- Experience the best of the Baltics: ancient castles, Cold War history and wild landscapes
- Unwrap the history and culture of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with the help of our expert tour leader
- Explore the pine forests, waterfalls and sandy beaches of Lahemaa National Park
- Visit the Plokstine Cold War Museum in a once-secret Soviet Union missile base
- Discover the Hill of Crosses, a unique and mysterious pilgrimage site
- Marvel at the magical fairytale island castle of Trakai
Discover the Baltics
12 Days
Excluding Flights From
12 Days
from
Culture
Activity Level
Easy
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Experience the very best of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, from cultural hotspots to scenic national parks
Centuries-old castles, Cold War history, fascinating cities and wild landscapes. The Baltics are packed with intrigue and beauty – ideal for a cultural adventure. On this small-group trip, we explore the very best spots in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, visiting all three capitals, historic old towns and the once-secret Soviet missile base in Plokstine forest. We enjoy the natural beauty too, spending plenty of time in the scenic national parks and coastal hotspots. It’s the perfect balance of cultural and natural wonders and a fascinating introduction to the Baltics.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 11 Classic nights (hotels)
- Travel by bus and ferry
- Group normally 5 to 18, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
What's Included
- All breakfasts
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Sunday
31 Aug 2025 31 Aug 2025
Thursday Thursday
11 Sep 2025 11 Sep 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price USD 2700
Optional Single Supplement +USD 600
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
03 Sep 2025 03 Sep 2025
Sunday Sunday
14 Sep 2025 14 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 1 space left!
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850
Optional Single Supplement +USD 600
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
17 Sep 2025 17 Sep 2025
Sunday Sunday
28 Sep 2025 28 Sep 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850
Optional Single Supplement +USD 600
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
15 Apr 2026 15 Apr 2026
Sunday Sunday
26 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
03 May 2026 03 May 2026
Thursday Thursday
14 May 2026 14 May 2026
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Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
13 May 2026 13 May 2026
Sunday Sunday
24 May 2026 24 May 2026
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Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Thursday
21 May 2026 21 May 2026
Monday Monday
01 Jun 2026 01 Jun 2026
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Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Thursday
28 May 2026 28 May 2026
Monday Monday
08 Jun 2026 08 Jun 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Thursday
04 Jun 2026 04 Jun 2026
Monday Monday
15 Jun 2026 15 Jun 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
10 Jun 2026 10 Jun 2026
Sunday Sunday
21 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
24 Jun 2026 24 Jun 2026
Sunday Sunday
05 Jul 2026 05 Jul 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
28 Jun 2026 28 Jun 2026
Thursday Thursday
09 Jul 2026 09 Jul 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
08 Jul 2026 08 Jul 2026
Sunday Sunday
19 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
15 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026
Sunday Sunday
26 Jul 2026 26 Jul 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
22 Jul 2026 22 Jul 2026
Sunday Sunday
02 Aug 2026 02 Aug 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
05 Aug 2026 05 Aug 2026
Sunday Sunday
16 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
16 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026
Thursday Thursday
27 Aug 2026 27 Aug 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
19 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026
Sunday Sunday
30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026
Thursday Thursday
10 Sep 2026 10 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
02 Sep 2026 02 Sep 2026
Sunday Sunday
13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
16 Sep 2026 16 Sep 2026
Sunday Sunday
27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2970 Book with USD 742 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 660
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Tallinn Vilnius
Depart London
Arrival in Tallinn; transfer to hotel.
Accommodation: Go Shnelli Hotel (or similar)
Start Tallinn
The tour starts at our hotel in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. There’s a welcome briefing with our leader in the evening and free time to explore the city after. There will also be an optional welcome group meal, a great chance to get to know the group.
Of course, if you’d prefer a little time to settle into the adventure, you can speak to us about booking pre-tour nights in Tallinn.
Accommodation: Go Shnelli Hotel (or similar)
Tallinn guided tour and free time to explore this fascinating city at your own pace
Today we explore vibrant Tallinn, the largest city in Estonia. The Old Town, framed by ancient city walls, is full of architectural wonders. In the morning, we have a guided tour of the city taking in some of the main attractions, including the Toompea palace and castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Dome Church and St Nicholas church. We then have a free afternoon to explore the picturesque Old Town, which happily lacks an invasion of modern architecture. Dive into the past as you explore cobblestone alleys with spluttering torches and secret stairways; the old town holds new surprises around every corner, even for residents. We overnight in Tallinn old town.
