Poland, Lithuania and Latvia: the cultural treasures of the Baltic States
Three countries, three cultures: We invite you to an 11-day tour through various modern and at the same time significant historical places in the Baltic States. Accompany us on this exciting journey through Eastern Europe and enjoy the influences of various cultures: the Catholic Baroque of Poland, the splendid classical and dynamic life of Lithuania and the medieval, winding streets of Riga, which is considered the capital of Art Nouveau around the world. You can discover the historical legacy from the time of the Hanseatic League, as well as traces of the German Templars, impressive natural backdrops as well as culinary specialties from these regions.
Tour-Code: BAL01
Cultural tourPeople, History & Culture
11 Days/ 10 NightsIncluding the days of arrival and departure
Number of participantsGroups: 6 - 14 participants
Accommodation4* Hotels
FeaturesWroclaw, Gdansk, Marienburg, Vilnius & Riga, etc!
Meals10 x breakfast, 2 x dinner
Transfertransfers by mini bus
GuideEnglish-speaking guide
ITINERARY
Highlight: City tour of Wroclaw
First of all, we start at 10.00 from Dresden to Breslau.
Wroclaw is one of the largest, most beautiful and oldest cities in Poland, which offers all the prerequisites for a trendy destination: perfectly preserved medieval buildings and modern city districts. The city has an ancient tradition and was first mentioned around the year 900, whereby the region of Silesia - in which Breslau (Wroclaw) is located - was already mentioned by Tacitus in 98 AD. Our walk begins on the medieval market square (Polish: Rynek). Many events take place here throughout the year. We visit the historic town hall, the adjoining churches and the restored town houses that tell a living story. During our excursion we take a look at another specialty of Wroclaw - the around 230 bronze dwarfs scattered around the city. These little residents were erected in the 1980s under the motto "Humor is the best weapon against oppression" and served as a symbol of protest against the communist state.
Overnight in Wroclaw
First of all, we start at 10.00 from Dresden to Breslau.
Wroclaw is one of the largest, most beautiful and oldest cities in Poland, which offers all the prerequisites for a trendy destination: perfectly preserved medieval buildings and modern city districts. The city has an ancient tradition and was first mentioned around the year 900, whereby the region of Silesia - in which Breslau (Wroclaw) is located - was already mentioned by Tacitus in 98 AD. Our walk begins on the medieval market square (Polish: Rynek). Many events take place here throughout the year. We visit the historic town hall, the adjoining churches and the restored town houses that tell a living story. During our excursion we take a look at another specialty of Wroclaw - the around 230 bronze dwarfs scattered around the city. These little residents were erected in the 1980s under the motto "Humor is the best weapon against oppression" and served as a symbol of protest against the communist state.
Overnight in Wroclaw
1st highlight: visit to the "Panorama of Racławice"
We start the 2nd day with a visit to the "Panorama of Racławice". This unique Polish work of art includes a panorama picture with a total area of 1,710 m². It depicts the victory of the Polish over the Russian army on April 4, 1794 in Racławice. The picture was a tourist highlight of the city of Lviv (today western Ukraine) for a long time. It was dismantled under strict secrecy and shipped to Wroclaw in 1946. For political reasons, it could only be shown to the public again from 1985 and is now one of the city's most famous sights.
2nd highlight: National Museum
Near the panorama is the Wroclaw National Museum, whose collection includes around 120,000 exhibits from the Middle Ages to the present day. Overall, the National Museum is considered to be one of the largest collections of historical exhibits in the country. Here there are, among other things. many paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, handicrafts and photographs to visit. We also have the opportunity to get an introduction to the history of the country and its art history and also get to know outstanding personalities.
3rd highlight: free time
In the afternoon, you have time to explore the city and other sights on your own. We recommend the "Galeria Neonów" or the Botanical Garden. Of course, you can also enjoy the city with a leisurely stroll and visit some of the local shops.
Overnight in Wroclaw
We start the 2nd day with a visit to the "Panorama of Racławice". This unique Polish work of art includes a panorama picture with a total area of 1,710 m². It depicts the victory of the Polish over the Russian army on April 4, 1794 in Racławice. The picture was a tourist highlight of the city of Lviv (today western Ukraine) for a long time. It was dismantled under strict secrecy and shipped to Wroclaw in 1946. For political reasons, it could only be shown to the public again from 1985 and is now one of the city's most famous sights.
