In this Baltics itinerary, I’ll take you through Vilnius → Riga → Tallinn, the classic south-to-north route. Compact, affordable, and incredibly varied, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are easy to explore in one trip thanks to short travel distances and great transport connections.
You won’t be able to see everything, because these countries deserve far more time, but you’ll get a great first impression of what makes each one special.
You’ll explore each capital’s highlights and add a few memorable day trips, from medieval castles to quiet coastlines. And if you have more time, I’ll suggest extensions to Helsinki, Minsk, and other nearby destinations.
Baltics Itinerary Overview (7–10 Days)
The below 10-day travel itinerary is the perfect way to get a good taste of what the Baltics is all about.
- Days 1–2: Vilnius
- Day 3: Travel Vilnius → Riga (Hill of Crosses, Rundāle, Bauska)
- Days 4–5: Riga
- Day 6: Day trip from Riga
- Day 7: Travel Riga → Tallinn (Latvia’s northern coast & Pärnu)
- Days 8–10: Tallinn (incl. a day trip)
Each section below includes clustered highlights, short descriptions, and optional add-ons to make your itinerary completely your own.
Tip: If you really only have one week instead of 10 days, then make your way to Tallinn late afternoon on day 5. And spend your final 2 days in Estonia’s capital.
Days 1–2 | Vilnius: Baroque Beauty & Creative Corners
Vilnius is a friendly, atmospheric capital where baroque churches, cobblestone streets, and viewpoints come together in a compact and walkable centre. It’s the perfect place to start your itinerary through the Baltics.
Where to stay in Vilnius? Stay in style at Hotel Pacai, a 17th century restored mansion in the heart of the Old Town.
Old Town & Cathedral Square
Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the most charming in Europe and a place I love coming back to.
The best place to start exploring Vilnius is at Cathedral Square. Here, you’ll find the city’s cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. You could spend the whole day in the palace, although if that sounds like a little too much just focus on route 2.
A few steps away from Cathedral Square you’ll find Gediminas Tower, the symbol of Vilnius and the last remnant of the city’s medieval Upper Castle. Hike up the hill, or take it easy and get a €6 ticket for the funicular.
The best things in Vilnius for me are the less obvious attractions, such as the picture perfect streets in the Glass Quarter. Just follow Pilies Street there and then continue all the way to the Gates of Dawn, the historic gateway with a revered chapel.
Insider tip: Of all the capitals in this Baltics itinerary you’ll discover that Vilnius runs on caffeine the most. So, to get to know this city inside out you should really take the chance to dive into Vilnius’ coffee culture with my Vilnius Coffee Guide.
Churches & Viewpoints
Peeking into a church is one of my favourite things to do exploring a city. But to be honest I think there’s way too many churches in Vilnius to peek into all of them. So save your time and focus on these three churches beyond the cathedral. Oh and I added a hill too:
- St Anne’s Church | A gothic gem.
- Holy Spirit Orthodox Church | Ornate and richly decorated as you would expect from an orthodox church.
- St Catherine’s Church | Often used for concerts.
- Hill of Three Crosses | One of the best viewpoints in the city. Bring mosquito repellent if attempting the hike up there in summer.
Creative Neighbourhoods & River Walks
At the foot of the Hill of Three Crosses spend some time in the relaxing green escape of the Bernardine Gardens. During the summer months the gardens are full of activities, so check it out so see what’s on.
The gardens are embraced by the Vilnia river and if you continue following the river you’ll end up in the Užupis Republic. This easy going part of the city is full of terraces on every square, so have a drink next to their declaration of independence and enjoy the street art.
To finish this first section of your Baltics itinerary there’s one more thing that you shouldn’t miss while in Vilnius. For the best city views get a ticket for the Vilnius University Tower. A lift will take you up, so you can focus on the views without having to catch your breath.
Read next: Complete Vilnius City Guide With Things To Do & Itinerary Ideas
Optional Day Trip to Trakai Castle
You’ll visit plenty of castles on this Baltics itinerary, but if you can spare half a day in Vilnius, then you don’t want to miss out on Trakai Castle. It takes about 45 minutes to get there from Vilnius’ bus/train station. Read all about it in my Trakai Castle Guide.
Day 3 | Vilnius to Riga (with Three Fantastic Stops)
Of course you can travel directly on the bus or the train from Vilnius to Riga. But why not turn this trip into a highlight in itself? There’s a few really cool stops along the way that add diversity and countryside to this Baltics itinerary.
