21 day Baltic Jewels with Iceland and London Discovery

Day 1 - DEPART HOME

This afternoon, we will depart for our flight with Emirates with the final destination being Vilnius (Lithuania). After landing into Dubai, we will transit a few hours before reboarding our flight with Air Baltic.

Included meals - As per flight

Day 2 - ARRIVE VILNIUS (LITHUANIA)

Your flight lands into Vilnius this afternoon - a city known for its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its vibrant blend of historical architecture, cultural attractions, and modern development.  After a meet and greet with your trusty tour manager we check into our hotel for some much-needed rest after the long journey. In the evening, we’ll gather for a warm welcome dinner, where you can meet fellow travellers and share your excitement for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation - Best Western Vilnius Hotel or similar

Included meals - As per flight / Dinner

Day 3 - VILNIUS

Begin your day in Vilnius with a leisurely stroll through the quirky neighbourhood of Uzupis, famous for its artistic vibe and the whimsical "Republic of Uzupis" declaration. Next, admire the stunning St. Peter and Paul’s Church, known for its exquisite baroque facade, followed by a visit to the beautiful complex of St. Anne and Bernardine’s Churches, where you can capture the intricate gothic architecture. After a morning filled with sights, savour a delightful lunch at Etno Dvaras in Old Town, where you can relish traditional Lithuanian cuisine. After lunch, continue to the majestic Vilnius Cathedral, an iconic symbol of the city. Spend your afternoon at leisure with some free time to explore the charming streets, shops, or cafes, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.

Accommodation - Best Western Vilnius Hotel or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 - VILNIUS/TRAKAI/VILNIUS

After breakfast, embark on a half-day excursion to the enchanting Trakai, just 27 kilometers away, which takes about one hour by drive. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the stunning Trakai Castle, beautifully situated on an island amidst serene waters, where you'll learn about its rich history and architectural splendour. Following the castle tour, immerse yourself in Lithuanian culture with a hands-on traditional cooking class, where you’ll prepare and enjoy a delicious local dish, making for a perfect afternoon of culinary exploration.

Accommodation - Best Western Vilnius Hotel or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 - VILNIUS/SIAULIAI/RIGA (LATVIA)

This morning we’ll drive to Siauliai, where we will stop for lunch before heading to the iconic Hill of Crosses for a brief photo opportunity. This sacred site, adorned with thousands of crosses, symbolises the enduring faith and resilience of the Lithuanian people, making it a poignant place to visit. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey towards Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Today will be a fairly long day of traversing the picturesque landscapes, offering a glimpse of the beautiful countryside as we make our way to our destination.

Accommodation - Mercure Riga Centre or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 - RIGA/SIGULDA/RIGA

Today is dedicated to exploring the beautiful city of Riga. In the morning, we’ll drive a short distance to Sigulda and here, we’ll visit Turaida Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress offering insight into Latvia's heritage. Enjoy breathtaking views as we also take a ride on the Gauja Valley cable car, providing a unique perspective of the picturesque surroundings. After lunch, we’ll return to Riga for a dynamic city tour, with a series of photo stops (time permitting) at notable landmarks, including the Dome Cathedral, the historic Churches of St. Peter, St. John, and St. Jacob, as well as Riga Castle and the charming Swedish Gate. We will also capture moments at Ratslaukums, the enchanting Three Brothers medieval houses, the iconic Pulvertornis, and the exquisite Jugendstil architecture, ensuring a delightful day filled with rich culture and captivating sights.

Accommodation - Mercure Riga Centre or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 - RIGA/PARNU/TALLINN (ESTONIA)

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Riga and embark on our journey to Parnu, a delightful coastal city known for its sandy beaches, spa resorts, and vibrant summer atmosphere. Upon arrival, we'll stop for lunch before meeting our local guide who will lead us through the charming Old Town, where we'll explore notable sites such as the historic Town Hall, the Tallinn Gate, Vallikaar, and some of the beautiful churches of Parnu. In the afternoon, we'll continue our drive to Tallinn, the captivating capital of Estonia, filled with medieval charm and vibrant culture.