2nd highlight: National Museum
Near the panorama is the Wroclaw National Museum, whose collection includes around 120,000 exhibits from the Middle Ages to the present day. Overall, the National Museum is considered to be one of the largest collections of historical exhibits in the country. Here there are, among other things. many paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, handicrafts and photographs to visit. We also have the opportunity to get an introduction to the history of the country and its art history and also get to know outstanding personalities.
3rd highlight: free time
In the afternoon, you have time to explore the city and other sights on your own. We recommend the "Galeria Neonów" or the Botanical Garden. Of course, you can also enjoy the city with a leisurely stroll and visit some of the local shops.
Overnight in Wroclaw
Highlight: Poznan city tour - full day
Poznan is the 5th largest city in Poland. It offers a mixture of interesting history and exciting culture, with remarkable architecture, lively parks and colorful cafés and restaurants. As in many historical cities, all of Poznan's main attractions are concentrated in the center. And since the history of the place spans about 10 centuries, Poznan offers its guests an extensive collection of historical monuments. During a walk we take a look at the most important of them. We start with the old market, where the beautiful Renaissance town hall is located. It was built in 1551 and is famous for its clock tower with the two moving billy goat statues. Our tour continues to the former imperial palace. This is the last and youngest royal residence in Europe and was built at the beginning of the 20th century, erected for Wilhelm II. In the summer we also have the unique opportunity to visit the Croissant Museum, where we can see how the most famous Polish biscuits are made. This is a kind of croissant and is one of the products with a protected designation of origin in the EU, so this specialty can only be baked in here according to a precise recipe.
Drive to the port city of Gdansk and overnight
Poznan is the 5th largest city in Poland. It offers a mixture of interesting history and exciting culture, with remarkable architecture, lively parks and colorful cafés and restaurants. As in many historical cities, all of Poznan's main attractions are concentrated in the center. And since the history of the place spans about 10 centuries, Poznan offers its guests an extensive collection of historical monuments. During a walk we take a look at the most important of them. We start with the old market, where the beautiful Renaissance town hall is located. It was built in 1551 and is famous for its clock tower with the two moving billy goat statues. Our tour continues to the former imperial palace. This is the last and youngest royal residence in Europe and was built at the beginning of the 20th century, erected for Wilhelm II. In the summer we also have the unique opportunity to visit the Croissant Museum, where we can see how the most famous Polish biscuits are made. This is a kind of croissant and is one of the products with a protected designation of origin in the EU, so this specialty can only be baked in here according to a precise recipe.
Drive to the port city of Gdansk and overnight
Highlight: City tour through Gdansk - all day
We stroll over the cobblestones, visit the old town with its flair of the old Hanseatic League, enjoy its historical and elegant ambience, which is often rounded off with classical sounds by street musicians. Many splendid merchants' houses await us, one of the largest brick churches north of the Alps - the St. Mary's Church- and the "right town hall". From here we have a wonderful view over the whole city. In many historical buildings we find cozy cafés and restaurants in which we can enjoy the impressions of this enchanting place and try various fish specialties of this region.
Overnight in Gdansk
We stroll over the cobblestones, visit the old town with its flair of the old Hanseatic League, enjoy its historical and elegant ambience, which is often rounded off with classical sounds by street musicians. Many splendid merchants' houses await us, one of the largest brick churches north of the Alps - the St. Mary's Church- and the "right town hall". From here we have a wonderful view over the whole city. In many historical buildings we find cozy cafés and restaurants in which we can enjoy the impressions of this enchanting place and try various fish specialties of this region.
Overnight in Gdansk
Highlight: Malbork castle and drive to Mikolajki (Masuria) - all day
The Malbork Castle, located the city of Malbork, is a medieval order castle of the Teutonic Order built in the 13th century on the river Nogat - an estuary of the Vistula. To this day it is the largest brick building in Europe and is also considered the mightiest building in brick Gothic. This castle complex was the seat of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order from 1309 to 1457 and is also considered to be the most impressive fortress of the 14th century in Europe. In addition to its breathtaking appearance, the Malbork Castle is also closely linked to the spread of Christianity in Eastern Europe, especially the Christianization of the Baltic people.
