Riga to Tampere: Continental Railway Journey
- 12 Days
- From £799
- Finland
- Explore Riga, the Art Deco Latvian capital
- Cross the Estonian border and continue by rail to the vibrant university city of Tartu
- Continue by rail to Tallinn, the stunning capital city of Estonia
- Catch a ferry across the Gulf of Finland to vibrant Finnish capital Helsinki
- Take a day trip from Helsinki to Tampere, the city of 200 lakes.
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations, with upgrades to First Class in Estonia
- Ferry crossing from Tallinn to Helsinki
- 11 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets and hotel vouchers in all destinations
- All credit card surcharges and delivery of your travel documents to your home
Suggested Itinerary
Arrive into Riga and make your way to the Wellton Riga Hotel & Spa (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Founded in 1201, Riga is the largest city in the Baltics with a UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centre featuring some beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Spend a full two days here exploring cobbled streets and lovely riverfront promenades. If the weather is fine, you can even spend some time soaking up the sunshine on one of the city’s river beaches.
It’s time to begin your rail journey today, as you leave Riga and travel up to the Estonian border at Valga (this journey will be payable locally at around €6 per person). From the border, pick up an Estonian train to Tartu (in First Class). On arrival, make your way to the Antonius Hotel (or similar) where you will stay for 2 nights.
Tartu straddles the peaceful Emajõgi River and is home to one of Northern Europe’s oldest universities. Perhaps wander into the historic centre for a leisurely dinner this evening.
Spend a full day exploring the sights of Tartu, including some great museums and galleries as well as a wealth of 18th century buildings and wooden houses. Highlights include the now ruined 13th century cathedral and the fascinating Estonian National Museum.
Tartu’s high student population adds a vibrant atmosphere to the historic setting with plenty of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues to choose from in the evening.
A two and a half hour journey (in First Class) takes you to Estonian capital Tallinn, where you will check in for a 3-night stay at the Hestia Ilmarine Hotel (or similar).
Located on the Gulf of Finland, Tallinn is fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations, with its medieval walled Old Town, baroque palaces and café culture. Enjoy two days at leisure here, with time to wander the cobbled streets of the old city and discover one or two of the 60 museums and galleries on offer.
After a leisurely start this morning, make your way to Tallinn’s port and board a ferry for the two and a half hour journey across the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki. On arrival, the port is very central, so it will be a walk or short taxi ride to the Katajanokka Hotel (or similar), where you will be staying for 3 nights.
Helsinki is an historic port city featuring some lovely Art Deco architecture, beautiful green spaces and an archipelago of around 330 islands.
Spend a full day exploring the fascinating Finnish capital. The centre of the city is easily walkable, with plenty of shops, galleries, bars and restaurants to discover. During the summer you might also like to relax in one of the city’s famous parks or take a walk along the seafront promenade. If you have time, it’s well worth taking a ferry from Market Square out to the island of Suomenlinna with its imposing fortress, catacombs and historic buildings.
On one of your days here, enjoy a day trip by train to Tampere. This is Finland’s third largest city, set between two vast lakes and boasting at least 200 others.
Leave Helsinki today for your return flight to London (not included).
TMR RECOMMENDS: If you have the time, why not take the train from London to Riga and / or back to the UK at the end of your trip? Travel into Riga via Poland and Lithuania or back via the Scandinavian cities of Stockholm and Copenhagen.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Riga
This modern hotel is located in the heart of Riga’s Old Town and offers comfortable accommodation along with a luxurious spa area with a swimming pool and sauna. Enjoy French cuisine in the hotel’s Allumette Restaurant and a generous buffet breakfast.
Tartu
The Antonius is a boutique hotel in the centre of the city, with elegantly furnished guestrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. The medieval vaulted cellar restaurant features a unique glass atrium with gourmet candle-light dinners served under a starlit sky.
Tallinn
Within close walking distance of Tallinn’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, the ferry terminal and the main station, the Hestia Ilmarine Hotel is conveniently located for a visit to the city. All bedrooms offer free internet access, satellite TV and air-conditioning.
Helsinki
Located on Katajanokka Island in the centre of Helsinki, this popular design hotel is located in a 19th century converted prison. Along with a buzzing restaurant, the hotel also boasts a sauna and modern gym. All bedrooms are furnished in a warm, classic style with a flat-screen TV and complimentary wired internet access.
