Baltic Grand Tour with Russia

Unique Uzupis

Take the opportunity to explore one of Vilnius’ most colorful neighborhoods, Uzupis. It goes back to 1995, when a group of artists erected a statue of Frank Zappa in the area and declared Uzupis an independent republic. Soon flags were being created and the energy of the place seemed to attract eccentrics from all over the country. Today the mayor of Vilnius actively supports the republic and often takes part in the many activities going on there. There’s plenty to do in the neighborhood, so don’t be afraid to explore, here you’re bound to find some very photogenic people and places.

Discover the Best of Vilnius

Today you’ll be getting in touch with the real Vilnius, with help from an expert local guide. Your guide will show you the ins and outs of the city, regaling you with stories from the past and present. You’ll learn more about Vilnius’ Jewish, Polish, Russian and Lithuanian heritage while discovering the city’s most impressive sites, including Old Town, St. Stanislovas and Vladislovas Cathedral, Vilnius University, the Presidential Palace and more. Your guide will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, or can suggest areas for further exploration after your tour concludes.

Soviet Vilnius and the KGB Museum

Communism is an important part of Lithuania’s history, even if it was a dark time. If you’re interested in learning more about this aspect of Lithuania’s recent past, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is a place you need to see. Today we recommend exploring it, combined with a 3-hour private walking tour led by a local guide who will show you the main places relevant to communism. You’ll get a better idea of what it was like to live under communism as the past comes alive for you. Your guide will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation.

Trakai Group Hot Air Balloon Flight

This is a unique excursion that's both beautiful and adventurous. There's nothing like hot air ballooning at sunrise or sunset when the light is just magical and the Lithuanian countryside reveals itself. We went hot air ballooning in May 2015 as part of the #JayWayBaltics blogger trip and made a short video of the experience. Because of the variability of weather conditions and the need for filling spaces in the balloon, you will need to be flexible in terms of the time and day for this activity.

Food Tasting Private Tour

Let us invite you on this exceptional culinary adventure across the variety of some unique local venues. Lithuanian cuisine proves to be a mix of Italian, German, Polish, French, Greek, Jewish, Karaite, and Russian, not to mention far older traditions, and you're about to witness it(and try it of course!) firsthand. You'll visit five different places, so be sure to come with an appetite and be ready to dive into a full meal to experience the flavors of Vilnius with a friendly local private guide.

Modern Lithuanian Cuisine Private Cooking Class

This unique Modern Lithuanian Cuisine Cooking class is a perfect way to understand why Lithuania is so special. You will start your kitchen party in a modern cooking studio in capital’s center, preparing an appetizer, main course, and dessert with an expert chef.

Riga for Music Lovers

Music plays an important role in the lives of Latvians. Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs offers free live music nearly every day, providing anything from Latvian folk and world music to blues, jazz and even local rock. It also offers a great selection of Latvian food and drink. If you're a fan of classical music head to Riga's cathedral, which has daily concerts (except Sundays) at noon from May to October. You can also head to Riga Opera House for some ballet or opera, or The Great Guild, home to the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra.

Introducing Riga

Today you’ll be exploring the beautiful city of Riga and its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Historically an important trading port on the Baltic Sea, Riga had a strategic advantage for invaders, which resulted in periods of Polish, German, Swedish and Soviet rule all leaving their mark. You’ll walk through the winding streets of the Old Town to take in the sublime architecture as your guide makes the past come alive for you with stories. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation for this 2-hour tour, and will bring you back to your accommodation, or suggest places for further exploration.

Riga Canal Boat Group Tour

Back in the old days, before the Daugava rider was bridged, small boats used to transport locals across the river, and Riga's smaller waterways. The larger boats made up the "river tramway," while the smaller ones were "river taxis." Step aboard one of these historic vessels, and see boulevards, parks, squares, fountains, bridges, markets, and the old harbor as you cruise the canal that once formed the city's moat. For the tour's climax, you'll head down the river, taking in majestic panoramas of Old Riga’s spires and the modern and Soviet buildings of the left bank.

Artful Architecture: Art Nouveau Tour

Riga’s Old Town is protected by UNESCO, in large part because of the gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings in the center. We suggest taking a look at some of them today. The style accounts for about 40% of Riga’s buildings, so there’s plenty to see. Alberta Street and the so-called Quiet Center, where the embassies are located, are great places to start. If you would prefer the company of an expert local guide to make sure you don't miss any of the best and most impressive details, we can arrange that for you.

