Ten days around the Baltic, for two
The palaces and canals of St Petersburg, design and saunas in Helsinki, and the fairytale old town of Tallinn: three capitals of the north, linked by sea.
Full 10-day trip for two, door to door from the USA
Where the money goes
Estimated budget for two over 10 days, in US dollars. White Nights in June are the most expensive time in St Petersburg.
| Category | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| International flightsUSA ⇄ Helsinki, 2 people. St Petersburg is reached overland or via Istanbul. | $1,300 – $2,600 |
| Accommodation (9 nights)About $160–$420 a night: Radisson, Scandic and NH Collection hotels. | $1,440 – $3,780 |
| Meals and diningNew Nordic dinners, Estonian taverns and Russian classics. | $900 – $1,600 |
| Activities and experiencesHermitage, Peterhof, saunas, Porvoo day trip, museums. | $500 – $1,000 |
| Transport in the regionTrain or bus to Helsinki, ferry to Tallinn (2 hours). | $400 – $800 |
| Ground totalAll costs on the ground, excluding international flights | $3,240 – $7,180 |
| Grand totalFull 10-day trip for two, door to door from the USA | $4,540 – $9,780 |
Estimates only. Prices vary by season, departure city and availability.
Suggested 10-day itinerary
St Petersburg, Helsinki and Tallinn. Each stop shows the estimated cost of your stay.
St Petersburg
Arrival & First Impressions
- Walk Nevsky Prospekt and the canals.
- Evening canal boat ride.
Check the current US State Department advisory for Russia before booking; US bank cards do not work there.
St Petersburg
The Imperial Heart
- The Hermitage and Palace Square.
- Kazan and St Isaac's cathedrals.
St Petersburg
Palaces & Gardens
- Peterhof fountains by hydrofoil.
- Catherine Palace and the Amber Room.
St Petersburg
Fortress & Free Time
- Peter and Paul Fortress.
- Ballet at the Mariinsky.
Helsinki
City Center
- Senate Square and the Rock Church.
- Löyly public sauna by the sea.
Helsinki
Day Trip
- Day trip to the old wooden town of Porvoo.
- Suomenlinna sea fortress by ferry.
Tallinn
Old Town
- Ferry to Tallinn.
- Town Hall Square and Toompea Hill viewpoints.
Tallinn
Culture & Coast
- Kadriorg Palace and park.
- Telliskivi creative city.
Tallinn
Leisure & Departure Prep
- Free day in the old town.
- Medieval dinner at Olde Hansa.
Depart
- Fly home from Tallinn or take the ferry back to Helsinki.
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Special notes for an intimate escape
Northern romance.
Sea sauna
Book a private sauna for two at Löyly or Allas Sea Pool and take a dip in the Baltic.
Old town rooftops
Climb St Olaf's Church tower at sunset for red rooftops and the sea.
Logistics and travel tips
Entry and advisories
Check the current US State Department advisory for Russia before booking; US bank cards do not work there.
Best time to go
June–August for White Nights and long days; December for Christmas markets in Tallinn.
Money
Euros in Finland and Estonia; rubles and cash only in Russia.
Getting around
Ferries between Helsinki and Tallinn run many times a day.
Plan the Baltic trip at $227 – $489 per person a day
Browse tours and activities, or compare it with our 15-day Thailand honeymoon.