10D7N BALTICS ENVNOS 3 COUNTRIES FOLLOW US.... A land of crumbling castles, soaring dunes, enchanting forests and + WARSAW magical lakes – a trip to the Baltics proves that fairy tales do come true.

Premier Lounge

Travel Validity Period: , Summer Apr - Oct 2020 Tallinn HIGHLIGHTS 2 LITHUANIA Estonia VILNIUS Flight path Parnu • Old Town Traverse by coach • St. Anne's Church Traverse by cruise • St. Peter-Paul Church Sigulda • Upper and Lower Castle Featured destinations • Hill of Three Crosses Overnight stays 1 2 3 2 Riga • Užupis District Latvia ŠIAULIAI • Hill of Crosses Lithuania Rundale LATVIA Hill of Crosses RUNDALE 2 • Rundale Palace Vilnius RIGA • City Canal Trakai • Basࢼon Hill • Latvian Naࢼonal Theatre • Fine Arts Museum Poland • Old Town 1 • St. Peter's Church Warsaw • Guild Houses • Swedish Gate • Riga Central market • Canal Boat Tour xxx

SIGULDA • Turaida Museum Reserve • Turaida church ESTONIA PARNU EXCLUSIVE • Resort Town • Cooking Demonstraࢼon afterwards. The first crosses were erected on the hill in the 17th century in memory TALLINN • Food Tasࢼng at Riga Market of these martyrs. During Stalin's rule the • Old Town three crosses were removed and buried. • Toompea Castle • Boat Canal Ride • Medieval Dinner It was only on June 14, 1989, that a new • Dome church memorial was unveiled, rebuild according • Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky to the original plans. These crosses are • Hall square symbols of Lithuanian mourning and hope. • St. Olaf's church DAY 1 HOMEVILINUS POLAND Meals on Board DAY 3 WARSAW Assemble at the airport and take-off to the VILINUSTRAKAIVILNIUS city of Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, known Breakfast, Lunch, Lithuanian Dinner + Folk Show • Royal Castle for its baroque architecture, seen especially • St John Cathedral Today, we will visit Trakai, the former in its medieval Old Town. • Holy Cross Church capital of Lithuania, which is situated on • Royal Park an island in the middle of a lake. The 14th • Warsaw Ghe‚o DAY 2 century red brick castle now houses the Art Museum. The castles of Trakai are the best VILINUS known works of defensive architecture Meals on Board, Lunch, Dinner DELICACIES in Lithuania. The old town of Trakai, which Upon arrival Vilnius city tour. During includes the Island and the Peninsula Meal Plan sightseeing in Vilnius tourists visits Old Castles, surrounded by lakes, is one of the 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners Town of Vilnius, which is included to the most impressive and most picturesque UNESCO World Heritage List, looks like a locations in Europe. Something special is maze of small streets. In the center of the awaiting for us as we have lunch and Kybyn Old Town stands the Cathedral with a bell tasting at local restaurant Kybynlar. There 4★ HOTELS tower. In the narrow old streets one will see will be kybyn cooking demonstration and numerous pieces of historical heritage, like TALLINN Tallink Spa & Conference tasting of this traditional karaim dish in a St. Anne's Church - a gem of Gothic real karaim community house, located in RIGA Radisson Blu architecture, University building, St. Peter Trakai. The chance to taste national Karaim VILLNIUS Hotel Congress Vilnius -Paul Church, as well as the ruins of the cuisine, which is famed for its oriental WARSAW Radisson Blu Upper and Lower Castle. We will go to the aromas. Kybyn are prepared according to Užupis District, and head to Hill of Three *Note: Hotels subject to final confirmaon. Should there old recipes saved in Karaims families. be changes, customers will be offered accommodaon Crosses. Legend has it that long ago seven Cozy halls with traditional Karaims similar to this list. Franciscan monks were crucified here, and ornamentation, covered outside terraces four were thrown into the Vilnia River on shore of Galvė Lake.

