
Estonia · Finland · Latvia · Lithuania · Sweden
The Baltic States and Scandinavia - Impressions in Winter
The Baltic States and Scandinavia - Impressions in Winter
Duration
10 days
Start/End
Vilnius/Stockholm
Tour type
Group
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotels and one night on board the ferry
Overview
This small-group trip combines Baltic diversity with Nordic elegance – from Vilnius's Baroque lanes via Art Nouveau Riga and medieval Tallinn to Helsinki and Stockholm. Add Trakai, the Hill of Crosses, an Estonian cider farm, Lahemaa and two Baltic Sea ferry crossings.
This 10-day small-group tour combines the cultural diversity of the Baltics with the Nordic elegance of Scandinavia. From the baroque streets of Vilnius, through the Art Nouveau gem of Riga and the medieval city of Tallinn, the journey continues to Helsinki and Stockholm. The itinerary also includes Trakai Island Castle, the Hill of Crosses, an Estonian cider farm, Lahemaa National Park, and two ferry crossings of the Baltic Sea. In December, the north is further enhanced by its festive lights.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Germany – Vilnius
You're flying to Vilnius. From the airport, you'll take public transport to your hotel. Arrive relaxed and get ready for your trip. 2 nights in Vilnius.
Germany – Vilnius
Day 1
You're flying to Vilnius. From the airport, you'll take public transport to your hotel. Arrive relaxed and get ready for your trip. 2 nights in Vilnius.
Day 2
Excursion to Trakai & Discover Vilnius
In the morning, you'll travel to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Amidst an idyllic lake landscape rises the famous red island castle, dating back to the 14th century and one of the country's most recognizable landmarks. A guided tour will reveal more about the eventful history of this place. You'll admire the castle from the outside – especially in winter, when the lake is frozen over, a tranquil, almost fairytale-like atmosphere prevails. Afterwards, you'll stop at a traditional Karaite restaurant. This small ethnic minority continues to shape Trakai's culture and cuisine. For lunch, you'll try kibinai, freshly baked savory dumplings – a welcome treat, especially during the colder months. Back in Vilnius, you'll spend the afternoon exploring the Baroque Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on a combined walking and minibus tour. You'll see the Gate of Dawn, the Gothic St. Anne's Church, the historic Pilies Street, and Vilnius University, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe. The tour concludes with a tasting of Lithuanian Džiugas cheese, accompanied by traditional dishes and a glass of wine. If you travel in December, you'll also visit the atmospheric Christmas market in Cathedral Square together. In the evening, you'll have time to explore the illuminated Old Town on your own. (F/M) (Distance: approx. 55 km; Travel time: approx. 1 hour)
Excursion to Trakai & Discover Vilnius
Day 2
In the morning, you'll travel to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Amidst an idyllic lake landscape rises the famous red island castle, dating back to the 14th century and one of the country's most recognizable landmarks. A guided tour will reveal more about the eventful history of this place. You'll admire the castle from the outside – especially in winter, when the lake is frozen over, a tranquil, almost fairytale-like atmosphere prevails. Afterwards, you'll stop at a traditional Karaite restaurant. This small ethnic minority continues to shape Trakai's culture and cuisine. For lunch, you'll try kibinai, freshly baked savory dumplings – a welcome treat, especially during the colder months. Back in Vilnius, you'll spend the afternoon exploring the Baroque Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on a combined walking and minibus tour. You'll see the Gate of Dawn, the Gothic St. Anne's Church, the historic Pilies Street, and Vilnius University, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe. The tour concludes with a tasting of Lithuanian Džiugas cheese, accompanied by traditional dishes and a glass of wine. If you travel in December, you'll also visit the atmospheric Christmas market in Cathedral Square together. In the evening, you'll have time to explore the illuminated Old Town on your own. (F/M) (Distance: approx. 55 km; Travel time: approx. 1 hour)
Day 3
Vilnius – Riga
Today you leave Vilnius and travel north to Šiauliai. Your first destination is the famous Hill of Crosses, one of Lithuania's most impressive pilgrimage sites. For centuries, pilgrims have brought crosses here; now there are well over 100,000 of them in all sizes and shapes. As you stroll along the narrow paths, you'll experience the special, almost mystical atmosphere and discover the artistic tradition of Lithuanian cross carving. At lunchtime, you'll stop at an idyllically situated country-style restaurant. Surrounded by nature, you'll enjoy a traditional regional meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards, a delightful stop awaits you in Šiauliai at the traditional chocolate museum "Rūta". During a guided tour, you'll learn fascinating facts about the history of chocolate and its production. Afterwards, you'll all meet at a local café, where your tour guide will treat you to a hot cup of cocoa. In the afternoon, we continue towards Latvia. During the journey, there will be time for conversation and background information about the Baltic states. You will arrive in Riga in the evening, where you will spend the next two nights. (B/L) (Distance traveled: approx. 370 km; travel time: approx. 5.5 hours)
