Cycle the Baltics

Trudie Russo   -  Traveled, September 2023

Wonderful trip with plenty of variety This trip was fantastic. Every day we had something different to look forward to knowing Andrius would give us the best experience possible. There was so much to learn about the history of the three countries, it really makes a difference actually being there to hear first hand from locals how life has changed for them over the years. Beautiful scenery, swimming in the Baltic, cycling along a beach, visiting all three capitals, eating the local food, all highlights of the trip. The cycling was enjoyable as not to demanding and the bikes did the job although basic. The hotels were fine, especially as we hardly spent any time in the rooms due to the constant activities organised. Our group gelled well and we had much fun together, including with Andrius who arranged all of the dinners and lunches for us. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Our coach driver was excellent and a good support to Andrius fixing bikes etc. He also worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a good time. If you are considering this trip, do it! Most Inspirational Moment It was all inspirational as there was so much to see and plenty to learn about the history of the Baltic countries. I have recommend this trip to several friends. Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius was very passionate about his job, giving 100%+ every day. He has a great sense of humour and made sure everyone got what they wanted out of the trip. He adapted certain rides to suit the group. We enjoyed an excellent cycle tour around Vilnius on the last day. He has great knowledge about the three countries and didn't tire of the many questions we asked him. Advice for Potential Travellers Accept that the bikes are basic, they do the job as the route is mainly flat. Any issues are sorted out by the leader or coach driver. You'll appreciate your own bike all the more on your return home!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/12/2023

Bernadette Fitzsimmons   -  Traveled, September 2023

An amazing trip! Everything was good from booking the trip to finishing the cycling. The trip itself was so interesting – hearing all the stories about living in the former Soviet republics, seeing the stunningly beautiful Baltic beaches, easy cycling, tours of all the major cities, great restaurants, mostly cycling paths. I loved the trip and would highly recommend it. Most Inspirational Moment 1. Seeing how beautiful the Baltic beaches were 2. I kept reminding myself that we were in former Russian republics that gained independence in my lifetime. Thoughts on Group Leader Lina was AMAZING - very knowledgeable, shared personal anecdotes, didn't get flustered if something didn't go quite according to plan, was a great cyclist, friendly and lots of fun to be around. Advice for Potential Travellers Be comfortable on your bike!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/12/2023

shelagh hopkinson   -  Traveled, August 2023

excellent guide` Easy flat cycling. excellent guide’ good weather. great group Most Inspirational Moment hearing the personal stories of the locals Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent Advice for Potential Travellers Come prepared to listen and learn

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/15/2023

Karen Sandler   -  Traveled, July 2023

A great holiday and trip, but with concerns about health and safety and one hotel This is a brilliant trip, which we really enjoyed. The accommodation was better than we expected, apart from one hotel/motel, The Green Park, which feels like you are sleeping (or not sleeping) in the middle of a main road. I think the tour would benefit from being very slightly more expensive and have better hotels, which are little difference in price in these countries. The itinerary was good, but it felt a bit rushed. We hardly saw Latvia and we had a couple of very long transfers. It would benefit from being a couple of days longer. Our guide, Andrius, was superb. He was so lovely, sociable and knowledgeable and was a pleasure to have around. The driver, Dmitri was a very good driver, without a single word of English. This was a shame, as we could not socialise with him. My big problem with these trips, and it is not just Exodus, is that, to save money, they have gone from 2 guides, to one guide and a mechanic/back-marker, to only one guide. This created a potentially big problem when I had an accident (and it was no-one’s fault). I had to be taken to hospital by the guide as walking wounded (stitched up and continued cycling for the remainder of the holiday). That meant there was no-one to lead the cycling. Fortunately, we had a very competent fellow traveller who did this job. However, this is not the first time we have been caught out in this way. Exodus needs to take a serious look at health and safety, because it does matter. This is where the star has been dropped. Most Inspirational Moment I just loved the old cities and the parks we cycled through. The Curonian Strip was magic. Thoughts on Group Leader Fantastic. He worked 24/7 and never stopped being lovely. Advice for Potential Travellers Weigh up the health and safety aspects and if this is right for you. Suggestions Exodus has been warned many times about the Green Park Hotel. You only have to look at the reviews. We had the added delight of a burglar alarm going off outside our room all night on one night. Klaeipeda is not a small town, and has other hotels. Why is this awful hotel, and its surly staff still being used? We also had the added pleasure of no pillowcases for 2 nights. It is also a 10 day trip, and not 11 days, as advertised. There is usually a meeting late afternoon of the "first" day. This did not happen. Overall though, one of Exodus' better trips.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/10/2023

Elizabeth Rooke   -  Traveled, June 2023

Fascinating trip, terrible bike Our tour leader, Lina, was fantastic- knowledgeable, interesting, supportive, helpful and should be highly recommended. She provided a perfect amount of information on the various Baltic states, their history, current status and blended it with personal stories that really bought the region and history to life – she was brilliant. Unfortunately I cannot say the same about the bikes. This was meant to be a leisurely rated trip but the bikes were so bad – heavy, urban bikes with poor gearing – that they make a 40km ride feel like 100. I was just grateful the countries were flat as they were impossible to get up a hill. I’m an experienced cyclist but believe that experience would put any novice off the prospect of future biking holidays. I’ve also done a number of other cycling trips with Exodus where the bikes have been good so didn’t consider taking my own bike.. this was a massive disappointment to me and would prevent me from recommending the trip as a whole which is sad given Lina’s quality guiding. The hotels and restaurants were all good with the exception of the choice of location for Klaipeda hotel which was in the middle of nowhere and whilst convenient for the ferry was not good for the town.. we could have easily bussed to the ferry from Klaipeda. Most Inspirational Moment Lina talking about her family history Thoughts on Group Leader Superb - would highly recommend Advice for Potential Travellers Take your own bike Suggestions Just want to reiterate my disappointment about the bike quality.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/17/2023