Curious About Latvian Food?

Riga’s Central Market is certainly unique, housed in old zeppelin hangars, which provide shelter and a quaint historic atmosphere. Today we recommend exploring the market with a guide, who will introduce you to some of the locals selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and more at the market, and provide some tastings along the way. Your guide and interpreter will also give you a few tips on haggling!

Go Bohemian in Kalamaja

Of all the neighborhoods in Tallinn, Kalamaja is one of the most exciting. This fast-growing area between Old Town and the scenic coast is known for its hip selection of cafes, shops, restaurants and bars. Once a closed-off Soviet border zone, it has seen a renaissance of development in recent years. Seaplane Harbour, the Estonian Maritime Museum, is very modern and quite interesting. It’s just one of the things worth seeing around here.

Discover Medieval Wonders

Baroque History: Kadriorg Palace and Park

Lahemaa National Park Private Tour

Lahemaa National Park is renowned for its diversity. It is home to the most beautiful manors in Estonia, unique, traditional fishing villages, and some of the country's most pristine natural landscapes. You'll visit everything from the country's largest natural waterfall, to hidden old manor homes in Kolga and Sagadi, from mesmerizing forests to romantic little coastal villages like Käsmu and Altja. Bring your sense of adventure and be ready to hike (or in summer even swim) through the Viru bog, on a 3.5 km boardwalk. Ethereal places full of berries, dark waters, and stunted trees, bogs occupy a strong place in Estonian folklore for a reason.

The Gibraltar of the North

Suomenlinna, the archipelago in Helsinki's harbor dotted with 18th-century fortifications, isn’t only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also a must-see, whether you focus on history or scenery. Once known as "The Gibraltar of the North," Helsinki was established by merchants and artists catering to Suomenlinna's Swedish garrison, especially gentlemen officers and their wives. Suomenlinna's fortifications blend in with the islands, as do the museums, restaurants, cafes, and art school. You can spend the day wandering around, enjoying views of the rugged coast, but a guided tour is recommended. Visit, and you'll see why the Finns and Swedes both claim it (the Finnish name translates to "Finnish Castle," while the Swedes call it Sveaborg, "Swedish Castle.")

Helsinki Private Walking Tour

Visit the must-see sights of Helsinki's core with your own private guide. Along the way, you'll hear about the past and present of Finland and its capital, and find the best ways to spend your free time. You'll learn about hidden gems and places known only to locals. You can also taste Finnish cuisine at the Market Square, where you can find everything from local food to artisanal crafts. There's no better way to get acquainted with this extraordinary city.

Sauna Experience

Finnish culture revolves around the sauna. Historically, saunas were where Finns brewed their beer, washed their laundry, and cured meat; where babies were born, the sick were healed, and the dead were prepared for burial. There are many public saunas in Helsinki where visitors too can experience the magic of an authentic Finnish sauna. Join us today to learn more about the Finnish sauna culture and try one out yourself.

You Made It! Now What?

If you've just arrived, we recommend walk around the city, and taking in its many canals and beautiful architecture. Peter the Great decreed that every stonemason, and much of the artisans, in his empire take part in the construction of this grand showcase, and it shows. If you're visiting during the summer months, enjoy the legendary White Nights, when the sun barely dips below the horizon. Why don't you finish the night on one of the rooftop bars with stunning views and a delicious cocktail?

Hello St. Petersburg Private Tour

On this introductory tour of St. Petersburg you'll have the comfort and convenience of both walking and driving, and the experience and knowledge of an expert local guide. During the tour of the former capital of the Russian empire you will enjoy unforgettable sites including Arts Square, which is formed by three museums and four theatres, Palace Square and the baroque Winter Palace, as well as the elegant Spit of Vasilievsky Island. You'll also drive along the famous Nevsky Prospect. You will appreciate the tranquility of numerous rivers and canals with their beautiful bridges, the cupolas of Orthodox churches and cathedrals. At the end of the tour you'll be driven back to your accommodation. Additional visits to St. Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral and Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood can be added to this tour and booked for the additional cost. Please ask for more details about this in case of interest.

