The trip began with an early morning flight from Manchester, travelling alongside Eva from the Miles Morgan Travel branch in Abergavenny. At the airport, we met our Riviera host, Lloyd, along with many other travel agents from around the UK, which immediately created a fun and sociable atmosphere for the week ahead.
Upon landing in Helsinki, we were warmly welcomed by our Riviera Tour Manager, Alex, who made the arrival and transfer process incredibly easy. During the drive to the hotel, it was fascinating hearing stories from her previous travels and experiences.
Once checked in, we had some time to unwind before meeting the rest of the group over welcome drinks. It was lovely putting faces to names and chatting about everyone’s excitement for the journey ahead.
Dinner that evening was served at the hotel and was the perfect introduction to the tour. Afterwards, a few of us headed to the famous Ateljee Bar at the top of Hotel Torni. The panoramic views across Helsinki were absolutely stunning and gave us our first glimpse of the city with a perfect sunset. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Finnish capital.
Day 2 – Helsinki
Day 2 was dedicated to discovering the highlights of Helsinki.
Our guided panoramic city tour showcased Helsinki’s beautiful blend of classic and modern architecture. The railway station was particularly impressive, while Senate Square and the Sibelius Monument gave us a real sense of the city’s character and history.
Later, we boarded a ferry for the short journey to the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress. The 20-minute crossing offered wonderful views of the coastline and the many small islands scattered across the water. Walking through the fortress felt like stepping into another era, with cobbled streets, historic fortifications and charming wooden buildings now occupied by artists and small shops.
The evening was left free for us to explore independently. Some of us decided to revisit the rooftop views at Ateljee Bar before heading for dinner at Ponchi Nation. The restaurant served a fantastic selection of small sharing plates, almost like an American-style tapas experience, and every dish was full of flavour.
Day 3 – Tallinn
We travelled by Tallink ferry across the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn. The sailing was incredibly scenic, with beautiful Baltic Sea views throughout the crossing.
After arriving and settling into the hotel, we headed into Tallinn’s enchanting Old Town. The atmosphere here was truly magical, with winding cobbled lanes, colourful medieval buildings, towering church spires and remarkably preserved city walls.
One particularly interesting stop was a visit to Europe’s oldest pharmacy, which added another layer of history to the day.
Following the walking tour, we sampled several traditional Estonian treats, including marzipan and a rum-infused chocolate truffle that may have been one of the best chocolates I’ve ever tasted.
That evening, a few of us enjoyed dinner in the lively Town Hall Square, soaking up the atmosphere as musicians and locals filled the square with energy. Before heading back, I picked up some freshly made mini pancakes covered in Nutella from a local stall, definitely a must try when visiting Tallinn.
Day 4 – Tallinn
After breakfast, we visited the elegant Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great for Catherine I.
Inside, the palace was beautifully decorated with elaborate ceilings, grand rooms and impressive artwork, while outside the landscaped gardens provided a peaceful setting for a walk.
With some free time afterwards, I chose to make my way towards the coast to see the Russalka Memorial before taking the tram back into the city. Tallinn’s public transport was incredibly efficient and surprisingly inexpensive.
In the evening, we enjoyed dinner at Peppersack, a traditional-style restaurant full of character. Alongside the delicious food, the evening included a short sword-fighting performance, which made the experience even more memorable.
Day 5 – Tartu and Riga
Day 5 involved a longer journey as we travelled south through Estonia towards Latvia.
Our first stop was Tartu, often considered the country’s cultural heart. The city had a youthful atmosphere thanks to its university community, and the pastel-coloured buildings around the Old Town Square made it a lovely place to explore.
We also visited the famous Kissing Students Fountain before stopping for lunch at a pub known for holding the Guinness World Record for the highest pub ceiling, certainly something a little different!
Later in the day, we continued onwards to Riga. After checking into the hotel and having some time to relax, we enjoyed dinner together at a local restaurant while getting our first taste of Latvian cuisine.
Day 6 – Riga
Out of all three capitals, Riga quickly became my personal favourite.
The morning walking tour revealed a city rich in history and architectural beauty. Gothic churches, hidden courtyards and beautifully preserved medieval streets gave Riga an incredibly atmospheric feel.
In the afternoon, we boarded a canal boat onto the Daugava River, then cruised through the city waterways. Seeing Riga from the water offered a completely different perspective and some fantastic photo opportunities.
Afterwards, we had free time to explore. I visited the famous Central Market, located inside converted Zeppelin hangars, while also spending time wandering through Riga’s beautiful green parks and lively streets. Later, I visited the Skyline Bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel, where the panoramic city views were absolutely incredible.
Day 7 – Riga and Departure
Our final day gave us the chance to revisit favourite spots around Riga and enjoy the city at a slower pace before travelling home.
I spent the morning browsing local market stalls in one of the city parks, where vendors sold handmade jewellery, crafts and plenty of ice cream. It was a lovely way to soak up the atmosphere one last time.
Later that evening, we said our goodbyes to our amazing Tour Manager, Alex, before heading to the airport for the journey home.
Over the course of the week, we experienced the very best of Finland, Estonia and Latvia, from historic old towns and grand palaces to vibrant city life and stunning waterfront scenery. It was an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
If you’d like to hear more about this Riviera tour, feel free to pop into our Gloucester branch. I’d be delighted to chat about the trip and share more recommendations. Phone: 01452 345 623 Email: [email protected]
