Discover the Baltic States: Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Much More!

Heute kommen wir in Tallinn an. Wir beziehen unsere Unterkunft und besuchen ein Restaurant. Einen ersten Einblick in die Geschichte des Landes erhalten wir anschließend im ehemaligen Schloß in Tallinn.

We will go hiking at the Viru Bog, one of the most accessible bogs in Estonia, passes through the forest and bog landscapes characteristic of Lahemaa National Park. The study trail introduces the bog's flora, former sand dunes, eskers, and heath forest. There is a boardwalk with an observation tower in the middle of it.

Todays plan is: - We will have a guided tour in the city, enjoy the seaside (beach) - Later we will have dinner together Tallinn is the capital, the most populous and the primate city of Estonia. Located in the northern part of the country, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, it had a population of 437,619 as of 2020. Tallinn is situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, in north-western Estonia. It has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) with mild, rainy summers and cold, snowy winters. Winters are cold but mild for its latitude, owing to its coastal location. The average temperature in February, the coldest month, is −3.6 °C (25.5 °F). Tallinn is home to more than 60 museums and galleries. Most of them are located in Kesklinn, the central district of the city, and cover Tallinn's rich history.

We will arrive in Riga, and have a guided tour in Riga, learn about the history of the City and County and later go to the Latvian Ethnographic Open-air Museum. In the evening, there will be an option for having dinner together. Riga is the capital of Latvia and is home to 614,618 inhabitants (2021), which is a third of Latvia's population. Being significantly larger than other cities of Latvia, Riga is the country's primate city. It is also the largest city in the three Baltic States and is home to one tenth of the three Baltic States' combined population. The river Daugava has been a trade route since antiquity, part of the Vikings' Dvina-Dnieper navigation route to Byzantium. A sheltered natural harbor 15 km (9.3 mi) upriver from the mouth of the Daugava — the site of today's Riga — has been recorded, as Duna Urbs, as early as the 2nd century. It was settled by the Livs, an ancient Finnic tribe. Riga began to develop as a center of Viking trade during the early Middle Ages. In 1282, Riga became a member of the Hanseatic League. Riga has one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world, with at least 800 buildings.

Today, we will have a look at Riga before a late drive to Kemeri National Park. There we spend a wonderful day in the unique nature of Latvia. Extensive wetlands, lagoon lakes and swamps are found in the area. There are some sulphurous mineral springs that are also used medicinally. Most of the area is forested. On the coast, characteristic pine stands can be found on sandy soil. Rare tree species can be found at Schlock Lake. There are some smaller, slow-flowing rivers in the area. The course of the Slocene lies almost entirely within the protected area. Several protected animal species can be found on the shores, such as the spotted river snail (upes raibgliemezis), freshwater mussels, herons, black storks, water bats and otters. Sulfur springs and humid deciduous forests can be found near the Vēršupīte river.

The Gauja National Park is the largest and oldest of the national parks in Latvia, characterized by great biological diversity, variety of landforms, natural springs, sandstone outcrops, picturesque views and unique natural, cultural and historical monuments. We will go hiking and visit the castle.

Visit Jurmala, hiking at the beach, explore the city, take time at the beach Jūrmala is a city in Latvia, about 25 kilometers (16 miles) west of Riga. Jūrmala is a resort town stretching 32 km (20 miles) and sandwiched between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River. It has a 33 km (21 miles) stretch of white-sand beach, and a population of 49,325 in 2019, making it the fifth-largest city in Latvia. Each region's beach has its own character. In Majori and Bulduri, where the Blue Flag flies, it is possible to rent water bicycles or relax in the beach café. In Dubulti and Dzintari competitions in beach football and volleyball take place, but on Pumpuri beach there is kite surfing and windsurfing.

We will go to Vilnius, guided tour in the city, climb the highest mountain there and see the three crosses! Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania. Vilnius is in southeastern Lithuania and is the second-largest city in the Baltic States. It is the seat of Lithuania's national government and the Vilnius District Municipality. Historian Romas Batūra identifies the city with Voruta, one of the castles of Mindaugas, who was King of Lithuania after coronation in 1253. During the reign of Grand Dukes Butvydas and Vytenis, a city started emerging from a trading settlement and the first Franciscan Catholic Church was built. Almost half of Vilnius is covered by green areas, such as parks, public gardens, natural reserves. Additionally, Vilnius is host to numerous lakes, where residents and visitors swim and have barbecues in the summer. Thirty lakes and 16 rivers cover 2.1% of Vilnius's area, with some of them having sand beaches. Vingis Park, the city's largest, hosted several major rallies during Lithuania's drive towards independence in the 1980s. Sections of the annual Vilnius Marathon pass along the public walkways on the banks of the Neris River. The green area next to the White Bridge is another popular area to enjoy good weather, and has become a venue for some music and large screen events.

Visit a castle and go hiking! Enjoy an amazing y tour of Trakai - Located just 17 miles (28 kilometers) from Vilnius, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania is situated in a picturesque lakeside area, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions of the country. Castle, set on its own island in Lake Galvė. Constructed in the 14th century.

After breakfast today, on the last day, we will see a few beautiful sights in Vilnius. In addition to a city tour, we visit the Hill of the Three Crosses and get an insight into the city's street art. We will visit the Open-Air Museum of the Center of Europe if there is still enough time.