Hermitage Museum Private Tour

The Hermitage is considered to be one of the most important museums of the world. Its numerous and valuable collection occupies 5 historic buildings including the Winter Palace. Magnificent interiors treasure the priceless works of art of all times and from all parts of the world. The collection that was started by Empress Catherine II in 1764 now numbers more than 3 million objects. Objects that date back to various periods from prehistoric times to nowadays are exhibited in 400 rooms. If you went to the museum every day for eight hours and spent one minute admiring every object, it would take you 15 years to see the whole collection, so let a guide show you the highlights!

Pushkin and Peterhof's Lower Park Private Tour

On this fascinating 7-hour tour you'll have an expert local guide to show you around the incredible sites of Pushkin and Peterhof's Lower Park. You won't be disappointed as these are two of the most gorgeous attractions in the city. The opulent past will come alive for you as your guide tells you all about the history and significance of the palaces and monuments you see. This is certain to be an unforgettable part of your holiday.

Folk Show "Feel Yourself Russian"

Feel yourself Russian show! A unique tourist attraction that allows you to feel the history and soul of Russia in one night!  The spectacular colorful and bright folk show takes place on the stage of one of St. Petersburg palaces. On the front stairs of the palace you will meet an ensemble of historical and everyday dance "Reverence." Beauties in crinolines and the elegant gentleman to the accompaniment of a string quartet "Classic" will make you forget that at the moment is the beginning of the XXI century. During 2 hours several folk companies will entertain you with Russian and Cossack songs and dances. Great mood is guaranteed.  During the intermission glass of sparkling wine or short of vodka and some snacks will be offered.

Explore Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a new park built in the historic center of the city, a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin and Red Square. But Zaryadye is more than just a park, as it is an altogether new type of public space, created by an international team of architects, engineers, landscape designers, and other experts. Here the concepts of nature and technology, education and entertainment, and history and modernity are united and complement each other. The river overlook is a definitely a highlight, as it hangs high above the park's river, providing one of the best views of the Kremlin. It also has an underground museum, ice cave, nature center, concert hall, and plenty of restaurants.

Moscow Private Driving Tour

Moscow is a very spread-out city and many sights are not in a walking distance from each other. This tour is an opportunity to see some of the most interesting places in Moscow. You'll walk around Red Square, drive around the historic center and modern Moscow and see the spectacular panoramic view from the city's highest hill.

Kremlin and its Cathedrals Private Tour

This stronghold is situated on a hill that is 40 meters high. Originally in the 12th century the Kremlin was made of wood and rebuilt in stone much later. It is surrounded with a 2 km wall with 20 beautiful towers. The presidential residence is situated here. The oldest square in Moscow which is called the Cathedral Square is also situated in the Kremlin. The Cathedral of the Assumption, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Cathedral of Archangel Michael, the Cathedral of the Annunciation and the Church of Twelve Apostles surround this beautiful square. We will visit one of these cathedrals to learn more about the history of the country and admire masterpieces of Russian icon painters. Later on our walk along the Kremlin grounds we will see the famous Tsar Bell, a huge bell that weighs 200 tons and the largest cannon in the world – the Tsar Cannon that weighs 40 tons.

Sergiev Posad Private Tour

The sprawling Trinity Lavra in Sergiev Posad is a part of the legendary Golden Ring, and a unique UNESCO-listed architectural masterpiece. The center of Russian Orthodoxy, this is the Russian Vatican, and a central part of Russian history and culture. Your guide will take you from your accommodations to the train station by subway, and naturally return you to your hotel at the end of the trip.

Private Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

When you get outside Russia's largest cities, there are many smaller destinations with a wealth of historic and cultural interest. Vladimir and Suzdal are at the top of this list. You'll see both on this special full-day tour. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you to these unique towns, where you'll enjoy informative walking tours of the most interesting buildings and monuments. At the end of the trip you'll be driven back to your accommodation in Moscow.

Indulge Your Senses at the Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the oldest theatre in Moscow and one of the most famous theatres in the world. It is beautiful inside and out, so we highly recommend visiting it while you're in the city. For genuine lovers of opera and ballet, it's worth doing some research before choosing the performance you wish to attend, as quality can be variable. For the rest of us, the breathtaking beauty of the setting, the idiosyncrasies of Russian theatre-going and the historic atmosphere should be more than enough to guarantee a truly memorable evening out. It's possible to book tickets online, but it's considerably more expensive than going to the box office.