Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga for Solo Travellers
Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga for Solo Travellers
Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga for Solo Travellers
8 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Riga, Latvia
Visiting: Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1HT
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 25
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$2084 (USD) including Flights from the UKTour Overview
Explore a magnificent corner of Europe that is rich with history. Atmospheric towns full of diverse architecture and an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The countries bordering the Baltic Sea have managed to remain slightly under the radar when it comes to busy tourist spots in Europe, yet those who visit these Baltic beauties are richly rewarded.
Helsinki is where we spend the first three nights of this tour. A leafy landscape that's typical of Scandinavia plus the modern development that began for the 1952 Olympic Games creates a lively hub of culture, education and industry thriving at the centre of Helsinki today.
It's hardly surprising that most Finns have visited Estonia when you see how simple the Tallink Ferry makes hopping across the Gulf seem. With Helsinki being in the south of Finland, and Tallinn, the Estonian capital, in the north of the country, the two cities essentially face each other, although they are very much of a contrast.
South of Tallinn we find the city known as Estonia's cultural capital - Tartu. A perfect pit stop when travelling through the forests towards Latvia. This pretty city is firmly focused on the intellectual, as home to the National University of Estonia and a variety of important museums.
From Helsinki just north of the Baltics to Riga, our southernmost stop, this tour rakes in four cities across a trio of countries on the cusp of where Russia and Europe collide. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will discover the very best on offer from this hidden gem corner of Europe made up of Finland, Estonia and Latvia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation: Hotel
Fly to Helsinki and transfer to your hotel, where you'll stay in the four-star Scandic Grand Marina.
Day 2 : Helsinki & Free Afternoon
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel
Helsinki is a beautiful, bustling capital city – an idyllic archipelago nestled on the Gulf of Finland and boasting over 300 islands. Surrounded by lush forests and vast, picturesque parks, both Central Park and Kaivopuisto Park offer stunning views overlooking the sea, just two of the city’s tranquil spots that provide us with an uplifting breath of fresh air.
Our morning tour takes us around many of Helsinki’s highlights, including its striking Railway Station and the sculptural Sibelius Monument, resembling organ pipes. During the afternoon, we’re free to explore the city’s vastly varied sights
Day 3 : Suomenlinna Fortress
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, prepare to be transported back in time as we take a short ferry ride from the mainland to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna Fortress. Despite a tumultuous history, the fortress is now the epitome of peace and tranquillity. Our expert guide will bring the fort’s history back to life as we explore Suomenlinna’s four bastions, as well as a wealth of other attractions within the fortress walls, including deep and eerie connecting tunnels, a turquoise-topped dual use church/lighthouse, the ominous canons, lakes, gardens and even a beach. Outside of the crumbling fortress walls, we meander through the cobbled streets, across connecting bridges and in between old wooden buildings now home to quaint restaurants and artists’ workshops.
In the afternoon you’ll have some free time where you may choose to head back to Helsinki or stay on Suomenlinna.
Day 4 : Kadriorg Palace
Location: Tallinn
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, we leave Finland in our wake and cross the Gulf from Scandinavia to Estonia. We dock in the port of Tallinn and drive east along the coast until we arrive at picturesque Kadriorg Palace. Built in the 18th century by Russian Emperor Peter the Great as a gift to his wife Catherine, this sweeping confection of a building now houses one of the country’s best art collections. Here, we take a guided tour of its intricate interior, taking in the exquisite and mesmerising ceiling in the main hall, as well as the impressive manicured gardens and fountains that the palace overlooks. After this most regal outing we continue to Tallinn to settle into our hotel before heading out for dinner in a local restaurant.
You will stay for two nights at the four-star Nordic Forum Hotel.Â
Day 5 : Tallinn
Location: Tallinn
Accommodation: Hotel
Estonia’s capital Tallinn is, quite simply, a time warp. Its fairy tale UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, a rabbit-warren of atmospheric streets neatly situated below an impressive hilltop Upper Town, offers endless discovery: an ancient castle, a pastel-coloured baroque Parliament building, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. As you enter Tallinn’s Old Town through its landmark 14th century Viru Gate, you’re immediately struck by the heady fragrance of fresh blooms from the plethora of flower shops that line the road ahead. Sitting in the shadows of the church steeples, castle walls and grand cathedrals you’ll happen across a hotchpotch of winding streets and alleyways, colourful buildings and traditional traders. Stroll through Catherine’s Passage, an atmospheric hidden alleyway lined with all manner of artists’ workshops. Once we’ve enjoyed our morning walking tour of the upper and lower Old Town with a local guide, there’s time to seek out various local treasures, wander through the shadows of the city walls, or maybe just a short stop to sip a coffee and watch the world go by.
Day 6 : Tartu
Location: Riga
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast we continue our tour to Tartu, Estonia’s second largest city and its cultural capital, home to the country’s most renowned university. On our arrival we’ll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the picturesque city centre. The Old Town Square is the perfect place to people watch and take in the views of the Emajogi River, the Kissing Students Fountain, the pretty pink Town Hall and the curious Leaning House – home to the Tartu Art Museum. Not only has that, but the medieval St John’s Church, boasted some of the best views over the Old Town from its belfry. We set off again mid-afternoon on our journey to Riga, capital of Latvia, where we’ll settle into our hotel before heading out for the evening to sample some local cuisine in a nearby restaurant.Â
You will stay in either the four-star Radisson Blu Ridzene, the four-star Radisson Blu Elizabete or the four-star Wellton Hotel and Spa.Â
Day 7 : Riga & Free Afternoon
Location: Riga
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, we visit beautiful Riga, largest of the Baltic State cities. Situated at the mouth of the River Daugava, this charming, cosmopolitan city offers a real mix of architectural styles. Spires of dark, gothic churches tower above the shadowy cobblestone streets below.
During our morning walking tour, we explore these hidden delights and the medieval maze that makes up the Old Town, including the striking foliage-covered Powder Tower - home to the Latvian War Museum, and the central Dome Square - the heart of seven atmospheric streets. Stand on the marked spot on the square and you can see all three golden cockerels on top of the Old Town church spires.
During the afternoon, you’re free to explore the city as you wish, a stroll through Riga’s famously vast Central Market, five pavilions of old Zeppelin hangars so iconic that it’s included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the city’s Old Town.
Day 8 : Return Flight
Location: Riga
After breakfast it’s time to bid a fond farewell to the beauty of the Baltics and take the transfer for the flight home.
What's Included
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The price of this holiday is per person based on one person in a double/twin room for sole occupancy
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Accommodation
Seven nights’ in four-star accommodation
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Fully Guided
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
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Meals
Daily breakfast and three dinners (including two in a local restaurant)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
Return flights from/to the UK
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Additional Services
All tours as mentioned (Included excursions are: tour of Helsinki; guided visit of Suomenlinna Fortress; ferry crossing from Helsinki to Tallinn; visit to Kadriorg Park; guided tours of Tallinn and Riga), and departure taxes
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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Optional
Any other item not mentioned or listed as optional
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No, this tour is designed specifically for solo travellers and there is no single supplement
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, the minimum age to participate is 18 years
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes, a Riviera Tour Manager will be accompanying the trip
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, airport transfer are included
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 06, 2024 - Aug 13, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
May 13, 2025 - May 20, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.