Vilnius – Riga
Day 3
Today you leave Vilnius and travel north to Šiauliai. Your first destination is the famous Hill of Crosses, one of Lithuania's most impressive pilgrimage sites. For centuries, pilgrims have brought crosses here; now there are well over 100,000 of them in all sizes and shapes. As you stroll along the narrow paths, you'll experience the special, almost mystical atmosphere and discover the artistic tradition of Lithuanian cross carving. At lunchtime, you'll stop at an idyllically situated country-style restaurant. Surrounded by nature, you'll enjoy a traditional regional meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards, a delightful stop awaits you in Šiauliai at the traditional chocolate museum "Rūta". During a guided tour, you'll learn fascinating facts about the history of chocolate and its production. Afterwards, you'll all meet at a local café, where your tour guide will treat you to a hot cup of cocoa. In the afternoon, we continue towards Latvia. During the journey, there will be time for conversation and background information about the Baltic states. You will arrive in Riga in the evening, where you will spend the next two nights. (B/L) (Distance traveled: approx. 370 km; travel time: approx. 5.5 hours)
Day 4
Anticipate
After breakfast, you will experience the most beautiful places in 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 imposing Freedom Monument. On Wednesdays, a 20-minute organ concert takes place in Riga Cathedral – a unique opportunity to hear one of the world's most beautiful organs (currently €15 per person, optional, payable on site). Afterwards, you'll visit the famous Central Market, the largest centrally located market in Eastern Europe, housed in five large halls that were formerly Zeppelin hangars. An included tasting allows you to sample Latvian delicacies such as cheeses, pickled vegetables, fish specialties, and smoked meats. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish: stroll through one of the many parks, visit the Art Nouveau district and its museum, or relax in a café in the old town. (F/S)
Anticipate
Day 4
After breakfast, you will experience the most beautiful places in 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 imposing Freedom Monument. On Wednesdays, a 20-minute organ concert takes place in Riga Cathedral – a unique opportunity to hear one of the world's most beautiful organs (currently €15 per person, optional, payable on site). Afterwards, you'll visit the famous Central Market, the largest centrally located market in Eastern Europe, housed in five large halls that were formerly Zeppelin hangars. An included tasting allows you to sample Latvian delicacies such as cheeses, pickled vegetables, fish specialties, and smoked meats. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish: stroll through one of the many parks, visit the Art Nouveau district and its museum, or relax in a café in the old town. (F/S)
Day 5
Riga – Tallinn
In the morning you leave Riga and drive along the Baltic coast towards Estonia. En route you make a short stop in the charming coastal town of Pärnu, which, with its wooden villas and relaxed atmosphere, is considered the "summer capital" of Estonia. At the appropriate time, there will be a break for a hearty lunch. Another special stop awaits you at a traditional cider farm, where the famous Jaanihanso Cider is produced – Estonia's first all-natural cider. During a short guided tour in a small group, you'll learn more about the production process, which uses only regional apples, many from old orchards in the south of the country. The cider undergoes bottle fermentation using the classic method, similar to Champagne, resulting in a fine perlage and an elegant, almost wine-like aroma. Of course, you'll also have the opportunity to taste the cider. The journey continues in the afternoon. In the evening you will reach Tallinn, whose medieval towers and city walls are visible from afar. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. 2 nights in Tallinn. (B/L) (Distance traveled: approx. 320 km; travel time: approx. 5 hours)
Riga – Tallinn
Day 5
In the morning you leave Riga and drive along the Baltic coast towards Estonia. En route you make a short stop in the charming coastal town of Pärnu, which, with its wooden villas and relaxed atmosphere, is considered the "summer capital" of Estonia. At the appropriate time, there will be a break for a hearty lunch. Another special stop awaits you at a traditional cider farm, where the famous Jaanihanso Cider is produced – Estonia's first all-natural cider. During a short guided tour in a small group, you'll learn more about the production process, which uses only regional apples, many from old orchards in the south of the country. The cider undergoes bottle fermentation using the classic method, similar to Champagne, resulting in a fine perlage and an elegant, almost wine-like aroma. Of course, you'll also have the opportunity to taste the cider. The journey continues in the afternoon. In the evening you will reach Tallinn, whose medieval towers and city walls are visible from afar. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. 2 nights in Tallinn. (B/L) (Distance traveled: approx. 320 km; travel time: approx. 5 hours)
