Baltics: 9-Day Self-Drive – Latvia, Lithuania & Estonia
A road journey through the Baltic states reveals far more than three capital cities. From Riga, drive south to Vilnius and the Lithuanian coast, return through Latvia’s palace country, then continue into Estonia for Tartu, Tallinn and Pärnu. Eight hotel nights with breakfast and nine days of car hire are included, while castles, museums, nature trails and a possible Trakai balloon flight remain yours to choose. The result is a varied independent route through medieval streets, coastal towns and landscapes shaped by several cultures.
Everything you need.
Nothing you don't.
A road journey through the Baltic states reveals far more than three capital cities. From Riga, drive south to Vilnius and the Lithuanian coast, return through Latvia’s palace country, then continue into Estonia for Tartu, Tallinn and Pärnu. Eight hotel nights with breakfast and nine days of car hire are included, while castles, museums, nature trails and a possible Trakai balloon flight remain yours to choose. The result is a varied independent route through medieval streets, coastal towns and landscapes shaped by several cultures.
Tour Highlights
Why book with us
Clear arrangements and practical support from planning through to travel.
Enough structure to make the trip easy, with room to experience it your way.
Thoughtful hotels, experiences and routes chosen to create a better journey.
Itinerary
Arrive in Riga
Collect the rental vehicle at Riga Airport and drive to the hotel. Begin exploring Riga's UNESCO-listed centre, Art Nouveau streets and Daugava waterfront independently if arrival time allows.
Riga to Vilnius
Drive south towards Vilnius. Choose one carefully timed stop—such as Kernavė or the Anykščiai area—before reaching Lithuania's capital and its walkable historic centre.
Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda
Leave Vilnius for the Baltic coast, with time for Kaunas or an optional pre-booked balloon experience near Trakai. Continue to Klaipėda for the night; all admissions and the balloon flight are separate unless added.
Klaipėda to Bauska
Explore Klaipėda briefly, then travel back into Latvia. Palanga, the Hill of Crosses and Rundāle Palace are possible independent stops, but the number chosen should reflect opening times and the day's driving distance.
Bauska to Tartu
Drive north through Latvia towards Estonia. Sigulda, Turaida Castle and the Gauja landscape can be considered en route before continuing to Tartu for the night.
Tartu to Tallinn
Spend the morning in Tartu's university quarter and old town, then continue towards Tallinn. A wildlife-park stop may be possible once its correct location, route impact and opening season have been confirmed.
Tallinn to Pärnu
Explore Tallinn's UNESCO-listed Old Town, Toompea and creative neighbourhoods independently. Later, drive to Pärnu; Lahemaa National Park is not naturally on the direct route and should be treated as a separate detour only if time permits.
Pärnu to Riga
Walk beside Pärnu's beach or through the centre before driving south to Riga. Keep the afternoon flexible for a final exploration of the Latvian capital.
Departure from Riga
Drive to Riga Airport and return the rental vehicle according to the supplier instructions before departure.
Clarity before you travel.
Accommodation
Eight hotel nights with breakfast are included along the route. Named properties are examples and must not be presented as guaranteed. The supplier describes the hotels as central, but the confirmed address and practical parking arrangement should be checked for each stop.
Transport
Transport and getting around
The package includes nine days’ automatic car rental in a Toyota Yaris Cross or similar category. Because the itinerary crosses Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, written cross-border permission and full rental conditions are essential. Fuel, tolls, parking, insurance/excess, deposit, mileage and driver rules must be stated in the final booking information.
Important Information
Before you book
- This tour belongs under Baltics, not Nordics, in the destination taxonomy.
- Attractions and stops described in the itinerary are suggestions and are not included unless specifically added.
- The Trakai balloon flight is optional, weather-dependent and subject to operator restrictions.
- Several days cover more than 300 kilometres; opening times and detours should be planned conservatively.
Included & Not Included
Included
- 8 hotel nights in the confirmed properties or similar
- Breakfast each morning
- 9 days' automatic car rental, Toyota Yaris Cross or similar category
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