Accommodation: Go Shnelli Hotel (or similar)
Explore the pine forests and sandy beaches of Lahemaa National Park before a guided tour around Tartu
In the morning, we leave Tallinn and journey to Tartu, stopping at Lahemaa, the largest national park in Estonia. It’s a popular tourist destination with sandy beaches, waterfalls and mossy pine forests; it also has a variety of cultural sites, including Palmse Manor and the 400-year-old fisherman’s village of Altja. After lunch, we transfer to Tartu for a guided tour. Tartu, the capital of southern Estonia, is the second-largest town in the country, with lots of local culture, including festivals, concerts and theatre exhibitions. We spend the night in a hotel in the centre of Tartu.
Accommodation: Hotel Tartu (or similar)
Tour of Cesis and Gauja National Park; transfer to Riga
Historic Cesis, on the Gauja River valley, is now a celebrated art-and-culture hub. However, it’s also home to one of the finest old towns in Latvia, where red-roofed buildings with restored facades line cobbled streets. The star attraction here is undoubtedly the Medieval castle, a partly preserved fortification knocked down and rebuilt in various forms. There will be option to visit the museum in the morning.
We then transfer to Gauja National Park, a region known as Latvian Switzerland. After, we transfer to Riga.
Accommodation: Islande Hotel (or similar)
Guided tour of Riga Old Town; free afternoon to explore at your own pace
This morning, the magnificent old town of Riga awaits. We will have a guided city tour taking in winding alleys, elegant boulevards and 800 renovated art nouveau buildings. We then have a free afternoon to soak up the romantic atmosphere of the city and enjoy a relaxing lunch before exploring some of the great shops.
Accommodation: Islande Hotel (or similar)
Explore the seaside town of Jurmala
In the morning, we transfer to Jurmala, the largest seaside and spa resort in the Baltic states and known for its unique natural resources, including healing mineral waters, pine forests and dunes. The town is also home to unique wooden art nouveau architecture. After exploring the town, we will transfer back to Riga for the night. If you wish to stay a little longer, a train back to Riga costs €2-€4 per person.
Accommodation: Islande Hotel (or similar)
Explore Rundale Palace, the Hill of Crosses and the port of Klaipeda
Firstly, we visit the 18th-century Rundale Palace, which was designed for the Duke of Courland by Italian architect Rastrelli, who also designed the winter palace in St Petersburg. Today, the palace is the most magnificent piece of architecture in the Baltic states, surrounded by impressive gardens.
We then cross the border to Lithuania and have time to explore the Hill of Crosses before transferring to Klaipeda Port for a short tour around the small old town taking in reconstructed merchant houses and the remains of Klaipeda Castle.
Accommodation: Old Mill Hotel or Memel Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to the Curonian Spit and explore the dunes
We start the day with a short ferry ride across the lagoon to the Curonian Spit, a Unesco World Heritage site between the Curonian Lagoon and Baltic Sea. Here, we have the day to explore the largest drifting dunes in Europe. We will also visit the Hill of Witches and the Lithuanian sea resort of Nida to climb the Great Dune for the views. We transfer back to Klaipeda where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Old Mill Hotel or Memel Hotel (or similar)
Visit the Plokstine Cold War Museum; city tour around Kaunas
We transfer to the Plokstine forest and visit the Cold War Museum, which is housed in a once-secret Soviet Union missile base. We can view the internal control facility, see decommissioned missiles, and learn more about the five-decade-long period. We then travel to the town of Kaunas, and take a walking tour of the beautiful old town, which includes the 13th-century castle, old town hall, Cathedral Basilica and Church of St Francis Xavier. We stay overnight in Kaunas.
Accommodation: Best Western Santaka Hotel (or similar)
Visit Trakai Castle and transfer to Vilnius
We stop in Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Here we will go on a tour around the incredible 14th-century castle, which occupies a small island in the middle of the lake. We then transfer to Vilnius where we stay the night.
