Best of Baltics | Winter | 2025/2026

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

Embark on an unforgettable winter journey through the enchanting Baltics with our "Best of Baltics" tour for 2025/2026. Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, starting in the charming city of Tallinn. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the artistic Telliskivi district before exploring the medieval allure of Tartu. In Latvia, savor a tour and tasting at Valmiermuiza Brewery and delve into history at Cesis Castle. Experience the vibrant nightlife of Riga and marvel at the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. Capture the fairy-tale beauty of Trakai Island Castle and conclude your adventure in Vilnius, where you'll visit Pirmas Blynhas, a café supporting people with disabilities. With seamless transport and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and camaraderie.

Highlights
  • Tallinn: Enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks in the artistic district of Telliskivi.
  • Valmiermuiza: Experience a tour, tasting, and lunch at a traditional Latvian brew-house.
  • Cesis: Explore the medieval Latvian castle with insights into the Livonian Order.
  • Riga: Discover the vibrant streets and nightlife of Latvia's capital.
  • Jurgaiciai: Visit the Hill of Crosses, a unique site with over 200,000 wooden crosses.
  • Trakai Island Castle: Marvel at the picturesque 14th-century castle on Lake Galve.
  • Vilnius: Participate in a meaningful visit to Pirmas Blynhas, a cafe supporting people with disabilities.
Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Dining Summary
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
Culture
  • Riga: Take an orientation around the colourful streets of the Latvian capital. We’ll show you  the highlights and the best places for a night out.
Foodie
  • Tallinn: Get to know your new Contiki fam over a welcome dinner and drinks in arty Telliskivi.
  • Valmiermuiza: Get together with the Contiki crew for a tour, tasting and lunch at this Latvian brew-house.
  • Vilnius: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER EXPERIENCE®, we'll pay a visit to Pirmas Blynhas - a cafe that provides employment and empowerment for people with disabilities.
Included Experience
  • Tallinn: Get to know your new Contiki fam over a welcome dinner and drinks in arty Telliskivi.
  • Valmiermuiza: Get together with the Contiki crew for a tour, tasting and lunch at this Latvian brew-house.
  • Cesis: Take a jaunt around this medieval Latvian castle with an expert. And learn more about the Livonian Order that built it.
  • Riga: Take an orientation around the colourful streets of the Latvian capital. We’ll show you  the highlights and the best places for a night out.
  • Jurgaiciai: It’s not every day you see a hill blanketed with over 200,000 wooden crosses. Don’t forget your camera for this Lithuanian landmark.
  • Trakai Island Castle: This 14th century Lithuanian castle on an island in Lake Galve is so picturesque it’s almost not real. Pics or it didn’t happen!
  • Vilnius: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER EXPERIENCE®, we'll pay a visit to Pirmas Blynhas - a cafe that provides employment and empowerment for people with disabilities.
FAQs
  • London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Destinations
  • Estonia
  • Europe
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
Tour Types
  • Cultural
  • Beer Tasting
  • History
  • Sightseeing
  • Small Group
  • Art Galleries & Museums

Location: Tallinn

Welcome to Tallinn, Estonia's elegant capital. After meeting your group, we'll explore this beautiful Baltic city on an orientation tour given by our TM, followed by a local dinner at F HOONE, with its sharing menu of healthy but seriously delicious local delicacies.

Accommodation Name: Ibis Tallinn Center (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Location: Tallinn

Tallinn is all yours for the day, so go and find out what makes this place so special. One of Europe's hidden gems, this early medieval era creation is now a fascinating mix of old and new. From bike tours to cooking classes - you've got loads of optional experiences to pick from. If not, stop by the Estonian Open-Air Museum or take a walk to Toompea Hill for a chance to see the Old Town in all its splendour.

Accommodation Name: Ibis Tallinn Center (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Tartu

This morning we're setting our sights on Tartu... A town known for its upbeat nightlife, bunting-clad town square, its wealth of cultural activities, and its 17th Century university, Tartu is an Estonian hidden gem. Take the day to explore every nook and cranny alongside your new pals and Trip Manager (or join us for a street art tour!). We'll meet back in the evening for a locally prepared meal full of cultural specialties.

Accommodation Name: Hotel Tartu (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Riga

Tartu, it's been emotional, but today we're heading for Latvia.  An iconic tour, tasting & lunch awaits at Valmiermuiža Brewery, where we'll become acquainted with the cornerstones of brewing beer.  Next, we'll stop by to visit the Cēsis Castle, one of the most iconic and best preserved castles in Latvia.  Here we are in Riga! After a quick tour of the city with your Trip Manager, you have a free evening around Latvia's capital, resting quietly on the Baltic Sea. Sitting at the border between tradition and cutting edge modernism, this city will no doubt charm you with its art nouveau architecture and vibrant nightlife.

