Baltic States

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Discover the centuries-old folk culture, strong national pride, and the refreshing air of the Baltic Coast.

The Baltic States are three countries of Europe, with a long history and diverse culture. Despite their similarities in history, politics and geography, their culture and languages are neither mutually intelligible with each other nor with any other foreign language. Discover the rich cultures, marvel the forests and lakes that cover endless stretches of countryside and admire the art nouveau architecture, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical buildings in the region’s proud capitals.

Estonia

Estonia is a country with more than 1,500 islands, diverse terrain, old-growth forest and many lakes.

Estonia is known for its castles, churches and hilltop fortresses. The capital, Tallinn, is known for its preserved and Unesco-protected  Old Town, museums and the 314m-high Tallinn TV Tower. Estonia’s tranquil and unspoiled Baltic islands provide a splendid getaway to nature, which Estonians have a special love for. Putting aside nature and history, Estonia also has an efficient, secure and transparent digital ecosystem and high-tech environment. Beside Tallinn Old Town, one of the best preserved Hanseatic town centres in the world, most famous sites and attractions are the Estonian Open-air Museum, which is a life-sized reconstruction of an 18th-century rural/fishing village and AHHAA Science Centre.

Latvia

Latvia’s landscape is marked by wide beaches and dense forests.

Riga, its capital, boasts with a truly lovely old quarter, full of magnificent wooden and art nouveau architecture, winding cobblestoned lanes, numerous steeples and a vast Central Market. The old town’s World Heritage listing is threatened by many modernist buildings, vibrant nightlife and a strong economic impulse, a problem known in most modern, metropolitan cities. To experience local crafts, food and music, visit the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
Worth visiting is Liepaja with its former secret military town of Karosta and a magnificent beach. Kuldiga, known for Europe`s widest waterfall and Cesis with its medieval castle ruins are also popular tourist spots. The wild beauty of Latvia’s beautiful sea coast, with white sandy beaches attracts many visitors. Forests cover approximately a half of Latvia’s territory and offer many nature trails and nature parks to explore.

Lithuania

Lithuania’s historic heritage is unique and justly proud of its treasures of folklore.

The country’s capital, Vilnius, is a small but pleasant city with a UNESCO listed historic centre. It boasts with a mixture of gothic, renaissance, baroque and neoclassical buildings. With numerous churches, the famous Gediminas Tower, the Cathedral Square, the Royal Palace, the Presidential Palace and many other monuments and museums, you won’t run out of things to see.
Now a World Heritage Site, the archeologic site of Kernavė, long ago a medieval capital, is one of the bet known attractions in Lithuania.
For castle lovers, visit the Trakai Island Castle in Trakai, that was one of the main strongholds in the prime days of the Grand Duchy of Lithuani. Kaunas Castle in Kaunas, the second largest Lithuanian city is even older, but only a fourth of the original building remains.
The popular seaside resort of Palanga gets crowded in summer and has some great beaches and beautiful sand dunes overgrown with pine forest. Explore port cities, fishermen villages and towns while getting to know country’s legends and tales. Popular and classy spa resort town of Druskininkai, located in the very south is surrounded by largest pine forest in the country. Dense forests, hills, beautiful blue lakes and rivers, like the forested Aukštaitija National Park are home to elk, deer and wild boar. It’s a great place for sports activities.
A popular pilgrimage site, the Hill of Crosses is famous for over a 100.000 crosses – they’ve kept appearing ever since the 19th century.

Tours & Itineraries

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Finland

Country with rich forests, brown bears and reindeers, is where you can meet the real Santa and experience the midnight sun and The Northern lights.

Finland is a hidden gem in the far north, just waiting to be discovered.  Its capital, Helsinki, is located on a peninsula and surrounding islands in the Baltic Sea. Finland’s Arctic Lapland is a vast wilderness with many national parks and ski resorts. Nearly two-thirds of Finland are covered by thick woodlands, making it the most densely forested country in Europe.

Helsinki

Helsinki is the largest city and the capital of Finland, a vibrant seaside city with beautiful islands and green urban areas. It’s also the leading seaport and industrial city of the nation.

Helsinki is home to many great structures and buildings, the 18th-century sea fortress – Suomenlinna and the symbol of the whole of Helsinki – Helsinki Cathedral are must see attractions. For its unique architecture with spectacular atmosphere and amazing acoustics, Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) is world famous. Known for its stylish design, the fashionable Design District in Helsinki is also an attractive tourist spot. There are many museums too choose from, with The National Museum of Finland on the top of the list. It presents Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present day. To experience the whole Helsinki vibe, visit Old Market Hall, where merchants sell everything from cheese, fish, vegetable, fruit and cakes.

Lapland

Finnish Lapland is the home of Northern Lights, endless summer nights, arctic way of life, reindeer and Santa Claus. 

