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8 Day itinerary in Lithuania, Europe

Christmas Markets & Winter Magic in Lithuania and the Bal...

Experience a captivating winter journey through Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, where festive Christmas markets, snow-dusted old towns, and rich cultural traditions create an unforgettable holiday escape. Discover Vilnius’ enchanting UNESCO-listed Old Town, wander the fairy-tale setting of ... Read More

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ErikaKamile

By Erika and Kamile

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Vilnius

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Cuisine

Educational

Classes

Cultural

Landscapes & Sceneries

Culture & History

Visit markets

Winter Wonderland

Christmas & New Year

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Wander Vilnius’ magical Christmas market illuminated with festive lights

2

Tour Trakai Castle on a frozen lake and explore medieval Lithuanian history

3

Savor and create treats at a chocolate masterclass in Riga’s Old Town

4

Relax in Tallinn’s seaside igloo saunas with views of the sparkling Baltic Sea

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Arrival in Vilnius: Sparkling Lights & Christmas Market

Arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania, where you are warmly greeted and privately transferred to your centrally located hotel. Take some time to relax after your journey and settle into your room. When you are ready, step outside to experience the enchantment of the Vilnius Christmas Fair in Cathedral Square. Wander between the cozy wooden market stalls, savoring seasonal treats, shopping for handmade gifts, and sampling steaming mulled wine. The city center glows with brilliant lights, and you can gaze up at Vilnius’ dazzling Christmas tree—renowned as one of the most spectacular in Europe. Take in the festive atmosphere as the old town sparkles, welcoming you to the magic of a Lithuanian winter. 


Did you know? Vilnius’ Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Eastern Europe.


Accommodation:

  • 4-star Accommodation: Artis
Day 2

place Vilnius & Trakai: Old Town History and Winter Traditions

Start your morning with a guided tour through Vilnius’ snow-dusted UNESCO-listed Old Town, where you’ll stroll cobbled streets and explore timeless landmarks. Visit Vilnius Cathedral, ascend Gediminas Tower, pass beneath the storied Gates of Dawn, and wander the artistic Užupis district—all transformed by the magic of winter. In the afternoon, drive to Trakai, where the iconic island castle rises from the shimmering surface of a frozen lake. Explore the peaceful historic town and learn about Lithuania’s medieval heritage. Returning to Vilnius in the evening, warm up during a hands-on cooking class where you’ll master Lithuanian favorites like pink soup šaltibarščiai and meat-filled cepelinai, then savor a classic dessert. Afterward, take a festive stroll from Vokiečių Street’s cozy cafés and decorations, along Pilies Street’s handmade crafts and mulled wine, to the Town Hall Square Christmas market. End the evening on Literatų Street, glowing with poetic lights. 


Did you know? Užupis declared itself an independent republic with its own constitution and president.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • 4-star Accommodation: Artis
Day 3

place Snowy Streets of Riga: Sips, Sights & Seasonal Joy

After breakfast, travel from Vilnius to Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia. Upon arrival, check in to your city-center hotel and take some time to unwind after the journey. In the afternoon, set out on a guided tour of Riga’s Old Town, where medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets shimmer under festive winter lights. You’ll visit the Riga Black Balsam factory for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how this iconic herbal liqueur is crafted, followed by a tasting session to savor its warming, bold flavors—perfect for chilly days. As evening falls, wander through Dome Square as it transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with the aromas of mulled wine and festive treats. Admire the legendary Christmas tree and feel the air come alive with the sounds of music and laughter throughout the glowing square. 


Did you know? The world’s first decorated Christmas tree was put on display in Riga in 1510.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-star Accommodation: Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
Day 4

place Riga’s Sweet Side: Chocolate Artistry and Winter Leisure

After breakfast, embrace a leisurely morning in the heart of Riga. You have free time to browse festive shops, cozy up in a quaint café, or capture photos of beautiful snow-covered historic buildings in the decorated city center. Later, dive into a creative Chocolate Bar Painting Masterclass, where you’ll design an edible chocolate “canvas” using brushes and decorate it with dried berries, nuts, seeds, and colorful natural toppings. Leave with your own delicious chocolate artwork made just in time for the holidays. The afternoon and evening are yours: stroll through charming Old Town streets, shop for artisan gifts, or enjoy peaceful views of the Daugava River from a warm café. If you wish, opt for a magical evening at the Latvian National Opera, relishing elegant surroundings and world-class performances. 


Did you know? Riga is renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, boasting the highest concentration in the world.


Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-star Accommodation: Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
Day 5

place Tallinn Arrival: Medieval Towers and Igloo Sauna Retreat

After breakfast and check-out, bid farewell to Latvia as you head north to Estonia, the final Baltic destination on your winter journey. Upon your arrival in Tallinn, take time to rest before heading out on a guided walking tour through the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Discover the enchanting streets and visit storied landmarks including Toompea Castle, the grand Dome Cathedral, the ornate Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the elegant St. Nicholas Church. Admire the medieval Old Town Hall, each site reflecting Tallinn’s unique architectural heritage. In the evening, indulge in a modern ritual at Noblessner’s Iglupark, where a private seaside igloo sauna offers warmth and relaxation set against peaceful views of the Baltic Sea. Conclude your day at the magical Tallinn Christmas Market, letting the scent of spiced mulled wine and twinkling lights of Town Hall Square immerse you in festive joy. 


Did you know? Tallinn’s Town Hall Square hosted Europe’s first public Christmas tree in 1441.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-star Accommodation: Metropol Spa Hotel
Day 6

place Tallinn Traditions: Gingerbread Creativity and Winter Leisure

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Tallinn’s Old Town at your own pace. Wander through quiet medieval streets, browse local boutiques, or simply delight in the peaceful winter charm of the city. Later, gather for a festive gingerbread cookie workshop led by local experts, where you’ll learn creative decorating techniques and uncover the sweet history of gingerbread in Estonian culture. Craft classic shapes or create your own edible designs during this warm, hands-on escape from the winter chill. Continue your adventure with an optional visit to the Harju Street Ice Rink, set among historic towers in the heart of Old Town. Rent skates on-site and glide beneath the twinkling lights, then unwind in a nearby café afterward. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy cozy cafés, browse the Christmas Market for last-minute gifts, or simply absorb the enchanting seasonal spirit that makes Tallinn so alluring in winter. 


Did you know? Estonia’s gingerbread tradition dates back to medieval times and remains a beloved holiday custom.


Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-star Accommodation: Metropol Spa Hotel
Day 7

place Helsinki Bound: Nordic Charms and Festive Markets

After breakfast, depart Tallinn and transfer to the port for a scenic two-hour ferry crossing over the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and settle in before heading out on a guided walking tour through Helsinki’s Old Town. Discover Senate Square’s neoclassical splendor, the city’s iconic white cathedral, and Helsinki’s distinctive Nordic ambiance. In the afternoon, you can choose an optional excursion to Nuuksio Reindeer Park, where you’ll venture into the Finnish forest, meet and feed friendly reindeer, and learn about the rich traditions of the Sámi people—all in a serene Lapland setting just outside the city. Return to Helsinki in the evening to immerse yourself in the Christmas markets at Senate Square, where wooden stalls glow with lights and offer handmade crafts, traditional Finnish treats, and steaming glögi. Smaller festive markets across the city invite you to explore more Finnish design and seasonal cheer. 


Did you know? Helsinki is considered one of the world’s design capitals, famous for its functional elegance and innovative style.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-star Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Boulevard by IHG
Day 8

place Farewell Helsinki: Baltic Memories & Departure

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and enjoy a comfortable private transfer to Helsinki airport. As you leave the city behind, reflect on a journey filled with charming streets, shimmering lights, and the festive energy of northern Europe’s winter. Take with you the unforgettable memories of snow-dusted old towns, welcoming holiday markets, and the warm spirit of the Baltic and Nordic regions. Until next time, farewell and safe travels! 


Did you know? Helsinki is a hub for modern architecture, blending historic landmarks with cutting-edge design across the city.


Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Artis
  • Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
  • Metropol Spa Hotel
  • Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Boulevard by IHG

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (7)
  • Dinner (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Individual private transfer service to and from the airport for hassle-free arrivals and departures
  • Private first-class transport service with a dedicated driver according to the itinerary
  • Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki for a scenic Gulf of Finland crossing

Activities expand_less

  • Entrance fees to castles mentioned in the program (such as Trakai Castle)
  • Cooking class with a local family in Vilnius to learn Lithuanian specialties
  • Riga Black Balsam factory visit and tasting session for authentic Latvian flavors
  • Chocolate Bar Painting Masterclass
  • Two hours in Iglupark Igloo Saunas in Tallinn
  • Gingerbread cookie workshop in Tallinn
  • Bottled water during all tours

Extras expand_less

  • English speaking guides

Not Included expand_less

  • Additional transfers not listed in the itinerary
  • Optional activities
  • Any activities or sightseeing not explicitly mentioned in the daily itinerary
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • International and domestic flights to and from the starting or ending destination
  • Travel insurance
  • Any items or services not specifically indicated as “included” in the program

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