You're flying to Vilnius. From the airport, you'll take public transport to your hotel. Arrive at your leisure and prepare for the days ahead. Overnight in Vilnius.

Today the program begins. At 8:45 a.m., you will meet your tour guide and fellow travelers at reception. A guided city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the Lithuanian capital (a UNESCO World Heritage Site): the Gate of Dawn, the Gothic St. Anne's Church, a former 16th-century city gate now a pilgrimage site, Pilies Street, one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in the city, and Vilnius University, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe. Afterwards, you will visit the Užupis artists' quarter, a vibrant area that has transformed from a poor suburb into one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Lithuania. Afterwards, you'll leave Vilnius for Kaunas. En route, you'll stop in Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. During a leisurely, approximately one-hour boat trip, you'll admire the famous red island castle from the water, dating back to the 14th century and picturesquely situated amidst a vast lake landscape. On board, you'll sample kibinai, the region's local specialty: filled dumplings, traditionally served with broth. In the evening, you'll arrive in Kaunas, where you'll spend the night. (B/L) (Distance traveled: approx. 110 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hours)

After breakfast, you will explore the pretty old town of Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania, on a guided city tour: the Town Hall Square with its merchant houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle ruins from the 13th century, the Gothic Perkunas House with its magnificent decorative gables and the Vytautas Church, the oldest church in the city. Your journey continues along the Nemunas River through picturesque landscapes, past medieval castles and 19th-century manor houses, to a hillfort dating back to the Crusades. In the village of Veliuona, you stop and browse the tiny village shop: fresh bread, locally produced cheese, fruit – and perhaps you'll even meet some of the locals. You can then enjoy your purchases at a lovely spot on the hill near the hillfort. In the afternoon you'll arrive in Klaipėda and get to know the city on a guided tour. What was once a fishing village became the country's only port city after the construction of the Memel Castle in the 13th century. The historic old town, with its half-timbered houses, the theater, and the famous Simon Dach Fountain, invites you to stroll around. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure – your tour guide will be happy to give you restaurant recommendations. 2 nights in Klaipėda. (B) (Distance traveled: approx. 240 km; travel time: approx. 3 hours)

Today you'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Curonian Spit, nestled between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea, which you'll reach by ferry. First, you'll visit the mystical Hill of Witches in Juodkrantė, where, since 1979, over 80 wooden statues depicting Lithuanian legends and fairy tale characters have lined a path. In Nida, you'll be enchanted by the highest dunes in Northern Europe, the sound of the waves, and the charming little houses. You'll visit Thomas Mann's former holiday home, now a museum dedicated to his life, and the local amber gallery. Afterward, you'll climb the steps to the top of the Parnidis Dune, one of the highest shifting dunes in Europe, and enjoy the panoramic views of the "High Dune" and the Curonian Spit. On your way back to the ferry, you'll stop at a smaller, quieter dune. A stroll along the beach will teach you more about the history and significance of amber in the Baltic region. Sit in the sand, enjoy the peace and quiet and the sea view before taking the ferry back to Klaipėda. The city also has several rooftop bars and panoramic restaurants – ask your tour guide for recommendations. (F) (Distance traveled: approx. 100 km; travel time: approx. 3 hours)

Today you'll travel to Šiauliai to see the famous Hill of Crosses, an impressive Catholic pilgrimage site and a testament to Lithuanian cross carving. Since ancient times, pilgrims have carried over 100,000 crosses to the hill to give thanks, make a wish, or ask for mercy. A walk along the paths will allow you to take a closer look at the surroundings. For lunch, you'll stop at a local country-style restaurant surrounded by stunning nature and enjoy typical local cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards, you'll cross the border into Latvia and admire the imposing Rundale Palace (exterior view only), a Baroque masterpiece built in the 18th century as the summer residence of the Duke of Courland and now the largest and most beautiful preserved Baroque palace in the Baltics. You can stretch your legs in the magnificent French garden. On the final leg to Riga, there will be time for conversations with your tour guide and fellow travelers – about the country and its people, music, and literature. In the evening, you'll arrive in the Latvian capital, where you'll stay for two nights. (B/L) (Distance traveled: approx. 345 km; travel time: approx. 5.5 hours)

After breakfast, you will experience the most beautiful corners of Riga's Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) on a city tour: the 13th-century cathedral (exterior visit), St. Peter's Church with the tallest church tower in the city (exterior visit), the magnificent Gothic House of the Blackheads on the Town Hall Square, the old city wall and the Freedom Monument. Every midday, a 20-minute organ concert takes place in Riga Cathedral – a great opportunity to hear one of the world's most beautiful organs. If you'd like, you can join for €15 per person (optional, payable on site). Afterwards, you'll visit the Central Market, the largest centrally located market in Eastern Europe, right next to the Old Town. In five large halls, formerly Zeppelin hangars, you'll find a wide variety of local products. An included tasting allows you to sample Latvian delicacies such as various cheeses, pickled vegetables, fish specialties, and smoked meats. Afterwards, you can explore the market on your own. The afternoon is yours to enjoy: stroll through one of the parks, visit the Art Nouveau district and its museum, or simply relax in a café in the old town. (F/S)

Today you'll first travel to Gauja National Park, where the Gauja River meanders through densely vegetated valleys. From Paradise Hill, you'll have a breathtaking view of the picturesque valley and Turaida Castle, which rises high above the river. After admiring it from afar, you'll explore the castle up close. On the way, you'll stop at a local brewery. After a tour, we'll treat you to a glass of local beer, which you can enjoy in the taproom or on the outdoor terrace. In the evening, after crossing the border, you'll reach Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city and the country's intellectual center. Your tour guide will likely have already shared anecdotes about this authentic university town and given you tips on hotspots and viewpoints – if not, just ask. (F) (Distance traveled: approx. 260 km; travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)

Tartu is one of the oldest cities in the Baltics and was first documented in 1030. A guided tour of this university town will show you the city center, which only developed at the end of the 18th century, the impressive ruins of the once magnificent 13th-century cathedral, and of course, the imposing university. For a break, you'll visit one of your tour guide's favorite cafés – your choice of coffee is on us – and experience the city's young, modern side. Before departure, there will be time to stroll through Tartu on your own and buy provisions for the onward journey. Afterwards, you'll travel to Lahemaa National Park with its diverse landscape of pristine beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and bogs; over 200 bird species and around 900 plant species live here. You'll visit the magnificent Sagadi Manor (exterior view only) with its rich flora and some of Estonia's oldest oak trees. Then you'll stroll through the 400-year-old fishing village of Altja, built in typical North Estonian style, and take a short hike along wooden boardwalks through a mystical bog and marsh landscape. You arrive in Tallinn in the evening, where you will spend the last two nights. (F) (Distance traveled: approx. 220 km; travel time: approx. 3.5 hours)

After breakfast, a guided tour will introduce you to the most important historical sights of the old town: the fully preserved 14th-century city wall with its defensive towers, the imposing Toompea Castle, seat of the Estonian Parliament, the old cathedral (exterior visit) and the pretty Town Hall Square, surrounded by old merchants' houses. Afterwards, you can explore the city on your own, especially the Kalamaja district with its artistic atmosphere, colorful wooden houses, and vibrant cultural scene. Start in Telliskivi Creative City, a former industrial area and now a center for creativity, design, and culture with shops, galleries, cafes, and studios – the street art is particularly worth seeing. Balti Jaama Turg is also worth a visit, a lively market with fresh produce, local specialties, and handmade goods. In the evening, you'll meet up with your tour group and tour guide one last time for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Return to Tallinn Airport on your own and return flight to Germany. (F)