Day 6
Tallinn
After breakfast, you'll start with a guided tour through the historic old town. You'll see the completely preserved 14th-century city walls with their defensive towers, the imposing Toompea Castle – seat of the Estonian Parliament – the old cathedral (exterior view only), and the picturesque Town Hall Square, surrounded by traditional merchants' houses. Afterwards, you will visit Tallinn's oldest continuously operating café and enjoy a relaxing break with coffee and pastries in a historic setting. Refreshed, we continue together to the creative district of Kalamaja, known for its colorful mix of wooden houses, artistic atmosphere, and vibrant cultural scene. Our starting point is Telliskivi Creative City, a former industrial area and now a center for design, culture, and innovation, featuring shops, galleries, cafes, studios, and impressive street art. A visit to Balti Jaama Turg, the lively market in the heart of Kalamaja, is also worthwhile: fresh produce, local specialties, and handcrafted artwork. (F)
Tallinn
Day 6
After breakfast, you'll start with a guided tour through the historic old town. You'll see the completely preserved 14th-century city walls with their defensive towers, the imposing Toompea Castle – seat of the Estonian Parliament – the old cathedral (exterior view only), and the picturesque Town Hall Square, surrounded by traditional merchants' houses. Afterwards, you will visit Tallinn's oldest continuously operating café and enjoy a relaxing break with coffee and pastries in a historic setting. Refreshed, we continue together to the creative district of Kalamaja, known for its colorful mix of wooden houses, artistic atmosphere, and vibrant cultural scene. Our starting point is Telliskivi Creative City, a former industrial area and now a center for design, culture, and innovation, featuring shops, galleries, cafes, studios, and impressive street art. A visit to Balti Jaama Turg, the lively market in the heart of Kalamaja, is also worthwhile: fresh produce, local specialties, and handcrafted artwork. (F)
Day 7
Tallinn – Helsinki
Today you'll visit Lahemaa National Park. The expansive landscape, with its ancient forests, coastal stretches, and diverse flora and fauna, reveals its charm even in the cooler months. Depending on the weather and ground conditions, you'll take a short walk through nature and visit the approximately 400-year-old fishing village of Altja. Weather permitting, you can also explore a bog area on boardwalks – in unfavorable conditions, this activity may be omitted or modified for safety reasons. Afterwards, you'll take the ferry to Helsinki (approx. 2 hours). In the Finnish capital, a crossroads of Western and Eastern cultures, you'll experience a vibrant atmosphere. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Helsinki. (B) (Distance traveled: approx. 185 km; travel time: approx. 5 hours)
Tallinn – Helsinki
Day 7
Today you'll visit Lahemaa National Park. The expansive landscape, with its ancient forests, coastal stretches, and diverse flora and fauna, reveals its charm even in the cooler months. Depending on the weather and ground conditions, you'll take a short walk through nature and visit the approximately 400-year-old fishing village of Altja. Weather permitting, you can also explore a bog area on boardwalks – in unfavorable conditions, this activity may be omitted or modified for safety reasons. Afterwards, you'll take the ferry to Helsinki (approx. 2 hours). In the Finnish capital, a crossroads of Western and Eastern cultures, you'll experience a vibrant atmosphere. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Helsinki. (B) (Distance traveled: approx. 185 km; travel time: approx. 5 hours)
Day 8
Helsinki – Ferry crossing to Stockholm
Today, you'll experience Finland's capital city on a guided tour. You'll discover the area around the harbor, stroll along the famous Esplanade to the central Mannerheim Street, and wander past the Parliament building. Finlandia Hall, the colorful Market Square, and the Sibelius Monument will also captivate you. At lunchtime, you can enjoy the famous Finnish salmon soup as a midday snack, a favorite with locals and visitors alike. You can savor this regional specialty in a typical restaurant. Afterwards, you'll have time to explore the city on your own – perhaps enjoying Finnish specialties in the market square or the old market hall. In the late afternoon, you'll check in for the ferry to Stockholm and spend the night in an inside cabin. An optional A-Class cabin with a sea view is available for an additional fee. (B/L) (Ferry journey to Stockholm: approx. 17 hours)
Helsinki – Ferry crossing to Stockholm
Day 8
