53 days in The Baltics Itinerary

Often referred to as "The Paris of the North," Riga offers thriving nightlife and some of the best collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.

Change things up with these side-trips from Riga: Bauska (Bauskas Sveta Gara Evangeliski Luteriska Baznica & The branch of the Riga Motor Museum in Bauska), Salaspils Memorial Ensemble (in Salaspils) and Rundāle Palace (in Pilsrundale). There's much more to do: take a stroll through Old City Riga (Vecriga), hunt for treasures at Central Market (Centraltirgus), enjoy the sand and surf at Jurmala Beach, and take in panoramic vistas at View of Riga from St Peter's Church Tower.

Plan trip to Riga with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Sydney, Australia to Riga is an approximately 25.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is minus 8 hours. Expect colder temperatures when traveling from Sydney in April; daily highs in Riga reach 13°C and lows reach 2°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) so you can go by car to Sigulda.

Sigulda is a town in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia, 53km from the capital city Riga.OverviewSigulda is on a picturesque stretch of the primeval Gauja river valley. Venture out of the city with trips to Saulkrasti Bicycle Museum (in Saulkrasti), Veczemju Klintis (in Salacgriva) and Cesis (Burning Conscience, Cesis Medieval Castle, &more). The adventure continues: explore the historical opulence of Turaida Castle, Head underground at Gutman's Cave, take in the exciting artwork at Galerija Skivis Kafija, and make a trip to Araisi Lake Dwelling Site.

To find ratings, maps, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Sigulda online trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Riga to Sigulda takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Sigulda are 13°C, while nighttime lows are 2°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Jurgaiciai.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Mon): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kryziu Kalnas.

For photos, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read Jurgaiciai itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Sigulda to Jurgaiciai takes 2.5 hours. In April, plan for daily highs up to 13°C, and evening lows to 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Klaipeda.

Lithuania's third-largest city, Klaipeda, sits as a seaport and cruise stop with a wealth of museums and medieval sites.

Venture out of the city with trips to Hill of Witches (in Juodkrante), Nemunas River Delta Regional Park (in Silute) and St. Jacob Apostle (in Sveksna). There's much more to do: see the interesting displays at Lithuanian Sea Museum, appreciate the history behind Vytauto Sliogerio atminimo plokste - peda, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and explore the different monuments and memorials at Nida Cemetery.

To see maps, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Klaipeda tour itinerary builder site.

You can drive from Jurgaiciai to Klaipeda in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. When traveling from Jurgaiciai in May, plan for a bit cooler days in Klaipeda, with highs around 18°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Kaunas.

Situated between the Neris and Nemunas rivers, Kaunas is known for its old town, which, though smaller than the capital's, is in much better condition.

Change things up with a short trip to Vytauto Kalnas in Birstonas (about 46 minutes away). There's lots more to do: make a trip to Ninth Fort, stroll around Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park, see the interesting displays at National M. K. Ciurlionis Art Museum, and explore the historical opulence of Kaunas Castle.

To see ratings, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read Kaunas trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Klaipeda to Kaunas takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Klaipeda in May: highs in Kaunas hover around 22°C, while lows dip to 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Druskininkai.

Near the borders of Belarus and Poland, Druskininkai serves as Lithuania's premiere spa town.

Druskininkai is known for theme parks, parks, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the striking landscape of Dzūkija National Park, cool off at Druskininkai Aquapark, stroll around Grutas Park, and get engrossed in the history at M. K. Ciurlionio Memorial House Museum.

To find ratings, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Druskininkai day trip planner.

You can drive from Kaunas to Druskininkai in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Traveling from Kaunas to Druskininkai, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In May, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 10°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can drive to Vilnius.

The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, boasts an impressive medieval quarter--one of the continent's largest and a World Heritage Site with almost 2,000 historical buildings.

Get out of town with these interesting Vilnius side-trips: Trakai (Trakai Island Castle Museum & Angelu Kalva). There's still lots to do: examine the collection at KGB Museum (Genocido Auku Muziejus), take in the spiritual surroundings of Church Of St Peter And St Paul, take in the awesome beauty at Hill of Three Crosses, and visit Vilnius Old Town.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read Vilnius trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Druskininkai to Vilnius in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Druskininkai to Vilnius is minus 1 hour. In May, daily temperatures in Vilnius can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Daugavpils.

Daugavpils is a city in southeastern Latvia, located on the banks of the Daugava River, from which the city gets its name. Change things up with these side-trips from Daugavpils: Preili Museum of Dolls (in Preili) and Aglona (Aglona Basilica & World War II Museum and Exposition Hall). There's lots more to do: take an in-depth tour of Daugavpils Shot Factory, explore the world behind art at Daugavpils Regional and Art Museum, pause for some serene contemplation at Temple-chapel of Alexander Nevsky, and admire the natural beauty at Latgale Zoological Garden.

For more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Daugavpils road trip planner.

You can drive from Vilnius to Daugavpils in 2.5 hours. In May in Daugavpils, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 7°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Mon) early enough to drive to Tartu.

One of the oldest cities in the Baltic region, Tartu boasts heaps of cultural attractions, a quaint Old Town, and bustling main square.

Explore Tartu's surroundings by going to Otepaa (Lake Puhajarv Park, Otepaa Nature Park, &more), Mooska Farm and Smoke Sauna (in Haanja) and Vaike Munamagi Hill (in Nupli). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Tartu Town Hall Square, examine the collection at Estonian National Museum, view the masterpieces at Estonian Print & Paper Museum, and stop by Tartu Old City.

To see ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Tartu road trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Daugavpils to Tartu takes 5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Viljandi.

Viljandi is a town and municipality in southern Estonia with a population of 17,473 in 2013. On the 28th (Sun), explore the striking landscape of Soomaa National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: walk around Viljandi Lossipark, take some stellar pictures from Old water-tower of Viljandi, then pause for some serene contemplation at Torva Church Chamber Hall, and finally delve into the distant past at Helme Order Castle.

To find other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Viljandi trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Tartu to Viljandi takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. May in Viljandi sees daily highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to drive to Parnu.

A holiday hotspot among Estonians and nearby nations, the coastal city of Parnu offers golden sandy beaches, an assortment of parks, and lively center.

Spend the 2nd (Fri) wandering through the wild on Wilderness Experiences in Soomaa National Park. There's lots more to do: experience rural life at Alpakafarm, hike along Rannametsa Tolkuse Nature Trail, take an in-depth tour of Lydia Koidula Memorial Museum, and stroll through Riisa Trail.

For photos, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Parnu vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Viljandi to Parnu takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In May in Parnu, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 12°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Tallinn.

A historic city with its eye firmly on the future, Tallinn blends medieval fortifications, gleaming skyscrapers, and charming boutiques with a spattering of Soviet relics.

Tallinn is known for sightseeing, museums, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take a stroll through Tallinn Old Town, take in the spiritual surroundings of Aleksander Nevski Katedraali, admire the masterpieces at Kumu Art Museum, and make a trip to Tallinna Teletorn.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Tallinn trip website.

Getting from Parnu to Tallinn by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. Traveling from Parnu in June, expect little chillier with lows of 11°C in Tallinn. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.