Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The art nouveau buildings of Riga but the warm sunny day on the Curonian Spit was also very enjoyable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour leader Jolita was superb. Gave us a wealth of detail on local history. Knowledgeable and helpful and always enthusiastic and good-humoured.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip I went on was end June. It was a lot warmer than I anticipated (28-33C on most days). Take a blindfold if you need the dark to sleep during that time of year. A good meal out can be a bit expensive. Trip notes say 15 euros for a 3 course meal. Budget nearer 20 euros. Inspect repellent in some places is necessary.

Suggestions

I arranged my own flights. Flew Stansted to Tallinn with Ryanair. It was a very early flight and I reached the hotel at noon. They would not allow check-in until 3pm though I was allowed to drop off my suitcase. Flew back Vilnius to Luton with Wizz Air. Check-in at Vilnius was a bit chaotic (too few check-in desks and a luggage conveyor belt which broke down regularly - NB: this is an old Russian-built airport). Luton airport is undergoing major work (2016) and there are often long traffic tailbacks to reach the airport. Avoid if you can until the work is finished.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was inspired by the spirit of the Lithuanians exemplified by the Hill of Crosses, the sculptures on the Hill of Witches and the work of the ARKA gallery in Vilnius that I visited independently.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jolita was practical, knowledgeable and usually good humored. She organised suitable restaurants for group meals and was at hand to assist individuals each evening if needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to travel a day before the tour begins as there is lots of interesting things to do in Tallinn. Bring an eye mask as some hotel rooms have roof windows without curtains/blinds Plan what you want to do, the official trip to Jurmala is for a half day only Bring clothes suitable for colder days If you wish to save money you can buy salads etc in the supermarkets some of which are located close to the hotels

Suggestions

You do not need a guide book as you will be offered information through Jolita and the local guides. The guide in Riga was particularly good, she had a personal approach to the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being scared by the witches on the Curonian Spit

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a bit more money then indicated in the trip notes

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking tour of Riga, Latvia was excellent as it is architecturally a very nice city. Some of us went on a canal boat trip which is a must-do. Not only do you pass through a tranquil park but you get on the big river and pass under massive bridges.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Jolita Auglyte was a rather bubbly Lithuanian who was quite knowledgeable. She had good organisational capabilities and kept the group of twenty together. She took us to very nice restaurants and was always at hand when required. Some of us came to like her very much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Rain gear is a must! Euros are the best currency. Don't waste time trying to change Sterling Pounds. Atms are everywhere and easy to work as they are bilingual.

Suggestions

I wished I had extended my holiday with additional days at the start or at the end. An extension to Finland would have been ideal!

Most Inspirational Moment

Each country exceeded our expectations and despite their similarities in Geography, Politics and turbulent History were quite individual in character and culture. Tallinn's mix of medieval and modern was charming. Riga was lively - with winding streets and grand Art Nouveau Architecture, and Vilnius was a cosmopolitan, sophisticated, capital city - with Baroque Architecture and Parisienne style boulevards.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yolita ( or 'Yo' ) was excellent - very patient with the individual demands of the mixed group. Her language skills and local knowledge made the transition between the three countries easy for us. ( I noticed at the 'group' meals that she took care to sit with someone different each night.) On a personal note, Yolita gave my wife and I a personal tour of Vilnius on her day off as we had missed the group tour due to personal circumstances - what a star!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were unsure about the weather - but were lucky enough to have sunshine most of the time - except when we visited the underground missile complex - but that just added to the atmosphere. As Vegetarians we were prepared for a limited diet - but the range and availability of Veggy food surprised us - with many local dishes and unexpected combinations. ( We even found an excellent Vegan Restaurant in Riga ) ....... oh, and the local beer was great!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think what the people have done to restore their countries since gaining their independence not so long ago is inspirational!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Vaida Jusaite was a lovely caring and informative leader who is passionate about the Baltic States and very knowledgeable. She made sure we experienced all that we could . She was also empathic to our needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to experience the Baltic States and learn about their history and culture this is the holiday for you!

Suggestions

Vaida is a wonderful guide and we were sorry to leave her. Also there was an interesting mix of people in our group which was fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the pride in an elderly man I photographed at the Freedom Monument in Riga at the celebration of Restoration of Independence day, and the same emotion about Europe Day at the sound of the European Anthem expressed by our guide Lolita. That tune will always remind me of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lolita had a smile to greet us every day that never waned in our presence. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was outstanding. Her tolerance of our behaviour with a large group of varied people was commendable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to Trakei Castle, the sun way shining and the bird singing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jolita was amazing, she had an amazing knowledge of each of the three countries and made the long drives interesting. She was always willing to help and answer questions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take many layers of clothing and either a brolly or waterproof coat as the weather can change in an instant.

Suggestions

If you are thinking of going on this trip, go as the people in each country are so warm and welcoming.

Most Inspirational Moment

Whilst the cities were fascinating, with some beautiful architecture, I think my favourite aspect was walking the peat bog.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was friendly and informative and very patient with our questions!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trip notes suggested it rarely rains in summer - the latter half of August was however quite wet so go prepared with waterproofs!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a number, particularly in the three capitals which were each fascinating for different reasons. The museums of occupation and genocide victims, whilst harrowing, are a must. Equally the restored Art Nouveau buildings in Riga are nothing short of amazing. Trakai castle is also stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was very good indeed. I thought she got the balance just right between looking after us and leaving us to our own devices. She was very caring and well informed, with a good breadth of knowledge, and her English was excellent.