Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga

Explore a magnificent corner of Europe that is rich with history. Atmospheric towns full of diverse architecture and an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The countries bordering the Baltic Sea have managed to remain slightly under the radar when it comes to busy tourist spots in Europe, yet those who visit these Baltic beauties are richly rewarded.

Nowhere is the tug of love between Europe and Russia more evident than in Helsinki, which is where we spend the first three nights of this tour. A leafy landscape that's typical of Scandinavia plus the modern development that began for the 1952 Olympic Games creates a lively hub of culture, education and industry thriving at the centre of Helsinki today.

It's hardly surprising that most Finns have visited Estonia when you see how simple the Tallink Ferry makes hopping across the Gulf seem. With Helsinki being in the south of Finland, and Tallinn, the Estonian capital, in the north of the country, the two cities essentially face each other, although they are very much of a contrast.

South of Tallinn we find the city known as Estonia's cultural capital - Tartu. A perfect pit stop when travelling through the forests towards Latvia. This pretty city is firmly focused on the intellectual, as home to the National University of Estonia and a variety of important museums.

From Helsinki just north of the Baltics to Riga, our southernmost stop, this tour rakes in four cities across a trio of countries on the cusp of where Russia and Europe collide. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will discover the very best on offer from this hidden gem corner of Europe made up of Finland, Estonia and Latvia.