Winter in the Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

Winter in the Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
Destination: Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
10 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: ABB

Trip Overview

Experience the magic of winter in five European capitals: Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm

Enjoy a winter getaway in Europe like no other. This culture-filled trip takes in five European capitals: Vilnius in Lithuania, Riga in Latvia, Tallinn in Estonia, Helsinki in Finland, and Stockholm in Sweden. Along the way, soak up atmospheric old towns and visit unforgettable landmarks, while also learning about different traditions every time we cross a border. Join from late November to early January to experience the nostalgia-soaked Christmas markets – enjoying delicious local foods and soul-warming hot drinks under twinkling lights and sparkly decorations.

At a Glance

Travel by bus and ferry
Optional walks and city walking tours
Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Nine nights in hotels

Highlights

Marvel at the grand island castle of Trakai
Visit the atmospheric Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
Explore Helsinki’s futuristic Temppeliaukio Church
Experience traditional Christmas markets (select departures only)
Tour the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Vilnius
Visit the oldest chocolate factory in Lithuania

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

The itinerary makes the most of our time in five different countries and is packed with sightseeing. There is a fair amount of walking around towns, cities and parks, but all on good paths, mainly wooden boarded and sometimes cobbled streets in the old towns. The walks are suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Bring a comfortable pair of walking or sports shoes. There are some long bus journeys.

Renovations: Trakai Castle is currently undergoing renovation work, which may mean you see some scaffolding on the outside of the building.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

Normally four to 16, plus local leader and driver.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Vilnius
End City: Stockholm

Land Only Itinerary

We begin this winter trip in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. If you have free time, you may wish to get a sneak preview of tomorrow’s tour by wandering around the baroque old town – said to be the largest of its kind in eastern Europe.

This evening, we have a welcome briefing at the hotel, in which we discuss the trip to come and meet each other for the first time.

Accommodation: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (or similar)

In the morning, we have a 30-minute transfer (18mi/30km) to Trakai, the one-time capital of Lithuania. Here we see Trakai island castle, a centuries-old stone fort on an island in Lake Galvė. It’s a picturesque place to be and there’s a market around the waters.

After our visit, we return to Vilnius for a three-hour bus and walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Senamiestis (Old Town), visiting the highlights, including: the cathedral; presidential palace; and the Aurora Gate, home to a well-known icon of the Virgin.

Depending on your departure date, you may also be able to explore the enchanting Vilnius Christmas Market, which transforms Cathedral Square into a winter wonderland. Under the gleaming white of the towering cathedral spire, festive stalls offer handmade crafts, local treats and decorations. Sample traditional holiday sweets, pastries, and festive dishes at local cafes and restaurants.

Accommodation: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We leave Vilnius this morning for Riga, the capital of Latvia. After 62mi (100km), which should take around 1hr 15min, we stop in Kaunas. Here, we have a two to three-hour tour to admire the architectural treasures of the city. It includes: the Vytautas Church; Perkunas house; baroque town hall; and Kaunas Cathedral, the largest gothic building in Lithuania.

We continue our journey (95mi/155km, 2hr 15min) and stop at Siauliai, where we learn about the first chocolate factories in Lithuania. Here we visit the oldest chocolate factory in the country, where we learn how their chocolate is tempered and the artisan confections are produced. We also get the chance to make our very own, picking from various ingredients and wrapping them as a souvenir to go.

After, we have a 10-minute drive to the Hill of Crosses, a striking collection of more than 100,000 crosses on a low hill. It’s a pilgrimage site but also acted as a symbol of defiance against the once-ruling Soviets, who had banned religion. The spot is now recognised by UNESCO as a symbol of national and religious identity.

We then have a two-hour drive (80mi/125km) to Riga, arriving between 7.30pm and 8pm. We have the rest of the evening free to enjoy the wintery capital of Latvia. You may wish to try traditional Latvian foods such as grey peas with bacon, potato pancakes (kartupeļu pankūkas), and sauerkraut soup (skābeņu zupa) at the restaurants and cafes.

Accommodation: Riga Islande Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we enjoy a two-hour walking tour of Riga, including Riga Castle, the Lutheran Cathedral Dome; St Peter’s Church, and the Swedish Gate.

