Baltic Capitals Route: Vilnius to Tallinn
Travel north from Vilnius to Riga and Tallinn, passing the Hill of Crosses, Rundāle Palace, and Pärnu
The most established route through the three Baltic countries. Most itineraries spend two or three nights in each of the three capitals, with transfer days connecting the highlights along the way. This one-way self-drive route takes in the Hill of Crosses, Rundāle Palace, Sigulda, and Pärnu, allowing you to visit spots that are difficult to reach by public transport. The transfer days are longer, making it ideal for first-time visitors. You will need to confirm one-way car rental fees and cross-border permits in advance; you can also switch to buses, but you will have to skip the stops along the way.
May–Sep offers long daylight hours, and the gardens of Rundāle Palace are at their best in summer
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius（Gate of Dawn、Vilnius Town Hall & Town Hall Square、Pilies Street & Literatų Street、St. Anne's Church）
About 20 minutes from the airport to the city. Drop off your luggage and explore the Old Town on foot; do not pick up your rental car yet
Stay: Old Town
Day 2 · Vilnius Castles and Užupis
Vilnius（Vilnius Cathedral & Cathedral Square、Gediminas' Tower、Vilnius University、Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (KGB Museum)、Užupis）
Walk all day. You can take the funicular up to Gediminas Tower, and walk to the Republic of Užupis in the afternoon
The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Stay: Old Town
Day 3 · Trakai Island Castle
Take a regional train (about 35 minutes) to Trakai. Return after a half-day tour, then pick up your car in the afternoon or continue exploring the city
Stay: Old Town
Day 4 · Hill of Crosses to Rundāle Palace
Šiauliai（Hill of Crosses） → Riga（Rundāle Palace）
Depart early. Take the A2, A9, then A12 to the Hill of Crosses (about 3 hours), then drive via Bauska to Riga (about 2.5 hours)
The total distance is about 370 km, making this the longest driving day. Hit the road as early as possible
Stay: Vecrīga
Day 5 · Riga Old Town and Art Nouveau District
Riga（House of the Blackheads & Town Hall Square、Riga Cathedral、St. Peter's Church、Riga Central Market、Art Nouveau District (Alberta iela)）
Walk all day. It takes about 15 minutes from the Old Town to Alberta iela. You can park your car near your accommodation
Stay: Vecrīga
Day 6 · Sigulda and Gauja Valley
Drive northeast on the A2 for about 1 hour to Sigulda. Visit Turaida Castle and return to Riga via the same route
Stay: Vecrīga
Day 7 · Coastal Drive North to Pärnu
Pärnu（Tallinn Gate、Rüütli Street、Pärnu Beach、Pärnu Beach Promenade）
Drive north along the A1 coastal highway for about 180 km (approx. 2.5 hours), arriving in Pärnu after midday
Jun–Aug is peak season in Pärnu; book beach area accommodations well in advance
Stay: Beach District
Day 8 · Keila Waterfall to Tallinn
Tallinn（Keila Falls & Keila-Joa Manor、Kadriorg Palace & Park）
Drive north on Route 4 for about 2 hours, detouring to Keila Waterfall. Arrive in Tallinn in the afternoon, check in, and return your rental car
Driving is inconvenient in Tallinn Old Town, so it is easier to return your car nearby upon arrival
Stay: Old Town
Day 9 · Strolling Tallinn's Lower and Upper Town
Tallinn（Town Hall Square & Tallinn Town Hall、St. Catherine's Passage、Tallinn City Walls、Toompea、Alexander Nevsky Cathedral、Kohtuotsa & Patkuli Viewing Platforms）
Walk all day. It takes about 10 minutes from the Lower Town to Toompea Hill; the cobblestone paths are quite steep
Stay: Old Town
Day 10 · Telliskivi and Departure
Tallinn（Telliskivi Creative City）
Walk or take a tram to Telliskivi in the morning, then take a tram (about 20 minutes) to the airport after midday