Winter in the Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

Winter in the Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

10 Days Starting in Vilnius and ending in Stockholm

Visiting: Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

ABB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3000

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Enjoy a winter getaway in Europe like no other. This culture-filled trip takes in five European capitals: Vilnius in Lithuania, Riga in Latvia, Tallinn in Estonia, Helsinki in Finland, and Stockholm in Sweden. Along the way, soak up atmospheric old towns and visit unforgettable landmarks, while also learning about different traditions every time we cross a border. Join from late November to early January to experience the nostalgia-soaked Christmas markets – enjoying delicious local foods and soul-warming hot drinks under twinkling lights and sparkly decorations.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the grand island castle of Trakai

  • Visit the atmospheric Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

  • Explore Helsinki’s futuristic Temppeliaukio Church

  • Experience traditional Christmas markets (select departures only)

  • Tour the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Vilnius

  • Visit the oldest chocolate factory in Lithuania

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Vilnius

Location: Vilnius

We begin this winter trip in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. If you have free time, you may wish to get a sneak preview of tomorrow’s tour by wandering around the baroque old town – said to be the largest of its kind in eastern Europe.



This evening, we have a welcome briefing at the hotel, in which we discuss the trip to come and meet each other for the first time.



Accommodation: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (or similar)

Day 2 : Visit The Island Castle At Trakai; Tour Of Vilnius

Location: Vilnius

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, we have a 30-minute transfer (18mi/30km) to Trakai, the one-time capital of Lithuania. Here we see Trakai island castle, a centuries-old stone fort on an island in Lake Galvė. It’s a picturesque place to be and there’s a market around the waters.



After our visit, we return to Vilnius for a three-hour bus and walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Senamiestis (Old Town), visiting the highlights, including: the cathedral; presidential palace; and the Aurora Gate, home to a well-known icon of the Virgin.



Depending on your departure date, you may also be able to explore the enchanting Vilnius Christmas Market, which transforms Cathedral Square into a winter wonderland. Under the gleaming white of the towering cathedral spire, festive stalls offer handmade crafts, local treats and decorations. Sample traditional holiday sweets, pastries, and festive dishes at local cafes and restaurants.



Accommodation: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (or similar)

Day 3 : Transfer To Riga, Visiting Kaunas, Siauliai Chocolate Factory And The Hill Of Crosses

Location: Riga

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We leave Vilnius this morning for Riga, the capital of Latvia. After 62mi (100km), which should take around 1hr 15min, we stop in Kaunas. Here, we have a two to three-hour tour to admire the architectural treasures of the city. It includes: the Vytautas Church; Perkunas house; baroque town hall; and Kaunas Cathedral, the largest gothic building in Lithuania.



We continue our journey (95mi/155km, 2hr 15min) and stop at Siauliai, where we learn about the first chocolate factories in Lithuania. Here we visit the oldest chocolate factory in the country, where we learn how their chocolate is tempered and the artisan confections are produced. We also get the chance to make our very own, picking from various ingredients and wrapping them as a souvenir to go.



After, we have a 10-minute drive to the Hill of Crosses, a striking collection of more than 100,000 crosses on a low hill. It’s a pilgrimage site but also acted as a symbol of defiance against the once-ruling Soviets, who had banned religion. The spot is now recognised by UNESCO as a symbol of national and religious identity.



We then have a two-hour drive (80mi/125km) to Riga, arriving between 7.30pm and 8pm. We have the rest of the evening free to enjoy the wintery capital of Latvia. You may wish to try traditional Latvian foods such as grey peas with bacon, potato pancakes (kartupeļu pankūkas), and sauerkraut soup (skābeņu zupa) at the restaurants and cafes.



Accommodation: Riga Islande Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 : Riga Walking Tour

Location: Riga

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we enjoy a two-hour walking tour of Riga, including Riga Castle, the Lutheran Cathedral Dome; St Peter’s Church, and the Swedish Gate.



We also visit the Central Market. Here, vast hangers that once housed zeppelins are filled with delicious goods. Learn about Latvian cuisine and cultural traditions from our tour leader and tuck into a variety of local specialties, such as: cheese, smoked products, pickled vegetables, fish and bread; and traditional black balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made from a recipe that includes various natural ingredients, such as roots, herbs and spices.



We then have free time to explore Riga. You might like to visit the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, or the Riga Art Nouveau Museum.



When the Christmas spirit is in full swing, we can wander the cobbled streets of the old town, where the medieval buildings are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, and visit Dome Square, where Christmas stalls offer mulled wine and Latvian treats.



Accommodation: Riga Islande Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 : Transfer To Tallinn; Visit The Oldest Coffee Shop In Estonia

Location: Tallinn

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Riga this morning and transfer (195mi/315km, 4hr 30min) to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. After free time for lunch, we visit the oldest coffee shop in the country. Here, we learn about marzipan painting – an ancient tradition in Tallinn – from a pro and create a figure of our own, while also enjoying coffee and sweet treats.



We then have free time to experience Tallinn in winter. Depending on the time of year, we can visit Tallinn Christmas Market, magical with its Old Town backdrop. The entire square is dressed in lights, festive ornaments and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.



