Baltic Itinerary
Adventure awaits! From stunning natural landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to unique and exciting meals and traditions, the Baltics offer travellers plenty of opportunities to follow their curiosity across the region.
Getting started
Depending on what kind of trip you're planning, you can start this itinerary in Kaunas, Lithuania or do it backwards, starting in Tallinn, Estonia.
1. Kaunus, Lithuania
2. Klaipėda, Lithuania
3. Vilnius, Lithuania
4. Riga, Latvia
5. Sigulda, Latvia
6. Cēsis, Latvia
7. Valga, Estonia
8. Tartu, Estonia
9. Tallinn, Estonia
Kaunas
This centrally located city is the perfect first stop on your tour through the Baltics. Once a temporary capital of Lithuania, the vibrant Kaunas was the 2022 European Capital of Culture. Once you're there, it'll be easy to see why. Here you can explore medieval architecture, quirky museums, and lively pedestrian streets, all set at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers.
Klaipėda
The coastal city of Klaipėda offers a glimpse into Lithuania's past with a stroll through the city center. The German influence is prominent in the city's half-timbered buildings. You'll find art all around you in Klaipėda. The city is peppered with big and small sculptures and even has a sculpture park dedicated to the art form.
A short, affordable ferry ride takes you to the region's biggest attraction, the Curonian Spit. This long, thin spit shielding the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with good reason. You could easily dedicate a whole day to exploring the beautiful natural landscapes of rolling dunes and the oddly-shaped trees of the Dancing Forest.
Vilnius
A must-see for anyone visiting Lithuania, the capital of Vilniu is a convenient jumping-off point for travelers who want to get off the beaten path. Don't be fooled by the large medieval old town (one of Europe's largest) or the numerous parks and green spaces that make the city almost blend in with nature; Vilnius is a very modern city.
Here, you'll find all sorts of trendy bars and restaurants and unique activities, like hot-air ballooning over the city center.
Riga
Riga is a diverse and delightful city with secrets waiting to be discovered around every corner. The Old Town offers a walk through history with buildings boasting features ranging from medieval to art nouveau.
If you get hungry after all of your sightseeing, head to Riga's Central Market, which spans the entirety of a repurposed zeppelin hangar. Here, you’ll find all the best ingredients for an affordable meal and locally-made crafts you won’t find anywhere else.
Sigulda
Nature-lovers rejoice. Situated on the Gauja River valley, Sigulda provides a beautiful backdrop for hiking and exploring its old, expansive forests. As you walk among the ruins of castles, you'll imagine how the nobility of a time gone by enjoyed a quiet life among the stunning landscapes. If you're there in June, don't miss the open-air Opera Festival.
Adrenaline seekers won’t feel like strangers in Sigulda, either. You can try out bobsledding in winter or bungee jumping in summer…if you dare.
Cēsis
Latvia is a land of castles, and it could take you months to explore them all. If you're pressed for time, you’ll find one of the oldest castles in Cēsis. Dating back to the 13th century, Cēsis Castle is a must-visit destination on your way north from Sigulda.
Valga
While continuing on to Estonia, you’ll take the train to the border town of Valga. In this past, this town was divided in half with one part in Latvia, called Valka, and another part in Estonia, called Valga. Despite the division, the relations between the two sides are quite warm, and you can easily walk between them if you’ve got the time for a short stop.
Tartu
Get ready to embrace your intellectual side. In Tartu, you'll find an ambience greatly influenced by the prestigious University of Tartu, an important institution in Estonia's second largest city. In addition to the university, make sure to check out the Estonian National Museum while you're here, too.
Tallinn
Charming Tallinn perfectly sums up the balance of old and new in the Baltics. You can quickly go from the candlelit medieval-themed restaurants of the Old Town to the chic and trendy Rotermann district.
Find time to sit back with a coffee and relax while in Tallinn. You've reached the end of a vast and varied journey across the Baltics.
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