Winter in the Baltics & Finland

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 Private Walking Tour

What was everyday life like for Lithuanians under Communism? You'll find out on this informative tour. Highlights include the concrete blocks covered with pro-democracy slogans that formed part of the 1991 barricades, several Communist-era sights along Vilnius' main shopping street, the monument to the victims of the mass deportations to Siberia, and the Museum of Genocide Victims, within a former KGB residence and prison.

See Another Lithuania with a Trip to Trakai

Today you’ll visit Trakai Castle, the most impressive stronghold in the Baltic States. Located on an island in a lake chain at the center of a national park, it’s easy to get a good view of the castle. For a time the de facto capital of Lithuania, Trakai’s village is now a humble place, but is unique for its inhabitants, the Karaites. Tatars brought over from Crimea 600 years ago after their fighting prowess impressed the Lithuanian king, the Karaites have their own language, architecture, and form of Judaism. Be sure to take a break from admiring their wooden homes and synagogue by enjoying their famed Kibinai meat pies. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodations, and drive you to Trakai, less than 20 miles away. Here, they’ll give you a tour of the village, before you continue to the castle. For an extra fee, we can include a boat tour to help you best admire the picturesque castle.

Get a Taste of Vilnius

The foodie scene in Vilnius isn't as developed as you might find in some Western European capitals. Still, there's plenty to sink your teeth into, running the spectrum from street food snacks to fine dining, and all of it distinctly Lithuanian. Originating from the Trakai area not too far away, kibinai, a stuffed pastry akin to a pasty, is a great on-the-go bite. Sit yourself down at one of the branches of Snekutis, a quirky pub chain, and order several dishes, such as chicken Kiev (allegedly invented in Vilnius) and cepelinai (a stuffed potato dumpling). You've got yourself an instant food tour! No visit to Vilnius is complete without trying saltibarsciai, a cold beet soup, available almost everywhere.

Riga From On High

What better way to start your visit to a new city than admiring the view from above? From St. Peter's Church in the old town, the Stalinist Latvian Academy of Sciences, mountainous National Library (also known as the Mountain of Light), or the Riga Radio and TV Tower (the tallest structure in the EU), extraordinary views of Riga and even the sea are easy to find. If you'd like to accompany great views with excellent drinks, we can recommend the best rooftop bar in the city so you can kick back with cocktails.

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 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.

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!

Get a Bird's-Eye View

Discover Medieval Wonders

Bog-shoe Hiking Private Tour

For something a bit more unusual, walk across one of Estonia's largest bogs with special bog-shoes (otherwise, you would sink right in!) Bogs are very dear to Estonians, and have always been part of its culture, so a visit to Estonia is incomplete without a bog walk. Visiting an Estonian bog is a strangely unworldly experience, with their calm pools of black (but drinkable!) water, stunted trees, and endless berry bushes. With the help of equipment akin to snowshoes, you'll visit otherwise inaccessible places. This tour will take you beyond the boardwalks and observation towers to normally inaccessible areas, home to more wildlife. Have an unforgettable adventure in Estonia and come to a bog-shoe hike in the picturesque Kõnnu Suursoo, less than an hour east of Tallinn. This tour is available year-round, as the bog has a different face to show every season.

Magical Skating, on Lakes and in the Old Town

When cold weather hits, skating around the Old Town's outdoor ice rink is a great way for the whole family to get into the winter spirit and enjoy a fairytale experience. The ice rink is in a romantic setting, next to St. Nicholas' Church on Harju Street. Skates and support struts are available for rent and after all the skating you can warm up with a cup of hot drink at the rink's cafe. For a different kind of atmospheric experience, skate across frozen lakes and bogs with ski poles and special hiking skates, as part of a private tour.

Baroque History: Kadriorg Palace and Park

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.")

Hello Helsinki

Today you'll be discovering the highlights of Helsinki with your own private guide. In the space of just a few hours you'll explore much of this port city, seeing the fascinating Rock Church, the Uspenski Cathedral, the Design District, the Open Market, the Senate Square and the Lutheran Church. Along the way your guide will regale you with funny stories and facts about Finland and you'll pick up a few ideas for souvenirs as well as get some ideas for places to visit on your own later.

Northern Lights Private Photography Tour

Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village Private Tour

See Rovaniemi's most popular sights, and visit Santa Clause on this tour. You'll join an Arctic Circle crossing ceremony and enjoy the souvenir shops, snow activities in wintertime, cafés, and more.

Visit Santa's Cavern

Become a Husky Musher Group Tour

Reindeer Farm Visit and Short Safari Group Tour

Meet the original Reindeer farm with a short safari. The owners of the Reindeer Farm live with their reindeer throughout the year, and the reindeer have provided their livelihood for more than 200 years. At the Reindeer Farm, the visitor will experience old and new reindeer husbandry culture working hand-in-hand. After learning about one of Lapland’s majestic and biggest animals, experience being pulled by these big hoofed reindeer by sled. Afterward, you'll be invited to the farmer’s house where snacks and warm drinks will be provided along with your reindeer driving license. The minimum number of participants for each safari is 2.