The Baltic States

Day 1

ARRIVE TALLINN, ESTONIA (D)

Upon arrival at the Tallinn International Airport, a representative of Walking Adventures will help you arrange a transfer to our hotel on the edge of one of Europe's most charming Old Towns. Later this evening, we'll rendezvous for a Get Acquainted dinner.

Day 2

ACTIVITIES IN TALLINN (B,D)
Tallinn Old Town Walk 10 km, rated 1+

Our first day in the Baltics begins with a guided walking tour of Tallinn. With names hinting at the character and charm of this wonderfully walkable Baltic capital, Tall Hermann and Fat Margaret are just a few of the medieval towers standing guard over Tallinn's impressive city walls.

Day 3

TALLINN–OTEPÄÄ (B,D)
Otepää Night Walk 5 km, rating not available

The medieval university town of Tartu serves as our lunch stop today en route to Otepää, site of the 10th Olympiad of the Federation of Popular Sports. After checking into our guesthouse hotel in a picturesque lakeside setting just outside town, we'll participate in the opening ceremonies, have dinner, and return for a night walk in this land where the summer sun sets late.

Day 4

ACTIVITIES IN OTEPÄÄ (B)
Olympiad Walks–various distances

A full range of Olympiad walks and activities are available today, including six walk routes ranging from 6 to 20 kilometers, swimming events, beach volleyball, and cycling events. The evening highlight is a performance of Estonian music at the Pühajärve Song Festival Grounds where you will also be able to purchase your dinner.

Day 5

ACTIVITIES IN OTEPÄÄ (B)
Olympiad Walks–various distances

Seven walk routes are on the schedule today, including a marathon. Other activities include swimming, biking, orienteering, mountain-biking, and beach volleyball. Tonight's entertainment is a Country Evening, Estonian-style, at the Pühajärve Song Festival Grounds.

Day 6

OTEPÄÄ–RIGA, LATVIA (B,D)
Riga Old Town Walk 10 km, rated 1+

We continue south today through Latvia to Riga. The largest of the Baltic capitals, Riga's history is linked to the German Hanseatic League, and shares the common Baltic theme of 20th century Nazi and Soviet oppression. Our afternoon walk with the local club includes a lovely greenbelt and the Old Town, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 7

ACTIVITIES FROM RIGA (B,L,D)
Tervete Nature Park Walk 10 km, rating not available

Today's main event is an intriguing walk in Tervete Nature Preserve past ancient castle mounds built by indigenous Livonian tribes. Following lunch with our Latvian walking friends, we'll return to Riga where you'll have the late afternoon free to explore further.

Day 8

RIGA–VILNIUS, LITHUANIA (B,D)
Trakai Lakeside Walk 6 km, rated 1+ (non-sanctioned)

Pastoral Latvian panoramas mark today's drive towards Kryziu Kalnas, the incredible Hill of Crosses where Lithuanians defied Soviet overlords by planting thousands of Christian crosses. Today's walk is a pretty, reed-lined trail that takes us to the medieval fairytale town of Trakai.

Day 9

ACTIVITIES FROM VILNIUS (B,D)
Delights of Vilnius Walk 8 km, rated 1+ (non-sanctioned)

Our walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vilnius offers captivating medieval and baroque architecture, winding cobblestone lanes, and a plethora of stately old churches. This afternoon, we encounter a sadder chapter in Lithuania's history at the moving Museum of Genocide Victims.

Day 10

VILNIUS–USA (B)

Our exploration of this storied corner of Europe ends today with a drive to the Vilnius International Airport. We return home with a new admiration for the brave heritage of these three nations, and fond memories of new walking friends made during our visit. Travelers continuing on to Russia–Land of the Czars will fly to Moscow, Russia.