Country Holidays

Self-drive tours

Baltic 's country life tour

Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania (17 days)

This tour gives superb insight into the three Baltic states bringing you as close as possible to the very best of the cultural heritage and lifestyle. The itinerary is organized around excellent quality accommodation at villas or manor houses. Many of the hotels have their own interesting history. You visit outstanding attractions like Rundale Palace, Trakai Castle, Curonian Spit as well as several medieval churches and Bishop' s Castle at the Saaremaa island. But the route often turns away from the main tourist roads and gives a chance to explore local traditions. On the way there are several crafts workshops where to observe traditional handicrafts and  there are farms where to try local products. The route passes some laid-back villages where life has not changed much through centuries, beautiful landscapes including Gauja, Lahemaa and Dzukija national parks equipped with well maintained trails worthwhile a walk.  Sightseeing include cultural heritage from different centuries as well as the capitals of the three Baltic states – Rīga, Tallinn and Vilnius. The tour is full of contrasts and positive surprises.

General information:
  • Route: Riga – Sigulda - Cēsis - Dikļi - Ainaži - Parnu - Virtsu - Kuressaare - Haapsalu - Tallinn - Lahemaa - Tartu - Ape - Gulbene - Madona - Koknese - Skrunda - Liepāja - Palanga - Klaipeda - Šilute - Nida - Druskininkai - Vilnius - Trakai - Kernave - Bauska - Pilsrundāle - Rīga
  • Individual
  • Hire car
  • Length of the route: ~ 2515 km
  • 17 days
  • Road cover: 98% Asphalt
1st day / Arrival in Rīga
Arrival at Rīga International aiport. Free time to explore Rīga. Places of particular interest are the medieval Old Town and the Art Nouveau district included into UNESCO World's Heritage list. Also the Central Market, one of the largest in Europe is worth a visit to see the local products.

Accommodation at Europe Royal Riga. The hotel is situated  at the town house which belonged to the influential Benjamins family, successful publishers.

2nd day /Rīga – Sigulda - Cēsis(~89 km)
Breakfast
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Ethnographic open-air museum located in a beautiful spot by the lake at pine forest.
  • Sigulda where there is one of the Latvia’s most beautiful landscapes of the Gauja National Park and from where is three medieval castles are accessible – Sigulda, Krimulda Castle Ruines  and Turaida castle museum complex with its observation tower, functioning estate's houses and sculpture park. Numerous well marked scenic walking  trails along the Gauja river valley;
  • Ligatne with nature trails where local wild animals can be watched, sandstone cliffs with small caves where local wine-makers and craftsmen offer their production and tastings;
  • Āraiš Archeological Museum Park consists of  an reconstruction of  the 9th century' s lake settlement as well as Livonian castle ruins. In the village is also the old wind mill with authentic mechanism;
  • Cēsis – a charming medieval town with impressive medieval  Livonian castle ruins.  Ancient jewellery workshop located inside the Castle Museum. 
Overnight at the country hotel Karla Muiza manor.
The hotel surrounded by beautiful hilly landscape, old forests and walks along the river Amata where spectacular Devonian sandstone outcrops can be seen.
3rd day / Cesis - Dikļi - Ainaži – Parnu (~164 km)
Breakfast
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Ungurmuiža Manor, only remaining sample in the Baltics of wooden baroque architecture, with old preserved 18th century wall paintings, pleasant park with old oak-trees and Tea House;
  • Stop for lunch at Dikļi Manor. Renovated Neo-baroque manor which now is a hotel;
  • Applied Arts Studio in Staicele – textiles, weaving and goods from nature's materials;
  • Cross Latvian/Estonian boarder at Ainaži;
  • Pärnu historic Estonian seaside resort town with elegant villas and sandy beach.
Overnight at Ammende Villa. The most impressive villa at Parnu.
4th day /Pärnu – Virtsu - ferry to Muhu island – Kuressare  at Saaremaa (~158 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • The ethnographic Koguva fishing village at Muhu island;
  • Traditional weaving and embroidery are still practised and strong in Muhu island. For traditional local crafts visit Handicraft shop at Kuivastu Port;
  • Valjala church and hill fort, the oldest church of the island;
  • Kaali Meteorit Lake – the most prominent meteorite craters in Europe (the main crater is 110 meters in a diameter and 22 meters in depth);
  • Kuressaare. Attractions include impressive and well preserved medieval Bishop' s Castle,  art galleries, artisan shops and cafés, beach and spas.
Overnight at Grand Rose Hotel: medieval churches and windmills are characteristic of the island.
5th day /Saaremaa – Haapsalu – Tallinn (~256 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Panga rock- the highest rock of Estonia;
  • Haapsalu – a nice seaside town with the castle where  White Lady is in residence, open-air ethnographic museum.
Overnight at the Merchant`s House in Tallinn or  at the guest house Valge Villa.
6th day / Tallinn
Breakfast.

