Traveling through the Baltic states was far more than a vacation—it was a journey into the heart of living history and local culture. From the moment we set foot in Tallinn, we were swept up by the city’s medieval magic, walking cobbled lanes beneath ancient spires and discovering lively cafés tucked away in secret courtyards. Each evening, as the old city glowed against the sky, it felt like we’d stepped into a fairy tale.
Riga took us by surprise with its dramatic Art Nouveau architecture. Every building told a story in swirling stone and ornate detail. The Central Market—with its enormous Zeppelin hangars stuffed full of local cheeses, smoked fish, and pastries—was a sensory adventure, giving us a taste of everyday life. There was a youthful buzz to the city: music on the streets, laughter in cozy bistros, and a spirit of creativity everywhere. Spending two evenings at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, one of ballet and the second seeing the opera “Turandot,” were fantastic (and affordable).
Our time in Lithuania deepened the adventure. Vilnius radiated warmth and quiet beauty, its baroque churches and the quirky Užupis “independent republic of artists” neighborhood, with its constitution posted on mirrored panels in multiple languages, invited us to linger and explore. Strolling along the river, we reflected on the resilience woven into the region’s history. Beyond the city, Trakai Castle floating on its island was straight out of a legend.
Looking back, this adventure has left us not just with memories of beautiful places, but also a greater understanding of the region, its history, and the spirit of its people. For anyone looking for a travel experience brimming with culture, warmth, and unforgettable moments, the Baltics—especially with a guide like Andrius—are an absolute must.
Winter Tours in Italy
Italy Winter Tours
Best 5 Places for Skiing in the Dolomites
Sexten Valley: Making up Italy’s iconic Dolomites, the Sexten Dolomites is a fabulous region full of history and skiing trails that snake through the South Tyrol and north-eastern Italy. Nestled between the Sexten Dolomites and the Carnian Alps is the Sexten Valley, a wildly beautiful and nature-filled area that has become synonymous with skiing and mountain climbing. Alpine meadows and ancient pine trees create a romantic backdrop while the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Three Peaks of the Dolomites, are the main focal point.
Alta Badia: Arguably one of the most well know skiing regions in Italy in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomite Mountains, Alta Badia is a popular destination for winter holidays in Italy. Its gentler slopes of San Cassiano and Corvara are perfect for anyone that is new to skiing but still wants to explore the stunning scenery of the Dolomites. There’s a real sense of calm in the air which provides a relaxing atmosphere where you can develop your skills. But if you’re a seasoned skier, there are 130km of well-maintained slopes to explore.
Madonna di Campiglio: Affectionately known as the Pearl of the Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio is a popular location for awinter activities in Italy. Skiing was introduced to the area in the early 20th century owing to its picturesque setting and alpine peaks that are hugged by the Dolomites and the Adamello Presanella range. With approximately 150km of slopes to explore, Campiglio is one of the largest ski areas in Italy. If you like a challenge, you can also trek along the Via Ferrate for some of the finest views in the world.
Villabassa: Enjoying a mild climate with plenty of sun and a dreamy position high up in the heart of the Dolomites, Villabassa is a much-loved destination for winter trips to Italy. This pretty spa village has become the starting point for skiing and winter walking along the Val Pusteria trail. But it’s not all about the skiing here, Villabassa also has a rich history and is home to several religious buildings such as St Anna Chapel and St Magdalene Church which houses a splendid Franz Kock organ.
San Cassiano: One of the prettiest alpine villages in the Dolomites, San Cassiano nestles at the foot of Continurines and Lavarela. In the winter months, adventure seekers travel here to ski down the famous Foram toboggan run, which stretches for over 7km from Lagazuoi. The Armentarola cross-country skiing centre also attracts the regular skiing crowd as it forms a part of the exceptional Dolomiti Nordic Ski. For some wonderful apres-ski, there’s a wide selection of restaurants and bars in the village where you can mingle with other skiers and walkers in the area.
Margaret Cary Discover the Baltics
Robert Taylor Discover the BalticsWe normally go on walking holidays with Exodus, but due to a current mobility problem we chose this culture experience instead. It proved to be very interesting and informative and gave a valuable experience of everyday life in the region. We were particularly surprised to learn of how hard and restricted life was when the area was under soviet control. It made us realise how lucky we are to live a free life in the UK.
Donald Teale Essential PeruEssential Peru was just excellent, every day there there was something different and exciting, each experience matching the visit to Machu Picchu, which we thought was going to be the highlight, but just became another amazing example of the wonders of Peru.
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