Curonian Split

Kaunas

Klaipeda

Riga

Sooma National Park

Tallinn

The Hill of Crosses

Trakai

Valley of the Gauja river

Vilnius

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What to see in Baltic States

Nestled at the mouth of the River Daugava on the Baltic Sea, Riga is Latvia&rsquo;s huge capital city and the largest of all the Baltic capitals. Adorned with decorative Art Nouveau architecture and picturesque streets, Riga has long been a popular city break destination, and with one look at its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, it&rsquo;s easy to understand its popularity. Gothic spires, bustling markets and a tantalising gastronomic scene make a trip to Riga an excellent choice for culture vultures and foodies alike. Trendy bars, creative districts and experimental restaurants are just a few of the city&rsquo;s hidden gems. Travel in winter for snow-globe-worthy street scenes or visit Riga in the winter months to enjoy the nearby beaches of idyllic Jurmala.
When it comes to what to see in Riga, you&rsquo;re spoilt for choice whatever your interests. Stately buildings, colourful markets and some of the finest architecture you&rsquo;ll ever lay eyes on, Riga is an unmissable destination. Riga&rsquo;s Central Market is the perfect place to get to know the locals. Here, you can discover Latvian fare and unique local produce at Europe&rsquo;s largest market, housed inside gigantic World War II Zeppelin hangars. If cobblestone streets and medieval architecture is more your thing, discover the delights of Vecriga, the local name for the Old Town. With countless galleries, museums and quaint cafes and tea houses, this is the heart of Riga and is exceptionally pretty. This is where you&rsquo;ll find much of the city&rsquo;s famed Art Nouveau architecture and historic guildhalls. Sat on Town Hall Square is one of the city&rsquo;s most recognisable buildings: the House of the Blackheads, an imposing red-brick structure. Despite being almost completely destroyed over the course of the tumultuous 20th-century, the House of Blackheads has been resorted to its former glory in recent years and provides an interesting insight into Riga&rsquo;s Hanseatic past. Other notable buildings to explore on a holiday to Riga include the &lsquo;Three Brothers&rsquo;, the city&rsquo;s oldest houses, and Riga Cathedral, first built in the 13th-century and an enduring symbol of the city, as well as being the seat of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia. Finally, Riga&rsquo;s Russian-influenced past can be seen in the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, an Orthodox Cathedral built in the traditional Russian style.&nbsp;

Tallinn, the Estonian capital, is an exciting mix of the new and the old. It&rsquo;s historic Old Town, perhaps one of the best-preserved Hanseatic cities in the world, is unforgettable and sublimely photogenic, with ancient churches, medieval streets and fairytale charm. It&rsquo;s action-packed cultural calendar hosts countless music and arts events, whilst its situation on the Baltic coast offers scenic views and sandy beaches. With close historical ties to Stockholm, Helsinki and St. Petersburg, a trip to Tallinn will reveal a delightfully cosmopolitan atmosphere and a diverse population. The entirety of the walled Old Town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site which enchants visitors with its grandiose merchant houses and cobbled streets.&nbsp;
Of all the things to see in Tallinn, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an icon of the Old Town, is one of the city&rsquo;s most widely recognised landmarks. Its onion-domed towers stand out amongst the skyline and worshippers can still attend services as it remains an active church. This cathedral also offers an interesting insight into Estonia&rsquo;s role in the former Russian Empire, having been constructed during this era. At the heart of the city lies the Town Hall Square. Flanked by pretty gabled buildings and awash with outdoor cafes, this centrepiece of Tallinn is especially magical during the Christmas season when festive stalls, adorned by twinkling fairy lights, and a huge spruce tree are erected in the square. For panoramic views across the city and the perfect photo opportunity to document a holiday to Tallinn, head to Toompea Hill. You&rsquo;re sure to find street musicians and locals joining you to watch the sunset on a summers eve. Nearby, Toompea Castle, built in the 1700s, might look modest from the outside but it is known for its beautiful gardens where you can find a slice of tranquillity if you tire of sightseeing. Other things to do in Tallinn include visiting the Estonian Open Air Museum, exploring the impressive Seaplane Harbour and Maritime Museum or enjoying the scenic sea views from the port.

