Estonia,Latvia,Lithuania

Can't help you on Estonia and Latvia, but consider 2-3 days in Vilnius. There's only one museum here of any note (KGB-related), but the compact old town is described as "an explosion of Baroque architecture." Similar to Prague, but without all the crowds and souvenir stands, and far more churches. For meals, don't miss a traditional Lithuanian beer cellar (looks more like a cavern!). I don't remember the names of any of the places where I ate, but consult Lonely Planet. For one of Europe's most striking anti-communist monuments, visit the Hill of Crosses.

We loved the major cities in these countries, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius. I'm not sure since you don't say what price points you are looking at for lodging in these places.

In Tallinn we stayed at one of 2 Scandic hotels in the city that was just outside the walls of the old town. In Riga, we stayed at the Radisson across the river since it could accommodate 4 people in a room.
In Vilnius, we stayed at the Scandic hotel which was centrally located. A day trip out to Trakai from Vilnius is recommended.

I spent about 10 days in Lithuania about eight years ago. The cities I was most fond of are Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda and the Curonian Spit, which was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.

I second visiting Trakai and the hill of crosses (near Siauliai). I'm not sure what time of the year you'll be there, but if the Curonian Spit and nearby seaside resorts are hopping in the summer. We also visited a concentration camp/museum outside either Vilnius or Kaunas, I can't remember.

I remember eating a lot of breaded chicken and potatoes. There are many interesting things on the menu, including a cold beet soup and "zeppelins," which are meat filled boiled potatoes (I believe).

Enjoy it! Lithuania was one of the most interesting places I've ever been.

Tom, Arnold, Nicole, thanks for the info. My wife and I will be going in July/Aug '09. Would enjoy a city center room (hotel/prefer a BB). Not certain what $150 will get us per room per night but that is the target area. Is that reasonable? You recommend 2/3 nights. We were thinking 4 nights in each of the three capital cities. Too Much? Will spend a month in Europe so time is not a factor. Listening... Larry

Four nights in Vilnius might be a little much, but if you're going to do one or two day trips, then it would work well. I'm not sure how the bus system or train system is in Lithuania--I was fortunate to be with three natives and was chauffeured around the country. :)

In Lithuania, rent a car from Vilnius. Spend less than 1/2 day in Trakai to visit the castle. It has a wonderful & large decorative arts collection. Then drive on the main highway. You'll get an idea on what the rest of the country is like. I recommend visiting Druskininkai, Lithuania. The Russians & Poles visit the spas over there. It also has a great indoor waterpark if you're into that. I recommend 2 Lithuanian travel books that are accurate. Bradt's & www.inyourpocket.com. Bradt's gives an accurate description of things to see in the countryside & www.inyourpocket.com is free & gives up to date info on places to eat, sleep, visit, festivals, etc.... If you do not rent a car, take the bus. Email me if you have anymore questions.

The older section of Vilnius is fairly small, so any location here is probably as good as another. I stayed at a converted monastery (Domus Maria) that now serves a guesthouse for the adjacent parish church. See my description in the other recent Lithuania thread.

Hello!

In Lithuania we stayed 4 nights at the Ramada Hotel and then 1 day was used for a day trip to Trakai using the bus system.

One of my favorite cheap eats is the Coffe Nation
Here's info on them on our personal travel website
http://ourpassportstamps.com/IcedTeaLithuania.html

In Riga we stayed 4 nights at the Hotel Gutenberg which I can also recommend.
One of my favorite cheap eats in Riga is a Restuarant called Provence near the Blackheads house.

The Lonely Planet and inyourpocket.com we found to be excellent resources

In Tallin I was there by cruise ship on seperate occassions for full days. Rick Steves walking tour
was perfect to utilize.

If you would like to view our photos for each place just go into our website and then go to the Photo link.

It's our personal travel journal with no advertising or tracking.

If you have any questions please let me know

I was in Tallinn for a day in September (took overnight cruise from Stockholm). We spent the entire time in the old town, which we just loved. We had lunch at Troika, a Russian restaurant, which we really liked. It's on the main square in old town.

Carrol,Thanks, where do you recomend staying in Stockhollm? We plan on the Stockholm/Tallin/Helsinki ferry trip as well as seeing the Baltic States.

Hi, Larry. Sorry I didn't see your question until now. We have been to Stockholm twice and stayed with friends both times. However, on our last trip we stayed the last two nights in Gamla Stan. I didn't want to impose too much on our friends and I was dying to see Gamla Stan at night. We stayed at the Hotel Vintaparres (I might not have that spelled correctly). It was kind of expensive, but since we were staying with friends for most of the trip, we felt we could splurge. It is tiny with just six rooms. The rooms are large but the bathrooms are teeny tiny. I don't generally mind small bathrooms but in this one the shower quickly covered the entire bathroom floor, so it wasn't ideal. However, it is in a great location, full of Swedish charm and character, and the breakfast is good. Overall, I was happy with it.