A Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in 14 days

  • Day 1: Tallinn, Estonia
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: N/A

    The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is a beautiful city with a charming old town filled with winding cobblestone streets, Gothic spires and medieval alleyways. The city is also home to the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is just one of the many attractions waiting for you to explore in Tallinn.

  • Day 2: Parnu, Estonia
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 2 hours (130 km)

    Parnu is known as the "Summer Capital" of Estonia, a charming town filled with beautiful beaches, lively promenades, and a rich history. Visitors can explore the quaint Old Town, visit the Parnu Museum, and relax on the beautiful white sand beach.

  • Day 3: Riga, Latvia
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 3.5 hours (191 km)

    As the capital of Latvia, Riga is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea and is a beautiful city that is full of culture and heritage. The city is known for its stunning architecture, cobbled streets, and a vibrant nightlife. Make sure to explore Riga’s old town, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Day 4: Jurmala, Latvia
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 1 hour (28 km)

    Jurmala is a stunning resort town located on the Gulf of Riga. It is known for its beautiful beaches, mineral waters, and charming wooden houses. Jurmala is famous for its spas and the healing powers of local mud.

  • Day 5: Kuldiga, Latvia
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 2.5 hours (140 km)

    Kuldiga is known as the "Venice of Latvia" due to its beautiful cobblestone streets and charming buildings located on the banks of the Venta River. Kuldiga is home to Europe's widest waterfall, which is a magnificent sight to behold.

  • Day 6: Liepaja, Latvia
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 2 hours (118 km)

    Liepaja is a historic city and home to the largest beach in Latvia. The city is known for its vibrant music scene and stunning Art Nouveau houses. Visitors can explore the Karosta Prison, which is now a museum and witness an unusual Art Nouveau style housing estate.

  • Day 7: Ventas Rumba, Latvia
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 2 hours (132 km)

    Ventas Rumba is a beautiful waterfall, a natural landmark of Ventas River in Kuldiga, Latvia. It is the widest waterfall in Europe, and it is essential to witness its beauty in person.

  • Day 8: Hill of Crosses, Lithuania
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 3 hours (203 km)

    The Hill of Crosses is a unique attraction in Lithuania as it is a pilgrimage site with over 100,000 crosses on display of all shapes and sizes. Visitors add to the growing number of crosses, creating an awe-inspiring landscape.

  • Day 9: Trakai Castle, Lithuania
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 2.5 hours (175 km)

    Trakai Castle is a stunning castle located on an island in Lake Galve. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lithuania and attracts tourists from all over the world. The castle has a rich history and houses an exhibition showcasing its heritage.

  • Day 10: Vilnius, Lithuania
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 30 minutes (20 km)

    Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is an enchanting city that boasts Baroque architecture, Gothic churches, and a rich history. Visitors can explore the Old Town and see the stunning Vilnius Cathedral, visit the Hill of Gediminas, and relax in the pretty Bernardine Gardens.

  • Day 11: Aukstaitija National Park, Lithuania
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 2 hours (112 km)

    Aukstaitija National Park is a beautiful nature reserve that is perfect for those who love the outdoors. Visitors can explore the many lakes, rivers, and forests that make this national park so unique. It is also home to a historic Beekeeping Museum.

  • Day 12: Curonian Spit National Park, Lithuania
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 3.5 hours (260 km)

    The Curonian Spit is a narrow strip of land that lines the coast of the Baltic Sea. Known for its stunning sand dunes, it is a World Heritage Site and home to a national park that is perfect for hiking, cycling, and bird watching. It is also the location of a unique fisherman's village, Nida.

  • Day 13: Klaipeda, Lithuania
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 45 minutes (35 km)

    Klaipeda is a port city that is famous for its rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the Old Town, see the iconic statue of Annchen of Tharau, and visit the unique Dane River Delta Regional Park.

  • Day 14: Palanga, Lithuania
    Estimated time and distance from the previous location: 2 hours (124 km)

    Palanga is a popular summer destination in Lithuania thanks to its beautiful beaches and stunning sand dunes. Visitors can see the Palanga Amber Museum and relax in the beautiful Botanical Garden.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Tallinn Old Town Tour (2 hours): €20
  • Kuldiga Tour (2 hours): €15
  • Hill of Crosses Tour (1 hour): €5
  • Vilnius Cathedral Tour (45 minutes): €8
  • Aukstaitija National Park Tour (4 hours): €30
  • Curonian Spit National Park Tour (4 hours): €35
  • Palanga Botanical Garden Entry: €7
  • Total Estimated Costs: €120

Transportation:

Traveling around Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is relatively easy with an extensive network of public transportation in each country. Buses are the most common and affordable form of transport, and ticket prices vary depending on the distance, costing between €3-10 per journey. Taxis and car rentals are also available but may be costlier. Estimated total transport costs for the entire 14-day trip is €150, totaling in at €10.70 per day.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time to spare, consider visiting the western Latvian region of Zemgale, home to stunning castles and parks. Alternatively, you could add on an extra day to visit the Lithuanian capital city of Kaunas or extend your stay in Klaipeda to visit the Curonian Spit. For those with less time, consider removing one location from the itinerary and spending more days in each destination.

Airports:

The largest airport in Estonia is the Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL), which is located 4 km from the city center. The largest airport in Latvia is the Riga International Airport (RIX), located 13 km from the city center. The largest airport in Lithuania is the Vilnius International Airport (VNO), which is located 7 km south of Vilnius. All three airports provide multiple transport options to reach the city centers.

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