Explore Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga, uncovering the long history and enchanting culture of three beautiful capital cities on the Baltic Sea

Your discovery of three countries on the Baltic Sea begins as you land in Helsinki and transfer independently to our four-star hotel near Helsinki's stylish shopping streets, art galleries and museums.

Situated across an archipelago, the Finnish capital is surrounded by more than 300 picturesque islands where locals go to enjoy natural landscapes, historical sites and abundant wildlife.

Only a short distance from our accommodation is the Tennis Palace, a large structure built for the cancelled 1940 Olympic Games. Today, the building hosts the Helsinki Art Museum, where visitors can find an extensive collection of Finnish artworks. In the evening, we gather in the hotel restaurant for dinner. Overnight Helsinki.

In the morning, we set out to discover the sights of Helsinki, a city with a wonderful mix of history and modern innovation.

Among the attractions is Senate Square, the oldest part of the city. Surrounded by noble neoclassical buildings, this historic square is dominated by a monumental green-domed cathedral. From Finlandia Hall and the modernist Finnish National Opera to the abstract steel pipe monument honoring composer Jean Sibelius, we uncover inventive and stylish design throughout the city. Marvel at the distinctive Central Library Oodi, a flowing, arched structure designed in 2012 and dedicated to the Finnish people and their forward-thinking education system.

After the tour, we join a guided cruise of Helsinki's shoreline. We see the famous Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki's impressive fleet of icebreakers and Korkeasaari, or the "Island of Animals," home to the city's zoo. After we return to the mainland, you are free to explore the city and dine independently this evening. Overnight Helsinki.

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we board a ferry across the calm waters of the Gulf of Finland, bound for Estonia. This short crossing of around 55 miles takes us to Tallinn, the country's fairytale capital.

In addition to the picture-perfect huddle of cobblestone streets and medieval buildings in its historic city center, Tallinn is a thriving hub for digital companies and technological innovation. Still, most visitors are beguiled by its quaint charm, and it is regularly considered one of Europe's most beautiful capitals. Both the hilltop Toompea district and the lower part of the Old Town are UNESCO World Heritage sites and reveal photogenic sights around every corner.

On arrival, we check in to our four-star hotel, where we enjoy dinner in the on-site restaurant this evening. Overnight Tallinn.

Setting out from our hotel after breakfast, we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of one of the best-preserved medieval centers in northern Europe.

Strolling along charming cobblestone lanes, we explore the beauty contained within the fortified walls. From viewing centuries-old buildings with their bright red roofs to finding hidden courtyards, we embrace Tallinn's unique charm. On this engaging tour, we learn about local culture, history and architecture as we discover sights including the Town Hall Square and the oldest pharmacy in Europe, which has stood in its location since at least 1422.

Tonight, you are free to dine independently in one of Tallinn's appealing restaurants. From elk stews and wild boar to mulgipuder, a savory barley porridge topped with fried bacon and onions, Estonian cuisine is hearty, seasonal and delicious. Overnight Tallinn.

This morning, we head out to visit the Seaplane Harbor and Estonian Maritime Museum. Housed in a historic seaplane hangar, this innovative maritime complex showcases Estonia's fascinating naval history through maritime artefacts, ship models, and real vessels. Highlights include a Russian submarine, a seaplane and various immersive displays.

In the afternoon, you are free to explore the city at your own pace. You might like to enjoy a coffee in one of the cafes overlooking the town square or stroll along the city walls for panoramic views.

With the opportunity to dine independently this evening, you might like to experience the famous Olde Hansa restaurant, where diners enjoy hearty medieval fare and performances inspired by 15th-century traditions. Overnight Tallinn.

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Tallinn's railway station for a scenic train journey through Estonia. Traveling to Valga, we discover the vast, pristine forests covering more than half of the country's land. Estonia's rich forests are home to abundant wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, elk and wild boars.

In the border town of Valga, we switch trains and enter our third and final country: Latvia. As we rush through the countryside, look out for quaint towns dotting the landscape.

Arriving in the colorful capital, Riga, we check in to our hotel on the edge of the Old Town. This evening, we visit a local restaurant for dinner. Overnight Riga.

After breakfast at our hotel, we embark on a guided walking tour of the Old Town's beautiful sights. Home to a third of Latvia's population, Riga has a fascinating 900-year history as a key trading center in the region.

Built in 1334, the ornate House of the Black Heads functioned as a meeting point for the city's merchants and visiting traders. Today, it stands proud in front of the town hall square. One of the biggest delights of Riga's Old Town is its charming streets, where we can see the painted houses of Jauniela and the iconic medieval buildings known as the Three Brothers. Our tour also takes us past the 17th-century Swedish Gate and the towering St Peter's Cathedral.

With a free afternoon, you could uncover why Riga is considered to have more Art Nouveau buildings that any other city. Albert Street is the best showcase of these spectacularly elaborate buildings. Riga's restaurants cater for all tastes, and you may be tempted to try Latvia's warming national dish, a hearty stew containing grey peas and smoked ham. Overnight Riga.

From admiring Helsinki's stylish architecture to wandering the spellbinding medieval streets of Tallinn and Riga, this journey has revealed the history and charm of these three capital cities.

After a morning and afternoon at leisure, your tour of Finland, Estonia and Latvia concludes, and you can transfer independently to Riga airport to begin your journey home.

Standing nearly 300 feet tall, the 4-Star Radisson Blu Latvija is a local landmark on the edge of beautiful Old Riga - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bask in unparalleled views while sipping a cocktail in the stylish Skyline Bar, enjoy an à la carte menu in the Lobby Bar or unwind with relaxing treatments in the on-site spa (payable locally). Air-conditioned guestrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, hairdryer and tea & coffee-making facilities.

A short distance from Tallinn's enchanting Old Town, the modern 4-Star Nordic Forum is perfectly placed for explorations of Estonia's capital. There is a leisure center on the top floor with amenities including indoor pool, sauna, steam bath and hot tub available for guests to use for free. The on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine, and you could relax beside the open fireplace in the lobby bar or on the terrace in summer. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, safe and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Located in central Helsinki, this 4-Star hotel has a gym and sauna, with free access in the evenings. In summer months, guests can also relax on the courtyard terrace, while the lobby bar offers a wide selection of wines and craft beers. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, ironing facilities and hairdryer.

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.