In this combo, retrace the history of the 20th century in a region of Europe that would definitely gain to be more known: the Baltics, Europe’s Russian Exclave and the lesser seen side of the Chernobyl catastrophe!
The Baltic States consist of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and their capitals are popular amongst long weekend holidays makers and partygoers. However, Young Pioneer Tours are here to explore the Baltics Soviet past, hard hitting and informative – we’ll delve deep into history and secret locations unknown to the outside world!
Your journey begins in Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. You’ll explore its historical past and charming old town before delving deep into tactics the KGB was using on the local population. You will then reach Riga, the capital of Latvia, which has many ghosts from its Soviet past from buildings to controversial war memorials.
You’ll also visit the most important sites in Lithuania, the Hill of Crosses and Ninth Forth – a significant site for the opposition to Soviet suppression and the other for the Nazi massacre of 45,000 Jews. To complete the Baltics, we’ll arrive to and visit Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital.
You’ll then continue to Kaliningrad, formerly the city German city of Konigsberg. In the dying embers of WW2, after days of violent urban warfare, the city was captured by Soviet forces who annexed the region. Konigsberg is one of the few places where you can see the remains of the Third Reich and the Soviet Union on top of each other. Post WW2, the territory was a strictly sealed off and forbidden military zone throughout the Soviet period.
We will bring you through the highlights of this fascinating Russian exclave. You’ll have the chance to explore Nazi command bunkers, Soviet nuclear submarines, the former frontline of the desperate German defence to hold the city, Prussian forts, natural wonders and forbidden military cities! As always, YPT’s extensive contacts in the region will allow us to gain access to areas most people can’t go!
Next, you’ll visit Europe’s most isolated country, Belarus. This landlocked country has been ruled by the same president since 1994. Little has changed since the collapse of the Soviet Union including the trains you’ll be taking, making it one of the most unique places in the region.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Belorussian Exclusion Zone, known as the Polesie State Radioecological Reserve, where you’ll enter the scientist’s research centre and learn about the real consequences of the nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. You will be amazed by the nature diversity caused by the absence of human intervention and will be able to examine the radiation background with an accompanying expert guide.
The Baltics, Kaliningrad and Belarus Combo tour is perfect for military history buffs, fans of the post-Soviet aesthetic, and those seeking Soviet relics!
If you’re short on time, the Budget Baltics Tour, the Kaliningrad tour and the Belarus Spring Tour can be booked independently.
Friday 17th April – Tallinn (Estonia)
Afternoon
Saturday 18th April – Tallinn – Riga (Latvia)
Afternoon
Sunday 19th April – Riga – Vilnius (Lithuania)
Afternoon
Monday 20th April – Vilnius
Afternoon
Tuesday 21st April – Vilnius – Kaliningrad, Russia
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Wednesday 22nd April – Baltiysk – Baltics Split – Kaliningrad
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Thursday 23rd April – Curonian spit – Kaliningrad
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Friday 24th April – Kaliningrad – Vilnius, Lithuania
Saturday 25th April – Vilnius – Minsk, Belarus
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Sunday 26th April – Minsk
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Monday 27th April – Minsk – Brest
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Tuesday 28th April – Brest – Stalin Line – Minsk
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Wednesday 29th April – Minsk – Belarus Exclusion Zone – Minsk
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Afternoon
Thursday 30th April – Minsk – Vilnius, Lithuania
Want to extend your YPT adventure? Join one of our great tour extensions
We have expert guides ready to help answer any questions you may have.
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