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Rail journey · APT · 7 nights

Baltic Sea Capitals

  • Explore Helsinki's architectural heritage
  • Uncover Tallinn's medieval splendour
  • Discover Riga's quirky architecture
From
$4,350 pp twin share
$6,450 pp solo share
7 nights
Departs 14 September 2026 Returns 21 September 2026
Duration7 nights
OperatorAPT
StyleRail journey
HighlightJourney by rail to discover a trio of medieval northern European capital cities - Helsinki, Tallinn, and Riga
Marvel at glorious historic and modern architecture. Stroll through charming UNESCO World Heritage Old Towns. Delight in ever-changing scenery between capitals by train

Journey by rail to discover a trio of medieval northern European capital cities — Helsinki in Finland, Tallinn in neighbouring Estonia, and Riga in Latvia. Marvel at the glorious buildings that effortlessly blend the historic with the modern, stroll through charming Old Towns recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, and delight in the ever-changing scenery as travel by train between capitals.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
14 September 2026
Returns 21 September 2026
Returns
21 September 2026
Duration
7 nights
From pp twin share
$4,350 pp
From pp solo cabin
$6,450 pp
  • 14 Sep 2026 - 21 Sep 2026
    from $4,350 pp twin share / $6,450 pp solo *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrive Helsinki

    Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland and surrounded by more than 300 islands. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your premium hotel located in the city centre. This evening, gather in the hotel restaurant to meet your Great Rail Journeys Escort and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

  2. 2

    Helsinki

    After breakfast at the hotel, embark on an exploration of Helsinki, a city that effortlessly blends history with modernity. Begin in the oldest part of the city with a visit to Senate Square surrounded by majestic neoclassical buildings, dominated by the green-domed Helsinki Cathedral overlooking the square. Then, travel to the Olympic Stadium, the centre stage of the 1952 Summer Olympics, to enjoy its architecture up close. Continue exploring the city's contemporary architecture including Helsinki University Library, the modernist National Opera House, and the abstract Sibelius Monument, created from 600 hollow steel pipes, honouring celebrated composer Jean Sibelius. Marvel at the astounding Temppeliaukio Church, resembling a giant space ship that's crashed into the city centre.

    You'll then enjoy a guided cruise admiring the beautiful archipelago and shorelines of Helsinki. During the cruise, you'll pass the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, the impressive fleet of ice-breaker vessels, and the City Zoo located, on Korkeasaari Island. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Helsinki independently, perhaps finding an establishment to enjoy dinner this evening.

  3. 3

    Tallinn

    This morning, board a local ferry and glide across the calm waters of the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn in neighbouring Estonia. Arrive in the picturesque capital and head to your hotel for check-in. In your free time this afternoon, perhaps venture to the historic Old Town to stroll along its cobbled streets and admire the medieval architecture, appreciating why its often considered one of the best-preserved Old Towns in Europe, and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

    Tonight, savour your first taste of authentic Estonian cuisine at the hotel's restaurant.

  4. 4

    Tallinn

    After breakfast, depart your hotel for a guided sightseeing tour of Tallinn by coach to enjoy the city's medieval gems. Marvel at the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral adorned with flowing arches and topped with five onion domes — it's one of the city's most distinguishing sights. Head to the Toompea district in Tallinn's medieval Old Town, surrounded by charming historic buildings, including the pink-coloured parliament, and the stark white of 13th-century St Mary's Cathedral, also known as the Dome Church. In Town Hall Square, gaze upon the oldest surviving town hall in northern Europe, before continuing to view the House of the Blackheads, formerly known as the House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads — a professional association of ship owners, merchants and foreigners dating to the 14th century. The building is the only example of preserved Renaissance architecture in Tallinn. Your medieval experience in Tallinn concludes with a glimpse into life behind the 'iron curtain' with a guided tour of the KGB Museum, featuring fascinating exhibits of historical relics.

    Tallinn offers a rich culinary scene. Tonight in your free time, explore the many restaurants, cafes and bars on offer for a culinary adventure, perhaps sampling an elk stew or a dish of wild boar.

  5. 5

    Tallinn

    Uncover Estonia's fascinating seafaring history, starting with a visit to the Estonian Maritime Museum at Seaplane Harbour. This innovative complex is housed in a historic seaplane hangar and showcases Estonia's naval history through artefacts, model ships, an authentic Russian submarine, icebreaker, and a seaplane.

    The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Tallinn at your own pace. You might wish to grab a table at one of the cafes overlooking the town square and experience a taste of local life in Estonia's capital. This evening, you have the opportunity to dine independently at one of the city's many eateries or, perhaps, experience the unique medieval flavours served up at Olde Hansa restaurant, complemented by 14th century-style entertainment.

  6. 6

    Tallinn, Riga

    This morning, transfer to Tallinn's railway station for your scenic train journey to Riga via the border town of Valga, winding your way through lush forests dotted with quaint towns. Switch trains in Valga and continue your journey to Latvia, bound for its beautiful capital, Riga. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel on the edge of the Old Town for check-in. This evening, delight in Latvian cuisine at a local restaurant for dinner.

  7. 7

    Riga

    Unlock the history of Riga on a tour of the capital, home to approximately a third of the country's population. Travel to Riga's Old Town and see the ornate House of the Blackheads. Similar to the one in neighbouring Tallinn, the building acted as a meeting point for the city's merchants and visiting traders. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the historic quarter, admiring its charming medieval buildings, including a trio of fairytale-like houses known as the Three Brothers. Enter Riga's 13th-century cathedral and explore what is considered the largest cathedral among the Baltic states.

    With a free afternoon, you could choose to stroll along Albert Street, marvelling at the wealth of Art Nouveau buildings. Alternatively, stumble upon local gems on your independent exploration, perhaps finding a cosy place to enjoy authentic local cuisine for dinner.

  8. 8

    Depart Riga

    Your exploration of these three captivating capitals culminate with a transfer Riga Airport for your flight home.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Helsinki's Architectural Heritage.
  • Unravelling Tallinn's Medieval Splendour.
  • Delight in Riga's Quirky Architecture.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Three Nights, Tallinn, Radisson Blu Olumpia or similar
  • Two Nights, Riga, Radisson Blu Latvija Conference and Spa
  • Two nights, Helsinki, Hotel Original Sokos Presidentti
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 14 Sep 2026 and 21 Sep 2026, subject to live availability.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?

Book this rail journey

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this rail journey
Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $4,350 pp
From (solo) $6,450 pp
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