Accommodation -Original Sokos Hotel Viru or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 - TALLINN

Today promises a full day of exploration in Tallinn. With our knowledgeable local guide, we’ll embark on a captivating city tour, making photo stops at iconic landmarks such as St. Nicholas Church, Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the historic Old Town Hall. After a delightful lunch, we'll continue our adventure with a visit to the Estonian Open Air Museum, where we can immerse ourselves in the rich cultural heritage and traditional lifestyles of Estonia.

Accommodation -Original Sokos Hotel Viru or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 - TALLINN/TARTU/TALLINN

Today we venture on a full-day excursion to Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant student life, rich academic history, and charming architecture and is located about three hours from Tallinn. Our local guide will take us to the esteemed University of Tartu and also a visit to the Natural History Museum for an insightful experience. After lunch, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the A. Le Coq Beer Museum, where you can enjoy a refreshing beer or soda while learning about the brewing process on a guided tour. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way back to Tallinn, filled with memories of this fascinating city.

Accommodation -Original Sokos Hotel Viru or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 - TALLINN/LAHEMAA NATIONAL PARK/TALLINN

After breakfast, we set off for a full-day excursion to Lahemaa National Park, Estonia's largest national park, renowned for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, lush forests, and picturesque manors. Upon arrival in Viljandi, our local guide will lead us on a gentle hike through the park, allowing us to soak in stunning views of its diverse ecosystems and stunning natural beauty. After a delightful lunch, we’ll visit the elegant Palmse Manor House, where we can delve into the history of the local nobility. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Tallinn for some free time in the vibrant Telliskivi Creative City, a hub for art, culture, and innovative shops—perfect for leisurely exploration and relaxation.

Accommodation -Original Sokos Hotel Viru or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11 - TALLINN/HELSINKI

In the morning, we embark on a scenic ferry ride to Helsinki. Upon our arrival, a local guide will warmly greet us before we set off on a panoramic tour of Finland's vibrant capital. Highlights include photo stops at the iconic Sibelius Monument, the stunning Helsinki Cathedral, and the historic Senate Square. After an enriching day, we enjoy dinner and settle into our accommodation for the night and prepare for our early morning flight to Iceland the following day.

Accommodation - Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel Helsinki or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12 - HELSINKI/REYKAVIK

This morning marks the next highlight of our journey as we depart Helsinki for the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik in the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Selfoss, a charming town located near some of the country’s most stunning natural features. Iceland is renowned for its dramatic scenery, including geothermal springs, towering waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. This area is also an excellent location for viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights during the winter months, when the skies come alive with vibrant hues of green, purple, and pink. As you settle in, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to explore the unique beauty and culture that Iceland has to offer, making your experience truly unforgettable.

Accommodation - Fosshotel Raudara or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 13 - REYKAVIK/GULLFOSS/HELLA/SELFOSS

After breakfast, we embark on an exciting Golden Circle tour, beginning with a photo stop at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning landscapes and geological significance. Next, we'll visit the Geysir geothermal area, where you'll have the chance to capture incredible images of Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every few minutes. Our tour continues with a visit to the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, where the powerful cascades create breathtaking views. To top off this adventurous day, you’ll also enjoy a unique snowmobile experience, allowing you to explore Iceland’s pristine snowy landscapes in an unforgettable way. Back to Selfoss in the evening.

Accommodation - Hotel Hvolsvollur or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14 - SELFOSS/HVOLSVOLLUR/KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR

Today, our adventure continues as we explore more of Iceland's most stunning highlights. We’ll make a series of memorable photo stops at breathtaking locations, including Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the striking cliffs at Dyrhólaey, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the charming village of Vík. After soaking in all these natural wonders, we’ll also visit the Lava Centre, where you can learn about volcanic activity and the fascinating geology of the region through an engaging cinema experience. Finally, we’ll settle into the cozy town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur for the evening, ready to unwind after a day full of exploration.

