Baltic Sea Capitals

Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland and surrounded by more than 300 islands. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your premium hotel located in the city centre. This evening, gather in the hotel restaurant to meet your Great Rail Journeys Escort and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on an exploration of Helsinki, a city that effortlessly blends history with modernity. Begin in the oldest part of the city with a visit to Senate Square surrounded by majestic neoclassical buildings, dominated by the green-domed Helsinki Cathedral overlooking the square. Then, travel to the Olympic Stadium, the centre stage of the 1952 Summer Olympics, to enjoy its architecture up close. Continue exploring the city's contemporary architecture including Helsinki University Library, the modernist National Opera House, and the abstract Sibelius Monument, created from 600 hollow steel pipes, honouring celebrated composer Jean Sibelius. Marvel at the astounding Temppeliaukio Church, resembling a giant space ship that's crashed into the city centre.

You'll then enjoy a guided cruise admiring the beautiful archipelago and shorelines of Helsinki. During the cruise, you'll pass the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, the impressive fleet of ice-breaker vessels, and the City Zoo located, on Korkeasaari Island. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Helsinki independently, perhaps finding an establishment to enjoy dinner this evening.

This morning, board a local ferry and glide across the calm waters of the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn in neighbouring Estonia. Arrive in the picturesque capital and head to your hotel for check-in. In your free time this afternoon, perhaps venture to the historic Old Town to stroll along its cobbled streets and admire the medieval architecture, appreciating why its often considered one of the best-preserved Old Towns in Europe, and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Tonight, savour your first taste of authentic Estonian cuisine at the hotel's restaurant.

After breakfast, depart your hotel for a guided sightseeing tour of Tallinn by coach to enjoy the city's medieval gems. Marvel at the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral adorned with flowing arches and topped with five onion domes — it's one of the city's most distinguishing sights. Head to the Toompea district in Tallinn's medieval Old Town, surrounded by charming historic buildings, including the pink-coloured parliament, and the stark white of 13th-century St Mary's Cathedral, also known as the Dome Church. In Town Hall Square, gaze upon the oldest surviving town hall in northern Europe, before continuing to view the House of the Blackheads, formerly known as the House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads — a professional association of ship owners, merchants and foreigners dating to the 14th century. The building is the only example of preserved Renaissance architecture in Tallinn. Your medieval experience in Tallinn concludes with a glimpse into life behind the 'iron curtain' with a guided tour of the KGB Museum, featuring fascinating exhibits of historical relics.

Tallinn offers a rich culinary scene. Tonight in your free time, explore the many restaurants, cafes and bars on offer for a culinary adventure, perhaps sampling an elk stew or a dish of wild boar.

Uncover Estonia's fascinating seafaring history, starting with a visit to the Estonian Maritime Museum at Seaplane Harbour. This innovative complex is housed in a historic seaplane hangar and showcases Estonia's naval history through artefacts, model ships, an authentic Russian submarine, icebreaker, and a seaplane.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Tallinn at your own pace. You might wish to grab a table at one of the cafes overlooking the town square and experience a taste of local life in Estonia's capital. This evening, you have the opportunity to dine independently at one of the city's many eateries or, perhaps, experience the unique medieval flavours served up at Olde Hansa restaurant, complemented by 14th century-style entertainment.

This morning, transfer to Tallinn's railway station for your scenic train journey to Riga via the border town of Valga, winding your way through lush forests dotted with quaint towns. Switch trains in Valga and continue your journey to Latvia, bound for its beautiful capital, Riga. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel on the edge of the Old Town for check-in. This evening, delight in Latvian cuisine at a local restaurant for dinner.

Unlock the history of Riga on a tour of the capital, home to approximately a third of the country's population. Travel to Riga's Old Town and see the ornate House of the Blackheads. Similar to the one in neighbouring Tallinn, the building acted as a meeting point for the city's merchants and visiting traders. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the historic quarter, admiring its charming medieval buildings, including a trio of fairytale-like houses known as the Three Brothers. Enter Riga's 13th-century cathedral and explore what is considered the largest cathedral among the Baltic states.

With a free afternoon, you could choose to stroll along Albert Street, marvelling at the wealth of Art Nouveau buildings. Alternatively, stumble upon local gems on your independent exploration, perhaps finding a cosy place to enjoy authentic local cuisine for dinner.

Your exploration of these three captivating capitals culminate with a transfer Riga Airport for your flight home.