Proudly independent and staunchly European in their outlook, I highly recommend a visit to the capitals of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia which will introduce you to their distinctive histories as well as their shared pasts.

Start in the ancient Hanseatic city of Riga, the largest in the Baltics with a medieval old town easily explored on foot. Admire its concentration of Art Nouveau architecture and no visit is complete without stepping foot in the famous food market, housed in five former Zeppelin hangers. Your Kirker driver-guide will then take you through unspoiled countryside to Lithuania. En route, you will stop at Rundale, the magnificent 18th century Royal Palace, before arriving in Vilnius. Explore its baroque old town and the self-proclaimed republic of “Užupis”, Vilnius’s bohemian and artistic quarter.

From here, fly north to Tallinn, renowned for its UNESCO heritage picture postcard medieval lower and upper old town, a wonderful setting for its Christmas market – and the city is also gaining a reputation for its thriving restaurant scene - please ask our concierge for his latest tips. For those with more time, you may wish to extend your itinerary and travel by fast ferry to Helsinki and enjoy a couple of nights in the Finnish capital before flying home.