Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
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70 Reviews
4.5 out of
5
Reviews
Teresa Markle
Reviewed October 2024
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.
Nicola Fry
Reviewed September 2024
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.
Vivien Newrick
Reviewed September 2024
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.
John Gordon
Reviewed July 2024
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.
John Gordon
Reviewed July 2024
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!
John Tibbles
Reviewed June 2024
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.
Rosie Ritchie
Reviewed June 2024
Lots to see
An interesting and varied look around the Baltic countries.
Most Inspirational Moment
I had several inspiring moments including seeing the art nouveau buildings in Riga, climbing the tower of the medieval castle in Cesis with a candle lit lantern and visiting the stunning Rundale Palace, which was beautiful and a must-see.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Migle, was great. She was knowledgeable, with a great sense of humour and made herself available to all of us. Some of us wanted to visit a traditional folk festival that was taking place in Vilnius and she took us there so we wouldn't get lost, which was a great help.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Wear comfortable and sensible shoes for walking on cobblestones and pavements in the towns! Also, bring insect repellent as we came across mosquitos in several places.
TIM WARRINGTON
Reviewed May 2024
Excellent trip with great variety.
A great trip, with a really good balance of sights for each of the three countries.
Most Inspirational Moment
The whole trip was great, the three main cities of course lived up to expectations.
Also it was nice to balance the trip out with several castles, smaller towns such as Tartu and Kaunas and the seaside areas of Jurmala and the Curonian Spit.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lukus, was an excellent guide, who spoke with great enthusiasm and knowledge about the history and culture of the three countries.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If travelling outside of the summer months, then pack lots of layers as our trip in early May started off at 6c and sunny, then ended up being 20c in Vilnuis.
Also there's no point bringing GBP in cash as the exchange rate for Euros is really low (it was 1.15 in the UK but 0.89 locally in May24).
Most bars & restaurants take cards.
As previously stated in other reviews, be aware of prompt 9am departures on all days. The advantage is that no time is wasted and you see so much more.
Jacqueline COX
Reviewed May 2024
Review of Discover the Baltics
A busy but fascinating tour through three beautiful countries, providing a varied insight into the culture and history of the region.
Most Inspirational Moment
Appreciating the value of democracy and freedom after visiting the underground soviet missile base in Lithuania.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vilija was a great tour leader. She was very knowledgeable and told us many interesting things about the culture and history of the Baltics, made all the more poignant by her personal experience growing up in Lithuania during Soviet occupation. Vilija was very patient and took time to make sure all members of the group were enjoying themselves and their needs were met. She had a great sense of humour too. A lovely person.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring lots of layers so you can dress for all weathers; we had a cold snap and snow, followed by 18 degree sunshine a few days later.
Sue Holmes
Reviewed September 2023
3 stunning countries
A truly wonderful tour with a lovely group of like minded people led by an amazing guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
I especially loved the old town of Tallinn which was absolutely beautiful. Also Trakai Castle which was in the middle of a large lake near Vilnius.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader Vaida was wonderful, she was informative and also very kind when I required stitches in my finger. Our driver was also great; it isn't often that one is driven to A&E in a huge coach.