Accommodation Name: Ibis Riga Centre (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Riga

You've got beautiful Riga all to yourself today, so make the most of it! Take a stroll through the Old Town and discover the House of the Black Heads (a 14th century landmark). Or check out some of the many shops and restaurants that fill the cobblestoned streets. Need a quiet escape from the city side chaos? There's also an optional bogshoe hike on the agenda.

Accommodation Name: Ibis Riga Centre (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Kaunas

...and we're on the road again.   Today we're visiting the Hill of Crosses, an epic pilgrimage site which boasts a collection of over 200,000 ornate crosses, statues and effigies erected on a small hill in Northern Lithuania. Well hello, Kaunas! Here in this southern Lithuanian gem, we'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to river views and impressive cathedrals. Don't miss Kaunas Castle or the epic 9th Fort.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Moxy Kaunas Center (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Vilnius

So long, Kaunas. We’re making our way to our next awesome destination today, and it’s none other than vibrant Vilnius!  Welcome to Trakai Castle, a 14th century fortress built on an island on the glittering Lake Galve. This place looks just like a fairy tale, so cameras at the ready… Our journey ends here in Vilnius but not without a tour of the stunning baroque architecture that'll inspire you to remodel your own home. Take advantage of the street art lining the cobblestone streets, grab pancakes with your crew and say your farewells over dinner. Time to lock in your next adventure!

Accommodation Name: Ibis Vilnius Centre (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Vilnius

...and this is where our journey sadly ends. Exchange contact information with your fellow travellers, who have now probably become friends. Time to lock in your next adventure!<br/>

Meals: Breakfast

Included
  • Meals
    -The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and 1 lunch.
  • Accommodation
    -Accommodation is provided at Ibis Tallinn Center, Hotel Tartu, Rixwell Konventa Seta, Moxy Kaunas Center, and Ibis Vilnius Centre or similar.
  • Guided Tours
    -Orientation tours and guided visits are included in Tallinn, Tartu, Valmiermuiza Brewery, Cesis Castle, and Vilnius.
  • Transport
    -Transport between destinations is included.
  • Welcome Dinner
    -A welcome dinner and drinks in arty Telliskivi, Tallinn.
  • Valmiermuiza Brewery Tour
    -Tour, tasting, and lunch at Valmiermuiza Brewery in Latvia.
  • Cesis Castle Tour
    -A guided tour around the medieval Latvian castle in Cesis.
  • Trakai Island Castle Visit
    -Visit to the 14th century Lithuanian castle on an island in Lake Galve.
  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER EXPERIENCE®
    -Visit to Pirmas Blynhas cafe in Vilnius, which provides employment and empowerment for people with disabilities.

Not Included
  • Flights
    -Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
  • Travel Insurance
    -Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
  • Personal Expenses
    -Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
  • Optional Activities
    -Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
  • Visa Fees
    -Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and 1 lunch.
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
Yes, transport between destinations is included, ensuring seamless travel throughout Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
In Vilnius, the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER EXPERIENCE® involves visiting Pirmas Blynhas, a cafe that provides employment and empowerment for people with disabilities.
During the tour, you can expect a variety of experiences including a welcome dinner in Tallinn, a brewery tour and tasting at Valmiermuiza in Latvia, a guided tour of the medieval Cesis Castle, and a visit to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. Additionally, you'll visit Trakai Island Castle and participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER EXPERIENCE® at Pirmas Blynhas cafe in Vilnius.
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Accommodation is provided at Ibis Tallinn Center, Hotel Tartu, Rixwell Konventa Seta, Moxy Kaunas Center, and Ibis Vilnius Centre or similar, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm.
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

Dates Price Availability
22-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Single £1923.00
22-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin £1424.00
22-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1424.00
13-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Single £1619.00
13-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin £1199.00
13-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1199.00
20-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Single £1881.00
20-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin £1382.00
20-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1382.00

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This tour is operated by Contiki

8 days from £1199 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:Tallinn, Estonia
Finish:Vilnius, Lithuania
Suitable for: 18-35
Physical rating:Low
Diets:Vegetarians
Tour operated in: English
Tour Reference: WWBBA20
Contact us
1 Email enquiry {{formText}}
Thank you for your enquiry, one of our specialists will be in touch shortly.
2 Call directly 0203 7939446