National Geographic Expeditions Offers 11-Day Baltic States Itinerary Through Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia

National Geographic Expeditions has launched an 11-day Baltic states journey spanning Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, featuring medieval castles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and immersive cultural encounters. The itinerary — part of a trio of new 2024 departures — includes Trakai Castle, Riga Central Market, the Estonian Open Air Museum, and the scenic Curonian Spit, guided by a National Geographic Expert throughout.

National Geographic Expeditions has launched an 11-day Baltic states itinerary spanning Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia — three countries rich with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval architecture, and centuries-old cultural traditions. The trip is part of a trio of new 2024 departures alongside Bhutan and Colombia, and includes a dedicated National Geographic Expert plus an Expedition Leader to manage all logistics.

Lithuania: Castles, History, and the Curonian Spit

The itinerary opens in Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, with privately guided visits to St. Anne's Church, Gediminas Tower, and the Gates of Dawn, followed by a tour of the Grand Duke Palace. A talk from the National Geographic Expert frames the city's history as the capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, dating back to 1569. The second day centers on the breathtaking Trakai Castle — a red Gothic brick fortress that sits on a small island in Lake Galve. Construction commenced in the 14th century; its first two phases were completed around 1409, the third in the 15th century, and the structure was rebuilt in the 1950s. The visit also includes the Ninth Fort and the Monument for the Commemoration of the Holocaust Victims.

Over the following two days, travelers ferry to the Curonian Spit — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and visit the Amber Museum and the iconic Hill of Crosses, immersive encounters with Lithuanian cultural heritage set against dramatic coastal landscapes.

Latvia: Palaces, Castles, and Europe's Largest Market

Latvia rewards travelers with wide beaches, sprawling forests, and an extraordinary concentration of UNESCO-recognized sites. The 18th-century Rundale Palace — often called the "Versailles of the Baltics" — features a collection of more than 2,300 varieties of roses. Riga Castle and the Riga Central Market, the largest market and bazaar in Europe, offer a vivid contrast between regal heritage and vibrant daily life. A privately guided tour of the medieval Cesis Castle, one of Latvia's best-preserved fortresses, precedes a visit to Gutmanus Cave and a cable car ride through the scenic Gauja National Park.

Estonia: Architecture, Open Air Museums, and Baltic Coastline

The northernmost Baltic state, Estonia, is surrounded by the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, with a built environment that ranges from medieval cobblestones to Art Nouveau grandeur. In Tallinn, the tour covers the Art Nouveau district and the winding streets of Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that seemingly transports visitors to another era. In the coastal town of Parnu, timbered villas and neoclassical spa buildings line pedestrian routes. At the Rocca al Mare district on picturesque Kopli Bay, the Estonian Open Air Museum presents a living recreation of Estonian life from the 18th century, including farmhouses, a church, schoolhouse, fire station, and fishing sheds.

Why This Expedition Matters

The Baltics itinerary is one of more than 140 National Geographic Expeditions available to travelers across 80-plus destinations on all seven continents. A portion of every trip booked supports the National Geographic Society, the global nonprofit whose mission centers on exploration, research, and education. Travelers interested in the Baltics or any other Nat Geo expedition can book at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com, call 888-732-2379 or 312-940-7403, or contact a travel agent.