Badly damaged in World War II., it was then first-class restored by Polish specialists and is now home to extremely interesting historical exhibitions and an amber museum. Our personal opinion: One of the best museum complexes in Europe and a must for anyone interested in history!
After visiting Malbork Castle, we continue to Mikolajki.
Overnight in Mikolajki
The Malbork Castle, located the city of Malbork, is a medieval order castle of the Teutonic Order built in the 13th century on the river Nogat - an estuary of the Vistula. To this day it is the largest brick building in Europe and is also considered the mightiest building in brick Gothic. This castle complex was the seat of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order from 1309 to 1457 and is also considered to be the most impressive fortress of the 14th century in Europe. In addition to its breathtaking appearance, the Malbork Castle is also closely linked to the spread of Christianity in Eastern Europe, especially the Christianization of the Baltic people.
Badly damaged in World War II., it was then first-class restored by Polish specialists and is now home to extremely interesting historical exhibitions and an amber museum. Our personal opinion: One of the best museum complexes in Europe and a must for anyone interested in history!
After visiting Malbork Castle, we continue to Mikolajki.
Overnight in Mikolajki
Highlight: Free time in Mikolajki
We spend the 6th day of our trip in the small and cozy town of Mikolajki, which is also known as the "place of a thousand lakes". A perfect stopover on our journey, you have the time for individual relaxation. Whether you are walking through the small town and its harbor, relaxing in a cozy restaurant or café, using one of the various excursion boats or renting a boat yourself (a boat license is not necessary) is entirely up to you.
Overnight in Mikolajki
We spend the 6th day of our trip in the small and cozy town of Mikolajki, which is also known as the "place of a thousand lakes". A perfect stopover on our journey, you have the time for individual relaxation. Whether you are walking through the small town and its harbor, relaxing in a cozy restaurant or café, using one of the various excursion boats or renting a boat yourself (a boat license is not necessary) is entirely up to you.
Overnight in Mikolajki
Highlight: Sightseeing of Vilnius - full day
Today we say goodbye to Poland and drive to a small country full of beauty, history, fascinating traditions and culture: Lithuania. Vilnius has been the capital of the Grand Duchy since the 14th century and, in contrast to all other capitals of the neighboring Baltic countries, was never controlled by the Teutonic Order. That is why it has been able to keep its own appearance to this day.
The seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lithuania is located here. With the university founded in 1579, Vilnius is one of the oldest university cities in Europe. It is assumed that the heyday and rapid development of Vilnius will date back to the 15th-16th century, when the University of Vilna was founded here in connection with a Jesuit college. As a result of the city's liberal politics, especially the admission of refugee Jews from all over Europe, Vilnius became the most important center of Jewish culture in Northern Europe around 1900 and was nicknamed the "Jerusalem of the North".
Today Vilnius is very modern and young with its varied city center and modern residential buildings. At the same time, however, you will also find a diverse ensemble of medieval buildings in the style of baroque and classicism, churches of various Christian faiths and a synagogue. The city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
After our arrival we check into a hotel in the center and stroll through the enchanting old town. Upon request, we will stop in a cozy restaurant to try local specialties.
Overnight in Vilnius
Today we say goodbye to Poland and drive to a small country full of beauty, history, fascinating traditions and culture: Lithuania. Vilnius has been the capital of the Grand Duchy since the 14th century and, in contrast to all other capitals of the neighboring Baltic countries, was never controlled by the Teutonic Order. That is why it has been able to keep its own appearance to this day.
The seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lithuania is located here. With the university founded in 1579, Vilnius is one of the oldest university cities in Europe. It is assumed that the heyday and rapid development of Vilnius will date back to the 15th-16th century, when the University of Vilna was founded here in connection with a Jesuit college. As a result of the city's liberal politics, especially the admission of refugee Jews from all over Europe, Vilnius became the most important center of Jewish culture in Northern Europe around 1900 and was nicknamed the "Jerusalem of the North".
