Baltic Christmas Markets Escape with Helsinki

Welcome to Vilnius! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner. (D)

Deck the Halls Start your festive adventure this morning with a sightseeing tour to get acquainted with Vilnius’s UNESCO listed Old Town. Follow your Local Guide through the narrow winding streets, visit Cathedral Square and view important landmarks including the University, the castle, and Gediminas Tower. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to experience Vilnius’ magical Christmas markets. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT FESTIVE STATUS Vilnius is well known for its commitment to creating special festive moments. Leading up to Christmas, the city transforms itself, creating a magical atmosphere to delight all who visit. Its uniquely artistic and unconventional Christmas trees are just one reason why the city was nominated as the European Christmas Capital in 2025.

Baltic Pearl Enjoy a morning scenic drive, cross the border into Latvia, and continue to the charming, historic city of Riga, located on the Baltic coast. This afternoon, join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour, enjoy views of the Freedom Monument and Art Nouveau District, plus a walking tour along the cobbled lanes in the Old Town. Free time this evening. (B) 186 miles / 300 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE With an abundance of Art Nouveau architecture in its center, Riga has gained a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On top of this it still has well-preserved medieval buildings and can be considered a cultural hub having been influenced by its Hanseatic, Swedish, and Russian rulers.

Festive Firsts Today, enjoy free time to visit Riga’s Christmas Markets, and watch the city transform under the sparkling festive illuminations as you sample local gingerbread and sip karstvîns (mulled wine). (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT BRANCHING OUT Locals claim that the first public decorated Christmas Tree was displayed in Riga’s town square in 1510. It is said that a guild of young, unmarried merchants, known as the Brotherhood of Blackheads, decorated the tree with apples and roses, before dancing around it and then setting it alight to symbolize good riddance to past failures and good luck for the future!