History & Politics in the Baltic Region

  • Estonia
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania

Overview

As you travel across three Baltic nations, you’ll learn about historic crossovers, from political tyranny to independence & freedom. Explore history museums, visit sites where civilians fought for their freedom, & attend a meeting with local political science & history students. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit medieval castles & a renowned art nouveau district, amongst other famed sites.

Highlights

  • Lithuanian Independence – Meet one of the signers of the independence act of Lithuania.
  • Tallinn Song Festival Grounds – Modern day music performance site. Historic site where civilians protested in song for their freedom.
  • Hill of Crosses – Features over 50,000 diverse crosses.
  • Vilnius Ghetto – Learn about the Lithuanian Jews’ captivity under Nazi control.
  • Meeting – speak to local students to discuss their perspective on current & past events that have affected their nation.
  • Riga – See the intriguing architecture in Riga's Art Nouveau district.
  • Seminar – Given from the perspective of a former Estonian military official’s daughter as she lived abroad during the Soviet Union.

Itinerary

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.

Optional Add-Ons

The Holocaust In The Baltic Region – Learn about the Jewish history of Estonia, Latvia, & Lithuania during WWII.
  • Vilnius – Spend the day exploring the Jewish historical sites of the city. Tour features visits to Jewish ghettos & the Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum.
  • Paneriai Forest – Site where thousands of Jews lie at rest after having been executed by the Nazi party.
  • Riga & Bikernieki Forest – Learn about pre & post WWII Jewish history at the Museum “Jews In Latvia.” Visit the Yiddish-speaking district of Maskavas & the cemetery & Holocaust memorial in Bikernieki Forest.
  • Tallinn – Meet members of the local Jewish community. Visit the cultural center & the nearby Rahumae cemetery.

Optional Add-Ons

Soviet Reign Across Europe’s Baltic Region – See works of art, historic sites, & memorials relating to the Soviet Union’s previous reign over Estonia, Latvia, & Lithuania.
  • Vilnius & Grutas Park – Explore the Museum of Genocide Victims, see the Green Bridge, & visit the Palace of the Trade Unions. Walk through Grutas Park, which features more than fifty statues of Soviet figures.
  • Devil Museum – Famous Lithuanian museum. Features thousands of devil figures, originating from Lithuania & other countries.
  • Secret Soviet Bunker – Visit what once was a secret hide out for Soviet officials in Latvia.
  • Paldiski – Estonian town that served as a nuclear submarine training center during the time of Soviet reign.