Lituanie

On the Tracks of the Baltic States (in a small group)

Yulia

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.
Day 1 - VILNIUS
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


3-star hotel near the train station

Day 2 - TRAKAI
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)


3-star hotel near the train station


B/F, D

Day 3 - KLAIPEDA
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)


3-star hotel near the train station


B/F, D

Day 4 - CURONIAN SPIT
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)


3-star hotel near the train station


B/F, D

Day 5 - RIGA
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)


3-star hotel near the train station


B/F, D

Day 6 - RIGA
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)


3-star hotel near the train station


B/F, D

Day 7 - RIGA
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)


3-star hotel near the train station


B/F, D

Day 8 - TARTU
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)


3-star hotel near the train station


B/F, D

Day 9 - TALLINN
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)


3-star hotel near the train station


B/F, D

Day 10 - TALLINN
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)


3-star hotel near the train station


B/F, D

Day 11 - RETURN
Tallinn

Depending on your flight schedules, free morning/day. (Breakfast)

 

Additional night, or return flight or train from Tallinn upon simple request


Breakfast (B&B)

11 days
From 1890 €
Culture
Group
Nature
  • 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)

Top-rated travel agency

4.9/5 sur 127 avis

See all reviews
olivier D.
1 year ago
Un voyage formidable, merci à Romane et Salomé pour nous avoir préparé un programme personnalisé sur 11 jours dans de belles ville d'Europe : Vienne/Venise/Rome/Florence/Milan avec des trains de nuits , de superbes Hôtels idéalement placés, de précieux conseils de visite ou de restauration, une réactivité exceptionnelle. Bref un voyage l'esprit tranquille, réglé au millimètre avec un rapport qualité prix très attractifs. C'était notre première expérience et nous projetons déjà les voyages suivants avec eux. Je recommande vivement cette agence. Olivier et Coralie
Gérard N.
2 years ago
Le voyage était superbe, merci vraiment pour ce beau programme que vous nous avez concocté. Les hôtels, toujours très proches des gares, étaient très pratiques et de très bonne qualité. Tous ont proposé de superbes petits-déjeuners appréciables. Les paysages traversés sont magnifiques et nous en avons pris plein les yeux. Seul petit bémol, je ne comprends pas pourquoi vous ne nous avez pas commandé le beau temps !! Il aurait fait un beau ciel bleu pour le Bernina Express, je pense que les paysages auraient été superbes, mais la neige au col de la Bernina avait quand même un certain charme au mois de juin !! Super moment sur le bateau avant d'aller prendre le Gothard Panorama, et merci pour la réservation de la table, c'était top. Pour les villes, nous avons surtout apprécié Lucerne qui est une ville magnifique. Peut-être que Lugano par très beau temps est également agréable, mais du coup nous n'avons pas pris de train à crémaillère pour admirer le paysage, le ciel était trop bouché. Voila de bonnes raisons de revenir dans ces coins une autre fois ! Merci encore pour tout, et pour le professionnalisme de votre société que nous recommanderons. Au plaisir pour une autre escapade.
Damien D.
2 years ago
Nous venons de terminer le circuit Transsibérien Aventure de Moscou à Pékin, adapté avec soin selon nos préférences, et nous en sommes ravis ! Un grand merci à Tatiana pour ses conseils avisés et pour avoir rendu ce voyage inoubliable. Les explications étaient claires et l'organisation était parfaite, tout s'est passé exactement comme prévu. Nous avons vécu des moments magnifiques et sommes très reconnaissants pour la disponibilité et l'investissement de toute l'équipe, organisateurs, guides et chauffeurs. Nous recommandons vivement cette agence pour quiconque cherche une expérience de voyage personnalisée et bien organisée. Merci encore !
Valérie T.
2 years ago
Nous venons de faire le circuit "glacier express"a travers la Suisse, en passant par Montreux, Zermatt, Coire et Zurich. Une organisation parfaite avant et pendant le séjour, avec de très bons conseils.Un voyage très paisible à travers des paysages magnifiques. Il n'y a rien à redire, aussi bien concernant les hôtels que les trains, le Travel pass qui permet de prendre tous les transports, le programme détaillé sans mauvaise surprise. Merci pour votre sérieux et votre amabilité. Un très belle première expérience de voyage en train, à refaire sur une nouvelle destination dès que possible.
Sandrine W.
4 years ago
Nous revenons tout juste du "grand tour des sommets " en Suisse, ce fût fabuleux, les paysages sont à couper le souffle, les trains du programme sont spacieux et le personnel aux petits soins, avec une préférence pour le Bernina et son fantastique bus avec la belle découverte du lac de Côme. Nous avons apprécié tous les trains et l'organisation du voyage. Yulia a tout bien organisé et m'a rassurée sur tout le déroulement du séjour, de ce traintrip, une façon bien originale et agréable de découvrir et parcourir la Suisse qui est magnifique ; Malgré tous les voyages faits, celui-ci tient une place particulière pour un voyage si particulier. Sans oublier les hôtels, très propres avec une bonne literie. Notre voyage n'aurait pas été aussi réussi sans Yulia que je remercie. Je recommande vivement ce circuit, rien à redire.
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