Scandinavia and the Baltics - how is this itinerary?
 

I will spend nearly three weeks in the Baltic and Scandinavia. I have been to Stockhom and Helsiniki but none of the other cities I will travel to on this upcoming trip. Here's my rough itinerary,I'd like to know if i have allocated the correct number of days to each city.

Day 1, Arrive Vilnius - arrive in the am, could be tired from the long flight.
Day 2, Vilnius
Day 3, Vilnius
Day 4, early am train to Minsk
Day 5, (sunday) Minsk - day trip to MIR castle
Day 6, early am train to Vilnius
Day 7, bus Vilnius to Riga
Day 8, Riga
Day 9, Riga
Day 10, Riga
Day 11, Ferry Riga to Stockholm
Day 12 (sunday), arrive in the morning to Stockholm
Day 13, Stockholm
Day 14, ferry Stockholm to Tallin
Day 15, arrive in the morning to Tallin
Day 16, Tallin
Day 17, Tallin to Helsinki by ferry
Day 18, Helsinki
Day 19 (sunday) Depart Helsinki

My questions.......

Am I better off leaving for Helsinki late on day 16 instead of on day 17. I get the impression Tallin is very small and can be seen in a day, and the city is dangerous at night. The hotel prices in Tallin and Helsinki aren't much different, and I would like to visit sights in Helsinki where I'd been years ago (Sibelius Monument and the Rock Church in particular)

Is two days too short for Minsk, I doubt I will return to Belarus as visas are complicated and expensive.

What are the best companies to use for buses between Vilnius and Riga?

Do I have too long in Riga? Any day trips recommended from Riga, I don't want to visit the beach, prefer cultural and historic sights.

I think most things will be closed on Sunday, so I've marked which days are Sundays in the itinerary.

What changes should I make to the number of days I've assigned in each city? I need to start booking my hotels, so I need to be certain I have the correct number of days in each place.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks.

Looks good. I was in the Baltics last summer.
I used Lux Express from Tallinn to Riga to Vilnius to Warsaw. Efficient and good prices.
I had 2 full days in Riga and could have used another so no, I don't think you have too long.
Yes, Tallinn Old Town is small enough to see in a day but 2 days will be more relaxing.
I like all your ferries!
Can't help you on Minsk at all, was there 40 years ago.

Hmmmm!!!

From Riga why do you not go to Tallinn first instead of Stockholm.
I would stay 2 days in Tallinn, it is a very nice place.

Then from Tallinn I would ferry to Helsinki and the from Helsinki to Stockholm and leave from Stockholm.

eurolines.com We have used them in reverse and had no problems.

Just make sure to buy your ticket a day early, so you get the bus and time you want.

You may find some info on this site for some of the towns.

Like Vilinus, Riga and Tallinn.

www.inyourpocket.com

Sounds like a wonderful trip!

Of your planned destinations, I've only been to Stockholm and Helsinki. I was glad I had more time in each of them than you plan on this trip, but since you've been to both before, I'm sure you've been able to allocate your time based on what you want to see and experience.

If possible, Percy has the perfect sequencing of visits.

Thanks for the replies. What Percy suggests was my first plan but flights out of Stockholm were almost $300 more than Helsinki, so I reworked the itinerary. I already have my airline ticket, looking for suggestions on how I can improve the was the itinerary is done, but can't change my flights.

I thought you were getting all those ferries because you liked ships. I would!

I used http://ecolines.net/ for Baltic trip. Low prices, hot food, you can charge your phone near the seat.
To Minsk you need a visa. To do it in Lithuania it takes about 7 days - long time. You can do visa in every travel agency ( they told me about this in hostel).
Vilnius-Riga cost about 12 EUR; Riga - Tallinn about 12 EUR too and took 4 hours each trip.
Instead of Minsk for one day I will go to Trakai (city near Vilnius), Kaunas (100 km from Vilnius) or Parnu (city near Tallinn).
My brother went to Stockholm by ferry and he was sick all journey and one day after it. Maybe take one more day in Stockholm.