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Baltic Capitals, Things Not To Miss

In & Around Vilnius, Lithuania: 

Old Town: 

The city's historic core is stunning, centered around a well-preserved and expansive baroque old town.

The Old Town is one of the biggest and most beautiful in Europe


Gediminas Castle: 

After walking up to the Castle Hill, climb the 78 steps up the western tower of the Higher Castle to admire the breathtaking view of Vilnius. The red brick tower is now all that remains of the Higher Castle. Dating back to the 14th century,  the castle was rebuilt in 1419 by the Grand Duke Vytautas following the great fire of Vilnius. 

As the time passed, some castle towers and defensive walls got ruined. The western tower was nicely restored and is open for viewing 
 

Vilnius University: 

The University of Vilnius was founded in 1579. It is one of the oldest and most famous establishments of higher education in Eastern and Central Europe.

Functioning from a long time as the only school of higher learning in Lithuania, it was a keeper of cultural and scientific traditions, and has played a significant role in the cultural life not only of Lithuania but of the neighboring countries as well. During more than four centuries of its existence, the University of Vilnius has seen periods of growth and decline, revival and closure. The University is a unique witness to the history of the Lithuanian state

 
A Half-day tour to Trakai:
 

Trakai, the ancient capital of Lithuania, 30 km outside of Vilnius, is situated on an island in the middle of a lake.
Trakai region features unique views: a combination of numerous unbelievably pure lakes and moraine hills create a breathtaking sight.

The 'Town on the Water', as Trakai usually called, is also particularly rich in architectural and cultural monuments: there are more than 300 of them. The main landmark of the town is the famous insular Trakai Castle situated on the island in the Galve Lake. 

Nowadays this is the only extant insular castle in Eastern Europe.
The town was built in the  14th c. and in the 15-16th centuries it served as the residence of the Grand Duke and his family.
This is when the town and the castle prospered. The noblemen and ambassadors came to Trakai from all over Europe, luxurious feasts were held here, legendary treasures were kept in the castle's cellar. By the end of the 16th c. the town gradually lost its former political importance. It was outgrown by Vilnius. 

Nowadays you can visit the famous insular castle and plunge into the fascinating medieval atmosphere that has been carefully preserved here

In & Around Riga, Latvia: 

Rundale Palace Museum:  

Rundale Palace is the most outstanding monument of Baroque and Rococo Art in Latvia.

It was built between 1736 and 1740 as a Summer residence of Duke Ernst Johann of Courland.

The central building of the palace was used as the Duke's former living quarters. 

The most beautifully decorated are the Gold Hall (Throne room), the White Hall (Ball room), the Grand Gallery (Banquet room) and five smaller rooms where a collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain is displayed 

Dome Cathedral: 

The Dome Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the Baltics.
The oldest part of the cathedral is the altar built in the manner of Romanesque. Gothic style has left its traces in the architecture of Basilica; baroque is the style of the 15th century spire. Western entrance was built in the 2nd part of the 18th c., and has the features of pseudo Gothic style. The first construction period was finished by 1270. After the last reconstruction in 1776, the tower was raised to the height of 90 meters. This well known historical monument became a symbol of the Old Town of Riga

St. Peter's Church: 

Visit St. Peter's Church if you wish to see Riga from the bird's view. 

This national architectural monument was first mentioned in the chronicles in 1209.

The monument has a long history of fires and destruction during the WW II.

The tower was reconstructed in 1973.

There is an elevator built inside the tower that allows visitors to go as high as 72 meters above the ground for spectacular views of the city.

Enjoy great views across the Old town.

It really helps with getting your bearings over the small city center

In & Around Tallinn, Estonia:

Tallinn's Old Town: 

The Old Town on the hill (Toompea) is an outstanding permanent monument to Gothic and Baroque architecture. 

The Tallinn Old Town (including Toompea) is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

 
The best way to see it is on foot: the area is relatively small; large parts of the Old Town have been made traffic-free zones, while other parts consist of narrow streets, making vehicle access impractical.

 
Many of the streets are cobbled and suffer from lack of maintenance, so you have to keep your eyes open for uneven road and pavements surfaces. Wear sensible walking shoes

St. Olav's Church & Tower:

 
From 1549 to 1625, this 14th century Gothic church was the tallest building in the world. 

 Nowadays its smaller, 124-meter spire still dwarfs most of Tallinn’s buildings.

The structure remains an important symbol of the town. 

From April to October, visitors can make the vigorous climb to the top of the stone portion of the tower for magnificent & dizzying views of Old Town, Toompea hill and sea port area