There’s a corner of Europe that has yet to be discovered. Far from the well-trodden capitals, off the normal tourist route lay Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw. Here, you can dive deep into countries with singular histories and cultures, have unique experiences among locals, and create true bonds with places that will stick with you for a lifetime. Without further ado, we present you with an itinerary to follow from the northern marvel of Tallinn all the way down to Warsaw, Central Europe’s capital of resilience and reinvention. One last note: for the most convenient, flexible, and responsible adventure, use the region’s train network. Let’s dive in. 

Tallinn: medieval history by the sea 

Estonia’s bewitching capital is perched on the northern seacoast. Its harmonious blend of ancient and modern cultures is the ideal place to begin any exploration of the region. Tallinn’s Old Town, which happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, gives you entry to the past like nowhere else. When you trod on its cobblestone streets, you are instantly transported to a time of knights, castles and crusades. The iconic red roofs and church spires harken back to the city’s prosperous days as part of the Hanseatic League, a collection of loosely associated traders and towns.  

Naturally, Tallinn’s story didn’t end in the medieval times. As a coastal city, Tallinn kept expanding along the shores of the Baltic Sea, and new areas emerged over time, each with its own purpose. Kadriorg began as the summer residence of a Russian czar, evolving into a fashionable upscale residential area in the 19th century. The intricate wooden houses built by wealthy Tallinners during the turn of the 20th century still stand and give Kadriorg an unmatched aura of charm and elegance. The pearl of Kadriorg is its gorgeous park and palace ensemble. 

On the north-west part of Tallinn lies the equally charming yet more bohemian Kalamaja district. Kalamaja means “Fish house” in Estonian, and the name refers to its past as an old fishermen’s suburb. Already during medieval times, fishermen lived just outside the Old Town gates in simple wooden dwellings. Nowadays, Kalamaja is a bustling hub of contemporary culture in Estonia. Kalamaja is no longer home to fishermen but instead to some of the best design shops in the country, excellent restaurants, and popular bars.   

Riga: a strong pulse of history and youthful energy 

Riga has a magnetic allure. That’s no surprise, given its varied roots as a gateway for Vikings journeying along the Daugava River, a flourishing trading hub in the 13th century Hanseatic League, and a place that has been, over the centuries, influenced by Sweden, Poland, Russia, and Germany. It’s no surprise then that its Old Town is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its beauty and tradition.  

Any visit to Riga must include leisurely strolls through its winding medieval streets, between its Gothic spires and Art Nouveau structures. This mélange of culture and look speaks to the fusion of different eras and ideas, all of which have shaped the city. The Riga Cathedral, which was meticulously restored over many years, deserves a visit, as does the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, even if you’re not going to stay for a show. If you are, your decision will be well rewarded—the opera and ballet companies here are considered some of the best in Europe!

Vilnius: where rich and diverse cultures collide 

In Vilnius, multiculturalism is woven into the fabric of society. Some seven hundred years ago, Grand Duke Gediminas invited craftsmen and merchants from every corner of Europe to come and make a new home. It was Germans, Jews, Poles, Russians and Frenchmen who came with their unique traditions and together founded what is now a gorgeous city. 

Known as the Pearl of the Baroque, Vilnius is renowned for its architecture. The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is particularly worthy of your attention. With its intricate designs and soaring spires, it’s truly captivating. Another marvel of architectural achievement is the Vilnius University complex featuring a sprawling courtyard with galleries where generations of Lithuania’s brightest youth have come to be educated. 

The Soviet era brought many changes, not least with the look and feel of the Lithuanian capital. Two structures from this era that are worth your attention include the TV Tower, which will let you test your courage with an edge walk at 170m high, and the National Gallery of Art, two grand modernist buildings that reflect the ideals of this bygone time. For those interested in delving further into history, there is also the State Jewish Museum that tells the story of Jews and their role in Vilnius – the north Jerusalem going back centuries.

Warsaw: a city reborn 

Warsaw embodies resilience and rebirth, and as a result, it’s a city filled with crackling energy and a long history of heroism. So much of 20th-century history unfolded on the streets of this splendid city. There is much to discover for those interested in the Second World War. But first, a quick primer on the Polish capital. Warsaw’s roots stretch back to the 13th century when it was a fishing village along the Vistula River. In the intervening centuries, it was the capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth before being partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. For more recent history, visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which gives an account of Poles’ heroism against the Germans during the war, and the POLIN Museum, likely Europe’s finest institution dedicated to the history of Central European Jewry. 

To be clear, Warsaw is not defined only by its wartime experiences. The capital is a marvel for anyone interested in culture and art. It’s home to a wide array of galleries and museums, exhibiting art from Poland and beyond. The newly opened Museum of Modern Art is particularly enchanting, as is the Museum of Fryderyk Chopin. Speaking of Poland’s greatest son, there’s nothing quite as sweet as hearing a recital of his mazurkas or nocturnes in a music space in the Old Town before heading to a local restaurant for a plate of warm dumplings and a bowl of żurek, sour rye soup. All that remains to be said is na zdrowie, to your health!

While these four marvelous cities share rich and fascinating histories, they all have their unique charms.

• Tallinn stands as a center for all things gloriously medieval, while Riga offers a lovely blend of Gothic landmarks and Art Nouveau architecture.

• In Vilnius, you will find a city where many historical cultures meet and mix, while Warsaw is the capital reborn, where the past and the present blend in harmony.
  Each place invites deep historical exploration, learning, and fun. Enjoy your travels!