This capital city, known for its spectacular medieval Old Town, holds a lot of charm for visitors on a trip to Lithuania, thanks to its lively cultural scene and well-preserved Baroque architecture. Its diverse population and complex history have left plenty to be explored during a visit to this little known Baltic gem. Described by Napoleon as the &lsquo;Jerusalem of the Noth&rsquo;, in tribute to its once large Jewish population, you can uncover a rich Jewish heritage if your visit Vilnius today. On a trip to Vilnius, visitors can trace the influence of the years spent under Soviet rule or watch the sunset over the city from the poignant Hill of Three Crosses. The city&rsquo;s large student population ensures an energetic nightlife scene, whilst its the best place in the country to sample the flavours of Lithuanian cuisine, including their quintessential potato dumplings, perfect sightseeing fuel. Situated in the south-east of the country, on the confluence of the Neris and Vilina Rivers, a trip to Vilnius is a rewarding venture into the heart of the Baltic states.
There are plenty of things to see in Vilnius, especially within its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, which is where most of the city&rsquo;s best-loved attractions are concentrated. A icon of Vilnius&rsquo;s skyline, Gediminas Castle&rsquo;s red-brick tower dates back to the 13th-century and is one of the best spots for panoramic views across the city. Vilnius Cathedral is another must-visit sight on a tour of Vilnius. Here, you&rsquo;ll find the atmospheric cathedral crypt, where you can trace the history of Lithuania&rsquo;s most prominent figures, as well as a delightfully photogenic white collonaded exterior. For those looking to uncover the quirky side of the city, the district of Uzupis is an artistic haven, known for its galleries, boutiques and experimental restaurants. In 1997 Uzupis declared itself a separate republic, complete with a constitution and even a president. If you visit Vilnius today, you can still get your passport stamped at the local tourist office in Uzupis. If you&rsquo;re looking for things to do in Vilnius on a winter&rsquo;s day, be sure to explore the vast National Gallery. Situated across the river from the Old Town, it beautifully showcases contemporary and 20th-century Lithuanian art.&nbsp;

The capital and most populated city in Russia. The city is an important political, economic, cultural and scientific center for Russia and the continent. Moscow is the most northern megacity in the world, the second most populated in Europe after Istanbul. The city is served by an ample transport network which includes three international airports, nine railway stations and one of the most comprehensive metro systems in the world, the Moscow Metro, only trumped by that of Tokyo in terms of numbers of passengers. Moscow's underground railway system is recognized as one of the most architecturally rich and varied, across the 185 stations which cover the breadth of the city.
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<h2>What to see in Moscow</h2>
Visiting Moscow is one of the best decisions you can ever take. At least as far as travel is concerned. The capital of Russia is a city of contrasts. The candy-striped domes of Red Square stand out against the newly-built skyscrapers. There are charming parks next to the museum that pays homage to the country's space race. Cutting-edge technology and tradition come together in a capital that will give you back much more than you put into it.
<h3>Red Square: first obligatory stop in Moscow</h3>
There is much more to see in this beautiful city, but Red Square is always a must for travelers who arrive in Moscow. It is in the center of the city and occupies an area of more than 23,000 square meters. But it is not only its size that made UNESCO declare it a World Heritage Site.
Here you can find buildings as beautiful and emblematic as the Kremlin, Lenin's mausoleum. The cathedrals of Kazan and St. Basil, the GUM department store and the Russian History Museum.
Take a walk around the outside, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Alexander Gardens before entering the buildings.
<h3>The Bolshoi Theatre</h3>
A visit to Red Square and all the treasures it holds is a good aperitif before going to see the famous Bolshoi Theatre. The building's beautiful exterior is iconic. But nothing compares to watching a ballet or an opera performance. In the latter case, the evening will last about three hours and if you want a quintessential Muscovite night you can finish up at the Bolshoi restaurant.
If you don't go to the ballet and haven't bought anything at GUM, you might want to go to the TsUM department store. You'll recognize the place because it's in a six-story neo-Gothic building.
<h3>Tverskaya Street</h3>
You could say that this Moscow street is the Russian equivalent of Piccadilly Circus, a commercial thoroughfare full of shops and adverts vying with each other to attract passers-by to luxury shops and trendy restaurants.
At 14 Tverskaya you will find Eliseevsky, a shop specializing in Russian cuisine that opened in 1901 and whose interior will leave you breathless. If you want to go home laden with vodka or caviar, you'll find high-quality versions here.
You can also find restaurants serving traditional Russian food, such as Caf&eacute; Pushkin and Mu-Mu on this street and others nearby. Both are well known and you will have to book in advance, but they are by no means the only ones. So, if plans aren't your thing, don't worry: the chances are you'll find a good place to eat.
<h3>Cathedral of Christ the Saviour</h3>
Although the Kazan Cathedral, located on Red Square, is the most famous in Moscow, the most important for Muscovites is the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the tallest Orthodox church in the world.
From the Tretyakov Gallery, you can walk to the Cathedral Temple of Christ the Saviour (Redeemer) of the Moscow Patriarch. Located in the center of the city, it is the tallest Orthodox church in the world. The sight of its white facades crowned by golden domes is sure to dazzle you as you approach from the Patriarchy Bridge. This is not a clich&eacute;. On sunny days the colors of the cathedral reflect the light very effectively.
Men are not allowed to enter wearing shorts and women may be asked to cover their hair. Keep this in mind when you prepare your visit.
<h3>The Moscow Metro</h3>
Visiting Moscow and not taking the metro is simply impossible. The Moscow underground is the fastest, most efficient and safest means of transport in the capital. Of course, you always have to keep an eye on your wallet. And, what's more, it's considered a tourist attraction in its own right.
The Arbatskaya station is very beautiful and rivals the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square) station in terms of fame. This latter station has the famous statue of the metro guard and his bronze dog. Stroke the dog's nose for good luck.
<h3>Moskva River Cruise</h3>
The Moskva River offers a completely different view of the city, so if you've decided to see Moscow and want to know it inside out, you can take a small boat in Gorky Park to reach the city's financial district, where impressive skyscrapers loom. An urban landscape that few tourists expect to see in the Russian capital.
<h3>Sparrow Hills</h3>
Sparrows Hills, or Vorobiovy Gory, offer a different view of the city than the one you get walking the streets or from the river.&nbsp;
Many of the attractions that await you when you travel to Moscow have been left out of this mini-guide, but don't worry, we'll show you all of them when you visit Moscow with Exoticca.