Of course adding a few stops along the way sounds easy when you have a rental car available, but what if you use public transport to get around? Well, there’s an organised small group tour available three times a week that transfers you between these cities.
Here’s what to expect when you decide to break up the journey with stops in northern Lithuania and southern Latvia:
- Hill of Crosses (Lithuania) | A unique pilgrimage site covered in tens of thousands of crosses. It’s eerily atmospheric, symbolic, and unlike anything else in Europe.
- Rundāle Palace (Latvia) | Latvia’s version of Versailles, complete with lavish interiors and beautiful gardens.
- Bauska Castle (Latvia) | A riverside fortress combining medieval ruins with restored rooms and wooden walkways.
The day ends in Riga, a smooth transition from Vilnius’ baroque skyline to Latvia’s colourful Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture.
Read next: How To Get From Vilnius To Riga And What To Do Along The Way
Days 4–5 | Riga: Culture, Architecture & Endless Summer Light
Riga has a bigger-city feel than Vilnius with bold architecture, lively squares, excellent museums, great food. And on top of that Europe’s finest Art Nouveau district.
Add in long summer evenings, riverfront parks, and one of the best food scenes in the Baltics, and you’ve got a capital that really surprises people.
Where to stay in Riga? Stay at the centre of it all at the Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town that sits right behind the House of the Black Heads.
Riga Old Town Highlights
Riga’s Old Town is compact, colourful, and full of terraces that spill into squares during summer. It’s a place where wandering without a plan works perfectly.
Start at the House of the Black Heads, arguably the most photogenic building in the city. From there, it’s only a short walk to St Peter’s Church, where a lift whisks you up to the viewing platform for some of the best panoramas in Riga.
Continue through narrow lanes lined with colourful buildings until you reach Riga Cathedral and St Jacob’s Church, two of the city’s most important religious landmarks. The area around them is full of cosy cafés and outdoor terraces.
Insider tip: Summer days feel incredibly long here. I loved grabbing a drink on one of the Old Town squares and just soaking up the evening atmosphere.
Architecture, Markets & Museums
Riga is one of Europe’s great architecture cities, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its Art Nouveau district. But there’s even more to see in Riga, so check out these sights:
- Art Nouveau District | A short walk from Old Town, this neighbourhood is filled with extravagant façades, some of the most beautiful in Europe.
- Riga Central Market | Housed in former Zeppelin hangars, it’s the best place to sample Latvian produce, pastries, and smoked fish.
- Latvian National Museum of Art | An elegant museum showcasing Latvian art across the centuries.
- Freedom Monument & Bastejkalna Park | A peaceful green corridor running along the canal, which is great for a midday break.
If you enjoy photography, you’ll want your camera ready at all times in these parts of Riga.
Optional Half-Day Trip: Jurmala
If you’d like a break from the city without committing to a full-day excursion, Jurmala is the perfect escape. Just 30-45 minutes from Riga by train, this classic Baltic seaside resort offers long sandy beaches, wooden villas, pine forests, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Stroll along Jomas Street for cafés and ice cream, walk the wide beach, or head to one of the beach clubs for a drink with sea views. It’s especially lovely on summer evenings, when the light lingers and the horizon turns golden.
Jurmala is an easy addition to your Riga stay and ideal if you want to mix culture with a little beach time.
Read next: Best Things To Do In Riga (+ 3-Day Itinerary Ideas)
Day 6 | Day Trip to Gauja National Park: Medieval Castles & Forest Trails
Just one hour from Riga lies Gauja National Park, Latvia’s most beautiful wilderness area. This region combines deep forests, river valleys, medieval ruins, walking trails, and panoramic viewpoints. It’s one of the most rewarding day trips on this Baltics itinerary.
If you follow the classic loop of Cēsis → Sigulda → Krimulda → Turaida, you’ll experience Latvia’s history and nature in one seamless day.
Read next: Castle Day Trips From Riga, Latvia | Cēsis, Sigulda & More
Take a look below at what to see and do at each of the castles:
- Cēsis Castle | Cēsis Castle is one of Latvia’s most atmospheric medieval ruins. Explore the towers with candle lanterns, and wander the park surrounding the castle. Also discover the old town, which is an excellent place for lunch!
