Tallinn, Estonia's capital on the Baltic Sea, combines well-preserved medieval architecture with a modern metropolis. The old town, surrounded by city walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be easily explored on foot. Raekoja plats is home to the Gothic town hall and narrow streets lined with merchants' houses and warehouses that bear witness to the Hanseatic era. A short climb leads up to Toompea Hill with its Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary's Cathedral. The viewpoints offer panoramic views over the red roofs and the harbour. Also worth seeing are the historic city walls with defensive towers such as the "Long Hermann" and the Rotermann entertainment district, where old industrial buildings now house design shops, restaurants and galleries.

Riga, the capital of Latvia, lies on the Daugava River and is the cultural centre of the Baltic region. The city was founded in 1201 and was a member of the Hanseatic League, which is reflected in its merchant houses and warehouses. The focus of a short visit is the Old Town (Vecrīga) with its narrow streets, Riga Cathedral and St. Peter's Church, from whose tower you have a panoramic view of the city. The Three Brothers, the oldest preserved residential ensemble in Riga, are famous. The colourful House of the Blackheads and the Town Hall catch the eye on Town Hall Square. North of the Old Town, the Art Nouveau quarter around Alberta iela is one of the most important ensembles of this architectural style in the world. A walk in Basteiberg Park along the city canal offers relaxation.