For a fabulous summertime travel destination, enjoy a road trip through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: The Baltic Countries. Add in a ferry ride from Estonia to Finland, and now you’re visiting 4 countries on one trip. The small size of each of the Baltic Countries makes it convenient to easily drive from one to another, and with a car you’ll have the flexibility to see the countryside, small villages, and picturesque scenery.
The Old Towns in the Baltic capital cities each offer a different experience: Tallinn is authentically historic and full of cobblestones, Riga has charming neighborhoods connected by squares and lots of green space, and Vilnius is full of narrow streets with colorful buildings and wide avenues with café restaurants. Our itinerary includes stopping to see an ancient castle in Latvia, spending time at the seaside, and then traveling on to the must-see Hill of Crosses, and an outing to a gorgeous lake in Lithuania.
We based the below schedule on flying into Tallinn, Estonia on Day 1, and flying out of Vilnius, Lithuania on Day 10. We hope this itinerary helps you to plan your own visit to the Baltics.
Baltic Countries Itinerary
Estonia
Day 1
Fly into Tallinn, Estonia
Recommended Hotel: Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel
Our favorite restaurants and pubs: Olde Hansa (try the bear meat!), KleoGastro with a cool local vibe, Mad Murphy’s with outdoor seating, The Highlander
Day 2
Enjoy Tallinn’s Old Town, with its many winding picturesque streets full of shops and restaurants. See the Cathedral, the huge Old Town Square, and Toompea Castle. Walk to the Telliskivi neighborhood to visit the food stalls and antique / flea market at Balti Jaama Turg. Circle back to Old Town via the Harbor and see the former V. I. Lenin Palace of Culture and Sport to get a feel for the grimness of Soviet architecture.
Helsinki
Day 3
Take a day trip to Helsinki, Finland on a 2-hour ferry, round trip price around €20 / adult. Book for your time slots in advance through DirectFerries. Note: Boarding starts 45 minutes prior to sailing time.
In Helsinki, head to Market Square which sits right at the harbor. Enjoy the Market, stroll in Esplanadi Park, and admire the colorful Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral.
Either explore more of Helsinki, or from Market Square, take a ferry to the island fortress, Suomenlinna, or enjoy a round-trip sightseeing boat ride.
At the end of the day, catch your ferry back to Tallinn.
Latvia
Day 4
Pick up your rental car at Tallinn airport, and head south to Cēsis, Latvia. Tour the 800-year-old Cēsis Castle, and have lunch in this quaint city. If time allows, stop in the Gauja National Park for hiking, history, and views, as well as a bobsleigh and luge track, wind tunnel, and more.
Continue on to Riga, Latvia
Recommended Hotel: Pullman Riga Old Town
Our favorite restaurants and pubs: Rozengrals Medieval Restaurant, Key to Riga, O’Paps Irish Pub
Day 5
Walk through Riga’s squares and neighborhoods of Old Town, admiring the Art Nouveau architecture, many quirky and fun statues, and explore the many café restaurants. Cross the river to see the castle and Old Town in their riverside setting. Visit the Freedom Monument, Bastion Hill Park, the Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, and the Central Market.
Day 6
Drive to one of Latvia’s amazing beaches, such as the highly recommended seaside city of Jūrmala, only about 30 minutes west of Riga. Either return to Riga for one last night, or stay a night at the beach before continuing to Lithuania.
Lithuania
Day 7
Once in Lithuania, we highly recommend heading to the Hill of Crosses (“Kryžių Kalnas” for your Garmin). Allow for several hours to walk around and appreciate the rebellious spirit of the locals against the Soviet Union and Communism. A unique pilgrimage site, with a very special atmosphere.
Return rental car to the Vilnius airport, and take a quick taxi ride to Old Town
Recommended Hotel: The Artagonist Art Hotel
Our favorite restaurants and pubs: Lokys, 12 Istoriju, The Portobello
Day 8
Explore the lovely Old Town of Vilnius, from its wide boulevards to the river with its many small bridges and surrounding parks. See the Cathedral, Gates of Dawn, and St. Anne’s Church; wander the lanes of the old Jewish Quarter, and the artsy “independent republic” neighborhood of Užupis.
Take the tram up to Gediminas Castle on one hill, and climb the stairs up another hill, through the forest, to the Three Crosses Monument.
Day 9
Head to Trakai for a fun day out at the lake, an easy 30-minute train ride from Vilnius. From the Trakai station, enjoy a short stroll around a curve in the lake to café restaurants, boat rides, and a pedestrian bridge to a castle in the middle of the lake. Have an ice cream, a coffee, and be sure to try the local meat- or vegetable-stuffed pastry called Kibinai.
Day 10
Fly home from Vilnius, after this full adventure of visiting the 3 Baltic Countries and Finland.
This was our Baltic Countries Itinerary, and we hope it’s helpful to anyone planning a similar trip.
Click below to read our Stories of our time in each location:
Cheers!
Baltic Countries
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