Yulia - Travel Expert
- Small-group rail trip across the three Baltic countries, from Vilnius to Tallinn.
- Optimised train itinerary, with no overnight on board.
- A well-balanced mix of historic capitals and preserved nature.
Vilnius
Flight or train to Vilnius, transfer from the airport to the hotel on request.
Individual arrival in Vilnius. Check in at the hotel and enjoy free time for your first look at Lithuania’s capital.
Many European cultural influences have helped shape the beauty and charm of this city, where you can find Lithuanian, Polish and Russian influences. Vilnius, the easternmost European capital in the region, is a renowned cultural crossroads—especially for its UNESCO World Heritage–listed Baroque district.
OPTION: hot-air balloon flight over the red rooftops of old Vilnius or the Trakai castle.
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Vilnius
Trakai
After breakfast, meet your guide to discover Vilnius’ historic district. Admire the city’s iconic sights on a walking excursion: the Gates of Dawn with the city’s old ramparts and the Chapel of Mercy, a peaceful site for Catholic pilgrims and believers.
The upper part of the city reveals magnificent churches: the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church of Saint Casimir, and the Church of Saint Teresa.
Stroll through Town Hall Square, home to old merchants’ guilds, and in the adjacent Jewish quarter, which bears witness to the very rich history of the Jewish community in Vilnius. Enjoy a private visit to the Vilnius University Library and visit St. Anne’s Church, a masterpiece of Nordic Gothic architecture, as well as the St. Stanislaus St. Ladislaus Cathedral.
Lunch at an original restaurant in the old town.
In the afternoon, your train journey in Lithuania begins with an excursion to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. On site, you visit the historic district with its small wooden houses, then board the boat for a ride on the lake around the red-brick island castle that looks like it was taken straight from a fairy tale.
Tasting of Karaite specialties at a typical restaurant.
Return to Vilnius at the beginning of the evening.
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Vilnius (B/F, D)
Klaipeda
This morning, a new stage of your train journey in Lithuania: you head for Klaipeda.
Visit this port city: Stock Exchange Bridge, Meridien sailboat, Theatre Square, half-timbered houses, Friedrich passage, castle visit, Saint John’s Hill, and the Dangė River quays with its marina.
At the beginning of the evening, you cross the lagoon by ferry to the Curonian Spit: splendid views over the commercial port and its large ships. Walk along the lagoon to the sea gates, then through the forest to the sandy beach of the Baltic Sea.
Typical dinner
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Klaipeda. (B/F, D)
Isthme de courlande
Today, you discover the Curonian Spit, a near-sandy peninsula classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A mystical hike (around 4 hours in total) across Witch Hill takes you to Juodkrante, known for its 19th-century structures—fishermen’s houses, the villas of Prussian summer residents—and its richly decorated weather vanes.
A lovely boat ride to Nida offers picturesque views of the dunes and coastal villages. Once in Nida, visit the old town with its colourful houses and stop at a fishermen’s tavern to enjoy a meal made with local smoked fish. In the late afternoon, climb Parnidis Dune for a breathtaking panorama over the lagoon and the Baltic.
Return to Klaipeda and free evening.
If you’d like, we suggest extending your evening at a local brewery to sample local craft beer (Klaipėda is known for its beer) or enjoy a tasty dinner on board the magnificent yacht Meridianas.
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Klaipeda. (B/F, D)
Riga
Depart by train to Šiauliai (1 hr 45 travel time), where the famous Hill of Crosses (Kryžiu Kalnas) attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Two twin hills are planted with thousands of crosses.
Typical lunch at a family-run restaurant.
In the afternoon, transfer to Rundāle and visit the Baroque palace designed by Rastrelli for the Dukes of Courland.
Transfer to Riga. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a free dinner.
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Riga. (B/F, D)
Riga
Walking tour in the Old Town, discovering the essential highlights: the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, the castle, the House of the Three Brothers, the Freedom Monument, the National Opera, the old ramparts, the St. Peter, St. James and St. John churches, and the Dome Cathedral. Guided visit to the Art Nouveau district and visit to the Art Nouveau Museum.
Lunch at a local restaurant during the tour.
Head to Riga Central Market. A great chance to sample local specialties! A stop in the former Jewish quarter is a chance to learn an important page of history. Finish with a climb up the famous Academy of Sciences Tower for a view over Riga.
Free end of afternoon for individual discoveries. We recommend a romantic cruise on a small historic boat along the canal and the river.
