A Baltic Odyssey

Day 1-2

It takes a minute to reach Estonia’s Capital City, Tallinn, by air via Denver and Frankfurt, but the charm of this ancient, walled city will be apparent the moment you reach the Center City and meet our local guide. Take some time to stretch your legs and explore before our Welcome Dinner. Palace Hotel by Radisson – 2 nights (D)

Day 3

Fortified by a hearty breakfast, we’ll spend the morning at Lahemaa, the oldest and largest National Park in Estonia. Located on the Gulf of Finland, the park showcases and preserves a massive acreage of forests, bogs, lakes and waterways, along with the birds and animals who call it home. The afternoon includes time for more exploration in Old Town Tallinn, ending with a dinner you’re sure to remember – a medieval feast serving dishes from the past in an authentic 15^th Century building. (FB,L,D)

Day 4

 As we leave Tallin, visit a family-operated cider house, sample their offerings and have a home-cooked lunch. Onward to Estonia’s fourth largest city, Pärnu, a seaside paradise famous for its wide, sandy beaches; clear, shallow surf; a waterfront promenade stretching for miles and luxurious spa activities. You’ll have the afternoon free to do as much or little as you please from the convenient location of our beachfront hotel. The property houses the city’s oldest and most popular spa and wellness center, appropriately named because today is all about YOU. Hedon Spa & Hotel (FB,L,D)

Day 5

Latvia is the most agricultural of the Baltic States, so it’s fitting that we spend our first day on a “recreational” deer farm, where the animals are bred and raised for their stature (specifically their racks), competing in contests all over Europe. Our farmer-host is the recipient of many national and international titles as he will be proud to show you. After lunch, let’s visit a castle . . . or two. Sigulda New Palace is an 19^th Century manor built upon layers of history (earlier castles) dating back to the 11^th Century. In the early 20^th century, New Palace became a celebrated writers colony attracting the region’s premier intelligentsia and creative circles, and not a few celebrities. Onward to Latvia’s Capital City, Riga, with a visit to Gauja National Park enroute. Radisson Blu Latvija – 2 nights (FB,L,D)

Day 6

Explore Riga from top to bottom including a city tour featuring the impressive civic and holy structures that define the city, including the large concentration of Art Nouveau architecture for which Riga is famous. Enjoy an organ concert in Domas Cathedral. Sample local treats at the Central Market. And have a presentation and tasting at the workshop where Black Balsam elixir is formulated and bottled, long renowned for its mystical qualities. Does it really contain a little black magic? After this experience you can judge for yourself. (FB,D)

Day 7

At a sea buckthorn berry farm, you’ll learn the amazing antioxidant and probiotic qualities of the tiny, tart orange berry at one of the only places in the world commercially growing and producing juice and related products. Onward to Rundale Palace, an absolutely mind-blowing Baroque palace built for the Duke of Courland. (We’re not sure exactly who this guy was, but OMG what a house!) The recently restored 18^th Century mansion is THE singular architectural masterpiece in all of the Baltics and absolutely not to be missed! Crossing into Lithuania, visit a rural family bakery to bake and sample bread in Old World style, meet the owners, and have dinner as locals perform traditional Lithuanian songs and dances. Romantic Boutique Hotel, Panevezys (FB,L,D)

Day 8

The Hill of Crosses simply must be seen to be believed. Dating to a national uprising in the 1830s, the number of crosses is estimated at over 200,000 – and grows steadily each year – at this organic shrine to the power of God over adversity. In the waterfront community of Klaipėda you’ll find a “youthful city” dedicated to jazz, good food and drink. For us, it’s the jumping off point for tomorrow’s amazing journey. Victoria Hotel, Klaipėda – 2 nights (FB,L,D)

Day 9

The Curonian Spit is a narrow, sandy strip of land extending into the Baltic Sea which in its entirety is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Populated with small scrub and evergreen forests, dunes and fishing villages, it is famous for the profusion of amber on its beaches and a particular delicacy served up at nearly every restaurant and roadside stand – smoked fish. (It’s an acquired taste!) Sample all the Spit has to offer (including the dubious fish) on a full day of exploration including an amber workshop and a cruise on the lagoon. (FB,L,D)

Day 10

Continue into the heart of Lithuania’s artistic/anti-art community in Kaunas, home of the FLUXUS Movement, then on to Trakai where a traditional Karaim lunch of Kibinai, Broth and Gira is served in the shadow of the fairytale Trakai Castle which you’ll visit. Your day continues in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius with a highlights tour upon arrival. Courtyard by Marriott – 2 nights (FB,L,D)

Day 11

The morning begins with a poignant reminder of the country’s Soviet past at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, located in the former KGB prison. From there the city tour continues featuring more impressive monuments and public buildings including Vilnius Cathedral (built on the ruins of an ancient pagan temple), the Franciscan St. Ann’s Church (dating to 1500), the Gate of Dawn and the Jewish Quarter. Our Farewell Dinner is served in the famous Neringa Restaurant, a historic landmark in the city, noted for its culinary expertise, top-class service and art moderne wall murals. (FB,L,D)

Day 12

What a region! What a vacation! Surely it can’t be time to go home, but indeed it is. Goodbye to all the Northern European sights, sounds and friends we’ve made along the way... especially the smoked fish! (FB)

$____ p.p./dbl.occ., $____ single

This tour requires a valid passport