- Sigulda Castle Complex | Start your Sigulda visit at the Old and New Castles, sitting side-by-side above the Gauja River. It’s a compact, easy stop with great views and a perfect warm-up for the rest of the day.
- Krimulda Manor | Reach Krimulda via a scenic cable car ride over the river valley. The manor itself is quiet and peaceful, surrounded by forest paths leading toward Turaida. This stretch is one of the most beautiful walks in the park.
- Turaida Castle | Finish the day with Latvia’s famous red-brick castle rising above the treetops. Climb the tower for amazing views over Gauja National Park, especially beautiful in autumn and snowy winter days.
Insider tip: If you rely on public transportation, then consider skipping Cēsis, or plan ahead, because the number of trains there and back are limited. You can also join this small group tour that includes all stops mentioned above.
Alternative Day Trip: Kuldīga
If you’d prefer something more relaxed, consider a day trip west to Kuldīga, one of Latvia’s prettiest small towns. Make sure to include the following stops on your day trip:
- Ventās Rumba Waterfall | Europe’s widest waterfall may not be tall, but it stretches across the river in a large cascade. In summer, locals often swim here.
- Kuldīga Old Town | Wander pastel-coloured streets, old brick bridges, and cosy cafés. The UNESCO-listed town is slow-paced, charming, and full of character.
- Regional Food Stops | Kuldīga has excellent restaurants serving local Latvian dishes, especially fish and seasonal produce.
- Pedvāle Open-Air Museum | A vast sculpture park with contemporary art in a rolling countryside. More than a hundred installations are scattered across the landscape. You can find out more on their interactive map.
A day trip to Kuldiga is the perfect choice if you want a more cultural, small-town experience added to your Baltics itinerary.
Tip: If you don’t have a rental car, then join this small group tour to Kuldīga, because it’s almost impossible to do using public transportation.
Alternative Day Trip: Cape Kolka
For something rugged and remote, head north to Cape Kolka, where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga in a swirl of shifting currents and wind-shaped pines.
- Cape Kolka Viewpoint | Stand at the very tip of the headland and you’ll feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world. It’s wild, quiet, and dramatic — especially at sunset.
- Forests & Fishing Villages | The drive takes you through Latvia’s deeply forested coastal region, with small fishing communities and long empty beaches along the way.
This is a long day trip, but perfect if you’re a slow traveller. It’s rewarding if you love nature and remote landscapes.
Day 7 | Travel From Riga to Tallinn (with Optional Stops)
Today you’ll continue your Baltics itinerary from Riga to Tallinn. Of course you can travel direct, but why not make it an enjoyable travel day with several stops along the way?
Option 1: Road Trip Along Latvia’s Northern Coast
If you enjoy quiet beaches, dunes, pine forests, and dramatic coastal views then today is perfect to drive to Tallinn along Latvia’s northern coast. Take your pick with my suggested stops:
- Latvia’s northern coast | Saulkrasti, Garciems, Lilaste Lake and Kurmrags Lighthouse are all excellent stops.
- Pärnu | This city is Estonia’s classic summer capital with long sandy beaches, colourful wooden architecture, spa hotels and seaside cafés.
- Jaanihanso Cider Farm | This award-winning cider house is a great detour for cider lovers. Jaanihanso produces some of Estonia’s best craft ciders using traditional methods. Tastings are excellent if you can time your visit, or get one of their tasting sets in the shop.
After your chosen stops, continue north until Tallinn’s skyline comes into view. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in the Old Town.
Read next: Latvia’s Northern Coast & Beaches Road Trip | Riga To Kurmrags
Option 2: By Public Transport – Bus via Pärnu or Train via Tartu
Having a rental car is kind of essential to include all the stops on Latvia’s northern coast. If you rely on public transportation however, you can easily break the trip up in Pärnu or Tartu.
The bus route via Pärnu is more direct, while the train route via Tartu takes slightly longer, but is culturally richer.
- Bus + Pärnu (Fastest Option) | You can break the journey with a couple of hours in Pärnu, Estonia’s beloved summer capital. Enjoy time at the beach, grab lunch, or wander through the charming wooden-house district.
- Train + Tartu (Cultural Option) | The train route is slower but perfect if you’re curious to see more of Estonia beyond the coast. In Tartu you’ll find a lively university atmosphere, cafés, museums, and an easy-to-explore Old Town.
