Exeter Essential Baltics 2021
Itinerary at a glance:
Day 1 Arrival into Vilnius Day 2 Vilnius Sightseeing Day 3 Vilnius to Klaipeda Day 4 Klaipeda Sightseeing Day 5 Klaipeda to Riga Day 6 Riga Sightseeing Day 7 Riga Sightseeing Day 8 Drive to Muhu Island Day 9 Relax on Muhu Island Day 10 Drive to Tallinn Day 11 Tallinn Sightseeing Day 12 Depart from Tallinn
Why Exeter International?
Our Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years.
Knowledgeable Up-to-the-Minute Local Information We are best placed to give you advice about traveling to Europe and beyond; from logistics and new protocols in museums, hotels and restaurants in each country. We are here to expertly guide you through the new normal in travel.
Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance your experience. Once on your journey you will have complete peace of mind with our local 24-hour contact person who is on hand to coordinate any changes in your program or help you in the case of any emergency.
Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips.
Flexible Deposit We prepay deposits for services so we can access the top guides, the best drivers and maintain preferred partnerships with our partner hotels. Our deposit to confirm services is 25% of the total trip cost. We want you to feel confident to book but also know that we are sensitive to current circumstances. Therefore, 15% of this deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to departure if you are unable to travel for any reason. 10% of the deposit will be retained as a future travel credit for up to 3 years. Future travel will be priced at prevailing rates. If it is determined that you are unable to travel within 31 days of the start of services, all deposits paid will be converted to a future travel credit, less nonrefundable funds committed on your behalf and tickets such as train or theater tickets. This credit may also be applied to our sister travel companies: Almaz Journeys and Exeter Safari Company.
Financial Stability We are proud to be recognized by Allianz Insurance on their list of covered travel suppliers to give you additional peace of mind. DAY 1
Arrival in Vilnius
Arrival to Vilnius airport where you will be met by your Exeter International driver and taken to your hotel in the historic center of the city. Your hotel is the finest in Vilnius, the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius. This new hotel is located in the heart of Vilnius’ Old Town and is walking distance to all the major sites.
Vilnius Old Town boasts outstanding architectural diversity in one of the largest and best-preserved old towns in Europe. This UNESCO site is filled with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Narrow medieval streets, secluded courtyards, town castles and fortifications and an incredible number of churches reflect the city’s rich and vibrant history.
Exeter Services Airport Transfer
Hotel Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius DAY 2
Vilnius
This morning, you will meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel for a walking overview tour. The best place to start your tour of the city is from the top of the Gediminas Tower – the only remaining part of the Upper Castle overlooking the red-tiled roofs and the church towers of the Old Town. The 14th century, three-story octagonal brick tower houses a small exhibit of archaeological findings and the history of the castle.
Take a walk across Cathedral Square, the main downtown square, to the Vilnius Cathedral. This is where the coronations of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania once took place and many important historical figures are interred in the crypts and catacombs. Also here, you will see the Chapel of St. Casimir, where the remains of the Polish- Lithuanian prince Casimir and patron saint of both countries rest.
Just behind the Cathedral, the Royal Palace has been under re-construction since 2002. The original 15th-century palace was damaged by fire in the 17th century and remained unused for over a century. In the late 18th century Lithuania was annexed by Russia and the derelict palace was dismantled and the bricks and stones were sold.
A tour of the Old Town is not complete without a visit to the Vilnius University, founded in 1570 by Jesuits and one of the most important centers of the Counter-Reformation. The university complex has more than 10 courtyards. The observatory tower dates back to 1569 and the library contains nearly 5 million volumes, making it the richest collection of Lithuanian books and one of the best-known libraries in Eastern Europe.
In the Old Town, you will see the Presidential Palace, which has been the official seat of Lithuania’s President since 1997. A flag displaying the coat of arms of the President is hoisted when the President is in the Palace and in Vilnius.
You will continue your tour of Vilnius’ Old Town, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. On these cobble-stoned streets lie numerous historical buildings including the balcony of No. 26 Pilies Street where Lithuania’s independence was declared in 1918. You will see the Town Hall Square and the Gates of Dawn. It is well worth venturing into the side streets and courtyards for a glimpse of this 19th-century city. There are a number of antique shops and cafes tucked away down these quiet lanes.
You may wish to make a visit in the Amber Gallery and Museum which explains the origins and history of this precious material and exhibits amber of various sizes, forms and color. Exhibitions of works of art from amber are constantly held at the museum’s gallery. Amber jewelry of modern and classical design is available for purchase as well.
At the end of the day, you will head towards the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, which was opened in 1992 in the former KGB headquarters. The museum is the only one of its kind in the former Soviet republics. The execution chamber in the basement, where more than a thousand prisoners were killed between 1944 and the early 1960s, can also be visited. The Museum stirred a bit of controversy by renaming itself somewhat misleadingly a Museum of Genocide Victims (it does not include much about the Holocaust.)
Exeter Services Vehicle & Driver (4 Hours); Guide (8 Hours)
Hotel Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius DAY 3
Vilnius-Trakai- Klaipeda
Meet your driver and guide this morning for your transfer to Klaipeda.
On your way, stop at Trakai, about 20 miles west of the city. Trakai, the ancient capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, is situated amidst picturesque lakes, the largest of which – Galve - has over 20 islands. It is best known for its captivating 14th Century fairytale castle which was presumably one of the largest in Lithuania of those times and served as residence for a number of Lithuanian rulers before the insular castle was constructed a short distance away on an island of Lake Galve. The Castle Museum offers a view into Lithuania’s past, when Trakai ruled an empire from the Baltics to the Black Sea. The Tartars, once part of this empire’s royal bodyguards, still live in Trakai today.
Trakai was also home to a large Karaite community. The origin of the Karaites is very interesting. Some scholars link them to the Khazars, Turkic people that converted to Judaism in the eighth century while others view them as descendants of the Karaite Jews who lived in Crimea. They were brought to Lithuania by Grand Duke Vytautas from the Crimea and served as his bodyguards. Today you may visit the Karaites' house of worship, called kenesa, and a museum of Karaite culture.
Your guide will say farewell and you will continue your transfer towards Klaipeda, on the Baltic coast. If you wish, you might want to stop for lunch at the city of Kaunas, a center of Jewish culture.
Upon arrival in Klaipeda, you will be transferred to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Exeter Services Transfer to Klaipeda; Guide in Trakai
Hotel Michaelson
DAY 4
Klaipeda
Today, we recommend you to first visit the Neringa National Park at the Curonian Spit - a UNESCO listed 98 km long peninsula, which features dramatic white sand dunes and beautiful pine forests.
First you will board a ferry crossing over the strait separating the spit from the mainland, and from there your driver and guide will take you south along this interesting natural area. Besides climbing dunes for beautiful views, you may wish to visit Hill of Witches and Amber Gallery in Juodkrante, or the Thomas Mann house in Nida, where the famous German writer used to vacation.
The town of Nida is a charming coastal resort with colored houses and a very relaxed atmosphere, and Lithuanians will travel from all over the country to spend there some time during the summer. It is the perfect place to stroll and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, and if time allows, return to Klaipeda for an overview tour of the Old Town. You will see the Castle Museum and walk to the Drama Theatre Square with a famous sculpture of “Annchen von Tharau”.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)
Hotel Michaelson
DAY 5
Klaipeda-Rundale-Riga
Today you will depart with your driver and guide for the journey to Riga. Before arriving, visit the 17th century Rundale Palace. Rundale was the apogee of the fusion of German and Russian society which came together and flourished in the region in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Visit this imposing, well-restored palace of 138 rooms, approached through a grand drive flanked by twin semi-circular stables. You may wish to have lunch at the restaurant located inside the palace today. Please note the palace is under renovations in 2020; the inner courtyard will be inaccessible, and some areas will be covered in scaffolding. The main exhibition and gardens are still open for visitors.
Rundale Palace was designed by the famous architect Rastrelli as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland, and is an exquisite masterpiece of symmetry and beauty. The palace was built from 17361740 and the Rococo interior decorations were added from 1765-1768. The parade rooms, the duke's private apartments and the duchess' boudoir are open to visitors.