Day in Tallinn. Attractions include medieval walled Old Town as well as Kadriorg area with relaxing park and the modern art museum KUMU. For handicrafts visit St.Catherines Passage at the Old Town where local crafts workshops are located.

Overnight at the Merchant`s House in Tallinn or  at the guest house Valge Villa.
7th day / Tallinn – Lahemaa – Tartu  (~227 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Jägala waterfall;
  • Kolga Estate– one of the most prominent examples of estate architecture in the North Europe;
  • Jaani-Tooma kivi – one of the largest single-standing boulders at the Baltic sea shores is typical for the Lahemaa National park;
  • Käsmu fishing village -  the former Estonian naval center;
  • Rakvere castle ruins - the castle was built by Danish crusaders.
Overnight at the Antonius Hotel. The history of the building dates back to 16th century.
8th day / Tartu – Ape - Gulbene – Madona (~237 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • The Estonian university town Tartu attractions:  the first Baltic university and the old observatory on the top of the Toomemägi hill;
  • Cross Estonian/Latvian boarder at Ape;
  • Stop for lunch at Vecgulbene Manor Complex consisting of two manor buildings built in the 19th century. The Red Manor in the neogothic style and the elegant White Manor in style of a  Renaissance villa. The estate's outbuildings have survived, too, and are now part of the hotel;
  • Cesvaine Castle, 19th century Eclecticism. Its romantic park contains more than 70 tree species;
  • Visit farmstead Jurguci which specialises in goat breeding, makes high quality cheese and goat meat products at Cesvaine.
Overnight at the Marciena Manor. Former manor estate turned into excellent spa hotel.
9th day / Madona – Koknese - Olaine - Skrunda (~306 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Krustkalni Nature Reserve with walking trails and observation tower;
  • Traditional bakery Liepkalni. Visitors can observe the baking process and purchase the bread. There is also information trail;
  • Scenic Koknese castle ruines with park on the banks of the Daugava river;
  • Walking plank-trail at the Cena Heath. There is a 5 km circular trail with viewing tower. Vast bog sceneries as as well as old military road.
Overnight at Berghof Manor. Brilliant neo-rococo interior. There is also a Milk Museum in the estate.
10th day / Skrunda - Liepaja - Palanga - Klaipeda - Šilute (~227 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Embute Nature Park is a scenic territory with walking trails. There are several historic monuments in it - hill fort, manor house, castle and church ruins;
  • Lively Liepaja with its old town, promenade, nice beach and also impressive military history;
  • Cross Latvian/Lithuanian border;
  • Palanga is a  busy beach resort with an excellent and very informative Amber Museum.
Overnight at Zveju užeiga.
11th day / Nida
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Take a boat to Nida, Curonian Spit for  a relaxing day trip without the car. There is a famous white sand dune, charming Nida village with traditional architecture and Thomas Mann House.
  • The delta of the river Nemunas and the island Rusne with a small ethnographic open-air museum, restored church and lighthouse.
Accomodation at Zveju uzeiga.
12th day /Silute - Kaunas - Drunskininkai (~322 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • The valley of the river Nemunas with beautiful vistas from various castle mounts;
  • The cape of Vente - a popular bird observation place, particulary during autumn migrations. Possibilty to visit bird ringing station and climb up to the Ventes lighthouse;
  • Kaunas was a Lithuanian capital between wars (1920-40). The attractions include Town Hall at the Old Town, some churches as well as pedestrian Laisves Avenue with shops, cafés and restaurants. Here are also located the State Museum to the most prominent Lithuanian artist Mikolajus Konstantinas Čiurlionis;
  • Rumsiske – open-air museum with a vast collection featuring the heritage of rural life in Lithuania.
Overnight at the hotel Violeta. 
13th day /Drunskininkai - Marcinkonys – Vilnius (~137 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Drunskininkai is a Lithuanian historic  health resort town. Here is also the Memorial Museum of the Lithuanian most prominent artist Mikolajus Konstantinas Čurlionis. Nearby is fascinating Gruto Park where exhibition was based on the Soviet time monuments demolished during 1989-91 restoration of independence; 
  • Džukija National Park includes several well preserved traditional farmsteads and villages worthwile a visit. The visitor center  is located at Marcinkonys.  The park is a good place to experience Lithuanian crafts and traditions. For example to see ancient bee keeping traditions as well as to try special Džukija Pie.
Accommodation at Mabre Residence in Vilnius.
14th day /Vilnius
Breakfast.

