Help with Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius

I found Tallinn to be good for a day walking around the old center. If I had extra time, I would go West toward the beaches. My third priority would be the big park (can't recall the name) that has Peter the Great's small cottage.

I think the amount of time you plan to spend in each city is just about right. I have been to all three and in my opinion any more than 3 days would have been too much ... for me, that is. If one's roots are in that part of the world then it is a different matter.

Two and a half days in Vilnius is probably enough. Beautiful city (imagine Prague without the hordes of tourists and souvenir shops), but there's not a whole lot to do there other than walk around. I wanted to see the Hill of Crosses when I was there, but I couldn't figure out the transport logistics.

We've been to Vilnius twice and to Tallinn. From experiencing those two cities and just guessing on Riga, I'd say your proposed time allotment is about right. Try to visit Trakai just outside of Vilnius. The 'hill of crosses' mentioned above has a very interesting story, but it would be a full day trip from Vilnius. There is an interesting and worthwhile open-air museum between Vilnius and Kaunas. We also spent 4 weeks on two different occasions in Klaipeda, Lithuania's 3rd largest city. From there you can visit the Curonian Spit (to look for amber) and the seaside town of Palanga. Enjoy the Baltics.

We were there 5 years ago and Baltic Air was really a cheap way to get around and should save you time and allow you a bit more time.

Last year we spent a week between the Baltic States - Vilnius, Riga and Tallin and Russia (May 15 - May 31). Our itinerary was like this - Vilnius 4 nights (arrived around 8:30pm first night and jet leg hates me so we compensate usually at the first place with more time), Riga 3 nights, Tallin 2 nights. We utilized Euro Lines bus to get from Vilnius to Riga, Riga to Tallin and then onto STPB. I wasn't sure how I'd deal with the buses over trains but it was actually quite relaxing and comfortable and easy. Vilnius, 1 day exploring the old town completely, one day out to Trakai which was completely worth it, and a last day seeing what we missed prior and then early to bed with a 6:30am bus the next morning. Riga, we took one full day out to the beaches to Jurmula and checking out the Markets on return, which I'd recommend and the other day full day just exploring the old town. Tallin, utilized the tour buses and explored the old town. We'd actually have like another night here to give us 2 full days so we could see outside the old town more (you get a taste on the tour bus). I'm happy to provide more details around what we did, how we got there and all that (I'm a bit overorganized)- it's all at home on my desktop there. Also, ensure you head over to the Trip Advisor Forums since there are forums for each of these cities and lots of information.

Hi Chad! Vilnius is a truly breathtaking city! The old town or Senamiestas was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994. It is one of the largest in Eastern Europe. It is located between two rivers--Vilna and Neris. The city is very multicultural and has great architectural diversity. It can be described as southern architecture beneath the northern sky! The ruins of castles, network of meandering streets, church spires, bell towers, and red tile roofs make Vilnius a charming city just waiting to be discovered! Best Airlines: Finnair/ LOT Polish Airlines Best Travel Guide: Bradt (Offers VERY Informative Baltic Guides) Best Hotels: Narutis Hotel (Best**) Shakespeare Boutique Hotel () Grotthus Hotel () Rudninku Vartai () Rinno Hotel () Hotel Tilto () Algirdis ()
Grybas Namas ()

Vilnius Information Best Restaurants/Cafes Zemaiciai (Lithuanian) Lokys (Lithuanian) FORTO DVARAS (European) Prie Katedros (European) TORES Restoranas (Best View of the Old Town!) What do See: Vilnius Cathedral Presidential Palace Saint Anne's Cathedral The Church of the Holy Spirit St. Casimir Cathedral Museum of Genocide Vilnius University Gediminas Castle Tower (Great panoramic views!) Valdoviu Rumai (Open in 2013) Lower Castle of the Grand Dukes
Trakai Island Castle Major Streets: Gediminas Prospektas and Pilies Gatve For MORE suggestions please visit: wwwkofl144.weebly.com Click on the travel tab and the links of interest page. There are videos, hotel, restaurants, and more information about the Old Town of Vilnius. ENJOY!