Accommodation: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (or similar)
Guided tour of Vilnius; free time to explore
We have the whole day to explore Vilnius. There is a guided city tour in the morning and then plenty of time to explore at your own pace. The city was developed around its Town Hall and there is a great deal of diverse architecture to see. There are many narrow streets that lead to intimate courtyards, plus the larger landmarks of the castle complex, cathedral square and Royal Palace. There are also plenty of museums to dip into. We overnight in Vilnius.
Accommodation: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (or similar)
Fly to London
End Vilnius, fly to London.
End Vilnius
The tour ends after breakfast in Vilnius. Begin your return trip home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: GO Shnelli, Toompuiestee 37, 10133 Tallinn
Phone: +372 631 0100
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Tallinn Airport (TLL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 25-minute drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can book a private transfer, which costs approximately €37 (payable before departure), with your sales representative. Please ensure you provide us with all relevant information at least two weeks before departure. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Vilnius Airport (VNO) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Tallinn
Location end: Vilnius
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
A selection of three-star hotels
On this trip, we stay in three-star hotels, ideally located for access to the key sites. Below are the properties we typically use.
Tallinn: Go Shnelli Hotel (nights 1-2)
We begin our adventure by staying near to the medieval old town of Tallinn and Balti Jaam Market. When you’re not out exploring, the first-floor hotel restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows with views over both and serves breakfast plus an à la carte dinner menu.
Tartu: Hotel Tartu (night 3)
In the city centre, Hotel Tartu is within walking distance of the old town and the Vanemuine Theatre (the oldest theatre in Estonia). It also has a 70-seat cafe on the ground floor plus a sauna centre (additional cost) with Finnish and steam saunas. If you plan on using the sauna centre, you need to bring flip flops (or purchase them from the hotel for €3).
Riga: Islande Hotel (nights 4-6)
Near the Daugava River, the Islande has a magnificent panoramic view of Riga Old Town. It’s located in a green area of Ķīpsala island, a 12-minute walk from the Old City, and offers a wide range of amenities, including a bowling alley, sauna, gym, two restaurants and a summer terrace.
Klaipeda: Old Mill Hotel or Memel Hotel (nights 7-8)
In the port city of Klaipeda, we stay at either the Old Mill Hotel or Memel Hotel(above), which are both ideally located for our ferry ride to the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit. The former was once the biggest rice mill in Lithuania, before being converted into a 32-room hotel in 2008. The latter takes over a property built in 1876, and offers 50 comfortable rooms.
Kaunas: Best Western Santaka Hotel (night 9)
Our night in Kaunas is spent in the 92-room Santaka Hotel. It’s located between the city centre and old town and, if you have time, there’s a sauna to enjoy.
Vilnius: Comfort Hotel LT – Rock’n’Roll Vilnius (nights 10-11)
With an industrial style and music theme, our Vilnius hotel has plenty of personality. The 80 rooms are all air conditioned with underfloor heating in the bathroom, plus the Mellow restaurant serves a menu packed with local produce. Other nice additions are a free-to-use gym and a lobby shop selling beers, snacks, sandwiches and more.
Worth knowing
- If you opt for the single supplement, please note that in some hotels, this may mean having a room with a single bed.
Trip Experts
Lukas Misiunas
Expert Leader: Lithuania
Andrius Mažrimas
Expert Leader: Baltics
Reviews
Add your own reviewFabulous experience!
A well balanced trip taking in nature, history, architecture and more in this fascinating part of the world.
Most Inspirational Moment
Almost too many to mention! Tallin was a beautifully preserved old town. Riga an exciting and busy city. Hill of crosses was very moving . The vsits to the sea / lagoon were invigorating and a great break from the cities. The history of the region was so interesting.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrius was the perfect guide! He kept us entertained throughout with his amazing knowledge of everything to do with the region. Passionate about the history and nature of each of the countries we visited. Kept our group (15) organised and punctual throughout, and took a personal interest in each of us. And then there were the jokes...
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare for all weathers. We had a range from 30+ degrees to heavy rain over the trip. Good walking shoes for the tours/trips.
