Estonian Islands & Latvia

Day 1: Tallinn – Keila – Paldiski – Rummu – Haapsalu (140 km)

Collect your rental car at Tallinn Airport and begin your journey. Visit Keila Waterfall, the Pakri cliffs and lighthouse in Paldiski, and, optionally, Rummu’s submerged quarry and former prison ruins. Continue to the seaside town of Haapsalu, known for its historic castle and charming atmosphere. Overnight in Haapsalu.

Day 2: Haapsalu – Virtsu – Muhu – Saaremaa (75 km + ferry + 80 km)

Explore Haapsalu, including its Episcopal Castle and historic railway station. Take the ferry from Virtsu to Kuivastu on Muhu Island. Visit Uugu Bluff and, optionally, enjoy lunch at Alexander Restaurant at Pädaste Manor. Continue to Saaremaa and stop at the Kaali meteorite crater field. Overnight in Saaremaa.

Day 3: Saaremaa

Discover Saaremaa Island. Visit Angla Windmill Park or drive to Sõrve Lighthouse. Enjoy the island’s beaches and take time to relax with spa facilities at the hotel. Overnight in Saaremaa.

Day 4: Saaremaa – Pärnu – Viljandi (80 km + ferry + 170 km)

Return by ferry from Kuivastu to Virtsu. On the mainland, visit Mihkli Farm to experience traditional Estonian rural life. Continue to Pärnu to explore its sandy beach, Old Town and the Rannaniidu coastal hiking trail. Proceed to Viljandi. Overnight in Viljandi.

Day 5: Viljandi – Oiu – Tartu (85 km)

Explore Viljandi Castle ruins, the suspension bridge and lakeside parks. Visit Café Fellin or choose a walk around Lake Viljandi. Alternatively, discover Bonifatiuse Gild and its local delicacies. On the way to Tartu, stop at the historic fishing village of Oiu or enjoy views and swimming opportunities at Lake Võrtsjärv. Overnight in Tartu.

Day 6: Tartu

Spend the day in Tartu, Estonia’s intellectual and cultural centre. Visit the Estonian National Museum, or choose the AHHAA Science Centre or the entertaining Upside-Down House. Overnight in Tartu.

Day 7: Tartu – Otepää – Sangaste – Valga/Valka – Valmiera (145 km)

Travel towards Latvia through Otepää, Estonia’s well-known resort town, and visit impressive Sangaste Castle. Continue to Valga and Valka, the unique border towns divided between Estonia and Latvia. In Valmiera, consider visiting Valmiermuiza craft brewery for a tasting and meal. Overnight in Valmiera.

Day 8: Valmiera – Cesis – Ligatne – Sigulda (90 km)

Explore Valmiera’s historical centre, castle ruins, St. Simon’s Church and museum. Continue to Cesis, famous for its medieval castle and attractive Old Town. In Ligatne, see the historic paper mill buildings and native Latvian wildlife, and enjoy lunch at Pavaru māja. Overnight in Sigulda.

Day 9: Sigulda – Saulkrasti – Carnikava – Riga (100 km)

Visit Turaida Castle Museum and enjoy views over the Gauja Valley. Take the cable car, visit Gutman’s Cave or see the Sigulda Bobsleigh Track. Continue to the beaches of Saulkrasti and the riverside parks of Carnikava. If time allows, visit the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum before arriving in Riga. Overnight in Riga.

Day 10: Riga

Explore Riga’s Art Nouveau district and museum, Central Market and the Old Town, including the House of the Blackheads, Dome Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church. Visit Kipsala, ride the panoramic Ferris wheel and discover Agenskalns Market. Overnight in Riga.

Day 11: Riga – Jūrmala – Kemeri – Laci – Riga (110 km)

Visit Jūrmala, Latvia’s famous seaside resort with its long sandy beach, wooden architecture and pine forests. Continue to Kemeri National Park and walk along the Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk. Explore Kemeri Park and stop at Laci bakery for traditional treats before returning to Riga. Overnight in Riga.

Day 12: Riga and departure

Enjoy breakfast and free time in Riga before returning the rental car at Riga Airport and departing.

Included services:

11 nights’ accommodation in selected 4-star hotels
Daily breakfast buffet
Riga city tax
12-day Europcar rental car, Toyota RAV4 or similar
Unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft insurance, Third-party liability insurance. Liability amount of EUR 550

Recommended travel period:

May - September

Excluded services:

International flights
Ferry tickets for the Virtsu–Kuivastu crossings
Parking fees at hotels and public car parks
Entrance fees to museums, castles, parks and other attractions
Meals and drinks, except daily breakfast
Optional activities, including spa treatments, cable-car rides, SUP rental and tastings
Travel insurance
Tips
Personal expenses

Image source: LCC Latvia Tours
Image source: LCC Latvia Tours
Image source: LCC Latvia Tours
Image source: LCC Latvia Tours
Image source: LCC Latvia Tours
Image source: LCC Latvia Tours