Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Holocaust museum in Vilnius left me reflecting how we as humans can be so destructive and cause so much pain. It made me realise just how much the people of Lithuania had suffered at the hands of others,so afterwards feeling rather low a few of us visited the Cat cafe,for coffee and a a little cuddle with a few moggies!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Migle was a great group leader, not only was she was a mind of information she had a great sense of humour and made the trip a very memorable one. She was great with time-keeping and extremely well organised. One chap got rather lost when venturing out on his own and she managed to find him and bring back safely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think the 'trip notes' were slightly misleading as you were lead to believe there might be longish walks; well I certainly thought so. However, we rather sauntered through the various towns we visited, and the walk in The Forest of Witches was not very tiring an only took about an hour. On this walk I recommend insect repellent though. Also don't be put off by the thought of a swim in the Baltic Sea it was 18 degrees and I wish did brought my swimming stuff with me! Also take an umbrella; I went in July and it rained a fair bit,but when the sun came out it was extremely warm , so have your sun cream to hand.

Most Inspirational Moment

The three old towns of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius are fascinating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jolita was very good. An excellent leader, knowledgeable guide, and ever willing to answer questions and offer advice.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect changeable weather! This is northern Europe. Tallinn old town can be a bit crowded in the middle of the day due to cruise ship parties so do your own exploration early and late in the day Meals in "international" restaurants can be pricey. Go to the local restaurants which are just as good and are cheaper.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.