Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights: the Curonian Spit was a lovely day excursion, all of the capital cities are charming and picturesque, especially comparing the different examples of Art Nouveau architecture, many fascinating museums and so many opportunities to sample local cuisine in each country. A memorable highlight was getting a much better insight into each nation's experiences of wars and occupation and the lengthy struggles for independence. Other highlights included the Latvian National Ballet and the Lithuanian Symphony Orchestra performing Beethoven's 9th with a full choir; an unforgettable highlight for us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Margarita is an amazing tour leader with a broad and detailed knowledge of the relevant history and culture of each country. She went out of her way to share her expertise and ensured that our group of 17 soon became a friendly team of co-travellers, enjoying the company of Margarita and of each other. Margarita also worked hard to give us the opportunity to book tickets to at least three fabulous musical events (one in each capital).

Advice for Potential Travellers

We started with 4 days in Helsinki before the trip, making the pleasant two-hour ferry journey across to Tallinn to join the start of the tour. We followed the tour with four days in Stockholm, a short flight away. We also booked an extra night in the same hotels before and after the tour, which gave us a bit more time to explore Tallinn and Vilnius at our leisure. The tour is quite fast paced and involves some walking every day, average of 7-10km daily, but our group of (mainly) retirees managed it well. In September, we needed umbrellas two or three times but the showers soon cleared and the weather was mostly very favourable.

Most Inspirational Moment

We enjoyed every location.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our main tour guide, native of Lithuania, was professional and organized and we felt very well cared for. In addition, he shared personal perspectives and history which gave us a better insight into these countries, a rare and wonderful benefit of this tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed learning all about the history and culture of the 3 countries.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrew was a great guide. He has excellent knowledge of all the countries, and he really help to enrich the trip. He was really friendly and had s lovely way of explaining things and managing the group. He gave excellent suggestions of place to go. Overall he really helped made the trip enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The guided city tours were excellent. Lots of knowledge from all the guides and well presented. Trakai Castle was also a stand-out site.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bob was excellent. He was easy to understand, extremely knowledgeable and brought a personal touch to the narratives which was great. He was approachable, always available if needed and very helpful. He always made sure that everyone was happy with what was happening and that everyone knew exactly what to expect and what to do. Absolutely wonderful!

Most Inspirational Moment

Tallinn old town and Nido

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic sense of humour. Excellent organisation and suggestions for free time

Most Inspirational Moment

Cold War Museum and Rundale Palace.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was exceptional, good knowledge, organised, helpful and friendly. Even better he had a great sense of humour, which we all appreciated. As with these holidays, there were a couple of guests who were a little awkward and he handled these well.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is really difficult as there were way more highlights than expected! Tallinn, Lahemaa national park. Rundale Palace Curonian spit and hill of witches Cold war museum and Trakei castle and everything in between!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He helped the group to bond with his humour planning and affability. He was not only a tour leader but someone who had lived the experience of the recent history and this impacted on our understanding and empathy towards the people of the Baltic states. His planning had us always just ahead of any other party entering a sight. Minimal waiting in hotels for keys. Clear information daily and through the day with exemplary patience for those requiring repetition.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the cities Tallinn, Rega, Tartu and Vilnius

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inga was a good sociable leader and a good communicator, I always felt reassured that everything was well organised and taken care of..She integrated well with all members of the group

Most Inspirational Moment

The Art Nouveau tour in Riga was excellent. The hotel in Riga was also a highlight as the roof terrace was a wonderful place for views, drinks and dinner. Dinner on our last night in Tallinn was an inspired choice with 'ancient' dishes and a private space. Geat fun. The visit and tour of Rundale Palace was splendid. Such magnificence, unlike anything else we saw, and Olafs was perfect, knowledgeable and very funny. The personal stories from our guide gave depth and colour to the history. The to

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bob came to life as he told us the history of the region and shared some personal history, and as he got to know us. He was great communicating with us each day through the WhatsApp group and making suggestions for using our free time. He was always available for a while after we arrived at a hotel in case we had questions, and also each evening. He is very knowledgeable as I've come to expect with Exodus. He made sure to check on me the day I wasn't well which I appreciated.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention! But a couple of highlights - amazing tour guide at Rundale Palace, Latvia and the visit to the Curonian Spit, including the stories about Witches Hill. Andrius' choice of restaurants was superb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! We've nominated him for your Best Leader Awards. His work ethic, attention to detail, knowledge and overall sociability was second to none.