
Lithuania/Latvia/Estonia
Best of the Baltics: Treasures of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Program No. 23225VMM
On a comprehensive journey to the three Baltic capitals, learn about Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga’s tumultuous histories and experience the cultural gems this region has to offer.
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12 days
11 nights
22 meals
10B 5L 7D
At a Glance
Few places know “bounce-back” like the Baltic states. For almost 50 years, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania hid under the shadow of Soviet rule until declaring their independence in 1990. Slowly but surely, each regained its footing and developed its own identity. With local experts, explore each of the Baltics’ colorful capitals and learn what makes them extraordinary. In Estonia, discover the Baltics’ oldest capital, Tallinn. Latvia’s Riga, the largest of the three capitals, is a complete architectural treasure. Last but not least, venture to Lithuania and explore Vilnius, one of Europe’s cultural gems. Experience the welcoming spirit of the locals in all three capitals on the learning adventure of a lifetime.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles per day, standing for up to 2 hours on field trips. Many cobbled streets in city centers, some hilly and uneven terrain in rural areas.

Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore the unbelievable architecture of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius as you walk through their Old Towns and historic landmarks with local experts.
- Immerse yourself in the different cultures through musical performances and by meeting local families.
- Learn about the Baltic states’ political, economic and geographical position through fascinating lectures.
Featured Expert
All trip experts

Inese Avenite
Inese Avenite is formally educated in education and psychology, and previously worked as a professor of English language and literature at the University of Latvia. Soon after graduation, she pursued her tour leader license and has since worked in multiple leading travel companies in the Baltic states, focusing on project management, itinerary creation and human resources. Ines has worked primarily with English-speaking groups from the UK and the U.S.A. Besides travel, Inese enjoys gardening and landscaping in her free time.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Inese Avenite
View biography
Inese Avenite is formally educated in education and psychology, and previously worked as a professor of English language and literature at the University of Latvia. Soon after graduation, she pursued her tour leader license and has since worked in multiple leading travel companies in the Baltic states, focusing on project management, itinerary creation and human resources. Ines has worked primarily with English-speaking groups from the UK and the U.S.A. Besides travel, Inese enjoys gardening and landscaping in her free time.

Kristine Bahr-Gurtina
View biography
Kristine Bahr-Gurtina was born to a Latvian mother and a German father. Born in Latvia, she grew up in Germany most of her early life and attended a high school founded by Latvian refugees from WWII. She returned to her native Latvia as a young adult, where she completed her degree in tourism and hospitality management. Kristine has worked in restaurants, hotels, and travel agencies, but has been working as a full-time group leader for over three years. A lover of history and travel, she and her husband have visited almost every country in Europe and are now beginning to explore other continents. In her free time, Kristine enjoys cooking and photography.

Petras Staselis
View biography
Petras Staselis is a travel professional with almost 20 years of guiding experience, event organizer, and lecturer. In 2019, Petras was awarded by the Vilnius city mayor as the most hospitable guide of the city. With the background of university education, and his experience and passion for history, culture and gastronomy, Petras became an expert of both the Baltic Region and Central Europe.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Best of the Baltics: Treasures of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Program Number: 23225
Coup de Grace
Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania
Peasant and Lord in the Process of Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism in the Baltics: An Attempt of Interdisciplinary History
A Concise History of the Baltic States
Estonia: A Modern History
Yiddish Civilisation
Everything is Wonderful: Memories of a Collective Farm in Estonia
The Baltic Revolution
Latvia: A Short History
The Baltic Story: A Thousand-Year History of Its Lands, Sea and Peoples
Northern Shores: A History of the Baltic Sea and its Peoples
The Dedalus Book of Lithuanian Literature