Both options are straightforward and ideal if you prefer a relaxed travel day without renting a car. After your visit to Pärnu or Tartu it takes another two hours to reach Tallinn.
Days 8–10 | Tallinn: Medieval Towers & Creative Energy
Tallinn, with its fairy-tale towers feels both ancient and modern. The old part of the city is mixed with creative neighbourhoods, design shops, and cafés, making it the perfect final chapter of this itinerary through the Baltics.
Where to stay in Tallinn? Each of my visits to Tallinn I stayed at Hilton Tallinn Park just outside the Old Town. The hotel is modern, with a pool and spa facilities.
Tallinn Old Town
Start at Toompea Hill, home to the castle, parliament, and fantastic views across the city’s rooftops from various viewpoints. The nearby Alexander Nevsky Cathedral dominates the skyline with its beautiful domes.
Descend into the lower Old Town to explore narrow streets, colourful houses, and sections of the old city wall, including the walkway where you can climb medieval towers.
For another great viewpoint, climb St Olaf’s Church Tower, one of the city’s most impressive lookouts.
Telliskivi, Kalamaja & the Seaplane Harbour Museum
Tallinn’s creative energy is strongest just outside the Old Town, where old factories have turned into street-art hubs, indie boutiques, and cosy cafés.
Visit the Seaplane Harbour Museum which is one of Europe’s most impressive maritime museums. Set inside a historic concrete hangar you can expect to see submarines, icebreakers, interactive exhibits, and beautiful harbour views.
Then continue your way in the Kalamaja neighbourhood. This relaxed district is known for its colourful wooden houses and small local cafés.
A great place to finish one of your days in Tallinn is at Telliskivi Creative City, the heart of Tallinn’s alternative scene. The area is full of murals, galleries, concept stores and weekend markets.
Insider tip: Don’t miss out on photography museum Fotografiska. It’s open till 8pm most evenings and on Friday even till midnight with reduced entry of €10. For this Night Shift expect dimmed lights, cool music and drinks (rooftop bar open till 1am).
Kadriorg Park & Museums
Across town lies Tallinn’s most elegant cultural quarter. There’s enough to keep you busy for half a day in and around Kadriorg Park.
- Kadriorg Palace | A stunning baroque palace built by Peter the Great. The gardens and pond make this area especially peaceful.
- Kadriorg Park | A landscaped park perfect for long walks, especially when the flowers are in bloom.
- KUMU Museum | Tallinn’s flagship art museum, housed in a striking modern building. It features contemporary Estonian art, rotating international exhibitions, and great viewpoints over the park.
Read next: Perfect Weekend In Tallinn | 2 – 3 Day Itinerary & Day Trip Ideas
Optional Day Trips from Tallinn
I think you can easily spend two days exploring Tallinn and still find stuff to do. If you want to venture outside of the city, then you’ll have some great options.
- Jägala Waterfall | Just 30 minutes from Tallinn, Jägala Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Estonia. It’s especially impressive in spring or after rainfall, and in winter it can freeze into dramatic ice formations.
- Lahemaa National Park | Lahemaa is Estonia’s oldest and most beloved national park. Walk the forest trails and coastal paths, and visit beautiful manor houses such as Palmse and Sagadi. You can stop at Jägala falls on the way there.
- Helsinki (Finland) | Ferries run frequently between Tallinn and Helsinki, making a day trip very easy. Explore Suomenlinna Fortress, the Oodi Library, Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square. Enough time for a museum? Then either visit Amos Rex, Kiasma or Ateneum.
Map of this Baltics Itinerary
To help plan your trip, I’ve pinned all the capitals, major day trip stops, and recommended viewpoints mentioned in this guide.
Baltics Itinerary Extensions for Longer Trips
If you have more time, the Baltics connect easily to several destinations in and outside of the Baltic countries.
Minsk, Belarus (2–4 Days)
Perhaps not the most obvious choice for a visit considering the political relationship between Lithuania, the EU and Belarus. But Minsk is a wonderful add-on to this Baltics itinerary.
Minks and Belarus in general offer a fascinating contrast with Soviet architecture, big public squares, and UNESCO-listed Mir & Nesvizh castles. With enough time you can add a day trip to Brest Fortress and the Białowieża Forest where you can see European bisons.