The Palace has some cafes serving up simple, if not delicious food. The perfect place to enjoy some lunch. Payable locally.
Nearby is Bauska Castle – time permitting you may wish to make a stop here as well. Situated between two rivers, the complex comprises the ruins of a 15th century Livonian Order fortress as well as the fortified residential palace of the Dukes of Courland and Semigallia.
Note: The drive between Klaipeda and Riga takes approximately five hours plus the time to stop at Rundale.
Exeter Services Transfer; Guide in Rundale
Hotel Grand Palace Riga DAY 6
Riga
Meet your guide for an introductory walking tour of Riga. You will first visit the 13th -century St. Peter’s Church which was damaged by fire during World War II and later rebuilt by the Russians. A good place to start any tour is atop the spire, where you can see the whole of Riga laid out before you. This is the perfect way to get your bearings before you actually wander down the cobble-stoned streets. From here you may see the exterior of the Dome Cathedral one of the largest and most distinctive houses of worship in the region.
You will view the famous House of Cats with cat sculptures perched on the top of its roof and hear about the intrigue surrounding these feline figures. Just across the street, you will also see the former headquarters of the Great Guild, now the home of the Riga Philharmonic. Other good examples of medieval dwellings are the Three Brothers, dating to the 15th Century when Riga was part of the Hanseatic League. It is one of the oldest stone buildings in Latvia and now houses an architecture museum. Many of the buildings here and the cobblestone square around them were destroyed in a 1941 bombing raid. The Swedish Gate, an old city gate built by ruling Swedes in 1698, is the only gate still standing from Riga’s old-city wall torn down in the 1800’s.
Continuing along Elizabetes Street, you will reach the Central Market where some old Zeppelin hangars have been converted into market halls specializing in different types of wares.
Exeter Services Guide (4 Hours)
Hotel Grand Palace Riga DAY 7
Riga
Meet your guide and driver this morning and continue your tour of Riga. Your guide will point out the Freedom Monument - a memorial honoring the soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence from 1918-1920. The 138 feet high monument made of granite and copper is a major orientation point and often serves for public gatherings and official ceremonies. You will also see the Riga Opera House. This magnificent 19th-century building has undergone a thorough renovation. Your guide will tell you about the history of the Opera House and some of its famous performers.
Finally, you will reach the area around Elizabetes and Alberta Streets, known as Riga’s Art Nouveau (or Jugendstil) District, which features impressive examples of the style. In total, there are some 800 Art Nouveau buildings in Riga, many of which were designed and built by Latvian architects including Mikhail Eisenstein (the father of the famous director Sergei Eisenstein).
Here, you might want to visit the Art Nouveau Museum, located in the apartment where the Latvian architect Konstantins Peksens lived. The Art Nouveau staircase is among the most impressive in Europe, and links the digital interactive exhibition in the basement with the actual apartment on the second floor, which shows the characteristic furnishing and decoration of a 20th century house in Riga. There is where you can try on some of the accessories people used to wear for a back in time experience!
You may wish to visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. The museum is currently housed in a temporary building as major renovations occur at the permanent premises.
Time permitting, you may decide to spend some time in the Bergs Bazaar – a pedestrian area of shops and restaurants inspired by the 19th -century arcades then so popular all over Europe. It was originally built between 1887-1900 by Kristaps Bergs, who was one of Latvia's first modern real estate developers.
Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (4 Hours)
Hotel Grand Palace Riga DAY 8
Riga-Muhu Island
Today check out of your hotel meet your driver for the journey to the neighboring Estonia.
You will drive north along the coast to Parnu, where you may wish to stop for a nice lunch break. Parnu is Estonia’s main summer resort but has a laid back atmosphere of a small charming town. During Soviet times it was a popular spa escape for the Russians and is now gaining popularity among Scandinavians. You can stroll through the Old Town or on the beach, or, if you like modern art, you should not miss the Museum of the New Art.
Continue your drive to Muhu Island. You will head to the town of Virtsu to board a ferry that will take you to the Island. Then you will drive to the village of Pädaste and check-in at the wonderful hotel Pädaste Manor.
Exeter Services Transfer
Hotel Pädaste Manor DAY 9
Muhu Island
Today is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Muhu Island.
