Day 1: Vilnius
Arrive at the airport in Vilnius, & transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Vilnius
See the Cathedral of Vilnius & its white-washed bell tower within Vilnius’ Old Town. Visit the Presidential Palace, the seat of Lithuania’s president, & Vilnius University. Discover beauties of architecture, the Gothic & Baroque-style St. Anne’s Church & St. Bernardine Church. Take a walk through the Vilnius Ghetto, where the Jewish population was once held under the control of the Nazi party. Other highlights of the half-day guided tour include visits to the 16th-century Gate of Dawn & Town Hall Square. After lunch, learn about Lithuania’s route to independence from the Soviet Union at the Sajudis Museum. You will have the opportunity to meet one of the signers of the official independence act. Next, you will enjoy a talk on the historic day, January 13, 1991. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in the city.
Day 3: Vilnius – Trakai – Vilnius
Travel to Trakai this morning. Upon arrival, head to the shores of Lake Galve. Here you will cross the lake by bridge to visit the charming Trakai Island Castle. After returning to Vilnius later today, meet with local political science & history students to discuss current & past affairs. The meeting will be followed by dinner with the students.
Day 4: Vilnius – Riga
Head to Latvia this morning. The trip features a couple of exciting stops. Visit the Hill of Crosses, where you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of 50,000 plus crosses, & discover the beautiful Rundale Palace. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, after arriving in Riga.
Day 5: Riga
Take a stroll through Riga’s Art Nouveau district. The architecture here will be sure to catch your eye! See the Latvian National Opera, Freedom Monument, St. Peter’s Church, St. John’s Church, & the Cathedral of Riga. At the end of today’s guided tour, visit the 14th-century Riga Castle. After lunch, tour the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. You will learn about Latvia in the latter half of the 20th century, before the nation reached freedom. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in the city.
Day 6: Riga – Tallinn
Journey to Tallinn, Estonia today. Check-in to the hotel upon arrival, & enjoy lunch. Afterward, take a guided tour of the city. Visit Tallinn’s Old Town, officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site, & explore the Estonian History Museum at the Great Guild. Shop the markets in Town Hall Square, visit local cathedrals, & see the medieval Toompea Castle. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Tallinn.
Day 7: Tallinn
The day begins with a seminar hosted by a former Estonian military official’s daughter (availability pending). During the seminar, you’ll learn about the host’s time abroad, as she lived elsewhere to suit her opposition to the Soviet Union. Visit the historic site where civilians protested with song in 1988. The site is now a popular outdoor music venue. See the TV Tower, & learn about its historical associations. Enjoy time of leisure afterward.
Day 8: Tallinn
Transfer to the airport, & board return flight home.