Snowy Paths & Holiday Magic: A Christmas Market Private Tour from the Baltics to Finland
- 8 DAYS
- 4 COUNTRIES
- January, February, March, April
Embark on a magical 8-day adventure through Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, where the charm of winter meets rich history and festive spirit. Wander through the fairy-tale old towns of Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, beautifully dressed for the season with twinkling lights, snow-covered rooftops, and cozy Christmas markets. Discover Helsinki’s Nordic elegance, with its striking architecture and winter atmosphere. Immerse yourself in local traditions with cultural experiences, including hands-on cooking classes where you’ll learn to prepare festive Christmas treats. Enjoy seasonal snacks, explore centuries-old streets, and soak in the unique blend of Baltic and Nordic winter magic — a journey full of warmth, culture, and unforgettable moments.
Price from
Per person
Welcome to Vilnius, Lithuania! Upon your arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and comfortably transferred to your 4* hotel, where you can unwind and settle in. Enjoy some free time to relax after your journey and later explore the Vilnius Christmas Fair in Cathedral Square. Stroll among wooden market stalls filled with seasonal treats, handmade gifts, and mulled wine. Marvel at the stunning Christmas tree, one of the most spectacular in Europe, and enjoy the sparkling lights that illuminate the entire city centre.
Key Highlights: UNESCO-listed Old Town, Christmas Fair
Optional Experiences: –
Guide: –
Transfer: Vilnius Airport – Vilnius Hotel
Meals: Not included
Start your day with a guided tour of snowy Vilnius, where the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town take on a magical charm in winter. Visit landmarks such as the Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, the Gates of Dawn, and the artistic Užupis district – all beautifully dusted with snow.
In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Trakai, where the iconic island castle rises majestically from a frozen lake – a picture-perfect winter scene. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and learn about Lithuania’s medieval past as you explore this historic town.
Return to Vilnius in the evening and warm up with a cozy, hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional Lithuanian dishes, such as Lithuania’s famous pink soup šaltibarščiai and cepelinai—potato dumplings filled with meat. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal, and end the experience with a classic Lithuanian dessert.
After dinner, take a festive evening stroll through Vilnius’ sparkling streets. Start at Vokiečių Street, glowing with decorations and cozy cafés, then head to Pilies Street for handmade crafts and mulled wine. Continue to Town Hall Square (Rotušės aikštė) to enjoy the Christmas market, local gifts, and warm drinks. End your walk with a quiet moment on Literatų Street, where twinkling lights and poetic tributes create a magical wintery finish. *Optional Tour – Travel to Pakruojis Manor and immerse yourself in the Winter Lights Festival – a magical experience of dazzling light installations, themed displays, music, and interactive activities. The manor grounds transform into a glowing wonderland, offering a truly unforgettable winter evening.]
Key Highlights: UNESCO-listed Vilnius Old Town, Trakai Castle, Cooking Class, Christmas Fair
Optional Experiences: Pakruojis Manor (Travel to Pakruojis Manor and immerse yourself in the Winter Lights Festival – a magical experience of dazzling light installations, themed displays, music, and interactive activities. The manor grounds transform into a glowing wonderland, offering a truly unforgettable winter evening)
Guide: Vilnius city tour, Trakai Castle
Transfer: Vilnius Hotel – Trakai – Vilnius Hotel – Cooking class – Vilnius Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lithuanian traditional food cooking class
After breakfast, travel to Riga, Latvia’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Riga’s Old Town, where medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and festive winter lights bring the city’s rich history to life.
To warm up afterward, visit the Riga Black Balsam factory for a behind-the-scenes look at how this iconic herbal liqueur is made. Finish with a tasting session, savoring its bold, warming flavors – perfect for a chilly winter day. As night falls, Riga’s Dome Square transforms into a shimmering wonderland. Wander among handcrafted gifts and festive aromas, warmed by mulled wine and the glow of a legendary Christmas tree—where music and laughter fill the crisp winter air with pure holiday magic.
Key Highlights: Riga Old Town, Riga Black Balsam factory, Christmas Fair
Optional Experiences: –
Guide: Riga city tour
Transfer: Vilnius Hotel – Hotel in Riga – Black Balsam Factory – Riga Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy some free time in the city centre to browse festive shops, relax in a cozy café, or take photos of the beautifully decorated streets and snow-covered historic buildings.
Later, enjoy a sweet and creative twist at the Chocolate Bar Painting Masterclass. Unleash your inner artist as you paint a chocolate “canvas” using brushes and decorate it with dried berries, nuts, seeds, and natural toppings. You’ll leave with your very own edible chocolate artwork—just in time for Christmas!
The rest of the day is yours: stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, browse local artisan shops, or relax at a cozy café with views of the Daugava River. Whether you’re in the mood for culture, cuisine, or quiet reflection, Riga offers the perfect backdrop to end your day on your own terms.
*Optional (on request): In the evening, enjoy a performance at the Latvian National Opera—a chance to experience world-class music and elegant surroundings in one of Riga’s most iconic cultural venues.
Key Highlights: Riga Old Town, Chocolate Bar Painting Masterclass
Optional Experiences (on request): Opera at the Latvian National Opera
Guide: –
Transfer: Riga Hotel – Chocolate Bar Painting Masterclass – Riga Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast and check-out, say farewell to Latvia and head north into Estonia, the final Baltic gem on your winter journey. Upon reaching Tallinn, take some time to rest before embarking on a guided walking tour through the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Discover its timeless charm as you visit landmarks like Toompea Castle, the grand Dome Cathedral, and the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Stroll past the graceful St. Nicholas Church and admire the medieval Old Town Hall—each site steeped in history and architectural beauty.