One of the most famous attractions in Rovaniemi, Finland is the Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle. To experience northern nature, culture, and history up close, visit Artikum, Science centre and museum. Lapland is Europe’s last great wilderness with many incredible National Parks. Most known are Pallas-Yllästunturi, Urho Kekkonen and Oulanka. For adventure seeking and active travelers, Lapland offers many famous SKI resorts like Levi, Ylläs, Pyhä-Luosto and Ruka. Try the Icebreaker experience and witness a massive ice breaking power and the cold sea, with a cruise in the frozen water of Bothnian sea. And of course, one of the main reasons for visiting this beautiful country, to see Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights appear more than 200 nights a year in Lapland.

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Iceland

The land of fire and ice. It is home to a progressive and peaceful nation that has formed a modern society where freedom and equality are held in high regard.

Iceland is known for its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and waterfalls. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population, two-thirds, lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power. Iceland runs almost completely on renewable energy and ranks high in economic, democratic, and social stability, as well as equality. Most Icelanders are descendants of Norse and Gaelic settlers. The country’s cultural heritage includes traditional Icelandic cuisine, Icelandic literature, and medieval sagas.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the country’s capital and largest city, believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland.

It is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. It’s home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. The striking concrete Hallgrimskirkja church and rotating Perlan glass dome with views of the sea are one of the highlights of this city. Very famous and photogenic tourist spot is also geothermal Blue Lagoon spa, near the village of Grindavik.

Geothermal baths

Iceland’s volcanic activity created many spectacular features that make Iceland unique. For many guests, one of the favourites is the water heated from the fires beneath the earth.

Visiting a geothermal spa is a great way to experience the island’s magnificent nature, relax and rewind at the same time. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland, and the largest. It is known for its azure waters, filled with healing minerals. The Secret Spa, Fontana Spa, Mývatn Nature Baths in the north, Geosea Sea Baths and many more offer a lot of options and settings to choose from.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of the world’s most spectacular and beautiful natural phenomenon. If Aurora Borealis is on your bucket list, choose Iceland for your destination.

For some people, seeing this famous phenomenon is a life-changing event. It brings a lot of visitors to Iceland in the winter, however not all of them leave satisfied. Since it’s elusive and unpredictable, luck and some knowledge is needed to get the right spot and timing.

Waterfalls, ice caves and vulcanoes

There are 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. Among them the most visited ones are Skógafoss, Kirkjufellsfoss and Godafoss… all of them spectacular and photogenic. 

For nature and activities lovers, it’s difficult to choose from so many amazing sights. Hiking to an active volcano, through an ice cave, stopping to take photos of a beautiful waterfall or a geyser, experiencing and feeling the power of water, ice and fire is something you will never forget.

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Denmark

Once the seat of Vikings, Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, comprising the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands. 

Denmark is characterized by flat, arable land and sandy coasts with low elevation. Officially The Kingdom of Denmark, it’s constitutionally a unitary state comprising Denmark proper and the two autonomous territories in the North Atlantic Ocean: the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Denmark is known for its peaceful society, equality, sustainability and hygge (Danish word for a mood of coziness, wellness and contentment).

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the most densely populated countries in the Nordic countries. This buzzing capital is a mix of history, modern architecture and culture with sustainable living and a great restaurant scene. 

Old fairy tales blending with new architecture and design, bridges buzzing with cycling commuters, warm jazz mixes with cold electronica are just some of the Copenhagen’s unique charms. It is just big enough to be a metropolis with great shopping, culture and nightlife, yet still small enough to be intimate and safe. Because of its location, it is a cultural and geographic link between mainland Europe and Scandinavian countries.

Odense

Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city, is mostly known to travelers as the birthplace of  Mr. Hans Christian Andersen. 

Its characterful charming old streets, cultural heritage and inspiring museums offer the traveler a mixture of an exciting night-life, great shopping and of course… fairy-tales. Find trolls and monster-footed benches while exploring the city on foot or go explore the countryside if you are a true castle enthusiast.

Aarhus

Aarhus is a city on the Jutland peninsula’s east coast with an elegant mix of cosmopolitan city and quaint small town charm, with wonderful pubs and restaurants.

Its old town open-air museum, with centuries-old timbered houses is just one of many attractions in this charmingly small city. Visit the nearby greenhouses of the Aarhus Botanical Garden, the contemporary ARoS art museum or the underground Viking Museum. Don’t miss out Aarhus’ sandy coastline with the extremely photogenic Infinite Bridge and the woodlands around the city.

West Jutland & Coast

West Jutland is known for its dunes, heathlands and amazing wind-blown beaches, offering many attractions and activities.

If you are interested in history, don’t miss out and visit the Ribe Viking Center, a heritage centre presenting authentic reconstructions 710-980 AD from Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town. Denmark’s largest national park Wadden Sea is a feast for the eyes and will offer amazing photo opportunities. Also photogenic is Svend Wiig Hansen’s monumental sculpture (Esbjerg’s Giant sculpture Man) by the sea shore 4km from Esbjerg. And don’t forget, Denmark is also home to Lego, so put Legoland® to your list.

