The Baltic states highlights

1 Tallinn

The Hanseatic port and Estonian capital has a richly atmospheric old town – and is a ferry-ride from Helsinki.

2 Lahemaa National Park

This Estonian expanse of lake-sprinkled wetland is best explored while wearing ‘bog-shoes’.

3 Tartu

Estonia’s medieval university town is abuzz during term-time, but handily sleepy in the holiday period.

4 Gauja National Park

Wander forest trails and sandstone gorges in Latvia.

5 Riga

Latvia’s intriguing capital, is packed with history, Soviet relics and surprises.

6 Kemeri National Park

A Latvian wetland fringed by fishing villages and veined with boardwalk trails.

7 The Hill of Crosses

This Lithuanian pilgrim spot is a powerful site of Catholic devotion with roots as a focus of political protest.

8 Curonian Spit

Explore dunes, Baltic beaches, amber, a lagoon, and a border with a weird Russian exclave.

9 Trakai Castle

Explore the imperious trappings of the mighty Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

10 Vilnius

Stroll baroque glories in the Lithuanian capital with an oddly Mediterranean feel.