If your clients want to experience a vacation off-the-beaten route in Europe, then plan for them to tour a Sky Bird Top 10 Destination: The Baltics! A trip here will give your travelers an authentic taste of medieval European history in the Baltic countries, which earned their independence from Russia in the early 1900s. Visitors to the country have, historically, been enchanted by the diverse terrain, perfectly preserved monuments, kind-hearted communities, and so much more! To help travel agents plan this thrilling trip, Sky Bird Travel & Tours created a concise travel guide with the best things to do in the Baltics on vacation.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Baltics?
There is no wrong time to visit the Baltics! However, choose the spring or fall if your visitors want to be free from larger crowds and inflated prices. Plus, clients will be able to enjoy pleasant weather, the bright sun, and a pleasant chill in the air. The summer months are the most popular for travel to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia because the days are long and picturesque. As each nation has celebrations that both tourists and citizens can attend, it can also be a good idea to schedule your client’s journey around these holidays.
What Are The Best Things To Do In The Baltics?
Riga's Old Town Streets
Riga is situated on the Gulf of Riga on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. The population of Latvia’s biggest capital city — roughly 605,000 — makes up about one-third of the total nation. On vacation here, your clients can embark on a guided walking tour through the ancient streets of Riga’s Old Town. The Powder Tower, Riga Castle, House of the Blackheads, and the Three Brothers residences are just a few of the magnificent pastel-colored structures and churches that are open for visitors to tour.
Among the best things to do in Riga, a favorite activity is exploring the city’s rich history and admiring the architecture. While tourists may observe how quickly the surrounding areas are rising with new modern buildings, the old city center still retains its charming medieval feel. With cobblestone streets, tall spires, stately cathedrals, and quaint homes, the old town transports visitors back in time to make them feel as though they’re strolling through a fairy tale.
Mooska Farm Smoke Sauna
Sky Bird Travel suggests booking your clients a tour of Southern Estonia, including the UNESCO-protected Mooska Farm Smoke Sauna. Here, your clients can experience the traditional customs associated with smoking meat, steaming in the sauna, as well as traditional summertime cooking in the ground pit. In addition, Mooska Farm has world-class smoked meats and more available for purchase at the farm.
Nearby, clients can also embark on a nature tour led by a knowledgeable guide to the Vällamägi or Tsiamägi hills. Here, participants may experience the South Estonian way of life’s connection to and sense of nature. Additional benefits include breathing exercises, orienteering activities, Nordic walking, and bog and snowshoe hikes.
The Baltics Forest
If your visitors are craving a break from the standard sightseeing, the Baltics Forest is the best place to explore. A brand-new 1330 mi (2141 km) hiking path, which connects the national parks and forests of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, offers tourists the chance to discover the local flora, fauna, and ecosystem.
When travelers enter Gauja National Park, they will quickly understand why Latvia is one of the greenest nations in Europe. Visitors climb wooden staircases to gorgeous overlooks, stroll among castle remains, and travel peaceful routes lined with lush green trees. Additionally, Lahemaa should definitely be on your client’s Baltic itinerary. As the largest national park in Estonia, it’s renowned for its distinctive backdrop of peat bogs and pine trees.
Trakai Island Castle
Trakai is an integral part of Lithuania’s history because, up until the 14th century, it served as the country’s capital. It’s a necessary and exciting trip into Lithuania’s past, plus it’s only 40 minutes from Vilnius! The Grand Duke Gediminas, one of the most well-known local heroes, lived here and wished to demonstrate his supremacy by constructing the ancient fortress.
To navigate this ancient site, we advise booking a guided tour to help your clients learn the rich historical details of the castle. In addition to its idyllic location in the middle of a sizable lake, the 14th-century medieval castle is a magnificent example of Middle Ages architecture. Two wooden bridges connect the land and the island castle, which leads visitors to a tiny island, and then onto the actual castle.
Tallinn Historical Center
Without a doubt, Tallinn is the most picturesque city in the Baltic region. The UNESCO-designated historical center boasts all the characteristics of a classic medieval city; this includes defense systems connected by cobblestone courtyards, city walls, wooden shopping squares, and more.
It’s worthwhile to book a guided walking tour of Tallinn if visitors want to understand more about the city’s history. Many remnants of the Soviet era are still waiting to be found, but others are on full display. The most notable example is the KGB prison and headquarters, which is housed in a stunning Art Nouveau structure in the middle of the old town. Additionally, the enormous and rotund Kiek in de Kok contains the entrance to the Bastion passageways, which were constructed beneath the city and used in numerous wars.
Book Your Clients Trip To The Baltics Today!
From cascading mountains to lush forests and ancient castles, the Baltics is a diverse tourist destination with myriad opportunities for its guests. The warm hospitality and culturally vibrant population of the three Baltic states will definitely make your client’s trip one to remember. For more of the top 10 destinations of 2023 for your clients to explore, read our other travel blogs! Ready to book your client’s trip? Log into WINGS and search thousands of flights, hotels, transfers, activities, insurance, and more!