b'THE EASTERN FRONT:Scan here BALTIC STATES for the full itineraryOPERATIONS BARBAROSSA AND BAGRATION 25 AugustHistorical Background2 September 2026After World War One the Baltic StatesLithuania, Latvia and Estoniaenjoyed 9 days their first period of independence in history. Nevertheless their position between Germany and the Soviet Union led to occupation by the latter in Expert Historian: June 1940. Soviet rule was changed when the Germans unleashed Operation Dr Prit Buttar Barbarossa against the Soviet Union in June 1941. Within weeks all three Activity Level: 2 countries were occupied and brutal Nazi repression started with the murder of the Jewish population.In late June 1944 the Soviets launched Operation Bagration which drove Staying in the three Baltic capitals of Vilnius,German forces back from the Baltics. As Soviet forces moved towards the Riga and Tallinn, as well as graceful Tartu, thissea at Memel in Lithuania German forces to the north were cut off in what tour explores the events of World War Two incame to be called the Courland Pocket. The taking of Vilnius (5th-13th July) the Baltic states. We visit many of the sitesby the Soviets led to over 12,000 German losses but is remarkable for the associated with the savage assault on theseescape of 3,000 troops. In Estonia the natural barrier of Lake Peipus forced nations sovereignty by firstly Soviet thenany invasion north or south and it was around the Sinime region that the German armies and the brutal occupationalfiercest battle took place. By 19th August most of the Baltics had been regime of both. This includes the dramaticliberated from the Nazis. Battle for Vilnius, the remarkable Courland Pocket, and the ferocious battle of the Sinimed Hills. We visit battle sites, fortifications, cemeteries and memorials in the company of our expert historian as well as excellent museums which enhance this remarkable narrative. Day 1Fly London to Vilnius or make your own arrangements to join the tourat the hotel Check in to hotel2 nights (D)Day 2 Tour of Vilnius incl Gediminas Castle Tower, Bernardinu Titas bridge and Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights (B,D)Day 3 Vingis Park, Vilnius Drive to Auce (Latvia) Hotel in Riga2 nights (B,D)Day 4 Tukums Tour of Riga incl Latvian War Museum, Museum of the Occupationof Latvia, KGB Building (B,D)Day 5 Tartu, Karavere bridge Hotel in Tartu1 night (B,D)Day 6Lakes Peipus and Pskov, Kallaste memorial, Sinime, Sinimgede (Blue Hills) Museum Otto Carius memorial Drive to a hotel in the Narva-Joesuu area 2 nights (B,D)ESSENTIALS Day 7T-34 tank memorial, Narva German war cemetery, Narva city, Narva castle, 4-star hotels, meals as indicated,Udria memorial Hotel in Tallinn2 nights (B,D)drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Day 8Tallinn Tallinn harbour - Estonian War of Independence, German conquest of tour manager and expert historianEstonia, Soviet and German naval evacuations; Estonian National Memorial; throughout, all internal travel, free time in Tallinn (B,D)optional travel from UK. Day 9Fly Tallinn to London or perhaps extend your stay in Estonia (B)64 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 56205926 TCE BROCHURE 2025-26_Aug25.indd 64 22/08/2025 13:35'