Explore Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga, uncovering the long history and enchanting culture of three beautiful capital cities on the Baltic Sea

Your discovery of three countries on the Baltic Sea begins by meeting the Tour Manager at London Heathrow ahead of a flight to Helsinki.

The Finnish capital lies across an archipelago and is surrounded by more than 300 islands and, on arrival, we transfer to our four-star hotel in the city centre. Our accommodation is near to Helsinki's main shopping streets, as well as a number of art galleries and museums. Built for the cancelled 1940 Olympic Games, the Tennis Palace a short distance from our hotel now hosts the Helsinki Art Museum, where visitors can find an extensive collection of Finnish artworks.

This evening, we gather in the hotel restaurant for our first dinner together.

Helsinki is a wonderful blend of old and new and we set out to discover the sights after breakfast this morning.

Among the attractions we view on our walking tour is Senate Square - the oldest part of the city. Surrounded by noble neoclassical buildings, it is dominated by the green-domed cathedral. From Finlandia Hall and the modernist national opera house to the abstract steel pipe monument honouring composer Jean Sibelius, we uncover inventive and stylish design. A symbol of the country, Central Library Oodi was designed in 2012 and this flowing, arched structure is an ode to the Finnish people and their education system.

After our city tour, we join a guided cruise of Helsinki's shoreline of Helsinki. On our journey, we view the famous Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, the impressive fleet of icebreakers and Korkeasaari island, home to the city's zoo. Later, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore further and dine independently this evening.

We say hello to the Baltic countries after breakfast today as we board a ferry across the calm waters of the Gulf of Finland, bound for Estonia.

This short crossing of around 55 miles takes us to the country's fairytale capital, Tallinn. Although a picture-perfect huddle of cobblestone streets and medieval buildings in its historic centre, Tallinn is a thriving hub for digital companies and technological innovation. However, most visitors are beguiled by its quaint charm, and it is regularly considered one of Europe's most beautiful capitals. Both the hilltop Toompea district and the lower part of the Old Town are UNESCO World Heritage sites and reveal photogenic sights around every corner.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel, where we enjoy dinner in the on-site restaurant this evening.

Setting out from our hotel after breakfast, we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of one of the best-preserved medieval centres in northern Europe.

Strolling along charming, cobblestone lanes, we explore the beauty that is contained within the fortified walls. From viewing centuries-old buildings with their bright red roofs to finding hidden courtyards, we embrace Tallinn's unique charm. On this engaging tour, we learn about local culture, history and architecture as we discover sights including the Town Hall Square and the oldest pharmacy in Europe, which has stood in its location since at least 1422.

Tonight, you dine independently, and Tallinn has many appealing restaurants. From elk stews and wild boar to barley sausages with mulgipuder, Estonian cuisine caters for many tastes.

This morning, we head out to visit the Seaplane Harbour and Estonian Maritime museum. This innovative maritime complex is housed in a historic seaplane hangar and showcases Estonia's naval history through maritime artefacts, ship models, and real vessels. Here, we wander through its highlights which include a Russian submarine, a seaplane and various interactive displays.

The afternoon is free for you to explore more of Tallinn at your own pace. You could enjoy a coffee in one of the cafes overlooking the town square and stroll along the city walls for panoramic views. With the opportunity to dine independently, you might like to experience the unique Olde Hansa restaurant. Diners here can enjoy hearty medieval fare and performances - it is worth going in just for a look at the museum exhibits.

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Tallinn's railway station for a scenic train journey through Estonia. Travelling to Valga, we discover a country with around half of its land covered with forests, occasionally dotted with quaint towns.

In the border town of Valga, we switch trains and enter our third and final country, Latvia. Arriving in the beautiful capital, Riga, we check in to our hotel on the edge of the Old Town. This evening, we visit a local restaurant for dinner.

Home to around a third of Latvia's population, Riga has embraced its importance during its 900-year history. After breakfast at our hotel, we embark on a guided walking tour of the Old Town's beautiful sights.

Built in 1334, the ornate House of the Black Heads acted as a meeting point for the city's merchants and visiting traders. Today, it stands proud in front of the town hall square. One of the biggest delights of Riga's Old Town is its charming streets, where chocolate-box delights await at every winding turn - such as the painted houses of Jauniela or the iconic medieval buildings known as the Three Brothers. Our tour also takes us past the 17th-century Swedish Gate and the towering St Peter's Cathedral.

With a free afternoon, you could uncover why Riga is considered to have more Art Nouveau buildings that any other city. Albert Street is the best showcase of these spectacularly elaborate buildings. Riga's restaurants cater for all tastes, and you may be tempted to try Latvia's warming national dish - a hearty stew containing grey peas and smoked ham.

From Helsinki's stylish architecture to the spellbinding medieval streets of Tallinn and Riga, our explorations have revealed the history and charm of these three capital cities. After a morning and afternoon at leisure, we transfer to Riga airport for our flight back to the UK. On landing at London Heathrow, your tour of Finland, Estonia and Latvia comes to an end, and you can make your way home independently.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Standing nearly 300 feet tall, the 4-Star Radisson Blu Latvija is a local landmark on the edge of beautiful Old Riga - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bask in unparalleled views while sipping a cocktail in the stylish Skyline Bar, enjoy an à la carte menu in the Lobby Bar or unwind with relaxing treatments in the on-site spa (payable locally). Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, hairdryer and tea & coffee-making facilities.

This centrally located 4-Star hotel is a short distance from the Rotermann Quarter, Freedom Square and the Old Town. The lobby bar offers drinks and snacks, the Café Boulevard provides pastries and salads, while the Senso Restaurant serves a wide range of Estonian and international dishes. A fitness centre on the 26th floor includes a swimming pool, gym and sauna - and offers excellent views across Tallinn. Modern and stylish guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer.

Located in central Helsinki, this 4-Star hotel has a gym and sauna, with free access in the evenings. In summer months, guests can also relax on the courtyard terrace, while the lobby bar offers a wide selection of wines and craft beers. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, ironing facilities and hairdryer.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.