Review of Baltics Tour 25 June to 6 July 2025
This part f this review is from Peter Marshall. A very enjoyable, educational and adventurous tour
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to say; there were so many of them.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Without a doubt, Andreius was the best tour guide we have ever had on any tour. He was very well informed, great attention to detail and very easy to get on with. Not only did he make sure we were given every feasible opportunity to learn and feel what it is like to live in those countries and what it was like to live in them when they were part of the Soviet Union, but he also generated cohesion among the group so that everybody became friends, with no exceptions.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure Andreius is the guide on your trip
Excellent Holiday Discovering the Baltics
A very enjoyable and interesting experience. We learnt a lot about each country from experienced guides who really new the history of each place we visited. Very varied tours ranging from lovely cities with beautiful buildings, to visits to the seaside and countryside.
Most Inspirational Moment
The spirit of the local people we met, despite having gone through some very bad times they had a great sense of humour and seemed genuinely pleased to greet tourists from all over the world.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrius was a perfect group leader. He was well organised with a great sense of humour and very patient with us all. He was always ready to help and obviously has a wealth of knowledge and first hand experience of what it was like to live under Soviet rule. He chose restaurants for our evening meals which offered local cuisine to add to our experience and we were lucky to have him as our guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a selection of warm and summer clothes as the weather from country to country changes. Also, good, comfortable walking shoes.
Fabulous experience
Fantastic overview of three fascinating countries . I travelled with my husband, and we both thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me it was wonderful to see how these countries, and in particular the cities, have recovered from an oppressive state during the Soviet domination, in such a short time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrius was a great organiser and really encouraged us to explore us much of the culture as we could in the short time we had. Local food was well explained so we could willingly try it. Andrius had a great sense of humour, and really held the group together. His passion for these countries is clearly seen. It was also very interesting to hear if his life during Soviet times.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take good walking shoes to ease your way around the cobblestones. Be prepared for busy days, and sudden weather changes.
Fascinating Tour of the Baltics
This is my 8th Exodus trip since 2017. I appreciate the variety in the cultural tours, such as Discover the Baltics. Over the 12-day period, we visited all three capitals of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, explored historic towns (Tartu, Kaunas, Cesis, and Klaipeda), learned about architecture (Art Nouveau in Riga and Jarmala), trekked in national parks, visited famous churches, took a crash course on Soviet occupation at famous museums, and enjoyed free time to explore on our own. The pace is brisk. Be prepared to board your bus at 9 am each day to begin your tour. There are several long days on the bus as we typically visited two venues. I highly recommend this tour.
Exodus should replace two of the hotels used. They were poor. I did not like being assigned a tiny room with a twin bed.
My Top 12 Memories of the Baltic Republics
1. Meandering the cobblestone streets of Old Town Tallinn, Estonia
2. Foraging for berries in Tartu National Park
3. Riding a giant adult swing between Estonia and Latvia
4. Admiring the red roofed homes of historic Cesis
5. Roaming in the sculpture garden at Gauja National Park
6. Visiting the Art Nouveau Museum in Riga, Latvia
7. Admiring the colorful wooden houses in Jurmala, a 19th century seaside village
8. Learning the etiquette of “fan flirtation” at 18th-century Rundale Palace
9. Walking the trail of tears at the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
10. Searching for seaside stones at the Curonian Spit, a Unesco World Heritage site between the Curonian Lagoon and Baltic Sea
11. Taking a boat ride on the lake in Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
12. Discovering Vilnius’ old town with our Exodus Travel guide
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved our time spent trekking in the national parks, particularly Lahemaa National Park (outdoor sculpture garden), the Curonian Spit (seacoast and Hill of Witches), and Gauja. I was deeply moved by the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. I found it grim (but educational) to visit the Cold War Museum in Plokstine Forest.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrius Mazrimas was a fantastic leader. He taught us so much about the history of the three Baltic countries we visited, from medieval times to today. Since he grew up in Lithuania during the Soviet occupation, he provided much insight about how life improved after Lithuania restored its sovereignty in 1990-1991. We were a large group (18) but he managed to facilitate all the problems, including lost luggage and medical issues. I so appreciated his humor and joking. He also handpicked our restaurants each evening so we could sample local cuisine, such as smoked fish, zeppelins, potato pancakes, and beetroot soup. You will be lucky if you get Andrius as your guide! I appreciate that Exodus hired knowledgeable local guides for our city walking tours. Our two bus drivers kept us safe.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack a raincoat and umbrella for the inevitable rainy days. You need good sneakers for walking on the cobblestone streets in the medieval cities. If you are a vegetarian, pack snacks such as nuts and protein bars. Bring a power charge because you will run down your mobile phone each day because you take so many photos! Finally, the tour is rated a Level 1, but you should be prepared to walk up to 18,000-20,000 steps a day.