Alternatively, you may explore the neighboring islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
Hiiumaa is home to several Nature Preserves, ideal for hiking and bird watching, while Saaremaa is especially attractive for retaining its prewar character. You should visit the Bishop’s Castle in Kurresaare, the main town on Saaremaa, that dates back to the 14th century. A half-hour drive from Kurresaare you will encounter a group of beautifully preserved wooden windmills and the medieval Karja Church.
Exeter Services None
Hotel Pädaste Manor DAY 10
Muhu Island-Tallinn
Today, check out of your hotel meet your driver for the journey to Estonia’s capital, Tallinn.
Tallinn has a unique history of seafaring, foreign occupation and merchant activity dating to the 13th century. A beautiful city of ancient castles, stone towers, and medieval streets, its ageless charm is unmistakable
Check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Exeter Services Transfer
Hotel Hotel Schlössle DAY 11
Tallinn
This morning meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a walking tour. The Upper Old City or Toompea Hill, is the oldest part of Tallinn, inhabited since pre-history. Note the defensive wall and towers ringing the old city, which are the town’s most striking feature. Unlike Vilnius and Riga whose walls were destroyed, eighty percent of the original wall around Tallinn in the 1500’s is still intact today. In addition to having Tallinn’s oldest buildings, the upper old town has good viewing platforms to view the entire old town. Toompea Castle is one of Estonia’s most treasured landmarks, built by Danes and Germans after they defeated the Estonians in the early 1200’s. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an Orthodox church built in 1900 in the Moscow style of the 17th century. This church is topped with 11 bells, including the largest (15 tons) in all of Estonia.
Also on Toompea Hill, you may make a brief stop at the Cathedral of St. Mary, also called the Dome Cathedral. Originally built by the Danes in the 13th century, it is the oldest church in Tallinn and the only building in Toompea which survived a 17th century fire. Most of the furniture inside dates to the period of the 17th - 18th centuries. The altar, chandeliers, and the numerous coats-of arms are from the 17th – 20th centuries.
At the foot of the hill, you will see the St. Nicholas Church, which was originally built in the 13th century by German merchants and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and merchants. It was partially destroyed when the Soviet air force bombed the city in World War II.
You will also visit a small museum in the imposing Great Guild Hall. The building itself was built in the early 15th century and housed Tallinn’s merchant guild. The permanent exhibition “Spirit of Survival” offers an insight into Estonian History.
This afternoon, your guide and driver will take you to Kardiorg Park, outside of the Old Town. Housed in the renovated kitchen building on the grounds of the Kadriorg Palace and Park, the Mikkel Museum is a branch of the Estonian Art Museum one of the country's most impressive private art collections. Johannes Mikkel donated his vast collection of European, Russian and Chinese paintings, prints, porcelain and icons to the Estonian Art Museum in 1994.
Later, you may decide to continue to the KUMU art museum – Estonia’s largest. Opened in 2006 in an enormous, cutting-edge facility built into a limestone cliff in Kadriorg, the KUMU exhibits works from Estonian artists dating from the 18th Century through the end of World War II, as well as a permanent exhibition of Estonian contemporary art dating from 1945-1991. This last collection, located on the third floor, portrays the interesting relationship that existed between the art in Estonia and the Soviet State.
Exeter Services Guide (8 Hours); Vehicle & Driver (4 Hours)
Hotel Hotel Schlössle
DAY 12
Tallinn-Onward
Meet your driver for your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Exeter Services Airport Transfer
What Is Included
Prices:
For Two (2) guests traveling together From $7,000 per person, double occupancy
For Four (4) guests traveling together From $5,125 per person, double occupancy
**Exact pricing will depend on the hotels, room categories, and touring you choose.*** Accommodations
Vilnius Superior Room for Two (2) nights at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.
The Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius was the first international five-star property in this charming city. The hotel features just 96 rooms and suites with individual décor. The hotel’s best feature is its location – directly in the heart of the city on Cathedral Square. Rooms feature views of the UNESCO Old Town, the Presidential Palace and the main shopping street of the city.
