Grand Capitals of the Baltic

Fly to Vilnius for a two-night stay at the 4-star Holiday Inn Vilnius (3Q+). Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner tonight. D

Vilnius is a visual record of Lithuania's history with an enviable collection of Gothic, baroque and neoclassical buildings in its UNESCO-listed old town. These include Cathedral Square, the Gate of Dawn, Gediminas Tower and a collection of contrasting churches. See the highlights on a guided walking tour this morning.

Later, perhaps head out of the city to visit 14-century Trakai Castle on an optional excursion. B

After breakfast, begin your journey north into Latvia (108 miles, two hours and 30 minutes). En route visit the decommissioned Ignalina nuclear power plant for a guided tour. Whilst undergoing safe dismantling, the nuclear plant served as a filming location for the hit HBO television series, Chernobyl.

Continue to Svente Manor and the Museum of Military Vehicles, which houses an excellent collection of restored Soviet army equipment. On arrival in Daugavpils, transfer to the 3-star Park Hotel Latgola (3Q) for an overnight stay. B, D

Spend the morning in Daugavpils, Latvia’s second largest city. Take a walking tour of the city to learn of the city’s rich history which dates back to the 13th-century, then visit the renowned Mark Rothko Art Centre, a culture centre dedicated to contemporary art.

This afternoon, drive to Riga (139 miles, three hours), where you’ll spend the next two nights at the 4-star Radisson Blue Latvija (4Q). B

The largest of the Baltic's capitals, the historic Hanseatic city of Riga is known as the ‘Paris of the Baltic’. Discover its historic UNESCO-listed old town on an included tour which will reveal Europe's most concentrated collection of Jugendstil art nouveau architecture and a handful of charming 19th-century wooden buildings. This afternoon, you can join an optional trip to Rundale palace, a baroque and rococo masterpiece. B

Today you’ll journey north through Latvia towards the border (67 miles, 90 minutes). This morning's included excursion will take you into the 91,745-hectare Gauja National Park, pausing at the popular winter resort of Sigulda before touring 13th-century Turaida Castle. Continue to Cesis Castle, one of the most iconic and best preserved medieval castles in Latvia.

After exploring the picturesque ruins, drive to Valmiera where you’ll stay overnight at the 3-star Wolmar Hotel (3Q). Look forward to dinner and a local beer tasting session at the Valmiermuizas brewery. B, D

Cross over the border into Estonia this morning to reach Tartu (84 miles, two hours). The oldest city in the Baltic States, Tartu was established in 1030 and has changed hands many times. Today the city has a vibrant food scene, an elegant Old Town, and is home to the Estonian National Museum, which you’ll visit this afternoon.

Stay overnight in Tartu at the 3-star Dorpat Hotel (3Q). B, D

Today, you will visit the picturesque Lahemma National Park, which is located on the north coast of Estonia. During your excursion, you’ll visit the fishing village of Altja, the popular resort of Vosu and a working dairy farm for a local cheese tasting.

Continue to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital (112, two hours and 30 minutes), for a two-night stay at the 4-star L’Ermitage Hotel (3Q+). B, D

Tallinn's main draw is its enchanting old town of cobbled streets that wind their way beneath a skyline of soaring turrets, towers and steeples. In contrast, the modern part of the city boasts shopping centres, high rise buildings, squares, restaurants and bars. Experience the UNESCO-listed quarter's magical quality on a tour this morning, then this afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring independently. Perhaps pause at one of the numerous al fresco cafes, or browse for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. B

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. B