Baltics

Introduction

Tallinn, Estonia

My friend Vic, who I met on my North Africa holiday, recommended two Explore holidays: Southern India was the first and the Baltics was the second.  I had wanted to visit the Baltics for some time and the Explore trip looked by far the best as it didn’t just focus on the three capital cities like most others, so there was the chance to see the countryside and explore some of the other towns in the area.

Riga, Latvia

This tour was very different from trips to India or North Africa.  There were no ruins or temples, but there was lots of history, most of it in the last 100 turbulent years.  There was very little wildlife but very picturesque countryside.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Travelling in June meant long days and very short nights, which I love, and the Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians took every opportunity to celebrate with music, song and dance.  We were lucky with the weather, which was mostly dry, sunny and warm – though not every day. 

Aukštaitija National Park

Hot Chocolate and Cake

Vegetarian food was available most of the time and, best of all, there was ample opportunity to consume lots of calories in the form of hot chocolate and cakes to the extent that I think Explore could rename it the “Hot Chocolate Tour”.