Riga to St Petersburg by Train

Itinerary

Day 1 – Fly to Riga

Our group flew direct to Riga for a 3-night bed and breakfast stay at the Ibis Riga Centre, a vibrant hotel which is located in the heart of the city, across the street from the Riga Central railway station and just 400 metres from the ‘old town’.

Day 2 – Explore Riga

Spend the day sightseeing in Riga. The city is the capital of Latvia and commercially the second most important northern European city after St Petersburg. The ‘old town’ is a maze of winding streets and wonderful old buildings in the Hanseatic style. In other parts of the city there is a strong Russian influence to the architecture, food and culture.

Day 3 – Leisure Time in and around Riga

Another day at leisure in and around Riga. We recommended some sightseeing options to our travellers including a visit to the city of Jurmala on the Gulf of Riga which can be reached by train. The Gulf of Riga stretches 26km along the Baltic coastline and Jurmala has become the largest resort area in the Baltics, boasting modern relaxation and resort facilities. Here the group had the opportunity to visit peaceful Priedaine or bustling Jomas Street in Majori with its many little restaurants and diverse entertainment. Bulduri and Dzintari are classic Nouveau and contemporary summer-house districts and also worth a visit. Farthest west is Kemeri and Kemeri National Park, with outstanding nature trails and a natural source of mineral water and curative mud, unique in the world. The area’s beaches are a main attraction. Majori and Jaunkemeri beaches hold Blue Flag status.

Day 4 – To Estonia and Tartu

A mid-morning train took the group via Valga and across the border into Estonia, reaching their destination of Tartu by mid-afternoon for a 1-night bed and breakfast stay at the Lydia Hotel, which blend an ‘old town’ atmosphere with contemporary architecture and is centrally located near the Town Hall Square.

Day 5 – Morning Sightseeing

A free morning allowed time for the group to enjoy some sightseeing. Tartu is the chief university town and cultural capital of Estonia, home to one of Northern Europe’s oldest universities. Compact enough to wander around and enjoy the cafes, museums and cultural sights. A mid-afternoon train took our travellers on a 2.5 hour journey to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city, for a 2-night bed and breakfast stay at the Hotel St Petersbourg.

Day 6 – Explore Tallinn

A free day based in Tallinn. The city is reputed to be the oldest city in northern Europe with a settlement dating as far back as 3000 years ago. Its medieval old town is a delight with cobbled streets, painted houses and part of the original fortifications still survive today.

Day 7 – Leisurely Morning & St Petersburg

A morning at leisure to enjoy more of the sights of Tallinn before travelling east to St. Petersburg by rail, arriving late and where a private transfer took our group to the elegant 4* The Brothers Karamazov Hotel for a 3-night stay with breakfast included.

Day 8 – Guided Sightseeing Tour

We arranged a full day’s guided sightseeing tour for the group. The day began at 1000 and included visits to the Peter and Paul fortress, Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and St. Isaac Cathedral. Lunch was also included.

Day 9 – Independent Sightseeing

A day at leisure to explore this grand city further. Options included a visit to the Hermitage Museum (closed on Mondays) and the Peterhof Palace & Gardens or Pushkin and the Imperial Estate at Tsarskoe Selo. We were able to arrange bookings prior to the tour.

Day 10 – Final Day before Flight Home

After a morning at leisure, a private transfer took the group from their hotel to the airport for a direct flight home, arriving at Heathrow late afternoon.