We also visit the Central Market. Here, vast hangers that once housed zeppelins are filled with delicious goods. Learn about Latvian cuisine and cultural traditions from our tour leader and tuck into a variety of local specialties, such as: cheese, smoked products, pickled vegetables, fish and bread; and traditional black balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made from a recipe that includes various natural ingredients, such as roots, herbs and spices.

We then have free time to explore Riga. You might like to visit the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, or the Riga Art Nouveau Museum.

When the Christmas spirit is in full swing, we can wander the cobbled streets of the old town, where the medieval buildings are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, and visit Dome Square, where Christmas stalls offer mulled wine and Latvian treats.

Accommodation: Riga Islande Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We leave Riga this morning and transfer (195mi/315km, 4hr 30min) to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. After free time for lunch, we visit the oldest coffee shop in the country. Here, we learn about marzipan painting – an ancient tradition in Tallinn – from a pro and create a figure of our own, while also enjoying coffee and sweet treats.

We then have free time to experience Tallinn in winter. Depending on the time of year, we can visit Tallinn Christmas Market, magical with its Old Town backdrop. The entire square is dressed in lights, festive ornaments and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

Alternatively, your free time could be spent in the bohemian district of Kalamaja, exploring Balti Jaama market or at the Fotografiska Tallinn Photography Museum.

Accommodation: Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, we have a three-hour walking tour of the Tallinn landmarks, visiting: Toompea Palace, the seat of the Estonian Parliament, the medieval Toompea Fortress, Alexander Nevski Orthodox Cathedral, the Church of St Maria (13th to 18th century), the Town Hall Square and the 15^th-century Pharmacy.

After, we have free time to further explore Tallinn, perhaps revisiting the Christmas market or indulging in other wintery treats.

Accommodation: Go Hotel Shnelli (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We leave Tallinn this morning and take the ferry (1hr 30min) across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, capital of Finland. The ferry features multiple restaurants and cafes, some also offer entertainment such as live music, performances or cinemas.

After arriving, we have a 15-minute transfer to the hotel. We then embark on a two-hour walking tour (we may use public transport). Our exploration takes us around the harbours, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and market square. We also explore the Temppeliaukio Church, a spectacularly futuristic Lutheran church dug into bedrock. We then have free time to enjoy Helsinki.

Accommodation: Arthur Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After checkout, we have free time in the city. To make our explorations a little easier, we can store luggage at the hotel. The Finnish capital is home to many beautiful parks. Esplanadi or Kaivopuisto look particularly beautiful in the snow. Alternatively, embrace the Finnish tradition of saunas, there are several public ones to try.

We then have an overnight ferry to Stockholm, leaving at 5pm. The vessel typically has a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, entertainment and comfortable cabins.

Accommodation: Ferry

Meals included: Breakfast

We have breakfast on the ferry, before transferring to the hotel, where we can store our luggage. We then embark on a three-hour city tour of Stockholm by bus and foot. It includes two squares on Riddarholmen and Södermalm islands and a walk through the Old Town.

We then have free time to enjoy Stockholm, which offers a variety of winter activities and attractions. Indulge in the Swedish custom of fika, a cultural institution in which friends socialise over a hot drink and snack or pastry. Alternatively, visit the spa facilities at Centralbadet and Sturebadet for a Swedish sauna or discover the city on a guided boat tour that visits the Fjäderholmarna islands.

Depending on your departure date, you could explore the Christmas markets, where you can enjoy festive decorations, local crafts and seasonal treats. The cold period is the perfect time to enjoy hearty Swedish dishes, such as pea soup (ärtsoppa) with pancakes (ärtsoppa och pannkakor), warm cinnamon buns (kanelbullar), and mulled wine (glögg).

Accommodation: ProfilHotels Riddargatan (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin our return journeys home. If you’d like a little more time to explore Stockholm, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels and overnight ferry

The hotels typically used are found in the day-to-day itinerary. However, below is a selection of the notable places we stay.

Vilnius: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (nights 1-2)

Winter in the Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

With an industrial style and music theme, our Vilnius hotel has plenty of personality. The 80 rooms are all air conditioned with underfloor heating in the bathroom, plus the Mellow restaurant serves a menu packed with local produce. Other nice additions are a free-to-use gym and a lobby shop selling beers, snacks, sandwiches and more.

