What It's Really Like to Explore the Baltic Capitals with Riviera Travel

Let's start with the question many travellers ask first.

Why choose a touring holiday rather than travelling independently?

The answer became clear from day one.

With Riviera Travel, everything is carefully planned, from centrally located hotels and comfortable transfers to knowledgeable local guides who bring each destination to life. Rather than worrying about logistics, you're free to focus on the experience itself. The beauty of this Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga tour is that it combines three countries and three fascinating cultures in one seamless itinerary. No airport stress. No navigating unfamiliar transport systems. Just expert guidance, great company, and more time to enjoy each destination.

Where Nordic Cool Meets Seaside Charm

Finland's capital often flies under the radar compared to some of Europe's bigger cities, but that's exactly what makes it such a surprise.

Set on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki blends elegant architecture, contemporary design, fascinating history, and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. Walking through the city feels refreshingly easy. Wide boulevards lead to bustling market squares, stylish cafes sit alongside historic buildings, and the sea is never far away.

Europe's Fairytale Capital

If someone asked you to imagine a medieval city straight from a storybook, you'd probably picture Tallinn.

Estonia's capital boasts one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, and it's easy to see why it's earned UNESCO World Heritage status. As you pass through the ancient city gates, you'll discover winding cobbled streets, colourful merchant houses, hidden courtyards, church spires, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the terracotta rooftops below.

The atmosphere here feels wonderfully timeless.

The Baltic's Best-Kept Secret

If Helsinki is sophisticated and Tallinn is enchanting, Riga is effortlessly stylish.

Latvia's capital often surprises first-time visitors with its grand architecture, colourful cafe culture, and lively atmosphere.

The city is home to one of Europe's finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture, with beautifully decorated facades lining elegant boulevards throughout the city centre. Beyond the architecture, Riga's UNESCO-listed Old Town offers charming squares, historic churches, bustling markets, and plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee and watch the world go by.

It's a city that feels both historic and contemporary at the same time.

Ask anyone on the trip what their favourite moment was, and you'll likely get 23 different answers. From unexpected views and local encounters to memorable meals and magical city walks, these are the moments our Hays Travel agents are still talking about long after returning home.