- How to get there | Getting to Minsk is a bit of a hassle, but worth the effort for the adventurous. Check bus times on Ecolines and Eurolines’ websites and book tickets ahead of time, because they sell out weeks in advance.
Read next: 3–4 Days In Belarus | A Practical Minsk-Based Itinerary
Helsinki, Finland (2–3 Days)
Helsinki makes for a wonderful day trip from Tallinn, but it’s more than worth it to visit for 2 or 3 days. Apart from all of the things to do in the city itself, Porvoo is a popular day trip. Here, you’ll find a picturesque Old Town with wooden houses and cobblestone streets.
- How to get there | There are multiple ferries daily between Tallinn and Helsinki. You can easily walk to the ferry terminal in Tallinn (or take a taxi). Opposite the Helsinki terminal you can hop on the tram into to the city centre.
Read next: Helsinki Itinerary | What To See And Do In 2 Days
Curonian Spit (Lithuania) (2–3 Days)
If you prefer to stay in the Baltics, then add a trip to the unique landscape of the Curonian Spit to your itinerary. It’s a sandy peninsula of forests, dunes and quiet seaside towns.
Rent a bike to cycle up and down the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit, or arrange a one-way only with a pick-up to drive you back.
- How to get there | Take the train or drive west from Vilnius, with an optional stop in Kaunas. You can stay overnight in Klaipėda, from where you can take the ferry across to the peninsula. You can also start your Baltics itinerary here, by flying into Palanga (PLQ).
Best Time to Visit the Baltics
The Baltics are beautiful in every season, but the experience changes a lot throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when days are long, temperatures are pleasant, and outdoor cafés and terraces bring the cities to life.
July and August offer the warmest weather and the best beach conditions, especially around Jurmala, and Pärnu.
If you prefer colourful landscapes, autumn is a wonderful time to explore Gauja National Park and forest areas in Estonia, with golden foliage and crisp air.
Visiting the Baltics in winter has its own charm with Christmas markets, frozen waterfalls, and hushed medieval streets. Keep in mind that daylight is limited, and that some coastal attractions are less accessible. Oh yeah, be prepared for the cold!
Practical Tips For Baltics Itinerary Trip Planning
To help your Baltics itinerary run smoothly, here are a few practical tips covering transport, connectivity, payments, and safety. Basically, everything you need to know before you go.
Staying Connected on Your Baltics itinerary
Mobile data across Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is excellent, even in rural areas and national parks. I recommend Saily, because you only need to install their eSIM once. You can get regional or single-country packages, and easily add more data when needed.
Tip: If you want to try it, you can get $5 off your first Saily eSIM using my code MARTIN84627.
Transport Between the Capitals
It’s quite easy to travel between the capital of the Baltic countries.
- By bus | Buses are the easiest way to travel between Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, with Lux Express offering very comfortable long-distance services.
- By train | Trains are often useful within each country, but they don’t connect the capitals efficiently. I mean they only have one train daily in each direction, and you need to change trains travelling between Estonia and Latvia.
- By car | Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially for day trips to castles, coastlines and national parks. Roads are in great condition, signage is clear, and parking in smaller towns is usually free or inexpensive.
Payments & Costs
All three countries use the Euro, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere, even at smaller cafés and many market stalls. Prices are generally a little lower than in Western Europe, although Tallinn is certainly pricier than Vilnius or Riga.
Safety
The Baltics are very safe to travel through, even for solo travellers. Cities are walkable, public transport is well-organised, and locals are helpful if you need directions or advice.
Travel Insurance
For multi-country trips like this one, I recommend Heymondo’s Annual Multi-Trip insurance. It covers all trips up to 60 days each and provides medical, cancellation and baggage protection in one plan.
If you travel throughout the year, it’s much better value than buying insurance for each trip individually. And if you use the link above as a reader of Next Journey Ahead you even get 5% off your quote.
Final Thoughts on This Baltics Itinerary
A 7–10 day Baltics itinerary is the perfect way to experience three wonderfully different capitals, a mix of history and nature, and some of the most photogenic landscapes in Northern Europe.
With efficient transport, short distances and plenty of cultural variety, the Baltics are ideal for first-time visitors. And trust me when I say you’ll want to come back again!
Been to the Baltics already, or have any questions? Then feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me on Instagram. And if you want updates on new articles, then sign up for my newsletter.
Planning your itinerary to the Baltics? Continue reading my latest articles on Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania below:
