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Highlights of the Baltics

with St. Petersburg extension

Duration: 12 or 15 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 54

A corner of Europe that’s full of surprises.

From historic Poland to the medieval beauty of the Baltics, you’ll experience it all on this immersive tour. Start your trip in Warsaw, the shining city that rose from the ashes of World War II. Journey on to Vilnius, a multicultural Lithuanian capitol with a timeless historic center. Head north to Riga, Latvia, where you’ll find ancient castles alongside Art Nouveau architecture, then continue on to the well-preserved landmarks of Tallinn, Estonia.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
6 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Palace of Culture and Science
Masurian Lakes
Old Town Vilnius
Hill of Crosses
Rundale Palace

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Warsaw today.

Warsaw2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Warsaw

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Poland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Warsaw

Included meal: Breakfast

On a guided tour, get to know Warsaw, a city all but destroyed during World War II and painstakingly rebuilt since 1944.

• Enter the Palace of Culture and Science, Poland’s tallest building, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding city

• See the Chopin monument at Lazienki Park

• Visit the Jewish Ghetto and the Jewish Memorial

• Walk through the Old Town

• Discover Starego Miasta Square’s Renaissance facades and Baroque townhouses

Enjoy a free afternoon in Warsaw or add an excursion.

Chopin Recital & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Masurian Lake District1 night

Day 4: Mikolajki & Masurian Lake cruise

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to the UNESCO-recognized biosphere of the Masurian Lake District. Stop in Mikolajki, a resort town on Lake Sniardwy, to enjoy free time for lunch. Then, embark on a scenic cruise through the city’s channels and into the lake.

Sit down for an included dinner with your group this evening.

Vilnius2 nights

Day 5: Vilnius via Wolf's Lair

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Leave Poland behind as you travel to Vilnius, Lithuania. En route, stop to enter the infamous Wolf's Lair, which served as Hitler's Eastern Front headquarters during World War II.

In Vilnius, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Vilnius

Included meal: Breakfast

Embark on a guided tour of Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital.

• Enter St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church

• Discover the Baroque, UNESCO-listed Old Town

• See Gediminas Castle, Vilnius Cathedral, St. Anne’s Church, and Vilnius University

• View the 16th-century Gate of Dawn

Enjoy a free afternoon in Vilnius or add an excursion.

Trakai Island Castle

Excursion (additional cost)

Riga3 nights

Day 7: Riga via the Hill of Crosses & Rundale Palace

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Riga, Latvia, stopping en route to visit the Hill of Crosses, a Lithuanian pilgrimage site. You’ll also stop for a guided tour of Rundale Palace and its gardens. The site is distinguished as the largest Baroque castle in the Baltics and is the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland.

In Riga, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Riga

Included meal: Breakfast

Get an insider’s perspective of Riga, the center of Latvian politics and culture, with a local guide leading the way.

• Walk through Vecriga, Riga’s Old Town

• Take in medieval sights like St. Peter’s Church and Riga Castle

• Head to the New Town for a look at the Freedom Monument

• Explore the city’s striking, UNESCO-recognized Art Nouveau district

Enjoy a free afternoon in Riga or add an excursion.

Cultural Traditions of the Latvian Countryside

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Free day in Riga

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring Riga on your own or add an excursion.

Old-World Latvia: Castles Valleys & Villages

Excursion (additional cost)

Tallinn2 nights

Day 10: Travel to Tallinn

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, motor through the breathtaking countryside on your way to Tallinn.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Tallinn

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Uncover the charms of Tallinn on a guided sightseeing tour.

• Travel through the ancient stone gates of the Old Town

• View Toomkirik Cathedral, a Lutheran church founded in the 13th century

• See Town Hall Square and Toompea Castle, home of the Estonian parliament

• Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Then, join your group at a farewell dinner this evening.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to St. Petersburg, Russia.

Extension to St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a city of haunting magnificence. Created by Peter the Great in 1703 to be his “window on Europe,” St. Petersburg combines its fascinating Russian heritage with a distinctly European outlook. Considered the cultural heart of modern day Russia, St. Petersburg is rapidly regaining its reputation as one of the Great Cities of Europe. From the vibrant colors of spring and the endless twilights of the famous White Nights to the brilliant sun of autumn and the crisp brightness of a St. Petersburg winter, the city casts its own unique spell over visitors.