Today Vilnius is very modern and young with its varied city center and modern residential buildings. At the same time, however, you will also find a diverse ensemble of medieval buildings in the style of baroque and classicism, churches of various Christian faiths and a synagogue. The city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
After our arrival we check into a hotel in the center and stroll through the enchanting old town. Upon request, we will stop in a cozy restaurant to try local specialties.
Overnight in Vilnius
1st highlight: Vilnius - all day
Our tour starts in the heart of the city: at the town hall. Together we hear an interesting legend about the founding of the place and then walk through the city center. On our way we will visit the most important cultural monuments as well as one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe - the University of Vilnius. Of course, we will also visit the Gothic vaults of the Church of St. Anna from the 15th century, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another highlight of today's tour is the 16th century Roman Catholic Church of St. Francis of Assisi. On our way we pass the arches of the city wall "Ostraya Brama" - also called the Gate of Dawn. Then we climb the highest point of the city and the symbol of Lithuania - the Gediminas Tower.
2nd highlight: free time
In the afternoon you are free to explore the place on your own. Our tip: visit the various museums and galleries.
Overnight in Vilnius
Our tour starts in the heart of the city: at the town hall. Together we hear an interesting legend about the founding of the place and then walk through the city center. On our way we will visit the most important cultural monuments as well as one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe - the University of Vilnius. Of course, we will also visit the Gothic vaults of the Church of St. Anna from the 15th century, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another highlight of today's tour is the 16th century Roman Catholic Church of St. Francis of Assisi. On our way we pass the arches of the city wall "Ostraya Brama" - also called the Gate of Dawn. Then we climb the highest point of the city and the symbol of Lithuania - the Gediminas Tower.
2nd highlight: free time
In the afternoon you are free to explore the place on your own. Our tip: visit the various museums and galleries.
Overnight in Vilnius
Highlight: Trakai - all day
28 km west of Vilnius is the small town of Trakai, which is famous for its late medieval moated castle. It is considered to be the most famous sight in Lithuania next to the "Hill of Crosses".
In the 14th century, the original castle was built on one of the islands of the "Glave Lake" and was thus a symbol of one of the most progressive fortress ideas of the time. With the combination of a residence and the simultaneous possibility of effective defense, an imposing Gothic brick castle was created here.
From 1316 - 1323 Old-Trakai was the capital of the State of Lithuania and in the 14th century it was also an important part of the violent clashes with the Teutonic Knights of the Teutonic Order. However, after the Battle of Tannenberg in 1410, it lost its military importance. Today we visit the castle and its interesting exhibitions together and immerse ourselves in its exciting history.
Another specialty of the city is the traditional Karaite cuisine, which is based on meat and dough dishes. Karaiten are a Jewish religious community and represent a separate ethnic group within the Turkic peoples. One of the most famous Karaitic dishes is kybyn - a dumpling filled with minced mutton or beef and baked in the oven. After our tour of the moated castle, we take the unique opportunity to enjoy the Karaitic cuisine in a local Trakais restaurant.
If we still have time, we will of course visit the museum of chocolate sculptures in the center of Trakai, which also has a very cozy café.
Return and overnight in Vilnius
28 km west of Vilnius is the small town of Trakai, which is famous for its late medieval moated castle. It is considered to be the most famous sight in Lithuania next to the "Hill of Crosses".
In the 14th century, the original castle was built on one of the islands of the "Glave Lake" and was thus a symbol of one of the most progressive fortress ideas of the time. With the combination of a residence and the simultaneous possibility of effective defense, an imposing Gothic brick castle was created here.
From 1316 - 1323 Old-Trakai was the capital of the State of Lithuania and in the 14th century it was also an important part of the violent clashes with the Teutonic Knights of the Teutonic Order. However, after the Battle of Tannenberg in 1410, it lost its military importance. Today we visit the castle and its interesting exhibitions together and immerse ourselves in its exciting history.
Another specialty of the city is the traditional Karaite cuisine, which is based on meat and dough dishes. Karaiten are a Jewish religious community and represent a separate ethnic group within the Turkic peoples. One of the most famous Karaitic dishes is kybyn - a dumpling filled with minced mutton or beef and baked in the oven. After our tour of the moated castle, we take the unique opportunity to enjoy the Karaitic cuisine in a local Trakais restaurant.