EU Holidays | Northern Europe 25 10D7N BALTICS 3 COUNTRIES + WARSAW

YELLOW BAROQUE PALACE WITH GARDEN IN FOREGROUND

DAY 4 Gate, the architectural ensemble Three Guild built to celebrate Tallinn's VILINUSHILL OF CROSSES Brothers, St. Jacob’s Church, the Parliament membership in the Hanseatic League, RUNDALERIGA House, Old , and view the and St. Olaf's Church. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner many wonderfully restored buildings, now housing cozy restaurants, cafes, bars and DAY 8 Today, on route we will make a stop at the souvenir shops. Then take on a Canal boat Hill of Crosses, a unique place in Lithuania tour and enjoy nice ride in city channel and TALLINNWARSAW Breakfast, Polish Dinner where millions of crosses and rosaries are explore Riga from different angle. put on two hills by Lithuanians and others Today, take a flight to Warsaw, the capital from all over the world in an expression of of Poland. We will explore the parks, plazas spontaneous faith, and as a symbol not of DAY 6 and palaces of this fascinating Polish grief and death but of faith, love and RIGASIGULDAPARNU capital. Stroll around the UNESCO-listed sacrifice. Visit the Rundale Palace, the TALLINN Old Town, marvel at the Royal Castle, then ‘most magnificent masterpiece of baroque Breakfast, Local Lunch, Estonian Medieval Dinner stop to snap photos of St. John’s architecture in the Baltic States. The palace Cathedral, the Holy Cross Church and boasts a beautiful French-style park Today, depart to Sigulda and visit the the Royal Park. Next, learn more about surrounded by a canal. This evening, arrive Turaida Museum Reserve, a historical Warsaw’s tumultuous history as you walk at Riga, Latvia’s capital, set on the Baltic centre of Turaida and comprises through the Warsaw Ghetto, pay your Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava. archaeological, historical and art respects at the Tomb of the Unknown monuments that tell us about the events Soldier and visit the site of the Mila 18 that have taken place since the 11th Bunker. DAY 5 century. Turaida church, one of the oldest RIGA wooden churches built by the local rural Breakfast, Lunch, Lativan Dinner + Beer craftsmen, is situated here. A graveyard was DAY 9 A sightseeing tour begins with driving along established here for the first baptized Livs. WARSAWHOME the central boulevards of Riga, enjoying Then, we make a stop at Parnu, best known Breakfast the view of the City Canal Parks, the Estonian resort and also a Hanseatic city, Enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure till Bastion Hill, the Powder Tower, the a harbour city and a university city. it is time to transfer to the airport for your , the Fine Arts Tonight we will arrive at Tallinn, Estonia’s flight home. Museum, the Art Nouveau buildings of the capital on the Baltic Sea, the country’s beginning of the century, the Freedom cultural hub. Tonight, we will have a local Monument erected in 1935 to celebrate dinner at a Medieval Restaurant in the city DAY 10 Latvia's independence, University of Latvia, center. HOME SWEET HOME the Opera House, and Daugava River with We hope you enjoyed your trip with our its bridges. During the walking part of the DAY 7 company and we look forward to seeing tour you will enjoy the beauty of the you again for your next trip. ancient Hanseatic city, while strolling TALLINN through the cobble-stone, picturesque Breakfast, Chinese Lunch Take on a city tour of Tallinn, a picturesque Tipping Guideline: (based on 10D7N) streets of the Old Town. Next, we will have • 80 EUR per person a food tasting while visiting the Riga old city, where whole districts date back to Central Market! During visit, you will be the middle Ages. You will visit the Old Note: able to taste different types of bread, Town with its quaint narrow streets and • A minimum group size of 15 passengers is required marinated vegetables, fish, meat and beautiful merchants' houses exemplifying for a confirmed departure. • The sequence of the iࢼnerary, flight schedules and cheese. In Old Riga you will see the Dome the best of Gothic architecture. The tour hotels are subject to change without prior noࢼce Cathedral which boasts one of the world’s includes Toompea Castle, the 13th century in the event of unforeseen circumstances. largest pipe organs, St. Peter's Church with Dome Church, the 19th century Russian • Acࢼviࢼes are subject to weather condiࢼons. magnificent views of the city from its orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky, • During major events and fesࢼvals, accommodaࢼon the 15th century town Hall Square, the Old may be re-located to outside of the city or in steeple, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish another city without prior noࢼce.