Three fabulous countries in one trip!
A thorough and fast paced tour of the three Baltic countries, with a varied itinerary and lots of time in the wonderful cities. Excellent city tours throughout and a perfect guide. Loved it!
Most Inspirational Moment
Hill of Crosses. Did not know what to expect but was blown away.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lina was amazing. Constantly went above and beyond. Set up the WhatsApp group before we even started and shared loads of suggestions and tips along the way for eating and sites to visit in free time. Lina is also very knowledgeable and happy to share insights and personal family history. A wealth of experience and information.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There is a lot of walking on this tour, what with the city tours and so many fantastic sites. Read the trip notes carefully to ensure it is for you. Helsinki is a very easy add on at the start of the trip, as it is just a ferry ride away from Tallinn.
An excellent tour for those interested in history and architecture
The real strength of this tour was the use of local guides who gave us their stories of life under Soviet occupation and family histories of displacement. Learning about the terrible war time history of the region was balanced by moments admiring beautiful buildings and lovely beaches and forests. There was enough free time to wander and visit a few museums – recommended the Maritime museum in Tallinn, The Occupation Museum (take a tour) and Art Nouveau Museum and Ghetto Museum in Riga. In Vilnius and Tallinn the KGB Museums. There were some long bus journeys, very flat landscape but plenty of coffee and toilet stops!
Most Inspirational Moment
Riga - with its beautiful art nouveau buildings. And we will never forget local guide Olaf's lively tour of the Rundale Palace and the language of fans.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrius was an exceptional group leader - friendly and with a dry sense of humour, a good organiser and he was able to bring everyone together as a group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Consider having a stopover in Helsinki and then taking the ferry across to Tallinn to start the tour.
Discover the Baltics
A thoroughly enjoyable, very varied and interesting holiday including the cities, countryside and seaside and an insight into the life and history of the people, a joy to see them flourishing in the freedom of independence.
Most Inspirational Moment
Exploring the amazing sights of the old town of Tallin, the city walls, narrow alleys and spectacular buildings, plus going on a submarine, icebreaker and minesweeper at the Maritime Museum - especially as we were easily able to walk there from the hotel. Also loved the fishermen’s village Altja, the chance to swim in the Baltic Sea at Jumala, fresh smoked fish on the Curonian Spit. Very impressed with the Hill of Crosses, daunted by the Cold War Museum and moved by the video of the Human Chain shown in the Upper Castle tower at Vilnius. Fascinating tour of Vilnius.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent in every way, friendly, well organised, very interesting and informative commentaries and tours, always ready to help meet anyone’s requests. Even produced a celebration cheesecake to share in the group on 4th July US Independence Day, as we had 3 Americans with us, a thoughtful touch!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Come ready to explore the Baltic States, mostly towns and cities driving through countryside with short visits to National Parks.
3 beautiful countries
A varied tour covering 3 countries, 3 capital cities, beaches, castles, country houses, cathedrals, countryside and national parks
Most Inspirational Moment
The gorgeous coastline at the Lahemaa national park, Tallinn old town, hill of witches trail
Thoughts on Group Leader
Petras was a great tour guide; interesting, helpful and friendly at all times
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a leisurely tour, but be prepared for lots of walking around towns, often on cobbled streets, so bring comfortable footwear!
Excellent trip
A fascinating and varied tour through 3 interesting Baltic countries.
Most Inspirational Moment
Visit to Curonian spit
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. He was knowledgeable, approachable and created a strong group bond and identity.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are interested in culture, history and architecture, you will enjoy this trip.
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Discover the Baltics
12 Days
Excluding Flights From
12 Days
from