Best of the Baltics Fly-Drive

Fly to Vilnius. Pick up the car at the airport and drive to your hotel in Vilnius (8km, 15 minutes). Check in to your hotel for 2 nights.

Spend the day exploring Vilnius - a city of churches with a steeple view on every corner. Discover a treasure trove of pristine winding streets and colourful buildings at Vilnius Old Town, explore the Cathedral, Peter and Paul Church and the Gates of Dawn. In the afternoon we recommend a drive to Trakai (25km), former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Visit the red bricked castle set idyllically on a lake and taste the Karaite’s national dish of ,kibinai, at one of the lakeside taverns. (B)

Drive through Dzukija National Park to Druskininkai, derived from the Lithuanian word for salt. (130km). This resort is now the biggest attraction of Southern Lithuania, home to mineral springs and an excellent spas. It boats unique architecture, including a 19th-century Russian Orthodox church and experimental Soviet-era hotels. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

After relaxing in Druskininkai drive towards Kaunas (130km), Lithuania’s second largest city, which also served as capital between the two world wars. In Kaunas stroll around the old town and visit the 13th century Kaunas Castle and the Town Hall of Kaunas, known locally as 'White Swan', and be sure to wander along the Laisves Aleja (the Avenue of Liberty), a pedestrian avenue where all the main shops and restaurants are located. For those with time to spare why not visit some of the museums such as the Lithuanian Museum of War and the Museum of Devils. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

There is a choice of two roads to take between Kaunas and Klaipeda - the main highway which takes around 2½ hours (200km) or a picturesque road 141 via via Šilutė and Jurbarka (285km), along the valleys and bends of the Nemunas River, which takes around 4 hours. Along this route perhaps visit the ancient castle of Raudone. For the ornithologists amongst you stop off at Ventes Ragas, where you can find one of the largest bird ringing stations in the world. Vente Cape Ornithological Station was built in 1029 and can see up to 800,000 birds fly over this migratory route - spot the white-tailed eagle, great snipe or aquatic warbler on this lonely headland. On arrival in Klaipeda check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

Today we suggest exploring Neringa National Park on the Curonian Spit, which can be easily reached by ferry from Klaipeda. The Curonian Spit, with the Baltic Sea on one side and the Curonian Lagoon on the other, is a unique nature reserve and is often referred to as the Lithuanian Sahara Desert due to its impressive sand dunes. Discover the beautiful wild nature of pine forests and golden beaches, visit the Hill of Witches which shows many wooden folk sculptures scattered along a forest path in the village of Juodkrante. Drive further along the spit to Nida – a quaint fishing village and an ideal spot for some al fresco lunch. Do climb up to Parnidzio Dune near Nida to admire the panoramic view over Nida and the endless surrounding dunes. (B)

Take a short drive from Klaipeda to Palanga - the biggest seaside resort in Lithuania. Here, miles of fine white sandy beaches stretch along the fresh Baltic Sea. Visit the Botanical Garden and Amber Museum located in the Palace of Count Tyszkiewicz. The town of Kretinga nearby is famous for its tropical winter garden and museum. Continue towards Liepaja (103km), where one of Liepaja's most unusual must-sees is the Katrosta Prison. Those who wish can take a guided tour and listen to the tale of the ghost that haunts this ominous brick building. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

Drive to Riga (230km) via Kuldiga, which is one of Latvia's prettiest towns and home to Europe's widest waterfall. Stop off in Jurmala, the largest seaside resort in Latvia. It has a combination of charming wooden houses built in the beginning of the last century and modern resort buildings. On arrival in Riga check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

Free day to explore Riga – the largest of the three Baltic capitals. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of Riga’s Old Town, pass by the 13th-century Dome Cathedral with its impressive organ and enjoy a panoramic view from the top of St. Peter’s Church spire. Riga offers the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture so head over to Alberta Iela to discover impressive buildings. (B)

Today make your way towards Tallinn along the wild beaches of the Baltic coast (309km). Perhaps stop en route in Parnu - Estonia’s 'Summer Capital' and a summer health resort since the first spa opened here in the 1830s. Continue to Tallinn and check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

Explore Estonia's capital which sits proudly on the Baltic coast, some 30 miles from Helsinki. Wander through the medieval Old Town, which is an enchanting muddle of cobbled streets with views of 13th century church spires and red slate roofs. Next, venture to the vibrant Noblessner area for trendy dining. Enjoy a meal at Lore Bistroo, famed for marinated squid. Discover maritime history at Lennusadam Maritime Museum. Explore Telliskivi's artistic district, then browse the eclectic Baltic Station Market for unique finds. (B)

Depart for Tartu (222km) via Rakvere - a modern town located in northern Estonia, 20km south of the Gulf of Finland and not far from Lahemaa National Park. The town is dominated by a medieval castle and a giant statue of 'Tarvas' the bull, thought to be the largest animal statue in the Baltics and is certainly a reason to visit. On arrival in Tartu check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. Perhaps visit to The Estonian National Museum in Tartu, the largest museum in Estonia. Explore the everyday life of Estonians and learn about Finno-Ugric peoples. The building is very impressive with temporary exhibitions, a restaurant, a museum shop, and beautiful outdoor areas, including a glass-roofed distillery by Lake Raadi. (B)

Drive to Sigulda via Valmiera and Cesis (200km). Valmiera is located just 50km from the Estonian border and is one of the oldest towns in Latvia. It was a member of the Hanseatic League during the middle ages and is an attractive place to visit.
Be sure to make time to visit Cesis, one of the most picturesque medieval towns in Latvia. End the day in Sigulda and the Gauja National Park - the biggest park in Latvia, proclaimed as a natural and cultural reserve in 1972. The surroundings of Sigulda are often called the Switzerland of Latvia due to its hills, rock exposures and old castle ruins. Also visit Turaida Museum and Castle, Gutmanis cave, and for the brave take a cable car over the Gauja River valley. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

Return to Vilnius (400km) visit Rundale Palace, an exquisite Baroque masterpiece by architect Rastrelli. Then, proceed to the Hill of Crosses, a poignant pilgrimage site adorned with thousands of crosses, offering a profound glimpse into Lithuania's spiritual heritage. Arrive in Vilnius and check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)