The hotel features a stunning spa and fitness area, as well as an indoor pool. Guests can also enjoy the Finnish and steam saunas. All rooms feature traditional décor, wood floors and exclusive fabrics. All rooms have in- room coffee and tea facilities. In all rooms except the Standard category, spacious bathrooms feature a separate shower and bathtub. WiFi is complimentary throughout the hotel.
Superior Room: These spacious rooms range in size from 290 to 335 square feet and are the recommended starting category for Exeter guests. All have a choice of one king or two twin beds. Rooms have high ceilings and spacious bathrooms and feature views over Old Town.
Klaipeda Double Room with a River View for Two (2) nights at the Michaelson Boutique Hotel; tax and breakfast included. This 16-room boutique hotel boasts original interior features mixed with modern luxury and comfort. Each room contains exclusively designed Lithuanian furniture and high-quality textiles.
Double Room with a River View: This double room offers a view of the River Dange with a King-sized bed and boast authentic construction balks and lintels. Average room size is 269 square feet and furnished with anti- allergenic bedding.
Riga Deluxe Room for Three (3) nights at the Grand Palace Riga; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.
The Grand Palace Hotel is the finest in Riga and offers one of the best locations in the city. The small lobby leads to a room where guests checking-in are seated and receive individual attention. The ambiance of this hotel is more of a grand mansion, befitting its history of a home to wealthy Baltic aristocrats.
The hotel offers a fine-dining restaurant, Suite, which at 11:00PM transforms itself into a lounge for guests to enjoy drinks and music. Breakfast is served in the airy Orangerie. The striking Pils Bar is reminiscent of an English hunting lodge. Guests will also find a small fitness facility with a sauna and seat room.
As this is a historic hotel, rooms do tend to be on the small side and all feature individual décor. Rooms have traditional and elegant furnishings and bathrooms feature heated floors.
Deluxe Rooms: These rooms are some of our favorites and feature 275 square feet of space and offer a choice of either a queen bed or two twin beds.
Muhu Island Superior Room for Two (2) nights at Pädaste Manor; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.
This historic mansion on Muhu Island was first mentioned in the 16th century when the Danish king Fredrik II handed the property over to the von Knorr family in recognition of their services to the crown. After a long and painstaking renovation which was completed in June 2008, this idyllic property has again opened its doors to visitors and offers “simple luxury” in its 24 rooms, suites, and a private beach house all of which are air- conditioned and beautifully appointed with finest furniture and exquisite linen and fabrics.
The Pädaste Manor complex offers accommodations in the actual Manor House, the Carriage House, and the private Farm House. All rooms and suites vary in size, location, and facilities and are beautifully appointed with luxuriant fabrics, unobtrusive state-of-the-art technology and wonderful attention to detail. All rooms and suites in the Manor House and the Carriage House are non-smoking.
Superior Double Room: There are 7 of these rooms in the Manor House and they vary in size from 355 to 505 square feet. Some of these rooms are located on the ground floor and have park or sea views while others have private balconies. A few of these rooms have a combined bath & rain shower, while others are fitted with a luxury sized walk in shower and no bath tub. All of these rooms offer high-definition LCD TVs with Satellite channels, Blu-Ray players, complimentary high-speed and wireless Internet, BOSE sound systems, and mini bars.
Tallinn Classic Room for Two (2) nights at the Hotel Schlössle; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Nestled in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, Schlössle is a cozy boutique property with luxurious furnishings as well as elements of the old Tallinn’s wall. The hotel offers a total of 23 rooms of varying sizes and design, combining contemporary furnishings and art with antique and rustic touches.
Classic Room: The rooms in this starting category are all in the main building, and guests can enjoy views over the courtyard. These rooms feature a double bed and are about 160 square feet. Bathrooms have showers and are equipped with a scale, robes and slippers.
Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations.
Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. The timing for each day is noted in your program.
Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request.
Transportation Transportation is included as noted. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Timing for each day is noted in your program.
Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.
Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.
Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more.
SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars.
Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens, and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events.
OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services, or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.
GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price and are at your own discretion. Please see your final documents for tipping suggestions.
DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.
REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun.
INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet.
PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2020. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.
All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary, until paid in full.
Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com 111 South Dakota Avenue │ Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685