Alternatively, your free time could be spent in the bohemian district of Kalamaja, exploring Balti Jaama market or at the Fotografiska Tallinn Photography Museum.



Accommodation: Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar)

Day 6 : Tour Tallinn; Free Time For More Exploration

Location: Tallinn

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we have a three-hour walking tour of the Tallinn landmarks, visiting: Toompea Palace, the seat of the Estonian Parliament, the medieval Toompea Fortress, Alexander Nevski Orthodox Cathedral, the Church of St Maria (13th to 18th century), the Town Hall Square and the 15th-century Pharmacy.



After, we have free time to further explore Tallinn, perhaps revisiting the Christmas market or indulging in other wintery treats.



Accommodation: Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar)

Day 7 : Ferry To Helsinki; Walking Tour To Explore The Finnish Capital

Location: Helsinki

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Tallinn this morning and take the ferry (1hr 30min) across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, capital of Finland. The ferry features multiple restaurants and cafes, some also offer entertainment such as live music, performances or cinemas.



After arriving, we have a 15-minute transfer to the hotel. We then embark on a two-hour walking tour (we may use public transport). Our exploration takes us around the harbours, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and market square. We also explore the Temppeliaukio Church, a spectacularly futuristic Lutheran church dug into bedrock. We then have free time to enjoy Helsinki.



Accommodation: Arthur Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 : Free Time In Helsinki; Overnight Ferry To Stockholm

Location: Stockholm

Meals Included: Breakfast

After checkout, we have free time in the city. To make our explorations a little easier, we can store luggage at the hotel. The Finnish capital is home to many beautiful parks. Esplanadi or Kaivopuisto look particularly beautiful in the snow. Alternatively, embrace the Finnish tradition of saunas, there are several public ones to try.



We then have an overnight ferry to Stockholm, leaving at 5pm. The vessel typically has a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars and entertainment.



Accommodation: Ferry

Day 9 : City Tour Of Stockholm

Location: Stockholm

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have breakfast on the ferry, before transferring to the hotel, where we can store our luggage. We then embark on a three-hour city tour of Stockholm by bus and foot. It includes two squares on Riddarholmen and Södermalm islands and a walk through the Old Town.



We then have free time to enjoy Stockholm, which offers a variety of winter activities and attractions. Indulge in the Swedish custom of fika, a cultural institution in which friends socialise over a hot drink and snack or pastry. Alternatively, visit the spa facilities at Centralbadet and Sturebadet for a Swedish sauna or discover the city on a guided boat tour that visits the Fjäderholmarna islands.



Depending on your departure date, you could explore the Christmas markets, where you can enjoy festive decorations, local crafts and seasonal treats. The cold period is the perfect time to enjoy hearty Swedish dishes, such as pea soup (ärtsoppa) with pancakes (ärtsoppa och pannkakor), warm cinnamon buns (kanelbullar), and mulled wine (glögg).



Accommodation: Profil Hotels Riddargatan (or similar)

Day 10 : End Stockholm

Location: Stockholm

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin our return journeys home. If you’d like a little more time to explore Stockholm, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and one lunch

  • All accommodation (see below)

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available from on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

There are buffet breakfasts in the hotels offering plenty of choice including cold meats, cheese, eggs, bread, jams, juice and coffee.



Dinners are taken in the hotel restaurants or in local restaurants and will be hearty meals. Cuisine in this area is often centred around pork, veal, fish, potatoes, sauerkraut, and soups such as borsch (beetroot soup – in Lithuania this is also served cold). Dumplings are also popular and, in Trakai, large and delicious baked dumplings called kibinai are traditionally served.

Accommodation

The hotels typically used are found in the day-to-day itinerary. However, below is a selection of the notable places we stay.



Vilnius: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (nights 1-2)







With an industrial style and music theme, our Vilnius hotel has plenty of personality. The 80 rooms are all air conditioned with underfloor heating in the bathroom, plus the Mellow restaurant serves a menu packed with local produce. Other nice additions are a free-to-use gym and a lobby shop selling beers, snacks, sandwiches and more.



Riga: Islande Hotel (nights 3-4)







Near the Daugava River, the Islande has a magnificent panoramic view of Riga Old Town. It’s located in a green area of Kipsala island, a 12-minute walk from the Old City, and offers a wide range of amenities, including a bowling alley, sauna, gym, two restaurants and a summer terrace.



Helsinki to Stockholm: Overnight ferry (night 8)







On our journey between the Finnish and Swedish capitals, we stay on the Silja Symphony or Silja Serenade (above) ferries. Both offer a comfortable stay on the Baltic Sea, with modern cabins, a variety of restaurants and cafes, plus a spa.



Stockholm: ProfilHotels Riddargatan (night 9)







An excellent location near the action and Scandi style makes ProfilHotels Riddargatan an ideal spot to explore the Swedish capital. There’s also a library for some downtime plus a lobby bar for a glass of wine.



Worth knowing



If you opt for the single supplement, please note that in some hotels, this may mean having a room with a single bed.

Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024
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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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