The Trans Baltic Express | Long Weekend in Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

Neighboring nations **Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania** are three tiny, yet unique, countries tucked away in the Northeastern corner of Europe. All having suffered turbulent journeys to achieve independence from Soviet rule, they offer an intriguing glimpse into the shared history of the Baltic region. Today, the Baltic Republics remain somewhat **under-the-radar gems, with all the ingredients for a picture-perfect, old-world adventure**. From stunning beaches to enchanting forests, historic villages to buzzing cities with Polish, Danish, and Swedish architectural influences, the states lining the Baltic coast brings **just the right blend of history, culture, and natural beauty**. This trip taking in their three capital cities will show us their highlights and showcase what makes each nation unique. First, Estonia brings **a story of modern-day innovation told against a backdrop of medieval history**. Today’s culture of start-ups and entrepreneurship thrives amid the fairytale-esq Old Town of its capital Tallinn, with its cobbled streets, medieval walls, soaring church spires and the iconic Toompea Hill. Then onto Latvia’s capital, Riga, where a tapestry of **rich history, stunning Art Nouveau architecture, Europe’s largest market and bazaar**, and an extraordinary vibe await. The city is a major cultural hub, from contemporary art to the many celebrations of local heritage, such as choral singing, storytelling, folk dances and traditional music. We end our adventure with Lithuania’s cultural gems, visiting the 15th century Trakai Castle, then making our way through the capital of Vilnius, with its **UNESCO-listed historic centre with origins dating to the Neolithic period**. Through key landmarks like St Anna’s Church, Cathedral Square and the Gate of Dawn, we’ll **journey through the ages with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture**. All the while, we’ll **take in scenic landscapes, savour the warm local hospitality and indulge in delicious cuisines**, capturing a taste of the true Baltic spirit. **Let's go!** **Day 1: Arrival in Riga** Meeting at DXB at 7am for a direct flight to Riga. Once we clear immigration we’ll head out for our first quick glimpse of the city before we head to the hotel for overnight. **Day 2: Riga & Tallinn** For our city tour of Riga, our day starts in the Art Nouveau district, famous for its stunning facades and intricate architectural details. We will then explore the Old Town, visiting landmarks such as the Three Brothers, House of Blackheads, and St. Peter’s Church. We will end at the famous Riga Central Market, where we’ll browse the offerings such as smoked meats, cheese, pastries, fish, seasonal produce and sweets, and have the chance to taste local specialties. Later on, we’ll set off for Estonia, crossing the border and heading towards the capital of Tallinn. Once there, we should have enough time for a quick look at the Old Square near City Hall, before turning in for the night. **Day 3: Tallinn & Vilnius** Our exploration of Tallinn will take in both the modern and historical parts of the city. We will drive through the Kadriorg district, home to a beautiful baroque palace and gardens, and continue to the coastal Pirita area, known for its song festivals, a key part of Estonian national identity. Next, we will stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visiting landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Hill, offering stunning views of the city. We’ll have some free time before heading to the airport for our evening flight to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. **Day 4: Vilnius & Trakai Castle** Our final day will be spent discovering Vilnius and its surroundings. Our city tour will begin with the Gate of Dawn, St. Anne’s Church, and Cathedral Square, and include a visit to the Paneriai Memorial Museum, commemorating the tragic events of WWII. In the afternoon, we will venture to Trakai Castle, a picturesque medieval fortress on Lake Galve. We’ll have some leisure time for souvenir shopping before heading to the airport for our flight to Riga and our connecting flight back home. **Grade:** Easy, available for everyone. **Activity:** Sightseeing, cultural immersion. **Cost: 3680 AED** excl. flights until AUG 09. **Room & Meals:** Hotel 4\* - double sharing, restaurant meals excluded. **Specifically excluded:** Visa, meals, international flights. **Flights:** direct Air Baltic. **Visas:** Schengen visa rules apply. See yah in Baltics x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 0504848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup ](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)