Vilnius is included into UNESCO World's Heritage list. It attracts visitors with its many churches, mostly in Baroque  style, atmospheric Old Town and hilly relief which provides scenic views.

Accommodation at Mabre Residence in Vilnus
 
15th day/Vilnius – Trakai - Kernave - Panevėžys - Bauska (~302 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Picturesque Trakai  Castle built on an island in the lake (14th-15th century). Here is also a museum of Karaites, a Tatar group which settled here during 14th century. Chance to taste their meals at several cafés in Trakai;
  • Kernave, UNESCO World Heritage site boasts four impressive ancient mounds with wonderful panorama. There is also interesting museum featuring the sites archeological finds;
  • Cross Lithuanian/Latvian boarder
Accommodation at Mezotne Manor. An elegant country house with English style landscaped park.
16th day /Bauska – Pilsrundāle - Riga (~90 km)
Breakfast.
Sites and attractions en route:
  • Visit medieval Bauska Castle park located on the stop where two rivers Musa and Memele forming the Lielupe river. The tower provides a wonderful panoramic view to the surrounding.
  • Rundāle Palace – the grandest palace in the Baltics, built by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, court architect from St. Petersburg. It is an outstanding Baroque and Rococo architectural monument with carefully restored interior.
  • Return to Riga.
Accommodation at the Europe Royale Riga.
17th day
Breakfast.
Departure.
Rate per person in a double room: from 995 EUR*
*Minimum number of persons - 2.
*A price of the tour can change in case the planned guest houses/hotels are fully booked and we have to choose other accommodation sites.
*Prices may change due to changes in national tax legislation or other independent reasons.

Services included in the package price:
  • overnights with breakfast in manors, villas and small luxury hotels;
  • Maps and detailed description of the itinerary.
Extra costs not included in the package price:
  • Rental car for 15 days – from 755 EUR (for example Volkswagen Jetta)
  • Single supplement per person during the whole tour (16 nights): from 555 EUR
  • Transfer to/ from Riga International Airport: from 15 EUR one way (1-3 persons)
  • Other meals than breakfast
  • Ferry tickets: 2.24 EUR per person + 7 EUR per car
  • Tickets, degustations  and entrances to the attractions and sites: from 60 EUR
  • Additional night in hotel in Riga: from 95 EUR (double room with breakfast)
Information & booking - tel: +371 67617600, e-mail: lauku@celotajs.lv