Baltics In Luxury

Itinerary

• Latvia

  Latvia is situated in Eastern Europe. One of the three Baltic states, Latvia is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus on the south east, and the Baltic Sea on the west. The most famous travel spot is the capital Riga, a World Heritage Site. Other highlights include Liepaja with its unique former secret military town of Karosta and a magnificent beach. Kuldiga with Europe`s widest waterfall and Cesis with its medieval castle ruins are also interesting. Tourists can also enjoy the wild beauty of Latvia`s unspoilt sea coast, which is 500 km long and consists mainly of white, soft sandy beaches. Forests, which cover approximately a half of Latvia`s territory, offer many nature trails and nature parks.

• Riga

  Riga is one of the most beautiful of the Baltic cities featuring remarkable Gothic, Baroque, Classical and Art Nouveau buildings. The center of the city is considered to contain the finest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Riga contains a remarkable diversity of architectural styles, perhaps best epitomised by the Dome Cathedral. Begun in 1211, the building has been added to throughout the centuries, resulting in a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical styles. The numerous other historical buildings in Riga bear witness to Latvia’s chequered history. Since its restoration after World War I, the old quarter of the city has been a protected area. Merchants’ houses from the Middle Ages such as the Three Brothers and the 24 warehouses in the old quarter are also picturesque examples of Latvian architecture.

• Estonia

  Estonia is a Baltic state in Northern Europe. It has land borders with Latvia and Russia. With a coastline on the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, Estonia also has seaborders with Finland and Sweden. The Estonians are a Finnic people closely related to the Finns, with the Estonian language sharing many similarities to Finnish. Estonia regained its independence in 1991. It has since embarked on a rapid program of social and economic reform. Today, the country has gained recognition for its economic freedom, its adaptation of new technologies and as one of the world's fastest growing economies.

• Tallinn

  Tallinn is an ancient Hanseatic city and the capital of Estonia, Tallinn has a wealth of historical and architectural monuments, particularly in the old town center which is dominated by the soaring steeple of the medieval Town Hall (14th to 15th centuries), the oldest in northern Europe. More than two-thirds of the original City Wall still stands and a superb view of the narrow streets, the gabled roofs and the towers and spires of old Tallinn is afforded from Toompea Castle, situated on a cliff top. A favorite recreation spot is Kadriorg Park, which contains the palace built for Peter the Great. The Open Air Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the way of rural life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

• Lithuania

  Lithuania is a Baltic country in Central/Eastern Europe. It has a Baltic Sea coastline in the west and surrounded by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east, Poland to the southwest, and Russia (Kaliningrad) to the west. During the 14th century, Lithuania was the largest country in Europe: present-day Belarus, Ukraine, and parts of Poland and Russia were territories of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. With the Lublin Union of 1569 Poland and Lithuania formed a new state, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Commonwealth lasted more than two centuries, until neighboring countries systematically dismantled it from 1772 to 1795, with the Russian Empire annexing most of Lithuania's territory. On March 11, 1990, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare its renewed independence. Present-day Lithuania has one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union.

• Vilnius

  Vilnius is surrounded on three sides by wooded hills and situated in a picturesque valley formed by the rivers Neris and Vilnia, the ancient yet modern center of the city lies on the southern or left bank of the river. Vilnius' Old Town is the biggest in Europe and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike Riga and Tallinn in the other Baltic Republics, Vilnius is not of Germanic origin. Almost all major European architectural styles are represented, although ultimately it was the Baroque which came to dominate. The heart of the capital is the beautiful and spacious Gediminas Square, the main feature of which is the Cathedral built in the Classical style. Other interesting churches are the Gothic St Ann’s Church and the St Peter and St Paul’s Church. To enjoy a view of the whole city, visitors should climb the Gediminas Tower. High on a hill in the center of the city, it rises above Vilnius and is the symbol of the Lithuanian capital.

• • Tallinn
  • Three Sisters, Tallinn - Lounge

  Day 1: Tallinn

  Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Three Sisters (5*)

  In 2003, three of Tallinn’s splendid merchant houses, built in 1362, were renovated and united to create The Three Sisters Hotel (5*), which now offers five-star amenities with modern design and a backdrop of medieval history. Located within the 16th century walls of Tallinn’s fabled Old Town, The Three Sisters Hotel enables you to explore the crevices of Old Hansa without sacrificing style, convenience and luxury. Each of The Three Sisters' spacious luxury rooms and suites are unique in shape and size, owing to its 14th century origins and have convenient features and deluxe amenities. Dining in Tallinn is not complete without at least one visit to the hotel's restaurant, with its abundant wine collection.

• • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

  Day 2: Tallinn

  Your private guided tour starts at St. Charles’ Cathedral and the National Library in the city center and goes on to Pirita where the Olympic Yachting Regatta was hosted in 1980. Here you can take a look at the Olympic Center from the other side of the Pirita River. Continue to visit the ruins of St.Bridget’s Convent. On the way back to the city, a stop is made at the Song Festival Grounds, the venue of the 120-year-old Estonian song festival tradition. Afterwards, drive by the residential area of Lasnamäe and pass Kadriorg Park and Palace. Start your short walk at the Toompea Hill. Tallinn was founded on Toompea in the 11th century, visit the Parliament building and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its onion domes, built in 1900. Visit the Dome Cathedral, built 13th-14th centuries, with its interesting collection of coats-of-arms, tombstones. The tour then takes you to two viewing platforms that offer breathtaking panoramic views of Tallinn. Long Leg or Short Leg (Streets) then take you to the Lower Old Town. In the Lower Town, the tour passes St. Nicholas Church, and ends in the Town Hall Square where you can see the Town Hall Pharmacy, and the Town Hall, a Gothic masterpiece. Entrance fees are not included in the tour cost.

  Accommodation: Three Sisters (5*)
• • Palmse Manor House

  Day 3: Tallinn

  Enjoy a full day tour to Lahemaa National Park. Created in 1971 to protect the characteristic North-Estonian landscapes and the national heritage of the area, and to preserve harmonious relations between man and nature. This was the first national park in the Soviet Union. Originally the area of the national park was about 440 km², but later the territory was expanded towards the south. Now its area extends over 725 km², 474 km² lies on land, 251 km² is the sea. The tour takes 8 hours and includes private vehicle and guide. The entrance fee to Palmse Manor House is included in the tour price.

  Accommodation: Three Sisters (5*)
• • Riga
  • Hotel Grand Palace, Riga

  Day 4: Tallinn - Riga

  Enjoy a private transfer from Tallinn. On your way you can choose to have a stop in Parnu, Estonian "Summer Capital". Visit Sigulda with Gauja National Park. The park, located about 50 km from Riga in the Gauja River valley, is known as the most popular tourist and leisure destination. Tour enables one to experience a genuine whiff of the Middle Ages, a time of romantic legends, castles and heroic figures by visiting the ruins of the 13th century Turaida Castle, and a local History Museum, viewing “the garden of Gods” from the 30 m high fortification tower, walking to the sandstone grottoes on the ancient river bank. During this tours you have private vehicle and English speaking driver at your disposal as well as local English speaking guide for Turaida Castle and entrance fees to Turaida Castle.

  Accommodation: Grand Palace (5*)

  Grand Palace Hotel (5*) is located in the cobble stoned 15th century old city of Riga, surrounded by ancient monuments and near the vibrant shopping and business community, The Grand Palace Hotel emanates charm with its blend of Old Russian and European influences. Guest rooms at the hotel are specially designed to provide luxury and privacy and all accommodations are elegantly decorated, while the famous Seasons restaurant provides guests with the best culinary creations in the Baltic region. Voted Latvia's leading hotel for four years in a row, by the body of World Travel Awards, and the only member of The Leading Hotels of The World in Latvia, a stay at The Grand Palace Hotel is a must when visiting this region.

• • Academy of Arts
  • Open-Air Ethnographic Museum

  Day 5: Riga

  During this panoramic city tour, admire the most famous sights of Riga. Drive along the embankment of the River Daugava, providing wonderful panoramic view of the city. It follows through the center of the town to Jugendstil district, Alberta Street - the real open-air architectural museum, where the most explicit collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe is located. The City Tour follows through the modern part of the city. You'll observe University building, National Opera, Academy of Arts and central train station. The tour concludes at the Old Town.

  Visit one of the best Latvian museums, the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum was founded in 1924. Reconstructing the life of Latvia in the 17-19 centuries, it features farmsteads, churches, windmills, fishing villages and other structures, all relocated from the countryside. In the museum you can watch craftsmen - blacksmiths, spoon-carvers, bee-keepers, potters and others. In the small tavern the wide range of traditional Latvian dishes and beer is offered (not included in tour price).