St.Petersburg3 nights

Day 12: Travel to St. Petersburg

Included meal: Breakfast

Cross into Russia as you make your way to St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s stunning “Window on the West.”

Enjoy a free evening in St. Petersburg or add an excursion.

Russian Theatre Show & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg

Included meal: Breakfast

Meet a local guide for a sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg, Russia’s grand imperial city.

• See Palace Square, one of Europe’s great meeting places

• Walk through the St. Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral Church

• Drive down Nevsky Prospekt, a tree-lined boulevard

• Visit the ornate Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

• Discover over three million pieces of art in the Hermitage Museum

Day 14: Free day in St. Petersburg

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring St. Petersburg on your own or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Peterhof

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.4 average

Worth taking

11/05/2018 by 15th time traveler Anonymous

Overall I would recommend this tour. Beautiful sights, charming old towns, and very interesting history. Yes, there are a few long days on the bus, but when you are visiting that many countries in that many days it should be expected that there are longer travel days between. Yes, you sometimes f...

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The poorest excorted tour I ever joined!

09/27/2018 by 5th time traveler Anonymous

1) The itinerary: 4 countries in 10 days are rather crowded. Each country we pretty much visited 1 city! This isn't in-depth, and not worthy of my time! 2) The tour director doesn't have any knowledge in all countries - NO history, culture, local people, politic... Tour director MUST be someone f...

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baltic countries' tour

08/28/2018 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

Sadly, this isn't the best EFTour I've taken over the years. Seeing reproduction buildings, although well-done, was repeated in all countries; we toured so quickly we couldn't go into buildings and stop for local fare, barely had a chance for photos! Why couldn't there be a change and allow some eth...

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Not Too Good for the 4th time!

08/27/2018 by 5th time traveler Ray O.

Not likely to return to this company got tired eating chicken at dinners by Go Ahead! No air conditioner at Hotel Opera! long bus rides train or plane would be nice and I would pay extra. All Hotels were out of the way would pay extra to be near something of interest This is my 4th time with ...

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08/22/2018 by 2nd time traveler Patricia P.

Two day of long bus rides over 8 hours with only 2 stops. Bus had absolutely no leg room . Hotel in Riga had no A/C(outside temp over 90) No room for luggage. Hair dryer was wired in to shower area where floor was wet. City guide in Riga could not be understood as she constantly giggled . We saw on...

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Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Mercure Warszawa Grand

This contemporary hotel is located in the city center. Guests enjoy two on-site restaurants, a gym, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find the Fryderyk C...

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Mercure Mragowo Resort & Spa

This traditional hotel is located in Mrągowo. Guests enjoy restaurants, a fitness room, and a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Nearby, you’ll find Czos Lake...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (and Russia on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in advance in order to enter Russia on the tour extension. You may choose to obtain your individual visa by applying directly to the Russian consulate or by using a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral. If you opt to apply through the Russianconsulate and require additional assistance and/or documentation from Go Ahead Tours, a special arrangements fee of $95 per person may be charged.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Warsaw and depart from Tallinn (or from St. Petersburg on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

When in Poland, fill up on favorites like kielbasa and pierogi. Don't miss out on trying the bagels—they were born here.
When in Lithuania, be sure to try to some brightly-colored borscht, lingonberry-filled saltnosiukai dumplings, and kibinai, a savory puff-pastry dish of onions and mutton.
Latvian staples include sausages, soups, and a variety of smoked foods like herring, eel, and flounder. The country’s cuisine is quite heavy, relying on cabbage, eggs, pork, and potatoes, with little seasoning or spice.
In Estonia, meat and potatoes anchor most meals, but smoked trout and blood sausages are considered specialties. Local liqueurs are quite popular and strong, particularly the sweet Vana Tallinn.
On the tour extension, popular Russian foods include soups, meat casseroles, cabbage prepared many different ways, and the country’s world-famous vodka. Try pelmeny, Russia’s version of ravioli. Crepes (bliny) or porridge (kasha) are common for breakfast.

Electricity & air conditioning

All destinations operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

All destinations visited on this tour are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the Polish złoty in Poland and the euro in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (plus the Russian ruble in Russia on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.