Baltic Capitals: Vilnius & Riga Overnight (Double)
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Port
Riga, Latvia
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$850
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 22½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
This excursion is designed for TWO guests, staying in one room. Each guest must book their own ticket.
Day One: Riga/Vilnius
You will start off in Riga, the ancient Hanseatic city, founded in 1201 on the banks of the Daugava River. Until 1856 fortifications and earthen ramparts surrounded Riga. Since then the town has changed greatly and in early thirties acquired the name of "The little Paris". The city center is one of the largest and ornate examples of Art Nouveau places in Europe, with more than a third of the center buildings built in the style.
Drive to Alberta Street, which is considered the epitome of Art Nouveau in Riga. Each house is a different and unique construction achievement from the beginning of the 20th century. Nowhere else in Riga will you see such a concentration of expression and architectural fantasy.
Continue the tour with a leisurely drive along the boulevards of Riga where sights range from the 14th century Riga Castle to one of the finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture.
Stop in front of the Opera house and take a walk through Latvian history. Stroll through courtyards, see 13th century St. Peter's Church, St. John's Church, a part of the restored city wall and the medieval John's yard. The tour will take you to the heart of Old Riga - Dome Cathedral square.
See the iconic buildings of Riga: the House of Blackheads and the historic Riga Stock exchange, now the newest Riga art museum. Take a break and enjoy lunch in the heart of Riga Old Town.
After lunch head to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania and your overnight destination. On the way, take a break at the Hill of Crosses, one of major pilgrimage sites in Lithuania. The trip from Riga to Vilnius takes around 5 hours.
You will then settle into a five-star hotel in the Old Town of Vilnius. Take a short walk through Vilnius by night. As a perfect end of the day enjoy dinner in the hotel's fine dining restaurant.
Day two: Vilnius/Klaipeda
On the morning of the second day, you will have a sightseeing tour of Vilnius. Feel the unique atmosphere of the historic Old Town and discover places to which you would like to come back again.
Vilnius is famous for being home to more than 40 churches of different architectural styles in the Old Town, of which St. Anne’s Church, built in 15th century is a superb example of Flamboyant Gothic Architecture. Its facade has remained remarkably unchanged for five centuries. Another must to visit is the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, one of the few restored examples of white Baroque in Europe.
Take a panoramic drive around Vilnius, pass by Uzupis - a bohemian heart of Vilnius and come back to the main Cathedral square. The 15th century Cathedral was the coronation site of the Grand Dukes and stands in the territory of the Lower Castle.
A short walk will take you to the Presidential Palace, a notable piece of Lithuanian Classicism. Nearby stands Vilnius University, one of the oldest in Eastern Europe with the campus composed of thirteen cozy courtyards.
Continue your guided walk through the Jewish quarter towards the Gates of Dawn, historically the gate of Vilnius, the original defensive walks.
After lunch board your bus, relax and enjoy a 4 hour drive through Lithuanian countryside to Klaipeda to rejoin your ship.
Please note:
The KGB Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; on these occasions an alternative museum will be visited instead. Tour requires considerable walking in Vilnius and Riga. Please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability prior to booking. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, and many steps. Participants can stay on the coach at any time or choose to walk less; however, this will mean missing some of the attractions. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Blind and/or deaf guests may require assistance. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. It is essential to bring your medications with you. Dietary requirements or any other special requests should be requested as early as possible. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing; the cut-off date is 35 days before the ship's call at Riga. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Airport assistance and transfers (if any), transportation by air-conditioned coach, any flights and entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour. Cancellation Policy: This excursion is non-refundable within 35 days prior to arrival at Riga. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour cost, including if you cancel your cruise within 35 days prior to arrival at Riga. Important information regarding visa requirements: You must bring your passport with you on the tour. It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through, and for the country where you will rejoin the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise.