Must do in Baltics

Must do in

Baltics

A tour of the highlights of the Baltics provides a sturdy introduction to the region, its history and culture. It’s a great option for first timers or those short on time. In the Baltics, you can cover a lot of ground within just a few days since many highlights are located along major roads. For example, Latvia’s Rundale Palace or “Versailles of the Baltics” and Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses are en route between Vilnius and Riga, and Estonia’s beaches in Parnu are on the way between Riga and Tallinn.

Baltic capitals - each with its own flair

The historic centres of all three Baltic capitals are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List but the cities are far from monotonous. Each has its own distinct character.

Riga is the largest city in the Baltics, known far and wide for its Art Nouveau architecture, world class opera house and buzzing Central Market. The neighbourhoods of Kipsala and Agenskalns are no less grand with their 18th – 21st century wooden architecture.

You may recognise Tallinn for its fairy tale old town but the city has many more layers, such as the neighbourhood of Kadriorg with its baroque palace and world-renowned contemporary art museum, and the harbour area of Kalamaja with its quaint wooden housing and bohemian spirit. Many visitors descend on Tallinn on a day trip by ferry from Helsinki.

As the capital of a predominantly Catholic country, Vilnius boasts remarkable churches. Climb to the top of Gediminas Hill for views of the city’s steeples and ever-changing panorama. For a feel of how the city is developing, visit the creative neighbourhoods of Naujamiestis and Uzupis.

Thanks to a new generation of inventive chefs and a reliable supply of quality local produce, Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn are becoming popular foodie destinations. Sample wild mushrooms, birch sap, rhubarb and other humble ingredients transformed into culinary masterpieces.

Highlights of Latvia

Latvia

Jurmala

At easy day trip distance from Riga, Jurmala is one of the Baltics’ favourite beach resorts famed for its intricate 19th century wooden houses, which mingle among the pines alongside impressive Soviet and contemporary resort architecture. Read more here.

Must do in Baltics
Latvia

Sigulda

The “Switzerland of Latvia” sits within Gauja National Park and is known as the winter sports capital of Latvia. Visitors flock here for active outdoor pursuits as well as delving into history at Sigulda Castle and Latvia’s most visited museum – Turaida Museum Reserve. Read more here.

Best Hikes in Europe
Latvia

Rundale Palace

Arriving at Rundale Palace is a true “wow” moment as you may not expect to see such an 18th century gem in the Latvian countryside. Architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli is also known for his Winter Palace in St Petersburg. Read more here.

Highlights of Estonia

Estonia

Parnu

In summer, visitors flock to Estonia’s largest resort to enjoy its sandy beaches, while in winter it’s a favourite spa destination. Architecture geeks will appreciate the historical wooden homes, the modernist Parnu Beach House and Art Nouveau-style Villa Ammende. Read more here.

Must do in Baltics
Estonia

The islands

Estonia has over 2000 islands, which is much more than both other Baltic States. The rugged West Estonian Archipelago is fantastic for a tranquil escape. A short ferry ride from the mainland are some of its best known islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Kihnu with their Nordic maritime vibe. Read more here.

Must do in Baltics
Estonia

Estonian National Museum

Learn what makes Estonians tick at the award-winning museum in Tartu – Estonia’s second-largest city. The interactive exhibition will drag you in for hours of exploration if you don’t stop short admiring its incredible facade! Read more here.

Things to do in Tartu

Highlights of Lithuania

Lithuania

Trakai Island Castle

Often featured on postcards of Lithuania, the stunningly restored 14th-century castle sits on a luscious green backdrop on an island in Lake Galve. Read more here.

Trakai Castle tour
Lithuania

Hill of Crosses

Myth surrounds this unusual site of pilgrimage with no confirmed version of its story. For years, even centuries, visitors have placed crosses here, each for their own reason. The hill has been reborn numerous times after attempts to destroy it under Soviet rule. Read more here.

Hill of Crosses tour
Lithuania

Curonian Spit

The dreamy UNESCO World Heritage Site’s rolling dunes are scattered with historical farms and fishing villages. If you’re lucky, you can find pieces of amber on the beach! It’s a popular first stop for those arriving by ferry to Klaipeda. Read more here.

Outdoor activity from Klaipeda
Unique experiences

Like a local

Perhaps you’ve been to this part of the world before or prefer to venture deeper than a country’s capital and top attractions. Read more on our web site here.

Pick your highlights of the Baltics

and we’ll happily build a bespoke itinerary recommending additional stops on the way.

What travelers say about us

EXCELLENT
36 reviews on
Carmen Daams
Carmen Daams
2023-09-22
I took the Kuldiga trip with Valdis. The experience was amazing. The entire day was great. He is a great guide, and knows a lot of interesting information. He would definitely make your whole experience even better. Kuldiga is such a captivating city, very unique with a very special style and soul. If you are visiting Latvia, don't hesitate to take this trip, it is a "must".
Stanley Wallerstein
Stanley Wallerstein
2023-08-29
Great Tour and great guide. Baltic Nature Travel is excellent.
Maria M Andrade
Maria M Andrade
2023-08-28
Valdis organized an absolutely wonderful 10 day trip to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania trip for my sister, a friend, and myself. He arranged all details including our private chofer and tour guide up the last detail. He went far and beyond when he knew I had an accident in Estonia. We met him Latvia and he make us feel welcome. He recommended the most amazing restaurants for us and he took care of my doctor needs where he was the interpreter. In every country we had the best guys one can possibly ask for. All hotels were walking distance from city centre. Thank you Valdis we will always remembered this trip!!!!
Sarah Daniels
Sarah Daniels
2023-08-21
Thank you, Valdis, for helping my family have a wonderful two week trip to the Baltics! Your advice and recommendations were very helpful, and our tour guides in 4 different cities were each outstanding! I highly recommend a vacation in the beautiful and fascinating Baltics, and I highly recommend using Valdis to help you plan it.
Rita Derencius
Rita Derencius
2023-08-09
Tours and tour guides, Tomas and Mindaugas, exceeded my expectations. We were able to curate our tour of Lithuania. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and adapted the tour based on our input. Valdis was responsive and easy to work with. Extremely happy we chose to have private tour guides. Best trip ever!
Deniz Demirors
Deniz Demirors
2023-08-08
Valdis did amazing job to organize us a 15 day, 14 night self drive adventure trip to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Thanks to his valuable advise before and immaculate documentation with names of the locations, guides etc we had a magical experience. We hiked, biked, walked, beached and off course drive all over in all 3 beautiful countries. We felt very safe. Everyone we met were very friendly. The car was delivered to our first hotel in Tallinn and picked up from last hotel in Vilnius. They were professional and kind people. We encountered few minor issues but Valdis resolved very promptly so our program was not impacted. We met him in Riga as he was our guide. Thanks to Valdis & his team of guides we had an unforgettable time and experience. Valdis is very gently, kind, hears his clients wishes and makes adjustments in his existing programs. Job well done Valdis. Thank you very much.
Catherine Herway
Catherine Herway
2023-06-24
These are the only places on earth where eastern and western architecture can now meet in harmony. The architecture tells a social history translated into excellent English on this tour! The hotels were clean, comfortable, and safe. The food was outstanding as well, I only wish I had more time!
Artur Iwański
Artur Iwański
2023-05-03
A very good and interesting guide. Customized trips - which is very useful. If you want to get to know Latvia (which is worth it!) there is no one better. Highly recommended.
Giovanni Paolo Palamara
Giovanni Paolo Palamara
2023-01-07
Very interesting trip. Definitely worth it!

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Baltic Nature Travel
Baltic Nature Travel