The cities of the Baltic countries were some of the wealthiest and most important cities in medieval northern Europe. Estonia and Latvia can boast a glorious Hanseatic and Livonian legacy, while Lithuania was a vital component of the biggest state in medieval Europe, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, for most of the 19th and 20th centuries interrupted only by the interwar period, the Baltic countries were forgotten treasures incorporated into Imperial Russia and later into the Soviet Union. Since the Baltic countries regained their independence at the beginning of the 1990’s, the cities have regained their past beauty and glory and have recaptured their natural position on the European map. This tour takes you on a thrilling journey through the three Baltic countries’ millennium of history with remarkable contrasts between the medieval past and the modern present and with plenty of beautiful unspoiled countryside in between.
Step back 700 Years
The origins of the Baltic capitals date back to the 13th-14th centuries, and the magnificent old towns of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius are UNESCO-protected hidden treasures of European medieval architecture. Step 700 years back in time and take a walking tour with private guide around these charming old towns’ atmospheric lanes. Arrange for special visits to some of the medieval landmarks, such as the Gediminas Castle in Vilnius, the Dome Cathedral in Riga and the Medieval Town Hall in Tallinn.
Art Nouveau in Riga
Did you know that Riga boasts the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings of any capital in Europe? In the city’s sprawling Art Nouveau District you will find more than 200 buildings in this most artistic of styles. Take a stroll with a private guide along Alberta, Grecinieku and Elizabetes streets, which are entirely built in the Art Nouveau style, and don’t forgot to pay a visit to the fascinating Art Nouveau Museum, with an apartment authentically recreated as it would have looked at the start of the 20th century revealing tales of the lives of the people of that time.
Stories of the Seashore
For centuries, the old hanseatic city of Tallinn has been connected to and dependent on the Baltic Sea. Take a private tour along the scenic bay of this evocative city to the picturesque Pirita recreational area to see the Olympic Yacht Centre. Then venture to the other side of the bay to visit Seaplane Museum in its historical seaplane hangars telling stories from under the water, on the water and above the water. And don’t miss the dignified 100-year-old ice-breaker Suur Tõll by the pier.
Baltic Culinary Extravaganzas
Try some of the Baltic countries’ culinary extravaganzas! Taste genuine Tallinn marzipan at the oldest marzipan café in Europe with a cup of gourmet coffee. Visit the old pavilions of Riga Central Market, the largest covered market in Europe and sample traditional Latvian food: black breads, cheeses and fish specialties, or visit one of the many boutique confectionaries in the Old Town. And enter a genuine tavern in Vilnius to enjoy traditional Lithuanian beer snacks accompanied by a pint of chilled black beer.
The “New Districts”
The last two decades have transformed the Baltic capitals into vibrant and modern cities and completely new city districts have emerged. Explore some of these fascinating areas: the new business district in Vilnius between Konstitucijos Avenue and the Neris embankment, viewing the Old Town from one of the high-rises; the Rotermanni district in Tallinn with its daring contemporary architecture and many cafés; and Pardaugava in Riga with its beautifully restored wooden houses, cosy cafés and small boutiques.
Baltic Gold
Amber – the Baltic gold – was an early source of wealth in the Baltic countries. The towns of the western coastline, such as Nida on the scenic Curonian Spit in Lithuania, the cities of Klaipeda and Liepaja, and Jurmala near Riga are often referred to as the Amber Cities of the Baltics countries. Take a relaxing tour along the Amber Coast, visiting the Amber Gallery in Nida, the Amber Museum in the Tyszkiewicz Palace in Palanga, the recently opened Great Amber Concert Hall in Liepaja and Jurmala’s amber jewellery shops.
Ēriks Lingebērziņš has been working in the tourism industry for almost 20 years. Travel, tourism and hospitality has been his passion for even longer period. Dream to travel, discover new places, meet people from around the world has been main driving force to study languages and … politics. He soon discovered that politics was too boring and predictable. His professional experience includes different areas of hospitality – his first job was local tour guide for international visitors coming to Riga that still helps to understand better needs of guests.
