European tours often stay firmly within Western Europe. However, there are some beautiful, lesser-known areas outside of this which are well worth a visit.
Tourism is growing in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and, although they are close to each other geographically, they have very different cultures, making this area a truly fascinating place to visit. There are so many hidden wonders in the Baltic States that it’s hard to know where to being from medieval walled cities, castles, incredible palaces and stunning museums. Here are some of our favourite’s to tempt you:
Vilnius
This incredible town has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site because it has Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical buildings intact in one place. Gedjminas Castle Museum is worth a visit and so is the Dawn Gate with its breath-taking icon of the Virgin Mary. If you fancy something lighter why not head to the Uzupis district which is home to several of the capital’s artists. If you are interested in the Cold War then the KGB Museum will be a must-see. This fascinating building was the headquarters for the KGB during the Cold War and before that was used by the Gestapo in World War II.
Riga
If music is your passion then you must go to Riga, the capital city of Latvia, and stop by the Dome Cathedral. It houses one of the largest pipe organs and is also home to the internationally known Riga Dom Cathedral Boys Choir. In Riga you can also find the Latvian National Opera building. The architecture is stunning and the performances held there are a must for any opera fan. In addition to this, you can visit the historically rich Old Town, which has buildings dating back to the 15th century. For breath-taking views it is worth taking the time to climb the steeple of St Peter’s Cathedral.
Tallinn
Another UNESCO World Heritage site is Tallinn which has one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns. The quaint cobblestone streets make walking tours of this old town a real delight. For a glimpse of true splendour the Kadriorg Palace and gardens will give you an insight into life as a Tsar – this incredible residence was the summer retreat built for Catherine by Peter I. For something right up to date the Kumu Art Museum is worth a trip as it includes a stunning collection of art from the Cold War as well as many pieces of contemporary art.
Saaremaa
This is Estonia’s largest islands and gives you a glimpse back in time. One of the top places to visit is Kuressaare a stunning town with an impressive castle which dates back to the 14th Century. It is also famous for its spas due to the beneficial properties of its coastal mud which were first discovered in the 19th Century. It also has some truly stunning natural sites, from the beautiful deep green Puhatu springs, to Loode Oak Forest where wild orchids grow naturally.
The list goes on and on but hopefully we have tempted you enough to visit some of these beautiful cities on the next of your Europe tours.
Guest blog post written for Europe & Beyond by Kat Kraetzer, a passionate traveller and experienced travel writer