In the evening retreat to the modern Iglupark Igloo Saunas in Noblessner, where a private seaside sauna awaits. Let the warmth of the wood-fired stove relax your body as you take in peaceful views of the Baltic Sea.
End your day at the magical Tallinn Christmas Market, where the scent of spiced mulled wine drifts through the crisp winter air and twinkling lights dance across the snow-dusted Town Hall Square.
Key Highlights: UNESCO-listed Old Town of Tallinn, Iglupark Igloo Saunas, Christmas Fair
Optional Experiences: –
Guide: Tallinn city tour
Transfer: Riga Hotel – Hotel in Tallinn – Iglupark Igloo Sauna – Tallinn Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace—perhaps exploring a few quiet corners of Tallinn’s Old Town, browsing local boutiques, or simply soaking in the charm of this medieval city.
Later, gather for a delightful gingerbread cookie workshop—an experience that’s as festive as it is flavorful. Guided by local experts, you’ll learn creative baking and decorating techniques, as well as uncover the sweet history of gingerbread in Estonian culture. Whether you craft classic shapes or design your own edible art, the workshop offers a warm, hands-on escape from the winter chill.
After the workshop, continue your winter adventure with an *optional visit to the Harju Street Ice Rink. Set in the heart of the Old Town and surrounded by historic towers, this open-air rink offers a festive skating experience beneath twinkling lights. Skates can be rented on-site, and nearby cafés provide the perfect spot to warm up afterward.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy freely. Wander through cozy cafés, return to the Christmas Market for last-minute gifts, or simply relax and savor the seasonal atmosphere that makes Tallinn in winter so enchanting.
Key Highlights: UNESCO-listed Old Town of Tallinn, Gingerbread cookie workshop
Optional Experiences: Skating experience at Ice Rink
Guide: –
Transfer: Tallinn Hotel – Gingerbread cookie workshop – Tallinn Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, head to the port and board the ferry to Helsinki — a scenic two-hour crossing of the Gulf of Finland. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, then set off on a guided walking tour of Helsinki’s Old Town. Discover the neoclassical beauty of Senate Square, the iconic white cathedral, and the city’s distinctive Nordic charm.
In the afternoon, leave the city behind and venture into the Finnish forest to visit Nuuksio Reindeer Park (*an optional tour). Here, in a peaceful natural setting, you’ll meet and feed friendly reindeer, learn about Sámi traditions, and enjoy the quiet magic of Lapland without leaving southern Finland.
Return to Helsinki in the evening and immerse yourself in its charming Christmas markets. At Senate Square, wooden stalls glow with festive lights, offering handmade gifts, traditional treats, and steaming mugs of glögi (winter season drink). The scent of spices and roasted nuts fills the air, while smaller markets around the city showcase Finnish design and seasonal crafts—perfect for last-minute gifts or a dose of holiday cheer.
Key Highlights: Helsinki’s Old Town, Christmas Fair
Optional Experiences: Nuuksio Reindeer Park
Guide: Helsinki city tour
Transfer: Tallinn Hotel – Tallinn port / Helsinki port – Helsinki Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and private transfer to Helsinki airport. As you leave the city behind, take with you the memories of charming streets, festive lights, and the unique spirit of a Baltic winter—until next time, farewell and safe travels!
Key Highlights: –
Optional Experiences: –
Guide: –
Transfer: Helsinki Hotel – Helsinki Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Interested in a personalized tour?
Tour package include:
7 Nights at well-appointed 4* hotels
Throughout the half day tours, you will be accompanied by the knowledgeable and licensed English speaking guides who will provide insightful commentary, share fascinating stories, and offer expert guidance. Your guides will ensure that you gain a deeper understanding of the destinations, cultures, and historical significance of the Baltic States. Other languages on request.
Each morning, you will be treated to a delicious breakfast at the hotels. Fuel up for the day ahead with a variety of breakfast options, ensuring that you start your mornings on a satisfying note.
Entrance fees and activities:
– Trakai castle entrance tickets
– Cooking Class with local family in Vilnius
– Riga Black Balsam factory visit and a tasting session
– Chocolate Bar Painting Masterclass
– 2 hours Iglupark Igloo Saunas
– Gingerbread cookie workshopBottled water during all tour
Individual private transfer (Model: MB V Class or similar) service to/from the airport
Private first-class transport (Model: MB V Class or similar) service with a dedicated driver according to the itinerary
Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki
Not included in the tour package:
The cost of international flights to and from the starting and ending destinations of the tour is not included. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring they align with the tour itinerary.
Travel insurance, including medical, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance, is not included. It is highly recommended that you obtain appropriate travel insurance coverage to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances and provide peace of mind throughout your journey.
The tour may offer optional excursions, activities, or meals that are not included in the base price. These optional services provide an opportunity to customize your experience and may include additional charges. Participants can choose to partake in these activities at their discretion.
While the tour package includes the essential elements mentioned, additional services such as visa fees, airport transfers outside of designated times, gratuities for a guide and driver, also as personal expenses are not covered. Any expenses incurred beyond the scope of the tour itinerary will be the responsibility of the individual traveler.