Today, you'll experience Finland's capital city on a guided tour. You'll discover the area around the harbor, stroll along the famous Esplanade to the central Mannerheim Street, and wander past the Parliament building. Finlandia Hall, the colorful Market Square, and the Sibelius Monument will also captivate you. At lunchtime, you can enjoy the famous Finnish salmon soup as a midday snack, a favorite with locals and visitors alike. You can savor this regional specialty in a typical restaurant. Afterwards, you'll have time to explore the city on your own – perhaps enjoying Finnish specialties in the market square or the old market hall. In the late afternoon, you'll check in for the ferry to Stockholm and spend the night in an inside cabin. An optional A-Class cabin with a sea view is available for an additional fee. (B/L) (Ferry journey to Stockholm: approx. 17 hours)
Day 9
Traveling in Stockholm
After a hearty breakfast on board, you'll arrive in Stockholm around 9:30 a.m. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze on deck as you sail into the harbor. You'll spend the rest of the morning in Gamla Stan, the famous Old Town. From here, Stockholm gradually expanded to the surrounding islands; many important buildings, such as the German Church and Storkyrkan, are located here. Together with your tour guide, you'll stroll through the narrow streets, past the Royal Palace (exterior view) and the magnificent Cathedral (exterior view), to the city's landmark, the Stadshuset (City Hall) on the island of Kungsholmen. Afterwards, a classic Swedish "fika" awaits you: a coffee break with a warm drink and a cinnamon bun – we cordially invite you. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Optionally, you can visit the famous Vasa Museum: the Vasa is the world's only surviving 17th-century ship, of which around 95% of the original parts and decorations remain. Enjoy a final dinner together with your tour guide and fellow travelers, where you can reminisce about your trip. Overnight in Stockholm. (B/L/D)
Traveling in Stockholm
Day 9
After a hearty breakfast on board, you'll arrive in Stockholm around 9:30 a.m. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze on deck as you sail into the harbor. You'll spend the rest of the morning in Gamla Stan, the famous Old Town. From here, Stockholm gradually expanded to the surrounding islands; many important buildings, such as the German Church and Storkyrkan, are located here. Together with your tour guide, you'll stroll through the narrow streets, past the Royal Palace (exterior view) and the magnificent Cathedral (exterior view), to the city's landmark, the Stadshuset (City Hall) on the island of Kungsholmen. Afterwards, a classic Swedish "fika" awaits you: a coffee break with a warm drink and a cinnamon bun – we cordially invite you. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Optionally, you can visit the famous Vasa Museum: the Vasa is the world's only surviving 17th-century ship, of which around 95% of the original parts and decorations remain. Enjoy a final dinner together with your tour guide and fellow travelers, where you can reminisce about your trip. Overnight in Stockholm. (B/L/D)
Day 10
Stockholm – Germany
You make your way to the airport by public transport in time for your flight home and begin your journey home. (F)
Stockholm – Germany
Day 10
You make your way to the airport by public transport in time for your flight home and begin your journey home. (F)
Services
What's included
Economy flight to Vilnius (VNO) and return from Stockholm (ARN), subject to availability; flight surcharge may apply.
8 nights in a double room with bath or shower/toilet
1 night on the ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm in an inside cabin (double room) with bath or shower/toilet
Daily breakfast (B), 3x lunch (L), 3x snack (S), 1x dinner (D)
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles and by public ferries
German-speaking, local tour guide and additional local guest guide in several cities
Entrance fees and national park fees
Climate protection contribution
Small group with a maximum of 16 guests
Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 4 guests
What's not included
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Tip
Supplement for A-Class cabin with sea view (day 8): €95 per person in a double cabin, €135 in a single cabin, on request
Feeder flights, other departure airports or Rail&Fly (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Airport-hotel transfer and return: for 2 people from €45 per person/one way (outbound) and from €135 per person/one way (return), we are happy to organize the transfer upon request.
Tourist tax of approximately €6 per person, payable locally.
Organ concert in Riga Cathedral (Day 4, Wednesdays): approx. €15 per person, payable on site
Vasa Museum in Stockholm (day 9)
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Culture-led
The winter trip doesn't require any special athletic abilities. A normal level of fitness for city walks is sufficient, although in winter the paths may be slippery or snowy. Warm winter clothing and non-slip footwear are essential.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Single room supplement from 440 euros