If we still have time, we will of course visit the museum of chocolate sculptures in the center of Trakai, which also has a very cozy café.
Return and overnight in Vilnius
1st highlight: Hill of Crosses
Today we drive to the last destination of our trip: the largest city in the Baltic States - Riga. On the way we stop at the famous "Hill of Crosses". There used to be a castle at this location, which was destroyed by crusaders in 1348. Even at that time, the hill was probably a place of prayer and sacrifice Nowadays, one can find over 100,000 crosses in various designs and sizes there.The place is considered an important Catholic pilgrimage site in Lithuania andinternationally..
2nd highlight: Riga
The old Hanseatic city of Riga is famous for its Art Nouveau buildings and its well-preserved old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riga got its name from the river, which once flowed at this point and was later diverted. At that time, various merchants gathered near the river and gradually created a small, fortified settlement from a simple trading point. In 1201, the German priest Albert from Bremen built the first stone church here, which as an important monument - the foundation of the future city. Nowadays, Riga's city center is famous for its stucco houses that were built before the First World War. The cost of such facades often reached the value of about half of the total construction costs of the houses.
After breakfast we explore Riga's old town together and stroll through winding medieval streets. Here you can see how ancient and modern, rich cultural heritage and old legends intertwine. We visit the many sights of the city, including the famous House of the Blackheads.
Then we visit the Mentzendorff House, a historic residential and commercial building with an exhibition on everyday life and the life of the people in Riga.
Overnight in Riga
Today we drive to the last destination of our trip: the largest city in the Baltic States - Riga. On the way we stop at the famous "Hill of Crosses". There used to be a castle at this location, which was destroyed by crusaders in 1348. Even at that time, the hill was probably a place of prayer and sacrifice Nowadays, one can find over 100,000 crosses in various designs and sizes there.The place is considered an important Catholic pilgrimage site in Lithuania andinternationally..
2nd highlight: Riga
The old Hanseatic city of Riga is famous for its Art Nouveau buildings and its well-preserved old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riga got its name from the river, which once flowed at this point and was later diverted. At that time, various merchants gathered near the river and gradually created a small, fortified settlement from a simple trading point. In 1201, the German priest Albert from Bremen built the first stone church here, which as an important monument - the foundation of the future city. Nowadays, Riga's city center is famous for its stucco houses that were built before the First World War. The cost of such facades often reached the value of about half of the total construction costs of the houses.
After breakfast we explore Riga's old town together and stroll through winding medieval streets. Here you can see how ancient and modern, rich cultural heritage and old legends intertwine. We visit the many sights of the city, including the famous House of the Blackheads.
Then we visit the Mentzendorff House, a historic residential and commercial building with an exhibition on everyday life and the life of the people in Riga.
Overnight in Riga
Breakfast & transfer to the airport in Riga
At the agreed time, the driver will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby and will take you to the airport in Riga. Your return flight ends the tour.
See you on a new journey!
At the agreed time, the driver will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby and will take you to the airport in Riga. Your return flight ends the tour.
See you on a new journey!
10 x overnight stays in 4 * hotels
10 x breakfast
2 x dinner
All transfers in an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle
All described excursions & trips
tickets
All day English-speaking tour guide
10 x breakfast
2 x dinner
All transfers in an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle
All described excursions & trips
tickets
All day English-speaking tour guide
International flights
Meals & drinks not listed
Overnight stay in Dresden (if you need a hotel in Dresden before your trip, please feel free to contact us)
Insurance
Tip
Visa
Meals & drinks not listed
Overnight stay in Dresden (if you need a hotel in Dresden before your trip, please feel free to contact us)
Insurance
Tip
Visa
DATES & PRICES
We will be happy to prepare further appointments for you on request!
In addition to the trips already created on our website, we would be happy to work out an individual program for you according to your wishes.
In addition to the trips already created on our website, we would be happy to work out an individual program for you according to your wishes.
1. Fill out the form
2. A member of our team will call you to confirm the booking
3. You pay a deposit and receive confirmation of payment via email
4. After the final payment you will receive all the necessary documents for your tour. Take a trip with us at the appointed time!
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