RIGA OPERA FESTIVAL with TALLINN and VILNIUS

Friday, May 30. (D)*. DEPART FOR TALLINN

Depart this evening, aboard any airline of your choice from USA to Tallinn, Estonia. Dinner and light breakfast served on the plane.

Saturday, May 31. (B.D). TALLINN

Upon arriving at the Tallinn airport, take a taxi to the deluxe, RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL where we stay three nights. Briefing, cocktails, and Gala Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Sunday, June 1. (B). TALLINN

Morning sightseeing to stop by Toompea, and see the Parliament Building, enjoy fantastic views from Harju Hill, wander through Freedom Square and Town Hall Square, and discover romantic courtyards. This evening we will see operetta Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss at the Estonian National Opera.

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia is strategically located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe with distinctive cobblestone streets, boasting Gothic spires, and enchanting architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tallinn was occupied in 1219 by King Valdemar of Denmark. Then followed a period of alternating Scandinavian and Tutonic rules. Due to its strategic location, the city became a major trade hub, especially from the 14th to the 16th century, when it grew in importance as part of the Hanseatic League.

Monday, June 2 (B). TALLINN

Today we take a general sightseeing by bus to the surroundings of Tallinn. This evening is free.

Tuesday, June 3. (B,D). TALLINN – RIGA

Today we drive from Tallinn, Estonia to Riga, Latvia where we three nights at the charming HOTEL KEMPINSKI near opera house. This evening or the next, we will have dinner in hotel’s gourmet restaurant.

Wednesday, June 4. (B). RIGA

Morning orientation tour by bus to see how Peter the Great of Russia expanded this seaport on the Baltic and made it into the important trading center that it is today. Among the sights are Saint Peter’s Church, Riga Castle, and the Dome Cathedral. Later, we will take a walking tour in the Art Nouveau quarter to see the buildings, which are now recognized as architectural monuments of national significance. We will finish the tour by visiting Art Nouveau Museum. This evening, we will see the opera L’elisir D’amore by Donizetti at the Latvian National Opera.

RIGA the capitol of Latvia lies at the mouth of Daugava River, where it meets the Baltic Sea. Riga has the largest collection of Art Nouveau houses built between 1904 to 1913. Riga is famous for its Old Town and city center, in which over 800 buildings are of the Art Nouveau style of architecture. The Art Nouveau style involves intricate building facades, with carvings of flowers and mythological creatures, with ornate doorways and windows. RIGA is a wonderful surprise to many visitors. A big city in feeling and sophistication, she has come to life again after half-a-century of Soviet domination. The moment you walk her streets, you understand why in the 1930s she was known as “The Little Paris of the North.” Perhaps the best indicator of Riga’s cultural strength is that far from old buildings being torn down to make way for high risers, they are being lovingly restored. Almost symbolically, one of the first to be brought back to its former glory, was the Opera House.

Thursday, June 5. (B). RIGA

This morning we will take a walking tour of the Old Town. Among the sights to see is St. Peters Church, Town Hall square, House of Blackheads, St Johns Church, Koventa Seta, Dome Cathedral and Square. Afternoon is free. This evening, we will see the ballet Antonija Silmaci by Juris Karlsons at the Latvian National Opera.

Friday, June 6. (B). RIGA

Morning is at your leisure to enjoy the downtown of Riga. This evening, we will see the ballet Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky at the Latvian National Opera.

Saturday, June 7. (B). RIGA

Morning is at your leisure. This evening, we will see the opera Salome by Richard Strauss at the Latvian National Opera.

Sunday, June 8. (B,D). RIGA – VILNIUS

Today, we drive from Riga, Latvia, to Vilnius, Lithuania, where we will stay three nights at GRAND HOTEL VILNIUS. This evening, we will see Aida by Verdi in the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a city brimming with history and culture. It is one of Europe's most well-preserved medieval cities, with charming cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and captivating architecture. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vilnius offers a journey through time with its rich historical tapestry. The 17th-century Saints Peter and Paul's Church is a pearl of baroque architecture, inside and out. Vilnius's strategic location on the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea shores has made it a pivotal trade hub throughout history, particularly during its time as part of the Hanseatic League.

Monday, June 9. (B). VILNIUS

Today, you will immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Vilnius. We will start our day by sightseeing the city's historic Old Town. Visiting the iconic Gediminas Tower symbolizing the city's strength. You'll have the chance to discover the city's unique courtyards and their romantic atmosphere. Our journey continues with a visit to the Vilnius Cathedral, a significant religious and cultural symbol of Lithuania. We'll explore the quirky and artistic district of Užupis, known for its constitution and vibrant atmosphere. The afternoon is at leisure.

Tuesday, June 10. (B,D). VILNIUS

Today, we'll take a morning sightseeing trip by bus to explore the picturesque surroundings of Vilnius. Our first stop will be Trakai Island Castle, a captivating medieval fortress on an island amid Lake Galvė. We visit Gedeminas Castle there. You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of Trakai and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area. In the late afternoon, we'll return to Vilnius. We will have our Gala Farewell dinner in a gourmet restaurant this evening.

Wednesday, June 11. (B). VILNIUS – BACK HOME

Depart from the hotel to the Vilnius International airport for departure aboard your airline back home arriving the same afternoon. See you on another European Opera Tour.

* B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner (including wine)