Dear Serious Traveler,

I am very pleased to present—the Baltic Capitals 2011. We’ve added features we know you’ll appreciate by building on our six previous trips. This educational and very enjoyable tour takes us to Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania—all former Soviet republics with a troubled past but exciting revitalization.

We begin in Estonia’s capital—Tallinn designated as one of the Cultural Capitals of Europe 2011. There you’ll visit the Old Town, listed as a UNESCO’S World Heritage site, where you will be fascinated by the Hanseatic merchants houses, the mile-long town wall, the medieval Town Hall and the House of the Blackheads. Our journey will take us through the picturesque Baltic countryside, past quaint villages, national parks and country castles.

Next, we’re on to Riga, capital of Latvia. This 800-year-old city is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Baltics. Founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert, head of the Order of Teutonic Knights, the old town is a mixture of narrow streets, parks, riverbanks, and a canal flanked by old houses and lofty church spires.

Finally, we will visit Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania since the 13th century and was Cultural Capital of Europe in 2009, to experience this charming city and surrounding countryside. The Old Town has a unique mixture of West European architectural styles—Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical. While in Vilnius, some of our group may wish to visit the Jewish-related sites as an option. This would include The Jewish Museum and the only remaining Synagogue.

Included in our tour are very special excursions to the area surrounding Tallinn, Estonia; such as the Kadriorg Palace and Park (including the new Museum opened Spring 2006; to the village of Cesis in Riga, Latvia with her Cesis Castle dating back to 1206; to the Gauja National Park, known as the “Livonian Switzerland”; lastly on to Vilnius, Lithuania where we will tour the Trakai Castle, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture. We will enjoy both walking and coach tours of the capital cities, exploring their history, unique cultures and architecture. Although we have a full program there’s time to slip off to sites of special interest such as the Occupation museums.

Please read on about our tour of the Baltic Capitals. We look forward to seeing you on this very special trip! Our group tour is limited to 15 world travelers, so please be sure to reserve your space today!

Gwen Erwood

President, Travel Concepts International