wide range of pharmaceutical goods, including tinctures and ointments, as well as some unusual items such as burnt bees and earthworm oil. Marzipan was also regarded as a health aid, believed to alleviate heartache and restore memory. Not just a pharmacy, Raeapteek can be compared to a modern café where people can enjoy a cup of tea or a glass of claret, catch up on the news, and share it with others. So, what better place to taste marzipan and claret as part of our food tour?

After breakfast, we'll leave the Estonian capital for the country's second city, Tartu. Home to the country's most renowned university, Tartu is known as the cultural heart and soul of Estonia with over 20 museums and a host of titles, such as International City of Literature and European Capital of Culture 2024.

On arrival, we'll have time at leisure to explore the city. You could visit Tartu's oldest street, Rüütli Street, which is lined with people restaurants and eateries - the ideal place for lunch - then visit the nearby Botanical Gardens. In the main square - which recently hosted a mass kissing event - you'll find the Kissing Students statue as well as more cafes, cocktail bars and boutique shops. It's also home to the Kunstimuuseum, affectionately known as ‘the leaning house’ which tilts at 5.8 degrees - that's greater than the tower of Pisa! And if you walk north of the square, you'll come across the 14th-century St John's Church, famous for its copper-coloured brick exterior and human figurines adorning its façades. From its belfry, you'll experience some of the best views over the old town. Also, don't miss Tartu's many bridges - they carry as much history as they do foot traffic. They have been burnt down, blown up, sung upon and more.

We set off again mid-afternoon on our journey to Riga, the capital of Latvia, where we’ll settle into our hotel before heading out for the evening to sample some local cuisine in a nearby restaurant.

Today, we'll explore beautiful Riga, the largest city in the Baltic states, on a guided tour accompanied by a local guide.

Situated at the mouth of the River Daugava, it's a charming cosmopolitan city with a real mix of architectural styles. Its UNESCO-listed old town is a maze of medieval buildings, like Riga Castle, the Three Brothers - a complex of three houses built between the 15th and 17th centuries - and the Powder Tower, home to the Latvian War Museum. The central square stands in the heart of seven atmospheric streets, from here, you can see all three golden cockerels on top of the old town's churches. It's surrounded by several of the capital's landmarks, including the Dome Cathedral - the biggest medieval church and one of the oldest religious buildings in Latvia.

After our walking tour, uncover the charm of Latvia from the water as you have the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy views of the city from a new perspective taking in the iconic Latvian landmarks on a private cruise down the Daugava River. 

During the afternoon, you’re free to explore the city as you wish, perhaps you’ll take a stroll through Riga’s famously vast Central Market, five pavilions of old Zeppelin hangars so iconic that it’s included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the city’s Old Town.