Help with Baltic States Solo Trip

I think you will love the Baltics. We did a trip there similar to your initial plan (we had 17 days on the ground, not including flight days). We flew into Vilnius, rented a car, and drove it around all three countries, ending in Tallinn. It was a wonderful summer road trip (we went in July). In September, you have some risk of wet/cool weather (the Baltics get plenty of that, so you will want to be prepared - we got a few soggy days even in July).

We loved all three countries, not just the capitol cities, but also out in the smaller towns and countryside. There's a lot to see. I would simply fly directly to Vilnius. Save Helsinki and Stockholm for a separate trip, there's more than enough to keep you busy with just 13 nights split across three countries. With the limited time you have, you will need to make some hard choices and tradeoffs, so would suggest you keep focused on the three Baltic countries.

Will send you some links with photos from our trip.

Is the visit to Stockholm or Helsinki worth the travel for only one day?

If you think you might ever get back to that area, I would save Stockholm for a longer visit. I found plenty to do to fill 7.5 days in Stockholm.

Plus, I found plenty to fill my time for 5 nights in Tallinn:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/3-weeks-4-capitals-solo-after-warsaw-in-3-baltic-capitals

I did a Baltic cruise in 2019 when we could still overnight in St Petersburg.

Except for St Petersburg, I only spent several hours in Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm taking cruise excursions.

I did not expect to love Tallinn so much.

Helsinki was so peaceful after St Petersburg and I think it was the one place that had some fall colors. I too traveled in September and I think that it was a little bit too early for fall colors.

Just seeing what little I saw, I feel that it would be worth your time traveling to Helsinki or Stockholm, even if just for a. day. But each place deserves more than a day.

Ferry rides can be very pretty ... You might see some beautiful scenery.

Following! How are you traveling between the cities?

I agree with David's suggestion to use all your time in the Baltic countries rather than peeling off some days to head to Finland or Sweden. All the Baltic capitals (quite different from each other) have enough to keep you busy for more than two full days.

Stockholm is a gorgeous city with lots to see, and it's spread out over a bunch of islands. I'd really be frustrated with only one day there, especially at the cost of two overnight ferry trips. Helsinki is interesting but for me lacks the "wow" factor of the other capital cities in the area--unless you are a big fan of Art Nouveau architecture (which I am). A full day in Helsinki wouldn't be a bad side trip for many visitors, but you wouldn't have anything like a full day because you'd be starting from Tartu and have two ferry rides.

Do take note of the weather caution and be aware that days will also be getting noticeably shorter at that latitude in September.

jules m, I'm plan to use trains except for Tartu to Tallinn. There are new Lux Express Superior double-decker buses departing every hour that route now.

Thanks everyone!

cwSocial, OMG. I have so enjoyed reading your trip report and will likely read it a few more times.

Here's what I'm now thinking based on everyone's input.

Vilnius - 3 nights with 2 1/2 days (arrive at 10:30 am)

Riga - 4 nights with 3 1/2 days (four hours by train or I may opt for the 9 hour mini-bus self guided tour cwSocial suggested from Discovery Lithuania.

Tartu - 2 nights with 1 1/2 days (four hours by Lux Bus)

Tallinn - 4 nights with 4 days (2 1/2 hours by train) If I have a spare day in Tallinn, I can always daytrip to Helsinki by ferry.

Looks like you have a great trip planned!

Here’s my trip report from last year if it helps.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/baltics-september-2024