26 Northern Europe | EU Holidays FEATURE

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania may be small, yet you’ll discover three completely distinct cultures encapsulated within the wonderfully compact space known as the Baltics. Brimming with legions of activities and experiences, you’ll soon find yourself enchanted by their

OOldld ToTownwn iinn TTallinn,allinn, unspeakable beauty. EstoniaEstonia

Riga Housed within a series of vast pavilions that unique perspective of the city, along with a were formerly WWII German Zeppelin view of the city’s attractions and people aircraft hangars, the Riga Central Market is a from a completely different angle spectacular attraction in its own right. More altogether. Get away from the crowds and Lithuania than 3,000 vendors offer an impressive bask in the laidback pace of this sightseeing variety of fresh local produce, clearly boat tour. The lovely lakeside town of Trakai is the marked and sorted into separate hangars best place to delve into the mysterious selling meat, fish, dairy and vegetables. Estonia Karaim culture and cuisine. Karaim food is Some of the local foods that you simply The mecca of all things medieval, old distinctive in its use of oriental spices and have to try here are pickled vegetables, Tallinn is where you’ll find an authentic old, traditional recipes, and the most sauerkraut juice, pelmeni dumplings and a medieval dining experience, complete with famous dish is the kybyn – a pastry fine assortment of Uzbek bread and a candlelit setting in a merchant hall resembling a big dumpling that is usually pastries. decorated with tapestries and waitstaff stuffed with lamb or beef filling. See how dressed in period costume. The live music this dish is prepared in a cooking When in Riga, going on a relaxing boat tour by chamber musicians round out the demonstration at Kybynlar, where you’ll along the canal is a must! As you glide perfect ambience that will bring you back also get to sample other delectable dishes! along the waterway, you’ll be given a to Tallinn’s golden age.

EU Holidays | Northern Europe 27

10D7N BALTICS 3 COUNTRIES + WARSAW (REVERSE ITINERARY)

DAY 1 HOME > WARSAW Assemble at the airport and take-off to the city of Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland.

DAY 2 WARSAW Meals on Board, Lunch, Dinner Arrive at Warsaw, the capital of Poland. We will explore the parks, plazas and palaces of this fascinating Polish capital. Stroll around the UNESCO-listed Old Town, marvel at the Royal Castle, then stop to snap photos of St. John’s Cathedral, the Holy Cross Church and the Royal Park. Next, learn more about Warsaw’s tumultuous history as you walk through the Warsaw Ghetto, pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visit the site of the Mila 18 Bunker.

DAY 3 TALLINN Breakfast, Estonian Medieval Dinner Today, take a flight to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, the country’s cultural hub. Take on a city tour of Tallinn, a picturesque old city, where whole districts date back to the middle Ages. You will visit the Old Town with its quaint narrow streets and beautiful merchants' houses exemplifying the best of Gothic architecture. The tour includes Toompea Castle, the 13th century Dome Church, the 19th century Russian orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky, the 15th century town Hall Square, the Old Guild built to celebrate Tallinn's membership in the Hanseatic League, and St. Olaf's Church. Tonight, we will have a local dinner at a Medieval Restaurant in the city center.

DAY 4 TALLINN Breakfast Today, free day at leisure on your own.

DAY 5 TALLINN > PARNU > SIGULDA > RIGA Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Today, Then, we make a stop at Parnu, best known Estonian resort and also a Hanseatic city, a harbour city and a university city. Then, depart to Sigulda and visit the Turaida Museum Reserve, a historical centre of Turaida and comprises archaeological, historical and art monuments that tell us about the events that have taken place since the 11th century. Turaida church, one of the oldest wooden churches built by the local rural craftsmen, is situated here. A graveyard was established here for the first baptized Livs. This evening, arrive at Riga, Latvia’s capital, set on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava.

