THE BALTIC COUNTRIES - MEDIEVAL AND MODERN

The cities of the Baltic countries were some of the wealthiest and most important in medieval northern Europe. Estonia and Latvia can boast a glorious Hanseatic and Livonian legacy, while Lithuania was a vital component of the biggest state in medieval Europe, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, for most of the 19th and 20th centuries interrupted only by the interwar period, the Baltic countries were forgotten treasures incorporated into Imperial Russia and later into the Soviet Union. Since the Baltic countries regained theiR independence at the beginning of the 1990s, the cities have reclaimed their past beauty and glory and recaptured their natural position on the European map.

Step back 700 Years

The origins of the Baltic capitals date back to the 13th-14th centuries, and the magnificent old towns of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius are UNESCO-protected hidden treasures of European medieval architecture. Step 700 years back in time and take a walking tour with private guide around these charming old towns’ atmospheric lanes. Arrange for special visits to some of the medieval landmarks, such as the Gediminas Castle in Vilnius, the Dome Cathedral in Riga and the Medieval Town Hall in Tallinn.

Art Nouveau in Riga

Did you know that Riga boasts the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings of any capital in Europe? In the city’s sprawling Art Nouveau District you will find more than 200 buildings in this most artistic of styles. Take a stroll with a private guide along Alberta, Grecenieku and Elizabetes streets, which are entirely built in the Art Nouveau style, and don’t forgot to pay a visit to the fascinating Art Nouveau Museum, with an apartment authentically recreated as it would have looked at the start of the 20th century revealing tales of the lives of the people of that time.

Stories of the Seashore

For centuries, the old hanseatic city of Tallinn has been connected to and dependent on the Baltic Sea. Take a private tour along the scenic bay of this evocative city to the picturesque Pirita recreational area to see the Olympic Yacht Centre. Then venture to the other side of the bay to visit the new Seaplane Museum in its historical seaplane hangars telling stories from under the water, on the water and above the water. And don’t miss the dignified 100-year-old ice-breaker Suur Tõll by the pier.

Four Capitals of Lithuania

Take a tour of Lithuania’s four historical capitals: Kernave, the early medieval capital with its castle mounds and extensive excavations; Trakai, another medieval capital, with its well-preserved Island Castle, the only medieval lake castle in Eastern Europe; Kaunas, the pre-war capital with its castle ruins and numerous churches, museums, parks and avenues; and, naturally, the present-day capital of Vilnius, a jewel of Baroque architecture with one of the largest old towns in Europe featuring an abundance of breath-taking historical landmarks.

Baltic culinary Extravaganzas

Try some of the Baltic countries’ culinary extravaganzas! Taste genuine Tallinn marzipan at the oldest marzipan café in Europe with a cup of gourmet coffee. Visit the old pavilions of Riga Central Market, the largest covered market in Europe and sample traditional Latvian food: black breads, cheeses and fish specialties, or visit one of the many boutique confectionaries in the Old Town. And enter a genuine tavern in Vilnius to enjoy traditional Lithuanian beer snacks accompanied by a pint of chilled black beer.

The “New Districts”

The last two decades have transformed the Baltic capitals into vibrant and modern cities and completely new city districts have emerged. Explore some of these fascinating areas: The new business district in Vilnius between Konstitucijos Avenue and the Neris embankment, viewing the Old Town from one of the high-rises; the Rotermannni district in Tallinn with its daring contemporary architecture and many cafés; and Pardaugava in Riga with its beautifully restored wooden houses, cosy cafés and small boutiques.

Tee-time in the Baltics

The Baltic countries have their own measure of superb golf courses located in beautiful natural surroundings, courses of the highest quality meeting international PGA standards. Pack your clubs and visit the Estonian Country & Golf Club on the Baltic Sea coast not far from Tallinn, the Ozo Golf Club just outside Riga, and the V Golf Club adjacent to the Grand Resort a short drive from Vilnius. Enjoy an unparalleled golfing experience together with friends in the clean Baltic breeze. Don’t forget the 19th hole – a stylish dinner or refreshing drink in the Club House!

Medieval Superpower

For several centuries, Lithuania was a European medieval superpower, stretching from Livonia in the north, eastwards to just short of Moscow and way down south to the shores of the Black Sea. Visit the reconstructed 15th century Palace of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes in Vilnius, telling the story of this long-lost state and all it splendours. Take a private tour with a historian, see the ancient palace ruins still in place, admire the countless and impressive ceremonial halls and pay a visit to the Treasury Hall.

Manors of Northern Estonia

For almost seven centuries, the German-Baltic nobility ruled the Baltic countries and the land is still dotted with their castles and manors. Take a day-long excursion to the beautiful Lahemaa National Park and visit Palmse Manor, a testament to the von Prahlen family, Sagadi Manor with its gorgeous gardens and parks, and top the day with a visit to Vihula Manor, which recently underwent an award-winning restoration turning it into a hotel and country club with luxury accommodation, fine restaurants, an Eco-Spa and lots of leisure facilities.

