Tour members from across Canada gather for the overnight flights to Europe.

This morning, we continue to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where we are met and taken to our hotel. Far from the sea, Vilnius has the feel of a Central European metropolis, with Baroque being the predominant style. The balance of the day will be at leisure with dinner at our hotel.  Vilnia Hotel (3 nights)

This morning we will explore more of the old town on foot, passing the former Bishop’s Palace (now the Presidential Palace), the Church of St. John, and the exquisite little Late-Gothic church of St. Anne in the district of Uzupis. A highlight will be a visit to the University and its Library. From the Gates of Dawn, we will stop in the Carmelite Church of St. Theresa and the Old Town Square. Following a break for lunch we will pass Vilnius Cathedral and visit the highly decorated church of Saints Peter and Paul with its outstanding stucco sculptures. Enjoy views of the city from the church’s Campanile This evening we shall have our welcome dinner at the Kitchen Restaurant.

This morning we will leave the city for the historic and beautiful Trakai Historical National Park, with its extensive lakes and wonderfully restored fortified castle. Dating from the 13^th century, it was a former capital and site of three fortified centres. Following a lunch of special local treats we will return to the city in the early afternoon, allowing us free time to sample a restaurant of our choice.

This morning, we journey west through the beautiful green countryside to Pazaislis, a magnificent Baroque nunnery and pilgrimage church, one of the architectural gems of Eastern Europe. Following a break for lunch we shall  continue to Kaunas, a diverse historic town noted for its wealth of ancient buildings and architecture. We shall explore the old town on foot, taking in the 14^th century Castle, the town square and Town Hall as well as a number of other historic buildings.  Europa Royale Hotel (1 night)  

Departing early we drive to Siauliai and the Hill of Crosses, a revered shrine of Lithuanian Catholicism and a monument to the power of folk art. Started as a simple place of pilgrimage, today there are over 100,000 crucifixes, carvings, statutes and rosaries that have been placed here by the devoted. Crossing into Latvia, we come to Rundale Palace (1736/40), a magnificent remnant of the Russian Empire in the Baroque and Rococo styles. It was built by the architect who built much of St. Petersburg. Enjoy a tour of the building and free time in the wonderful gardens. We then continue through the countryside into Riga, Latvia’s beautiful capital. Avalon Hotel (4 nights)

Explore the Old Town on foot, noted for its medieval streets, Hanseatic warehouses, Gothic and Baroque churches and 19^th century civic buildings. Highlights include the Menzendorff House, a typical merchant house from bygone era, the Gothic St Peter Church (dating from 1209) with its distinctive tall spire and the Opera House.  Enjoy a free afternoon during which you may wish to visit the National Art Museum, the Occupation Museum or the Jewish Museum. 

This morning we have a short visit to the Riga Dome Cathedral, considered to be the largest medieval church in the Baltic States.  We then head out of the city to the seaside resort of Jurmala, one of the most beautiful in the Baltic region known for its mild climate, healthy sea air, curative spas as well as its 33km white sand beach. Here we will discover the charming wooden homes and public buildings of another era. Stroll down the pedestrian only Jomas Street and relax on the seashore. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we shall return to Riga with free time this afternoon to explore this enchanting city on our own.

On foot we shall explore the Central Market, formerly Europe’s largest, situated in five 1920’s Zeppelin hangars, followed by a walk in the Art Nouveau district, a residential quarter of grand boulevards, with classical and outstanding façades and a visit to the district’s museum. Enjoy a traditional country lunch at Priedes Krogs. We shall have a walking visit through the Latvian Ethnographic Museum, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, where we can experience traditional lifestyles and rural buildings. We will have the balance of day and evening free to explore the old town.

Heading north we travel through hilly landscapes renowned for its forests. Sigulda, set by the Gauja River Valley is home to the Turaida Castle, which dates  from 1214 AD, and a truly unique sculpture garden. Cesis, where Latvia gained its independence in 1915, has a delightfully preserved Old Town and an exceptional castle ruin near which we will enjoy a sumptuous luncheon banquet. Later we continue to Tartu, the cultural capital of Estonia, the university having been founded in 1632.  London Hotel (1 night)  

Enjoy a short walking tour of Tartu this morning. There are fine 18^th and 19^th century buildings, especially the Town Hall and the university. A highlight will be our visit to Jaani Church dating from the 14^th century and noted for its terracotta sculptures. Drive through a delightful countryside of woodlands and fertile fields, passing traditional farms en route to the capital city, Tallinn. The balance of the day is at your leisure with dinner at our hotel. Our stay is planned to coincide (subject to confirmation) with the Old Town Festival, a time of music, plays, flowers and celebration. Metropol Hotel (4 nights)

Today we will explore Estonia’s fascinating capital on a walking tour. The upper town, which is set on a steep-sided hill, overlooks the surrounding city and Baltic Sea. Among the medieval and classical buildings are the Toompea Palace (Parliament), the Gothic Dome Church and the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Continue through the unspoiled streets of the lower town with its medieval walls, churches and gabled merchants’ houses. En route we will visit the 15^th century Town Hall, and see the Church of the Holy Spirit which dates from 1531, the City Museum and St. Nicholas Church, a former Gothic Basilica. Following a break for lunch in the Old Town, our tour continues with visits to the Song Festival Grounds, pretty Kadriorg Palace and Park and the remains of the St Bridget Convent and monastery at Pirita. Balance of day is at your leisure.

We drive east to Lahemaa National Park, noted for its wonderful landscapes and Baltic coastline. The charming manor house of Palmse has a full 18^th century classical facades covering the original timber structure. We shall visit Palmse with a guided visit followed by lunch before returning to Tallinn with the rest of the day free to enjoy the Old Town and the festival (if schedules work). 

We have the full day to explore the delights of Tallinn. This hopefully will be the best day of the festival. This evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner at Ribe, one of Tallinn’s highest rated restaurants.