Explore the Baltic cities

The Baltic has always been at the crossroads of Europe’s history, from Viking invaders venturing over its icy seas to medieval tradespeople transporting goods between Hanseatic ports and epic confrontations between Russian, German, and British fleets. Sandwiched between their former overlord, Russia, and the often-icy waters of the Baltic Sea, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania may not be everyone’s first choice for a vacation.

However, these unexpected three and their colourful, bright, café-filled capitals —Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius –are making big waves. A trip to this region brings up many choices for individuals who appreciate its history and culture, with itineraries that, in general, cover considerably more than just these three intriguing places.

From Copenhagen’s delicate spires and pastel-hued townhouses to the grandiose palaces, iconic onion-domed buildings, and landmark museums of imperial St Petersburg –widely regarded as one of the most architecturally impressive cities on the planet –the list of cities in this remarkable region reads like a historical record