Florida SYO - Baltics Shadow Tour

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, Sunday June 18: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Monday June 19: Tallinn Estonia

Arrive in Tallinn, capital of Estonia, and meet your tour manager. Transfer to your hotel in time for a welcome dinner together. (D)

Day 3, Tuesday June 20: Tallinn Estonia

Tallinn blends medieval tranquility and modern urban life with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. Explore with your local guide as you pass through the historical Upper Town, featuring the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin, the oldest church in mainland Estonia. You’ll also visit the ornate, onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built in 1900 under Russian rule. Panorama platforms offer scenic views of the sea and the town, and a tour of Lower Town shows off its medieval merchants’ and guild buildings and Tallinn’s Gothic Town Hall. The afternoon is free to continue exploring, before coming together for the FSYO's first concert tonight (B)

Day 4, Wednesday June 21: Riga

Depart for Latvia this morning, stopping first to visit the stunning Gauja National Park, and the 13th century Turaida castle, built under the order of a Teutonic knight and Riga‘s bishop. Continue to Riga to check into your next hotel (B)

Day 5, Thursday June 22: Riga

In the morning take a city tour of Riga starting in the charming Old Town, surrounded by the scenic water channel. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Dome Cathedral, St. John’s and St. Peter’s Churches, the Freedom Monument, the Latvian National Opera, the Parliament, and the Castle. Stroll through the cozy squares and explore the renowned Art Nouveau district, celebrated for its stunning architectural beauty. The tour ends visiting Riga Dome church where you'll get to hear the “Concerto Piccolo” brief organ solo. In the afternoon explore the darker side of Riga's history at the Occupation museum, a powerful and educational museum that explores Latvia’s history during the occupations of 20th century.(B)

Day 6, Friday June 23: Riga

This morning take a guided tour of the famous Riga Opera House, before seeing the city from the water on a canal tour. Later come together to attend the FSYO's concert in a centrally located venue (B)

Day 7, Saturday June 24: Vilnius

After breakfast and check out, enjoy a free morning in the city. Then transfer to Vilnius, with an en route stop at Rundale Palace a baroque jewel designed by Italian architect F.B. Rastrelli, who is known for his world famous Hermitage Palace in St. Petersburg. Continue to your final hotel in Vilnius (B)

Day 8, Sunday June 25: Vilnius

This morning take a guided tour of Vilnius on foot and by bus, beginning with Cathedral Square and Presidential Palace Square, then visit Vilnius University, one of the oldest in Eastern Europe. Explore the gothic corner, home to the stunning churches of St. Anne and St. Bernardine. Walk through the historic old Jewish ghetto, where the heart of Jewish life once thrived before the devastating impact of the Holocaust. Visit Town Hall Square, a key site in the city's history, and the Gates of Dawn, which hold significant religious and cultural importance. Later continue to Kaunas to attend the FSYO's next concert. (B)

Day 9, Monday June 26: Vilnius

This morning pay a visit to Trakai Castle. Standing on the Island of Lake Galve, this world famous Gothic Castle provides some of the country's most iconic views. Tonight back in the city, attend the final FSYO concert and then celebrate the orchestra's successful performance tour with a special farewell dinner together with the FSYO! (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday June 27: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)