YOBC Performance Tour to The Baltics

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday July 24: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Tuesday July 25: Helsinki

Arrive in Helsinki and meet your Tour Manager who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. After an arrival briefing and orientation, enjoy your first dinner overseas in the capital of Finland! (D)

Day 3, Wednesday July 26: Helsinki

This morning after breakfast, provided at your hotel each day of your tour, begin to explore magnificent Helsinki with your Tour Manager. Helsinki was founded in the 16th century but the city you see today really took shape in the 1800s. This was when the Russians laid out Helsinki along similar lines to St. Petersburg, with its broad streets and neoclassical mansions. Have time for lunch on your own, then take a guided sightseeing tour of this charming seaside city! Later this afternoon, attend a workshop in prepartion for tonight's first performance, potentially the Rock Church or a similar local venue Enjoy dinner together this evening after your First performance. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday July 27: Tallinn Estonia

After breakfast, board the ferry to Tallinn. Discover the city's highlights with a guided sightseeing tour that takes you through the most interesting sections of the city, past the Kadriorg Park and the Song Festival grounds to the Pirita district to learn about Estonian history and contemporary life. The walking portion of your tour covers Old Town, proceeding across Toompea Hill, stopping at the Parliament Building, Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral, the Dome Church and the scenic viewpoint. It then leads you to the narrow, winding streets of the Lower Town and ends at Town Hall Square. Tallinn blends medieval tranquility and modern urban life with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafes and restaurants. Have time for lunch on your own, then check into your hotel this afternoon. Tonight, enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday July 28: Tallinn Estonia

This morning, visit a local school such as the Tallinn Music High School where today you will have a second exchange performance with a local group for the students depending on availability. Then have time to get to know your new Estonian friends afterwards. This afternoon, have time to explore Tallinn at your own pace before enjoying dinner together tonight. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday July 29: Riga

This morning, board your private motorcoach and transfer to Riga, stopping en route to visit Parnu. Enjoy a tour of Riga by bus and foot to discover excellent examples of Art Nouveau as well as the Medieval Architecture of cloisters, churches, warehouses, and lodgings. On your tour, you will see the UNESCO heritage center, a panoramic view of the President's Palace, the unique Art Nouveau area, the Freedom Monument, and Boulevard Circle with the National Opera and Latvian University. Check into your hotel and have dinner together. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday July 30: Riga

This morning, have time to explore Riga with your tour manager. This afternoon, rehearse for your third concert performance which will be tonight at a local venue such as St. Peter's Church or the Cathedral depending on availability in Riga. Enjoy dinner together this evening at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday July 31: Vilnius

Board your motorcoach this morning and transfer from Riga to Vilnius. En route, stop in Trakai for a cultural experience and scenic visit. Here, take part in a traditional Kibinai pastry-making workshop, learning about the culinary heritage of the Karaim community and its most iconic dish. There will also be time to enjoy the beautiful lakeside setting and view Trakai Island Castle, a striking medieval fortress set on an island just outside Vilnius. Continue on to Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital and largest city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Surrounded by forests and gentle hills, Vilnius is known for its remarkable Baroque architecture and its long tradition as a cultural and intellectual center. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy time at leisure to relax or begin exploring the Old Town at your own pace

Day 9, Tuesday August 1: Vilnius

Vilnius was once nicknamed the ‘Jerusalem of the north’ but its Jewish community was largely destroyed in WWII. Learn about the history of this community and the legacy as well as Jewish art and culture during a visit to the Lithuanian Tolerance Center. Tonight, rehearse and perform your fourth and final concert performance of the tour and farewell dinner!! (B,D)

Day 10, Wednesday August 2: Departure

A boxed breakfast will be provided this morning before your early departure transfer to the airport. (B)