Baltic Christmas Markets Escape
Have a very Baltic Christmas on this merry tour featuring festive holiday markets that glow with good tidings and timeless traditions. Bells are ringing and choirs are singing through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with merry wishes and magical wonders of the season. Discover brightly dressed trees in Christmas lights, unforgettable UNESCO Heritage Sites, and the natural beauty of the Baltic coastline. Celebrate the season with mulled wine, mesmerizing markets, and meaningful mementos handed down through generations with careful craftsmanship and cherished Christmas traditions on this tour of the Baltic states.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Welcome to Vilnius!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Dinner
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva Vilnius (2 nights)
Day 2: 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.
Breakfast
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.
Day 3: 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.
186 miles / 300 km
Breakfast
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.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town (2 nights)
Day 4: 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).
Breakfast
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!
Day 5: City of Spires
Start your day with a scenic drive along the Gulf of Riga before crossing the border into Estonia, the most northern Baltic country, and reach Tallinn, its capital city, with its stunning skyline of spires. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, strolling the charming streets, browsing the Christmas market in the Town Hall Square, admiring the Christmas tree, and sampling local specialties.
196 miles / 315 km
Breakfast
TOUR HIGHLIGHT:
INNOVATION & CHARM Behind the beautiful facade of this medieval, coastal gem, lies an entrepreneurial and pioneering society. Combining an exciting mix of old and new, Tallinn is the capital city of one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world and has gained the accolade of being the “Silicon Valley of Europe” due to its thriving technological businesses.
Accommodations: Radisson Olumpia (2 nights)
Day 6: Festive Flavors
Follow your Local Guide this morning, to discover the Hanseatic Old Town of Tallinn. Admire the Lühike Jalg Gate, the merchant houses, the medieval walls, and the Town Hall. Visit the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Free time this afternoon, to continue your discovery of Tallinn’s Christmas markets, browse the stalls of local handicrafts, pick up some traditional holiday gifts and decorations, and sample some festive specialties. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner.
Breakfast
Dinner
TOUR HIGHLIGHT:
LOCAL SPECIALTIES Glögi (mulled wine) is a traditional Christmas drink, a warm, spiced wine. Special to Estonia is the traditional Vana Tallinn Glögli, which includes a shot of the local rum-based Vana Tallinn liqueur. Alternatively choose a non-alcoholic version or a comforting hot chocolate. As you browse around the Christmas market stalls, look out for those who offer traditional commemorative mugs with your drink, and take one home as a souvenir!
Make the Most of Your Free Time:
While we include select excursions and must-see sights on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your tour.
Additional Tour (Optional)
Kadriorg Palace & St. Bridget's Convent Ruins
Explore Peter the Great's opulent Kadriorg Palace, a testament to Russian tsarist extravagance, then visit the ancient ruins of St. Bridget's Convent on this fantastic guided excursion.
Duration: 3h 0m
Day 6: Safe Travels Until We Meet Again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
Trip Cost (Land Only) - $1,799 per person
Double Occupancy (You share your room with a friend or family member)
*Limited Time Offer: Save $300 per person on this departure.
Booking must be made and under deposit between March 1, 2026 - March 14, 2026.
Price with the discount is $1,499 per person.
International Airfare
This is not included in the trip cost mentioned above. Feel free to book your own flights, or ask us about helping you with your reservation.
What’s Included?
6 breakfasts, 2 Dinners
All transportation and activities listed in the itinerary
3-4 star accommodations
What’s NOT included? International Airfare, meals besides those listed, optional excursion if you so choose, tips and gratuities, travel insurance (ask Cheyenne for a quote), and any souvenirs you pick up along the way!