I am in the choosing stage for a two week trip in August; due to the time constraints, some of the trips that sound good for that time will need to happen some other year (Australia, for instance, or Botswana.)

I received notice from Icelandair that they are starting service to Helsinki with a $630 airfare price; from there I know that it's possible to do daytrips to Latvia and Estonia. I don't like a "new hotel every night" trip as my first preference, and would, in fact, like to visit Lithuania as well; my questions here, then, are:

1. Since my first interest is in the Baltic states, rather than Finland this time around, do you have any good suggestions for East Coast flights that might be in this general price? The ones I've come up with in a quick search are at least double.

2. Do you think this is enough time for all three; obviously, this is subjective!

3. How easy is it to get around in the area if you don't drive?

4. Any recommendations in general? (i.e., is August a poor time for visiting, sights to see, interesting lodgings...)

Thanks! Of course, I'll be going to the travel books, etc., should I decide on this agenda, but I know I can trust the wise ones on this forum for good starting advice!

August may be the busiest month of the year on the Baltic.

Hi Amy,
I visited Helsinki & Tallinn in August last year and it was fine. When the cruise ships dock and release their passengers it gets busy, but not overwhelming.

I would grab that airfare to Helsinki. That is cheap for the summer. I did a quick chect to see if it would be cheaper from London - its not.
It is only a 1.5 or 3 hour ferry ride from Helsinki to Estonia (depending on ferry used). Ferries run continuously - the one we took in August had less than 20 people on the whole ship.

Tallinn is easily navigated by tram or on foot. I also know there is a 5+ hour bus from Tallinn to Riga. There is a website for this bus - do a google search.

Based on the relatively small land mass of the baltics, i would think 2 weeks is plenty of time. Do a search on this site - I found lots of useful info here before our trip last year.

Amy,

I will try to give you some input on your questions and try to maintain the order you were posting them:

ad 1: $ 630 from East Coast sounds reasonable to me. For comparison you might check the webpages of Scandinavian Airlines (who are strongly represented in the area), Austrian Airlines (who are also building up an expertise in Eastern Europe) and Finnair.

www.scandinavian.net
www.aua.com
www.finnair.com

Local carriers that are reliable and technically up to date are Air Baltic (associated with SAS) and Estonian (not sure, but they also might be affiliated with SAS)

www.airbaltic.com
www.estonian-air.ee/?keel=eng

ad 2: Two weeks should give you a sufficient overview of all three states.
A rough draft for an itinerary might be:
- 1.5 to 2 days in Tallinn
- 1.5 to 2 days in Pärnu (Estonian Coast town with a beatuiful beach, Estonia's summer capital)
- 2 to 3 days for Riga

I have no first hand expertise for Lithuania, but would suggest to allow approx. 1.5 to 2 days for Vilnius and to reserve some time for relaxation in Nida by the sea (Curonian Spit I think the expression is). Impressive sand dunes here!

ad 3: There are trains and buses. Trains are slow, though. I have no personal experience with public transport in the area. You will have to allow more time than you might expect, if you rely solely on public transport.

It might be an option to book a package thru one of the ferry operators between Helsinki and Tallinn. They usually have hotels plus transportation on offer for Riga and Pärnu as well.
Check the following websites for this:

www.tallink.fi (English language available)

www.njl.fi (also available in English)

www.eckeroline.fi/en (the English version)

www.lindaline.fi (available in English)

4. August is a great season up there- and the water is stil warm enough not only dabble a toe into the Sea but rather take a swim!
For lodging in Tallinn, I would recommend:
- Grand Hotel Schlössle (5- star,small, expensive, in Old Town)
- Hotel St. Petersbourg (Sister property to the Schlössle, four star, small also in Old Town)
- Reval Hotel Olympia (huge, friendly service, great rooftop pool and saunas, 10-15 min. stroll from Old Town)
-Radisson SAS (huge, 10-15 min. stroll from Old Town, only about 3 years old).

- I have also heard good things about the Domina City Hotel.

In Pärnu, there is the lovely Bauhaus style Scandic Ranna Hotel right on the beach. I have heard good comments on Villa Ammende, but have not stayed there.

In Riga, I would suggest

- Hotel Konventa Seta (old Convent Yard in Old Town. Possibly best Price/ Value ratio in town)
- Hotel de Rome (Four Star that comes at a price but has friendly staff and management. Great breakfast)
- Hotel Grand Palace (Right in Old Town, expensive)
- Reval Hotel Latvija (skyscraper that has been immaculately modernized, great location not far from Old Town and in the Art Nouveau District, close to many good reaturants)

Cannot advise on lodging in Lithuania.

For a daytrip from Riga, there is Sigulda featuring pretty landscape and Turaida Castle, a mystic place in Latvian folklore.
Also Rundale castle (in the other direction of Bauska) is a must. Latvia's state visitors are often welcomed here.

I have just posted some more info on Riga. Click on my screen name and search for Riga and Tallinn. There are also a few threads from me concerning restaurants.

For more info on everything in the area, go to
www.inyourpocket.com.
Their info is absolutely reliable.

Should you have any further questions, do post, I will try to answer.

Regards
hsv

Thanks so much for the help! I have been reading the various posts on here and this does sound enticing; thanks, hsv and Queenie, for the very helpful advice and information.

I know that "August" and "crowded" do tend to go together, but I'm relieved to hear that you think it won't be overwhelming. This is sounding good for the time that I have, and I should be able to see the highlights of Helsinki as well.

As I explore further, I'm sure I'll come up with more questions. If anything else occurs to anyone about these places/times, please let me know. Thanks again!