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Sweden

Sweden is the largest of the Nordic countries with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains.

Whether you visit Sweden to experience the incredible nature, to get lost in the wilderness or maybe to admire their style and simplicity, you will not regret your decision. Famous for the deep-blue archipelagos, Northern Lights, fashion, food, design, style and attention to detail, Sweden will leave a lasting impression.

Stockholm

Built on 14 islands, Stockholm has more than 50 bridges, as well as the medieval old town, many royal palaces and museums.

Stockholm is known as one of the most inclusive, welcoming, forward-thinking and innovative cities in the world. It’s home to a growing tech-innovation community and a large number of start-ups. Here centuries-old history meets modern technology and nature. Water seems to be almost everywhere you look in Stockholm, so it became known also as “Venice of the north”. It’s a hotspot for art and culture enthusiasts and offers many world-class museums, fascinating royal palaces and niche galleries. As a foodie destination it focuses on sustainable cooking methods and ingredients. For those seeking tradition and nature, take a ferry to one of the islands, and admire traditional wooden houses dating back to the end of the 20th century.

Malmo

As a perfect mix of old charm and modern cosmopolitan vibes, this unique seaside city has it all.

Malmo is located in the far south of Sweden and is the third largest city in the country. Known as one of the most eclectic cities in Scandinavia, it’s also home to some of the most impressive modern structures in Northern Europe. Spiraling skyscrapers and centuries-old squares make an interesting mix of old and new. It’s charm is famous world-wide, so it became a true melting pot of cultures, with residents hailing from over 170 countries. Walk along the cobblestone streets of Old Town with many funky galleries, trendy boutiques and stylish cafés.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden’s second biggest city has a reputation of being a friendly and charming place, even more welcoming than the Swedish capital.

Although packed with all the highlights of a major destination – culture, shopping, world-class restaurants and stunning nature, Gothenburg has a small town feel and can be experienced on foot. From international sporting events to concerts and conventions, there’s always an interesting cultural or social event going on in this vibrant city. It is famous for its craft beer, with numerous names on its long list of breweries. Foodies will specially enjoy Gothenburg’s world-class restaurants with fresh and locally produces quality food.

Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland is a province in northern Sweden and covers nearly a quarter of it’s land area. It’s a unique world with vast expanses of beautiful nature and authentic Sami culture.

Lapland is known for the Northern Lights and incredible wild nature with mountains, forests, marshes, wild rivers and archipelagos. It offers endless activities options, from hiking and fishing to dog sledding and skiing.  Cuisine is greatly influenced by the Sami culinary tradition and famous for its local produce.

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Norway

Norway not only has its magnificent fjord but northern lights, midnight sun, legacy from the Viking Age, Sami people and Scandinavian sophistication.

Norway is a Scandinavian country known for its mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. It is also famous for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord.

Oslo

Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast and is a cosmopolitan hub with world-class architecture, museums, restaurants and shopping.

It’s known for its green spaces and museums, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. The city is blessed with a large number of parks and boasts with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. The Oslofjord’s waterways and islands are just minutes away from the centre, as are the ski slopes and forests of Nordmarka.

Tromsø

Situated north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is best known for its important role as the base for many major Arctic expeditions.

Tromsø started as a fishing village in the 13th century and became the largest fishing port and the eighth-largest municipality in Norway.
It is also a top destination for those hoping to see the spectacular aurora borealis, or northern lights. Multiple attractions and fun things to do related to the phenomenon, including Polaria and the Polar Museum await in this charming city.

Sognefjord and Geirangenfjord

The largest of Norway’s fjords, Sognefjord reaches 204 kilometers inland from the coastal village of Skjolden and branches off into countless smaller inlets and fjords along the way.

The King of the Fjords (as it’s known by Norwegians) is almost five kilometers across, and the cliff walls reach as high as 1,307 meters, making it a great photo opportunity and breathtaking experience.

Part of the spectacular Fjord Norway network and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, is the Geirangerfjord region north of Ålesund. The eastward continuation of the Sunnylvsfjord, the Geirangerfjord offer some of the most spectacular views.

Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands form an archipelago off the coast of northwestern Norway and are an attractive tourist destination. The weather here is mild despite its location, thanks to the Gulf Stream.

Main attractions that make these islands so popular are the beaches, traditional fishing villages and of course the wildlife. They are also one of the best places to see the northern lights. There are plenty of attractions and activities to do on the islands like kayak and hiking activities.  Lofoten War Memorial Museum, the unique Magic Ice Lofoten (displays ice sculptures depicting local life), the Lofoten Museum (history of the island’s fishing industry) and the Lofoten Aquarium are definitely worthy to put on your Norway bucket list.

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