Hidden Treasures of the North Baltic Capitals Tour 5 Nights 6 Days

After meeting at Istanbul Airport, we fly to Tallinn on THY’s scheduled flight, a city that has managed to preserve its medieval atmosphere to this day. Upon arrival, we leave the airport and head to the Tallinn Islamic Cultural Center. After the free time we will have here for worship, we depart for our panoramic city tour. Tallinn Old Town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, with buildings dating back to the 13th century. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which we will see on our city tour, was built in the 19th century during the Russian Empire period and is one of the most important symbols of Russian influence over Estonia. This structure, notable for its onion domes, is one of the most impressive examples of Orthodox architecture in the Baltic region. Next, we will see Toompea Castle, which was used throughout history by the Danes, Swedes, and Russians who ruled the region, and today houses the Estonian Parliament. The Town Hall Square, meanwhile, was the heart of trade in the Middle Ages and became famous as a meeting point for merchants during the Hanseatic League period. After the tour, free time and dinner (at the hotel or in a local restaurant). Overnight in Tallinn.

After the breakfast we will have at our hotel, we head toward Riga. Along the way, we take a short break in Pärnu, known as Estonia’s summer capital. Upon our arrival in Riga, we enjoy a panoramic city tour. Riga experienced great prosperity in the Middle Ages as one of the most important trade ports of the Hanseatic League. The House of the Blackheads, which we will see on our city tour, belonged to a guild founded in the 14th century by unmarried German merchants and was used as a center of trade and social life. Destroyed during World War II, it has been rebuilt in accordance with the original. Riga Cathedral is one of the largest medieval churches in the Baltics, built in the 13th century, and is known for its famous huge organ. The Freedom Monument symbolizes Latvia’s independence and was built in 1935 with public donations; its survival during the Soviet period carries a special meaning for the Latvian people. Dinner after the tour (at the hotel or in a local restaurant). Transfer to our hotel after dinner. Overnight in Riga.

After breakfast at our hotel, we continue to explore Riga more closely. Alberta Street is home to some of the most important examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. Built in the early 20th century, these buildings are adorned with sculptures, reliefs, and mythological figures. Riga Central Market was created by converting former zeppelin hangars and is one of the largest covered markets in Europe, as well as one of the interesting architectural legacies of the Soviet era. Then we head to Jurmala on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Jurmala gained fame especially in the 19th century as a summer retreat for the Russian aristocracy. With its wooden villas and long sandy beaches, it is one of the most elegant seaside towns in the Baltics. Return to Riga after the tour. Dinner (at the hotel or in a local restaurant). Overnight in Riga.

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for Vilnius. Upon arrival, we begin our panoramic city tour. Vilnius Old Town is considered one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in the Baltics. The Vilnius Cathedral, which we will see on our city tour, has been the center of religious life since the 14th century, when Lithuania adopted Christianity. Cathedral Square is also the focal point of the country’s historical and political events. Gediminas Tower is the only surviving part of the castle built by Gediminas, the founder of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and is the symbol of the city. From here, the panoramic view of Vilnius can be enjoyed. The Gate of Dawn is one of the city gates dating back to the 16th century, and the icon of the Virgin Mary inside is an important pilgrimage site for the Catholic world. Free time after the tour. Dinner (at the hotel or at a local restaurant). Overnight in Vilnius.

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for the Trakai tour. The Trakai Island Castle, located in the middle of the lake, was built by the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in the 14th century and was used as both a military and political center during the Middle Ages. The castle, which stands out with its red-brick Gothic architecture, is one of Lithuania’s most iconic structures. At the same time, Trakai, where different ethnic groups (especially Karay Turks) have lived together for centuries, also stands out for its cultural diversity. After the Trakai tour, return to Vilnius and dinner (at the hotel or in a local restaurant). Overnight in Vilnius.

Free time after breakfast at the hotel until flight time. Gathering at the time determined by our guide and transfer to the airport. Flight to Istanbul with THY’s scheduled service and the end of our tour.