Moscow

The city founded by Tsar Peter the Great to represent the most modern face of the country, is still known today as the cultural heart of Russia. In this ancient capital you must walk the banks of the Neva river, as well as Nevsky Prospect, the main street which leads to the Kazan cathedral. Not forgetting the Church of the Savior on Blood, the Peter and Paul Fortress or the Hermitage Museum, and the ancient palace of the Tzars.
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<h2>What to see in Saint Petersburg</h2>
Why not travel to Saint Petersburg? The Hermitage, Nevsky Prospect, its palaces and cathedrals. Everything in this city is a hymn to beauty and tradition. So let's have a brief overview of the many things there are to see in Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;
<h3>Nevsky Prospect</h3>
If you travel to New York, you'll go to Fifth Avenue. If you visit Paris, you can't get miss the Champs-&Eacute;lys&eacute;es. And travelling to Saint Petersburg you're sure to stroll down Nevsky Prospect. This street is more than four kilometers long and connects the Alexandre Nevsky Monastery with the Russian Navy Command (Admiralty). Here you'll find caf&eacute;s, shops, restaurants, bookshops and museums.&nbsp;
In the old Singer sewing machine factory, immortalised in film and literature, is the House of the Book. The three-storey building is in the modernist style and has three floors that are well worth visiting. There's no better place to buy a book of Pushkin's poems.
<h3>Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral</h3>
&nbsp;Saint Petersburg is home to four major cathedrals, but this one surpasses the other three. It was built between 1801 and 1811 and is located in Nevsky Prospect itself. You can see Russia's most venerated icon here, an image of the Virgin of Kazan.
Turn off your camera and cell phone, because no pictures are allowed inside.
<h3>Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood</h3>
If there's one monument that you may know about and that may have influenced your decision to travel to Saint Petersburg, it's the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. In 1881, Tsar Alexander II was murdered on the site where the church was built.
You will recognise the church because of its five enamelled and copper-plated domes, in the Russian style also in evidence at the cathedral of St. Basil in Moscow. After this introduction, the interior does not disappoint, quite the reverse. It houses a collection of the most important mosaics in the world, including the mosaic of Christ Pantocrator on the ceiling of the central dome.
<h3>St. Isaac's Cathedral</h3>
Belonging to the Russian neoclassical style, St. Isaac's Cathedral is remarkable for having one of the largest domes in the world. It is also the second tallest Orthodox church on the planet. The tallest is Christ the Saviour in Moscow.
If you have the energy and willpower, you can visit the top of the dome and enjoy incredible views of the city. Mind you, you'll have to climb 262 steps.
<h3>Travel to Saint Petersburg to see the Hermitage Museum</h3>
Located in the Palace Square, one of the city's major squares, the Hermitage is one of the most beloved, famous and visited museums in Europe and around the world. It has an immense collection of antiquities and is one of the largest art galleries in existence.
The museum, which was founded and extended its collections thanks to the "private" contributions of the Tsars, consists of a group of six buildings. Among them, the most important is the Menshikov Palace. Allow at least three hours for the visit
<h3>Peter and Paul Fortress</h3>
This complex houses various buildings, such as a major prison that remained in use until 1918, the Astronautical Museum where the engines of the Soyuz and Vostok, both space shuttles, are kept, and the Commander's house, which has been converted into a museum of culture and daily life.
The Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, which gives its name to the fortress, is where Peter I the Great and the family of Nicholas II, the last Tsar, are buried.
<h3>Peterhof Palace</h3>
The Peterhof is one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe and one of the reasons to travel to Saint Petersburg. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is about 30 km from Saint Petersburg. This is where the tsars lived until 1917, in a complex of gardens dotted with palaces.
In fact, it's the gardens that are really worth visiting here. Not only because of their architecture, but also because of their complex of fountains and the wonderful Great Waterfall.
<h3>Catherine Palace</h3>
We conclude this very small guide on what to see in Saint Petersburg with a mention for the Catherine Palace and its amber chamber. It's built along the lines of the Peterhof Palace and is also 25 km from the city.
Both the palace building and the gardens are impressive, but you can't take pictures in the chamber. Be that as it may, it's one of the must-see sights in Saint Petersburg.
Enjoy all these places and many more in Saint Petersburg with Exoticca.

Sooma National Park

Tourist attractions Sooma National Park

OUR BEST TRIPS TO SOOMA NATIONAL PARK

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