Riga: Islande Hotel (nights 3-4)

Winter in the Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

Near the Daugava River, the Islande has a magnificent panoramic view of Riga Old Town. It’s located in a green area of Ķīpsala island, a 12-minute walk from the Old City, and offers a wide range of amenities, including a bowling alley, sauna, gym, two restaurants and a summer terrace.

Helsinki to Stockholm: Overnight ferry (night 8)

On our journey between the Finnish and Swedish capitals, we stay on the Silja Symphony(Above) or Silja Serenade ferries. Both offer a comfortable stay on the Baltic Sea, with modern cabins, a variety of restaurants and cafes, plus a spa.

Stockholm: ProfilHotels Riddargatan (night 9)

Winter in the Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm

An excellent location near the action and Scandi style makes ProfilHotels Riddargatan an ideal spot to explore the Swedish capital. There’s also a library for some downtime plus a lobby bar for a glass of wine.

Single supplement from 450 €

Food & Drink

There are buffet breakfasts in the hotels offering plenty of choice including cold meats, cheese, eggs, bread, jams, juice and coffee.

Dinners are taken in the hotel restaurants or in local restaurants and will be hearty meals. Cuisine in this area is often centred around pork, veal, fish, potatoes, sauerkraut, and soups such as borsch (beetroot soup – in Lithuania this is also served cold). Dumplings are also popular and, in Trakai, large and delicious baked dumplings called kibinai are traditionally served.

Transport

Travel is by private bus and scheduled boat services. The journey times vary and there are some longer distances to cover (up to 186mi/300km), which will mean several hours on the bus. However, we feel this is essential to see all the highlights.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock ‘n’ Roll Vilnius

Address: Kauno str. 14 LT-03212 Vilnius

Phone: +370 5 25 05 111
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Vilnius Airport (VNO)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

You can book a private transfer with your sales representative. Please ensure you provide us with all relevant information at least two weeks before departure. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Stockholm Airport (ARN) scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Vilnius
Location end: Stockholm

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Walking boots with ankle support
Comfortable shoes for sightseeing outside of the walks
Backpack
Water bottle
Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Warm jacket or fleece for cool evenings, waterproofs and warm clothes
Insect repellent
Light waterproof jacket (just in case)

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Optional Equipment

Walking poles

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Estonia

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Estonia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/estonia
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/estonia
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/estonia/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Estonia.html

Finland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Finland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Latvia

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Latvia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Lithuania

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Lithuania. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/lithuania
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/lithuania
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/lithuania/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Lithuania.html

Sweden

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Sweden. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

Estonia

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Finland

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Latvia

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Lithuania

Sweden

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Sweden’s time zone: UTC +03:00

Electricity

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Sweden’s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland’s currency: Euro (EUR)

Sweden’s currency: Krona (SEK)

ATM Availability

It is best to change your money on arrival as the exchange rates are fair. We visit lots of large cities and the guide will show you where to exchange money if you need. ATMs and banks are available in the larger cities. You can use credit/debit cards in many shops and restaurants though cash is usually preferred for smaller purchases.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Lunch costs vary depending on the venue. If you buy lunch at a local shop, €10-€12 will be enough, but if we stop at a cafe, you are likely to spend closer to €15. Dinner is usually about €23-€35. A beer costs €5-€8 and a bottle of wine €20-€35. Budget €30-€40 per day for meals. Entrance fees to sites are €6-€17.

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Tipping is at your discretion, but many wish to tip their leaders and driver at the end of the trip. We suggest €2 per day for the driver and €4 per day for the guide. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week with two separate envelopes (one for the leader and one for the driver). This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.

If you wish to tip hotel staff and local guides, we have found it useful for the group to have a tipping kitty. Your leader can advise you on the amount, but as a guide expect it to be €20 per person for the week.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

The use of a local guide means our customers are well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
This trip includes visits to historic sites, museums, guided park and city tours by local guides where the profits generated from entrance fees and tours not only contribute to the upkeep of the place, but also provides job opportunities to those living in the surrounding communities.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Take the train: Consider taking the train to this trip. Not only will it significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your trip versus flying, it also extends your adventure! Read more about which train journeys we can book, or how to book your own, here.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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