FLEX BALTICS with Turkish Airlines, 7 Nights

We meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul New Airport three hours before departure. After baggage, ticketing and boarding formalities, we fly to Vilnius on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Upon arrival, we board our private coach waiting at the airport and begin our Užupis tour. The word Užupis means "beyond the river" in Lithuanian. Sights include the Angel of Užupis, the Užupis Constitution Wall, the Vilnia River, street art and Užupis Bridge. Užupis was once a neighbourhood known for its neglected Soviet-era buildings and low living standards. Over time, painters, sculptors and musicians began to settle in the area. Following its declaration as a republic, the Angel of Užupis was erected in Užupis Square in memory of cartoonist and animator Zenonas Šteinys, one of the neighbourhood’s spiritual pioneers. Designed by Lithuanian sculptor Romas Vilčiauskas, the statue represents artistic freedom, rebirth, peace and creativity, community solidarity, hope and inspiration. The sound of its trumpet symbolically "announces" Užupis’s emergence from its dark past to become one of Europe’s most creative neighbourhoods. Užupis Bridge is one of the main crossings connecting Vilnius Old Town with the Užupis district. In addition to serving as a transport route, it is regarded as the symbolic "gateway" to the Republic of Užupis. We then take a panoramic city tour of Vilnius, with sights including Vilnius Cathedral, the Old Town, Cathedral Square, the Three Crosses and St. Anne’s Church. St. Anne’s Church is one of Vilnius’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most impressive examples of Late Gothic architecture in the Baltic region. With its elegant red-brick façade, it is among the most visited buildings in the UNESCO-listed Vilnius Old Town. The original wooden church is believed to have been built in the late 14th century. The brick church seen today was constructed between 1495–1500, although the architect’s identity remains uncertain. Despite damage from fires and wars over the centuries, the church has survived through faithful restoration. According to legend, when Napoleon visited Vilnius in 1812, he saw the church and said, "I wish I could carry this church to Paris in the palm of my hand." After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Vilnius, with free time to relax. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Trakai tour (50 Euro), arranged by our guide. Covering an area of approximately 500 km², Trakai is renowned for its natural beauty and historic character. Our first stop is Trakai Castle, one of the country’s most important landmarks. Noted for its Gothic architecture and unique location, the castle was built on an island in Lake Galvė, one of Lithuania’s deepest lakes. Built in the 14th century as a residence for the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Trakai Castle fell into ruin in the 17th century due to war and neglect, and was restored in 1951 following extensive restoration work. It has housed the Trakai History Museum since 1962. After visiting the castle and enjoying free time in the surrounding area, our Trakai tour concludes. Guests who wish may then join the optional Kaunas tour (50 Euro), arranged by our guide. We depart for Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city and one of the country’s cultural capitals. Situated at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers, the city is one of the Baltic region’s most distinctive destinations, with its rich history, impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Our panoramic and walking city tour includes Kaunas Castle, built in the 13th century and one of Lithuania’s oldest stone castles; Town Hall Square, considered the heart of the city; Kaunas Town Hall, known as the "White Swan" for its elegant architecture; the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, an important example of Gothic architecture; Laisvės Alėja (Freedom Boulevard), the city’s liveliest street; and Vilniaus Street, known for its historic atmosphere. During the tour, our guide will share insights into Kaunas’s history from the Middle Ages to the present, its commercial importance during the Hanseatic League era and its old town, one of the best preserved in Europe. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the city centre for shopping and visiting cafés. We meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our first stop is the Hill of Crosses, known in Turkish by a translation of its English name. It is one of Lithuania’s most impressive and meaningful places to visit. This sacred site, where thousands of crosses stand together, is both a religious destination and a symbol of freedom, resistance and hope. The exact origins of the Hill of Crosses are unknown. According to the most widely accepted account, families began placing the first crosses after the November Uprising of 1830-1831 and the January Uprising of 1863 to commemorate Lithuanian rebels who had died or disappeared. During World War II, the Soviet authorities removed the crosses with bulldozers. However, after each demolition, Lithuanians secretly returned at night to erect new crosses. This continued for years, making the Hill of Crosses one of the strongest symbols of peaceful resistance. The Soviet Union was unable to suppress the people’s faith and desire for freedom in this way. In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited Lithuania and prayed at the Hill of Crosses. Here, he delivered the message: "This is a witness to hope, peace, love and sacrifice." After our tour, guests who wish may join the optional Rundāle Palace tour, arranged by our guide. (60 Euro) It is one of two major Baroque palaces built for the Dukes of Courland in present-day Latvia, the other being Jelgava Palace. After visiting the palace, we depart for Riga, the capital of Latvia. Upon arrival, our panoramic city tour includes Riga Old Town, the Central Market, the Freedom Monument, Riga Castle, the Art Nouveau Museum (exterior), the Three Brothers Museum of Architecture, St Peter’s Cathedral, Dannenstern House and the wooden statue of Great Kristaps, the founder of Riga, on the banks of the Daugava. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Riga. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Sigulda tour, arranged by our guide. (50 Euro) Sigulda is in the Vidzeme region, within Gauja National Park. Sights include Sigulda Castle, Gauja National Park and Gutman’s Cave. The natural beauty of Gauja National Park and the Gauja River valley will leave you captivated. After the tour and free time, guests who wish may join the optional Jūrmala tour, arranged by our guide. (50 Euro) The word "Jūrmala" means "seashore" in Latvian. Sights on our tour include Jomas Street, wooden villas and the Baltic Sea. The word "Jūrmala" means "seashore" in Latvian. After the tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Tallinn in our waiting vehicle. Upon arrival, our panoramic city tour includes the Three Sisters buildings, Tallinn Old Town, the Estonian Maritime Museum, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle, Viru Gate and Europe's oldest pharmacy still in operation. This pharmacy has been serving customers since 1422. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of Tallinn's most magnificent religious buildings and the largest Russian Orthodox church in Estonia. Its black onion domes, rich decorations and impressive architecture make it one of the most striking landmarks on Toompea Hill. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Tallinn for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Helsinki tour (130 Euro), arranged by our guide. Helsinki is Finland’s capital and largest city. Upon arrival, sights include Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, the Sibelius Monument and Sibelius Park, Helsinki City Museum, Helsinki Olympic Stadium and Esplanadi. After our tour and free time, we depart for the ferry at the time designated by our guide. Upon arrival in Tallinn, Estonia, guests who wish may join the optional Viking Village Dinner Tour, arranged by our guide. (75 Euro) Located in the old town, this village offers an authentic medieval experience that will make you feel as though you have stepped back into the Middle Ages. Here, we enjoy dishes prepared according to 700-year-old recipes. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Tallinn. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Rocca Al Mare Estonian Open Air Museum tour (60 Euro), arranged by our guide. Set amid beautiful natural surroundings on the Baltic coast, the museum offers a glimpse into Estonian life a century ago. It is home to 14 farms, a church, an inn, a schoolhouse, a windmill, a fire station and various shops, all dating from the 18th century. You can shop for handicrafts and enjoy a traditional meal at the inn. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Tallinn. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms. Transfer to the airport in our waiting vehicle. After baggage, ticketing and customs formalities, we fly to Istanbul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our tour and services end upon arrival at Istanbul New Airport.