DAY 6 RIGA Breakfast, Lunch, Lativan Dinner + Beer A sightseeing tour begins with driving along the central boulevards of Riga, enjoying the view of the City Canal Parks, the Bastion Hill, the Powder Tower, the Latvian National Theatre, the Fine Arts Museum, the Art Nouveau buildings of the beginning of the century, the erected in 1935 to celebrate Latvia's independence, University of Latvia, the Opera House, and Daugava River with its bridges. During the walking part of the tour you will enjoy the beauty of the ancient Hanseatic city, while strolling through the cobble-stone, picturesque streets of the Old Town. Next, we will have a food tasting while visiting the Riga Central Market! During visit, you will be able to taste different types of bread, marinated vegetables, fish, meat and cheese. In Old Riga you will see the Dome Cathedral which boasts one of the world’s largest pipe organs, St. Peter's Church with magnificent views of the city from its steeple, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, the architectural ensemble Three Brothers, St. Jacob’s Church, the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle, and view the many wonderfully restored buildings, now housing cozy restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops. Then take on a Canal boat tour and enjoy nice ride in city channel and explore Riga from different angle.

DAY 7 RIGA > RUNDALE >HILL OF CROSSES > VILINUS Breakfast, Lunch, Lithuanian Dinner + Folk Show Today, Visit the Rundale Palace, the ‘most magnificent masterpiece of baroque architecture in the Baltic States. The palace boasts a beautiful French-style park surrounded by a canal. Then enroute we will make a stop at the Hill of Crosses, a unique place in Lithuania where millions of crosses and rosaries are put on two hills by Lithuanians and others from all over the world in an expression of spontaneous faith, and as a symbol not of grief and death but of faith, love and sacrifice. Tonight, arrive at the city of Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, known for its baroque architecture, seen especially in its medieval Old Town.

DAY 8 VILINUS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Upon arrival Vilnius city tour. During sightseeing in Vilnius tourists visits Old Town of Vilnius, which is included to the UNESCO World Heritage List, looks like a maze of small streets. In the center of the Old Town stands the Cathedral with a bell tower. In the narrow old streets one will see numerous pieces of historical heritage, like St. Anne's Church - a gem of Gothic architecture, University building, St. Peter -Paul Church, as well as the ruins of the Upper and Lower Castle. We will go to the Užupis District, and head to Hill of Three Crosses. Legend has it that long ago seven Franciscan monks were crucified here, and four were thrown into the Vilnia River afterwards. The first crosses were erected on the hill in the 17th century in memory of these martyrs. During Stalin's rule the three crosses were removed and buried. It was only on June 14, 1989, that a new memorial was unveiled, rebuild according to the original plans. These crosses are symbols of Lithuanian mourning and hope.

DAY 9 VILINUS > TRAKAI > HOME Breakfast, Lunch Today, we will visit Trakai, the former capital of Lithuania, which is situated on an island in the middle of a lake. The 14th century red brick castle now houses the Art Museum. The castles of Trakai are the best known works of defensive architecture in Lithuania. The old town of Trakai, which includes the Island and the Peninsula Castles, surrounded by lakes, is one of the most impressive and most picturesque locations in Europe. Something special is awaiting for us as we have lunch and Kybyn tasting at local restaurant Kybynlar. There will be kybyn cooking demonstration and tasting of this traditional karaim dish in a real karaim community house, located in Trakai. The chance to taste national Karaim cuisine, which is famed for its oriental aromas. Kybyn are prepared according to old recipes saved in Karaims families. Cozy halls with traditional Karaims ornamentation, covered outside terraces on shore of Galvė Lake.

DAY 10 HOME SWEET HOME We hope you enjoyed your trip with our company and we look forward to seeing you again for your next trip.

Tipping Guideline: (based on 10D7N) • 80 EUR per person

Note: • A minimum group size of 15 passengers is required for a confirmed departure. • The sequence of the itinerary, flight schedules and hotels are subject to change without prior notice in the event of unforeseen circumstances. • Activities are subject to weather conditions. • During major events and festivals, accommodation may be re-located to outside of the city or in another city without prior notice.