  Accommodation: Grand Palace (5*)
• • Vilnius
  • Radisson SAS Astoria, Vilnius

  Day 6: Riga - Vilnius

  Enjoy a private transfer from Riga to Vilnius. During your transfer visit Rundale Palace located 66 km away of Riga. One of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Latvia was built in 1736-1740 as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland, Ernst Johann Biron. The palace was designed by outstanding Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the creator of the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. The Rundale Palace is unique; it is one of the few remaining places in Latvia, where the very essence of the 18th century may still be experienced. During this tour you will have a local guide at your disposal. Continue your tour with Hill of Crosses. Entrance fee to Rundale Palace is included in the tour cost.

  Accommodation: Radisson SAS Astoria (5*)

  Originally built in 1901, the Radisson SAS Astoria (5*) is superbly located in the heart of the Old Town in Vilnius. Despite its renovation in 1998, the hotel has held on to its turn-of-the-century charm and offers guests a unique hotel experience. It is within walking distance of main tourist attractions, shopping centers and the business district. All 120 rooms have a classic décor and are fully equipped with high-quality amenities expected of a high class hotel such as free high-speed and wireless internet access. The Brasserie Astorija serves modern international cuisine, while the Astorija Bar is the ideal place to take a break. The new Health Club has a fitness room, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath and whirlpool. Experience this fabulous Baltic hotel for yourself!

• • Trakai Castle

  Day 7: Vilnius

  The City Tour follows through the modern part of the city. You'll observe University building, National Opera, Academy of Arts and central train station. Enjoy a half day tour to the picturesque town of Trakai, the ancient capital of Lithuania situated 30 km from Vilnius. The Trakai region features unique relief: the combination of numerous unbelievably pure lakes and moraine hills create a breathtaking sight. There are ancient legends explaining the exceptional lucidity of the lakes. The "town on the water", as Trakai is usually called, is particularly rich in architectural and cultural monuments. The main landmark of the town is the famous insular Trakai Castle - the only insular castle in Eastern Europe - situated on the island in the Galve Lake. These days the castle houses the ethnographic museum, which displays authentic furniture, porcelain, crockery, articles made of glass and bone, seals, hunting trophies and archeological findings discovered in the Trakai Castle. Entrance fee to Trakai Castle is included in the tour cost.

  Accommodation: Radisson SAS Astoria (5*)

• Day 8: Vilnius

  Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Villnius airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• • Three Sisters, Tallinn - Lounge

  Three Sisters (5*)

  In 2003, three of Tallinn’s splendid merchant houses, built in 1362, were renovated and united to create The Three Sisters Hotel (5*), which now offers five-star amenities with modern design and a backdrop of medieval history. Located within the 16th century walls of Tallinn’s fabled Old Town, The Three Sisters Hotel enables you to explore the crevices of Old Hansa without sacrificing style, convenience and luxury. Each of The Three Sisters' spacious luxury rooms and suites are unique in shape and size, owing to its 14th century origins and have convenient features and deluxe amenities. Dining in Tallinn is not complete without at least one visit to the hotel's restaurant, with its abundant wine collection.

  • More information
• • Hotel Grand Palace, Riga

  Grand Palace (5*)

  Grand Palace Hotel (5*) is located in the cobble stoned 15th century old city of Riga, surrounded by ancient monuments and near the vibrant shopping and business community, The Grand Palace Hotel emanates charm with its blend of Old Russian and European influences. Guest rooms at the hotel are specially designed to provide luxury and privacy and all accommodations are elegantly decorated, while the famous Seasons restaurant provides guests with the best culinary creations in the Baltic region. Voted Latvia's leading hotel for four years in a row, by the body of World Travel Awards, and the only member of The Leading Hotels of The World in Latvia, a stay at The Grand Palace Hotel is a must when visiting this region.

  • More information
• • Radisson SAS Astoria, Vilnius
  • Radisson SAS Astoria Dining

  Radisson SAS Astoria (5*)

  Originally built in 1901, the Radisson SAS Astoria (5*) is superbly located in the heart of the Old Town in Vilnius. Despite its renovation in 1998, the hotel has held on to its turn-of-the-century charm and offers guests a unique hotel experience. It is within walking distance of main tourist attractions, shopping centers and the business district. All 120 rooms have a classic décor and are fully equipped with high-quality amenities expected of a high class hotel such as free high-speed and wireless internet access. The Brasserie Astorija serves modern international cuisine, while the Astorija Bar is the ideal place to take a break. The new Health Club has a fitness room, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath and whirlpool. Experience this fabulous Baltic hotel for yourself!

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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