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Riga. (B/F, D)
Riga
Free day in Riga: visit the anatomy museum or the railway museum, explore the typical districts of Grizinkalns and Mežaparks, learn about the recent past at the Occupation Museum, or take the train to go to the seaside!
Optional : Visit Kemeri National Park by local electric train. Hike through the national park along the Great Bog trail to understand the complex ecosystem of this region and observe the flora and fauna. Lunch at a local restaurant and then train to Jūrmala, a seaside resort located along 30 km of sandy beach. Stroll through the quiet lanes admiring the wooden architecture, then head to the beach where you can also swim if the weather allows.
Typical dinner with lively folkloric entertainment.
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Riga. (B/F, D)
Tartu
This morning, you leave Riga by local train for Sigulda, a small wellness town that opens the doors to Gauja National Park, the Latvians’ best-loved park. A short hike through the park takes you to the knights’ castle of Porte-Glaive. Panoramic views of the Gauja Valley.
Continue by train to Valga, a border town split in two: one half is in Latvia and the other in Estonia—connection with the Estonian train to Tartu. Check in at the hotel.
Take the modern Estonian train to Tartu, the country’s second city and a major academic hub. Check in at the hotel. Discover the authentic neighbourhoods of Aparaaditehas and Karlova: stroll and dinner.
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Tartu. (B/F, D)
Tallinn
Excursion to the shores of Lake Peipus, immersion in local traditions between authentic heritage and encounters with fishermen.
Typical lunch in a village of the Old Believers, for an unforgettable cultural and culinary experience.
In the afternoon, take the train from the lovely Tartu station to Tallinn: the express train crosses the meadows of central Estonia and the forests of Aegviidu.
On arrival in Tallinn, check in at the hotel.
Listed in 1997 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallinn is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe, with its fortifications, cobbled and steep lanes, numerous churches, and fine stately homes.
Free evening in the medieval old town.
Suggestion: your first individual walk to understand Tallinn—medieval ramparts, sea gates, winding alleys, and the restored Rotermann district.
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Tallinn. (B/F, D)
Tallinn
Discover the Upper Town. Visit the Dome Church with its collection of coats of arms and tombstones. Continue with a visit to the Lower Town, which has managed to preserve the medieval spirit since the 13th century. To end the tour, enjoy a meal in the old town and taste handcrafted marzipan at Tallinn’s oldest café, founded in 1864.
Free end of afternoon for your personal discoveries: go for a stroll in Old Tallinn or visit the new Port Noblessner seaside district with its creative architecture. Just next door, don’t miss the Maritime Museum. Join the group for the final evening of this wonderful trip: explore the Telliskivi Creative City district, formerly an industrial area now turned into a creative district with galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and bars.
Farewell dinner at the former brick factory’s restaurant and a local digestif at the train bar-wagon.
Overnight at the 3* hotel in Tallinn. (B/F, D)
Tallinn
Depending on your flight schedules, free morning/day. (Breakfast)
Additional night, or return flight or train from Tallinn upon simple request
- 10 nights in 3-star hotels
- Half board: 10 breakfasts (PDJ); 5 typical lunches (with locals/at the host’s/home-style/specialities; DJ); 4 typical dinners with wine/beer (DI)
- French-speaking tour guide
- Train transfers in 2nd class for the journeys mentioned in the program
- For some stages off the rail line and remote visits: transport in a 19-seat air-conditioned minicar
- Boat ride on Lake Galvė in Lithuania (if weather is bad – indoor visit of the castle)
- Access to the Courland Peninsula by ferry or boat; bike ride
- Crossing the Gauja Valley by cable car in Latvia
- Guided tours in French according to the itinerary
- Private visit of the University of Vilnius Library, visit of Rastrelli’s castle in Rundāle, special visit to Gauja National Park: Straupe rural castle
- Special visit of Lake Peipus: Onion Route, Old Believers’ heritage
- Admission fees: Amber Museum in Nida, Turaida Castle and Park, Tallinn’s ramparts
- Travel journal with a map of the Baltic States + reusable bottle + artisanal chocolate
- French-speaking assistance from Discovery Trains
- The travel journal in electronic version
- International flights
- Airport-hotel transfers in Vilnius and hotel-airport transfers in Tallinn
- Single room supplement
- Meals not mentioned
- Travel insurance (on request)
- The travel booklet in paper version sent by post (+ €12)