Accommodation - Hotel Klaustur or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15 - KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR/ORAEFI/EGILSSTADIR

Enjoy a scenic drive taking you through Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Dverghambar, and the breathtaking Vik Glacier Cave, before continuing to Hallormsstadur. Once in Hallormsstadur, prepare for an unforgettable Crystal Ice Cave tour, which includes an exhilarating jeep ride provided by Arctic Adventure, allowing you to experience the stunning icy landscapes up close and create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Tonight we settle into the township of Egilsstadir - Nestled in the heart of East Iceland, Egilsstadir serves as a vital hub for exploring the scenic wonders of the region, including lush valleys and striking mountain ranges.

Accommodation - Berjaya Herad Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 16 - EGILSSTADIR/MYVATN/AKUREYRI

This morning after breakfast, we depart Egilsstadir bound for our resting stop of Akureyri, a scenic drive that is a few hours away. Along the way, we’ll stop to explore the intriguing lava fields of Dimmuborgir and the stunning waterfall of Godafoss, both of which showcase Iceland's unique geological wonders. After a day filled with captivating sights, we'll settle into the Akureyri area for the night, ready to relax and reflect on our adventures.

Accommodation - Hotel Kea or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17 - AKUREYRI/REYKJAVIK

Today, we take a few hours drive back to Reykjavik. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of this city with several captivating photo stops. First, we'll visit Hofdi House, known for its historical significance, followed by a stop at the modern City Hall, where you can appreciate its unique architecture. Next, we’ll capture images of Parliament, the scenic Tjornin Pond, and the stunning Hallgrimskirkja Church, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Finally, we’ll conclude our tour with a stop at Perlan, where the panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for memorable photographs. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Accommodation - Fosshotel Raudara or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18 - REYKJAVIK/BLUE LAGOON/LONDON

Before our flight back to London, we bid farewell to Iceland with a visit to the iconic Blue Lagoon, indulging in the Comfort Package. This package includes entrance to the rejuvenating waters, a self-applied silica mud mask, and the use of a towel for your convenience. Enjoy your first drink at the lagoon bar as you relax and soak in the stunning surroundings. There are multiple dining options here for your own lunch arrangements including restaurants and a cafe, offering a variety of food choices. Once you are refreshed and revitalised, we head to Keflavik airport for our flight back to London. Upon arrival in the evening, we check into our hotel and then have dinner.

Accommodation - Ibis London Excel Docklands Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 19 - LONDON CITY TOUR

Our tour wouldn’t be complete without a full day in the vibrant city of London! Today's itinerary is packed with iconic sights, beginning with photo stops at Trafalgar Square, where you can admire Nelson's Column and the surrounding art galleries, as well as St. Paul's Cathedral, known for its stunning dome and rich history. We’ll also have the opportunity to view other iconic landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the historic Tower of London, each offering a glimpse into the city's fascinating heritage. Another highlight of the day is our stop at Buckingham Palace, where you might be fortunate enough to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a quintessential part of British culture. After immersing yourself in these captivating sights, you'll enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure, allowing you to explore, shop, or relax as you please before we regroup later for a delightful dinner together, celebrating the end of an unforgettable day.

Accommodation - Ibis London Excel Docklands Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / DInner

Day 20 - DEPART LONDON

This morning, a bit of free time after breakfast before we head to the airport to begin our homeward journey. We will have a stopover in Dubai before reboarding for our flight home.

Included Meals - Breakfast / As per flight

Day 21 - ARRIVE HOME

Today, your journey comes to a close as you arrive back home safely, enriched with fond memories from this incredible adventure that spanned four unique countries. We are grateful that you chose to travel with Friendly Travel, and we hope you carry the joy of these experiences with you. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to welcoming you again on your next adventure!

Included Meals - As per flight