Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga
| Resort: | Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga |
| Operator: | Riviera Travel |
| Destination: | Estonia |
| Price From: | £1219.00 |
Overview
Itinerary DetailsDAY 1ARRIVAL IN HELSINKI ARRIVAL IN HELSINKIFly to Helsinki and transfer to your hotel, where you’ll stay in the four-star Scandic Grand Marina or the four-star Scandic Park. DAY 2HELSINKI HELSINKIHelsinki is a beautiful, bustling capital city a an idyllic archipelago nestled on the Gulf of Finland and boasting over 300 islands. Surrounded by lush forests and vast, picturesque parks, both Central Park and Kaivopuisto Park offer stunning views overlooking the sea, just two of the cityas tranquil spots that provide us with an uplifting breath of fresh air. Our morning tour takes us around many of Helsinkias highlights, including its striking Railway Station, the gold-topped Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral and the sculptural Sibelius Monument, resembling organ pipes. During the afternoon, weare free to explore the cityas vastly varied sights DAY 3SUOMENLINNA FORTRESS SUOMENLINNA FORTRESSToday, prepare to be transported back in time as we take a short ferry ride from the mainland to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna Fortress. Despite a tumultuous history, the fortress is now the epitome of peace and tranquillity. Our expert guide will bring the fortas history back to life as we explore Suomenlinnaas four bastions, as well as a wealth of other attractions within the fortress walls, including deep and eerie connecting tunnels, a turquoise-topped dual use church/lighthouse, the ominous canons, lakes, gardens and even a beach. Outside of the crumbling fortress walls, we meanderA through the cobbled streets, across connecting bridges and in between old wooden buildings now home to quaint restaurants and artistsa workshops. In the afternoon youall have some free time where you may choose to head back to Helsinki or stay on Suomenlinna. DAY 4TALLINN TALLINNToday, we leave Finland in our wake and cross the Gulf from Scandinavia to Estonia. We dock in the port of Tallinn and drive east along the coast until we arrive at picturesque Kadriorg Palace. Built in the 18th century by Russian Emperor Peter the Great as a gift to his wife Catherine, this sweeping confection of a building now houses one of the countryas best art collections. Here, we take a guided tour of its intricate interior, taking in the exquisite and mesmerising ceiling in the main hall, as well as the impressive manicured gardens and fountains that the palace overlooks. After this most regal outing we continue to Tallinn to settle into our hotel before heading out for dinner in a local restaurant. You will stay for two nights at the four-star Nordic Forum Hotel.A DAY 5TALLINN TALLINNEstoniaas capital Tallinn is, quite simply, a time warp. Its fairy tale UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, a rabbit-warren of atmospheric streets neatly situated below an impressive hilltop Upper Town, offers endless discovery: an ancient castle, a pastel-coloured baroque Parliament building, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. As you enter Tallinnas Old Town through its landmark 14th century Viru Gate, youare immediately struck by the heady fragrance of fresh blooms from the plethora of flower shops that line the road ahead. Sitting in the shadows of the church steeples, castle walls and grand cathedrals youall happen across a hotchpotch of winding streets and alleyways, colourful buildings and traditional traders. Stroll through Catherineas Passage, an atmospheric hidden alleyway lined with all manner of artistsa workshops. Once weave enjoyed our morning walking tour of the upper and lower Old Town with a local guide, thereas time to seek out various local treasures, wander through the shadows of the city walls, or maybe just a short stop to sip a coffee and watch the world go by. DAY 6TARTU TARTUAfter breakfast we continue our tour to Tartu, Estoniaas second largest city and its cultural capital, home to the countryas most renowned university. On our arrival weall have time to enjoy lunch and explore the picturesque city centre.A The Old Town Square is the perfect place to people watch and take in the views of the Emajogi River, the Kissing Students Fountain, the pretty pink Town Hall and the curious Leaning House a home to the Tartu Art Museum. Not only has that, but the medieval St Johnas Church, boasted some of the best views over the Old Town from its belfry. We set off again mid-afternoon on our journey to Riga, capital of Latvia, where weall settle into our hotel before heading out for the evening to sample some local cuisine in a nearby restaurant.A You will stay in either the four-star Radisson Blu Ridzene or the four-star Wellton Hotel & Spa.A DAY 7RIGA RIGAToday, we visit beautiful Riga, largest of the Baltic State cities. Situated at the mouth of the River Daugava, this charming, cosmopolitan city offers a real mix of architectural styles. Spires of dark, gothic churches tower above the shadowy cobblestone streets below. During our morning walking tour, we explore these hidden delights and the medieval maze that makes up the Old Town, including the striking foliage-covered Powder Tower – home to the Latvian War Museum, and the central Dome Square – the heart of seven atmospheric streets. Stand on the marked spot on the square and you can see all three golden cockerels on top of the Old Town church spires. During the afternoon, youare free to explore the city as you wish, a stroll through Rigaas famously vast Central Market, five pavilions of old Zeppelin hangars so iconic that itas included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the cityas Old Town. DAY 8RETURN FLIGHT RETURN FLIGHTAfter breakfast itas time to bid a fond farewell to the beauty of the Baltics and take the transfer for the flight home. |