Estonia’s Islands

Of Estonia’s more than 2000 islands and islets, only a few are inhabited. Two of the biggest are Saaremaa and Muhu, connected to each other by a 3.5 km causeway. Take a captivating trip to these islands and discover picturesque small villages, old churches, farmsteads, manors and windmills, unspoiled nature with cliffs, lakes and marshes, romantic harbours and sandy beaches. Visit the resort town of Kuressaare with its medieval castle, spa hotels and winding streets with little boutiques and cafés. Stay overnight at a spa hotel on the beach or at the memorable luxury Padaste Manor on Muhu Island.

Visit the Duke of Courland

Did you know that in the 16th-18th centuries the western part of present-day Latvia was a wealthy independent duchy called Courland, whose navy managed to colonise overseas as far away as Trinidad and Tobago? Visit the Summer Palace of the dukes of Courland, impressive Rundale Palace, built by star Italian architect Rastrelli. Take a tour of this baroque palace and admire the lavish state rooms and the Throne Hall. Enjoy a Latvian lunch in an intimate reception room and attend a small private baroque concert performed on original musical instruments in the White Hall.

Jewish Routes

The cities of Lithuania and Latvia are important parts of the Jewish diaspora and Jewish communities have had a remarkable impact on the societies of the Baltics. Trace Jewish culture and heritage in all three Baltic countries. Take a walking tour through the extensive Jewish quarters of Vilnius and Kaunas, visit the recently opened Zanis Lipke Memorial on Kipsala Island in Riga and the Riga Ghetto Museum, and visit the intimate Jewish Centre in Tallinn and the new Beit Bella Synagogue.

Baltic Gold

Amber – the Baltic gold – was an early source of wealth in the Baltic countries. The towns of the western coastline, such as Nida on the scenic Curonian Spit in Lithuania, the cities of Klaipeda and Liepaja, and Jurmala near Riga are often referred to as the Amber Cities of the Baltics countries. Take a relaxing tour along the Amber Coast, visiting the Amber Gallery in Nida, the Amber Museum in the Tyszkiewicz Palace in Palanga, the recently opened Great Amber Concert Hall in Liepaja and Jurmala’s amber jewellery shops.

Craftsmanship and Artisanship

Young Baltic designers, inspired by the rich folkloristic traditions of the past and the fast-moving world of today, are creating divine combinations of traditional craftsmanship and daring innovative design. Visit one of the many small workshops and galleries in Tallinn’s Old Town, the design and lifestyle shop Riija in Riga, or the design boutiques in the bohemian Uzupis district in Vilnius. Chat with young designers and admire their artisanship. Don’t forget to bring back your own specially chosen piece of contemporary Baltic design!

The Rose of Turaida

Visit beautiful Gauja National Park, 70 km northeast of Riga, and discover one of the most romantic and saddest legends of medieval Latvia, the legend of the Rose of Turaida. Step back in time to 16th century Latvia... Marija, the most beautiful girl in the Gauja Valley, deservedly known as the Rose of Turaida, had to pay with her precious and innocent life to stay faithful to her dearly loved fiancé. Visit the ruins of medieval Sigulda Castle, the mysterious Gutman Cave, the tombstone of the rose and medieval Turaida Castle.

Baltic nouvelle Cuisine

Try the new Baltic cuisine! Dine at one of the many trendy restaurants in Tallinn where the cuisine is focused on the new gastronomic trends of the Nordic countries. Enjoy an unforgettable experience at a gourmet haunt in the New Town of Riga, where young chefs are surprisingly creative in preparing novel dishes based on ecologically balanced local produce in a stylish arrangement. Or sample an exquisite signature menu in a new restaurant with a bold artistic design in Old Vilnius.

Soft Nature Adventures

The Baltic countries are dotted with national parks offering scenic stretches of unspoilt nature and flora and fauna extinct in many other European countries. Cycle up to Munamaagi Hill in Estonia, or from Riga to the vibrant Baltic Sea resort of Jurmala, or around Galve Lake with its well-preserved Island Castle in Trakai, near Vilnius. Spot brown bears in Lahemaa National Park or go canoeing in Soomaa National Park in Estonia. Enjoy a 4x4 safari tour in the forests around Vilnius, a bobsled race in Sigulda, or raft gently down the River Gauja.

Sail away!

Nestled by the Baltic Sea, the Baltic countries offer the ultimate yachting experience. Sail along the long Estonian coastline and discover some of the more than 2000 islands and islets. Rent a private yacht and tour the winding Daugava and Lielupe rivers from Riga to Jurmala and into the Gulf of Riga surrounded by adorable panoramic views of the coastline. Go to Klaipeda and cruise into the Curonian Lagoon, with the mainland on one side and the majestic towering dunes of the Curonian Spit on the other.

Back to the USSR

Some 25 years after the Baltic countries left the USSR, the harsh realities of the socialist paradise are still possible to visit. Discover the KGB Museum in Vilnius and Riga’s Stura Maja, the former KGB headquarters complete with grisly cells, interrogation rooms and execution chambers. See Grutas Park in southern Lithuania with its amazing collection of statues and exhibits of Soviet propaganda. Visit the KGB Museum at the Hotel Viru in Tallinn and the Occupation Museum in Riga. And take a private drive in a Volga car out to one of the suburbs featuring the wonders of Soviet housing.