Baltic Capitals in 9 Days
Estonia · Latvia · Lithuania
Overview
Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius are linked by frequent, comfortable long-distance buses (roughly 4–4.5 hours between each), making this an easy no-car, multi-country trip with three distinct historic centres and a day trip to Trakai Island Castle.
- Duration
- 9 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Public transport
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €660–€920
Route
1. Tallinn2. Riga3. Vilnius
Highlights
- Tallinn's Toompea hill and old town walls
- Riga's Art Nouveau architecture
- Vilnius's baroque old town
- Trakai Island Castle day trip
Worth knowing
- Bus legs between capitals are 4+ hours each
- Short warm season limits the best travel window
- Fewer big-name sights than Western Europe capitals — appeal is atmosphere, not icons
Day by day
Day 1
TallinnMain activities
- Arrive
- Toompea hill and viewpoints
Overnight: Tallinn
Day 2
TallinnMain activities
- Old town walls and Town Hall Square
- Kadriorg Park
Optional additions
- Seaplane Harbour museum
Overnight: Tallinn
Day 3
Tallinn → RigaMain activities
- Bus to Riga (~4.5h)
- Old town evening walk
~4.5 hours · Lux Express or Ecolines coachOvernight: Riga
Day 4
RigaMain activities
- Art Nouveau district
- Central Market
Overnight: Riga
Day 5
RigaMain activities
- Riga Cathedral and old town squares
Optional additions
- Rundāle Palace day trip
Overnight: Riga
Day 6
Riga → VilniusMain activities
- Bus to Vilnius (~4h)
- Old town evening walk
~4 hoursOvernight: Vilnius
Day 7
VilniusMain activities
- Gediminas' Tower
- Vilnius Cathedral and old town
Optional additions
- Uzupis district
Overnight: Vilnius
Day 8
Vilnius areaMain activities
- Trakai Island Castle day trip
Optional additions
- Hill of Crosses (longer detour)
Overnight: Vilnius
Day 9
VilniusMain activities
- Final sightseeing
- Departure
Overnight: Vilnius
Alternatives
Shorter version · 6 days
Tallinn and Riga only, dropping Vilnius.
Longer extension · 12 days
Add a Helsinki day trip by ferry from Tallinn.