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Regent Holidays

Baltic Cities by train from the UK

London to Riga via train and ferry through Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn.

Illustration of Baltic Cities by train from the UK

Regent Holidays operates this 13-day Baltic Cities rail and ferry tour from London St Pancras to Riga, routing through Brussels, Hamburg, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, and Riga. The journey blends multiple transport modes: Eurostar to Brussels, a German ICE high-speed train to Hamburg, an overnight SJ EuroNight sleeper to Stockholm with private cabin and boxed breakfast, overnight Baltic ferries, and a coordinated daily rail service from Tallinn to Riga via Valga. You stay in four-star hotels with breakfast in each major city, with two to three nights per stop to explore. Stockholm offers free time and optional excursions such as the Royal Castle, Vasa Museum, and Gamla Stan district. Helsinki spans two days of self-guided exploration and optional museum and harbor visits. Tallinn's medieval Old Town with cobbled streets and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral occupies a full day, as does Riga's Art Nouveau architecture and historic center dating to 1201. The pace is relaxed, with minimal rushed transfers and substantial time in each city. This tour suits travelers new to rail who want the ease of prearranged hotels and coordinated transport, as well as seasoned rail travelers seeking a multi-country Nordic itinerary combining daytime and overnight rail and ferry segments.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Hamburg to Stockholm sleeper includes only a boxed breakfast; other meals are not specified in the included services.
  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar,' meaning your final accommodation depends on availability and the operator's choice within that city.
  • Day 13 is a departure day; no onward transport is included, the operator notes you may choose to fly, continue by train via Vilnius and Poland, or arrange your own return.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Brussels (hotel not specified)

    London to Brussels

    Begin your train adventure with a Eurostar journey from London St. Pancras to Brussels, traversing the Channel Tunnel into continental Europe. Enjoy an overnight in Brussels, where you can explore the stunning Grand Place and indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates and waffles.

  2. Day 2railovernight: IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof or similar

    Brussels to Hamburg

    Today take a German ICE (InterCity Express) high-speed train bound for Hamburg via a change of trains in Cologne, passing through the landscapes of Belgium and western Germany. Upon arrival check in to IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof or similar for an overnight stay. Explore the historic Speicherstadt district or the lively St. Pauli quarter.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Overnight sleeper train

    Hamburg to Stockholm

    Today enjoy a day exploring Hamburg further before boarding the comfortable SJ EuroNight train for your overnight journey to Sweden. Settle into your sleeper cabin or couchette, and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep as you travel through Germany, Denmark and Sweden.

  4. Day 4overnight: Scandic Grand Central or similar

    Stockholm

    This morning arrive in Stockholm, take a short walk to Scandic Grand Central or similar and leave your luggage. Set off to explore Sweden's beautiful capital.

  5. Day 5overnight: Scandic Grand Central or similar

    Stockholm

    Spend your free day exploring Stockholm or speak to our specialist about adding some guided excursions, from the Royal Castle and Vasa Museum to Skansen and Gamla Stan.

  6. Day 6overnight: Overnight ferry

    Stockholm to Helsinki

    On your final day in Stockholm perhaps visit Djurgarden, home to the ABBA Museum and the Nordic Museum. As evening approaches, board the overnight ferry to Helsinki, relaxing in your private cabin or enjoying the ship's amenities as you sail on the Baltic Sea.

  7. Day 7overnight: Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki or similar

    Helsinki

    Arrive in Helsinki, take a local taxi to the Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki or similar. Check in for two nights. Head out and explore Helsinki beginning at Senate Square and the white-domed Cathedral, then Esplanadi Park and Kauppatori market, plus a ferry to the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna sea fortress.

  8. Day 8overnight: Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki or similar

    Helsinki

    Discover Helsinki's vibrant Kallio district, the Ateneum Art Museum, the Design Museum, Oodi Library, the Temppeliaukio Rock Church and Finlandia Hall.

  9. Day 9overnight: My City Hotel or similar

    Helsinki to Tallinn

    Today, head to Helsinki West Harbour Terminal 2 for your ferry to Tallinn, recommended with Tallink-Silja Line ferries such as the Megastar. Upon arrival in Tallinn, check in to My City Hotel or similar.

  10. Day 10overnight: My City Hotel or similar

    Tallinn

    Tallinn's medieval Old Town, with its cobbled streets, Town Hall Square, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, is a must-see, along with the Rotermann Quarter and its boutique shops and eateries.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Hotel Neiburgs or similar

    Tallinn to Riga

    New for 2025 Estonian and Latvian railways have co-ordinated their timetables and it's possible to travel between Tallinn & Riga on a comfortable daily train service, with one cross-platform change of train on the border at Valga (around seven hours nine minutes, with a 1hr 46min wait at Valga). Check in to the Hotel Neiburgs or similar for a two-night stay.

  12. Day 12overnight: Hotel Neiburgs or similar

    Riga

    On your free day in Riga, explore the Old Town dating back to 1201, pedestrian Kalku Street, Livu Square, the Dome Cathedral, and the Art Nouveau District along Alberta and Elizabetes Streets.

  13. Day 13rail

    Depart Riga

    Your journey comes to an end today in Riga. You may choose to return to the UK by flight, continue your travels onward, or take the train back to the UK via Vilnius and Poland.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar crosses the Channel Tunnel from London St Pancras to Brussels, marking the start of a continental rail journey.
  • Day 3The SJ EuroNight sleeper train departs Hamburg, carrying you through Germany, Denmark and Sweden overnight in a sleeping compartment.
  • Day 6An overnight ferry sails from Stockholm across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, where passengers relax in private cabins.
  • Day 11A coordinated daily rail service connects Tallinn to Riga with a cross-platform change at the border station of Valga.

Included

  • Accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast
  • All taxes and charges
  • Train tickets: London to Brussels, Eurostar Standard
  • Train tickets: ICE Brussels to Hamburg, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Hamburg to Stockholm in sleeping compartment including boxed breakfast
  • Ferry tickets: Stockholm to Helsinki in A-Standard Sea view Cabin including buffet breakfast
  • Ferry tickets: Helsinki to Tallinn, Star class
  • Train tickets: Tallinn to Riga, 2nd class

Not included

  • International flights - please contact us for best available prices
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Regent Holidays includes all train and ferry tickets: Eurostar London to Brussels, ICE Brussels to Hamburg, SJ EuroNight Hamburg to Stockholm with sleeping compartment, ferries Stockholm to Helsinki and Helsinki to Tallinn, and the rail service Tallinn to Riga.
What is included in the price from £1,895?
Accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast, all specified train tickets, all ferry tickets, and taxes and charges. Excluded are international flights, travel insurance, and optional excursions.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is independent travel coordinated by Regent Holidays. The itinerary names hotels and transport; the operator offers optional guided excursions in some cities and specialist support.
How much walking is involved?
Each city includes walking exploration of neighborhoods, squares, museums and historic districts on foot. Expect moderate daily walking but no strenuous hiking or high-altitude activity.
Will I sleep on the train?
Yes, one night: the SJ EuroNight from Hamburg to Stockholm on Day 3 includes a sleeping compartment or couchette. Two other nights involve overnight ferries with private cabins.
What cities are visited?
Brussels (one night), Hamburg (one night), Stockholm (two nights), Helsinki (two nights), Tallinn (two nights), and Riga (two nights). The journey spans 13 days and 12 nights.

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