Andrea Morrall   -  Traveled, July 2023

Wonderful time cycling the Baltics This was a brilliant trip from start to finish. We have learnt so much about the history of these three countries, the trip was about so much more than cycling. The scenery is beautiful, and we cycled a variety of terrains including along a beach! We were lucky to have a really good guide who is local and rich in the history of the Baltics. The cycling was gentle, not too challenging, which was fine for us. There were many activities to participate in, aside of just cycling. It was just non-stop from the beginning of the day until we flopped into bed every night! The hotels were all perfectly adequate, some really nice – with the exception of the hotel in Riga – tiny rooms, a teeny shower and poor breakfast. We had group meals every night bar one, and mostly they were good restaurants. Lunches were well thought out and mostly in small cafes. We loved this holiday. We were blessed with a great group of people to travel with and have made some fantastic new friends. If you are thinking about this trip, I would not hesitate. Do it! Most Inspirational Moment The highlight for me was definitely the cycling in the first country- Estonia. The cycling around the lake was just beautiful. Tallinn and Vilnius are simply stunning and I wish we had had more time in both to explore. The cycling in 'Little Switzerland' was also fun. In Riga, I recommend visiting the Sky bar at the top of the Radisson. The food (and view) was magnificent and actually cheaper and far far better quality than the tourist trap restaurants in the town centre. Thoughts on Group Leader I would say that Andrius is probably the most knowledgeable we have ever had on a cycling holiday. He made the trip about so much more than just the cycling and the scenery. It was a history lesson from start to finish. We have come away with so much knowledge about the region and it's history. He is also very funny, he kept us entertained throughout the holiday and had a fantastic rapport with the group. His taste in music is terrible, but apart from that, I wish I had a bigger suitcase as we would gladly have put him in that and taken him home! Advice for Potential Travellers I do have advice if you have tall women in your party. The bikes are not that great, they are Kross cycles and seem to come in two 'sizes' - Male and Female. My first bike was too small for me, and luckily I was given a spare man's bike which was better. Two other ladies in the group were not so lucky, their bikes were far too small for them which made cycling uncomfortable. I'm 5ft 8. Email Exodus a few weeks in advance of the trip and ask for a man's bike if you are as tall as me. The company that supplies them bring them to Estonia from Lithuania and need advance notice before they are loaded onto the trailer. I would also recommend booking an extra night in Vilnius at the end of the holiday because you don't get much time there and it is truly beautiful. We were the only people on the trip not on the group flight which came and left via Frankfurt. We were able to find direct flights both ways from Luton with Wizz and Ryan Air. Only a couple of hours both ways. Suggestions My advice to Exodus is to change the hotel in Riga. It's grim. A couple of the restaurants chosen for the group meals were very poor, expensive and touristy. The Riga meal stands out, we were glad to have a decent meal the following day. The 'Bear' restaurant in Vilnius was terrible. Over priced and just awful food. No-one at my end of the table enjoyed their meal.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/20/2023

Jonathan Wadsworth   -  Traveled, June 2023

Fabulous Tour of the Baltics I’m sitting on our return flight, reflecting on our Exodus cycling tour of the Baltic – I believe it was probably the best cycle trip we’ve had so far. Why? For me, these tours are a way of immersing myself in the culture, the folklore and the history of the countries we visit – as well as finding out “up-to-date” information on topical issues ranging from Ukraine and Russia, politics, economics – right up to today’s take on technology, education and culture – all washed down with some fabulous authentic local food and beverages. This trip primarily hit the mark because our guide Andreas was unbelievably knowledgeable, intelligent and bang up to date with everything – be it the best brew or the latest technological trends. Andreas‘ humour kept the entire team motivated and amused, thus ensuring that we all had an excellent trip. Andreas always ensured everyone was happy – be it having all the detailed information they wanted (on whatever they needed), selecting the best cuisine in a remote cafe or ensuring they enjoyed the right beer (there are literally dozens of delicious Baltic ales from which to choose). My knowledge of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is greatly improved for which I thank Andreas. From the holiday “logistics” view point, we had an excellent driver, good sound bikes, great local food and, I’m my opinion, the cycling was the right level/distance for what we wanted to achieve. We shall definitely visit again. Most Inspirational Moment Cycling on the sand of the beach and the chilling feeling walking around a Cold War nuclear bunker. Thoughts on Group Leader Andreas was unbelievably knowledgeable, intelligent and bang up to date with everything - be it the best brew or the latest technological trends. Andreas‘ humour kept the entire team motivated and amused, thus ensuring that we all had an excellent trip. Andreas always ensured everyone was happy - be it having all the detailed information they wanted (on whatever they needed), selecting the best cuisine in a remote cafe or ensuring they enjoyed the right beer (there are literally dozens of delicious Baltic ales from which to choose).

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/16/2023

Nigel Turner   -  Traveled, May 2023

A great 'sightseeing by bike' tour to three countries! The Baltic countries are really interesting and so this trip is much more than the cycling – it was a cultural trip with bikes! We learnt a lot about the similarities and differences between the three countries, their history and their experience over the last hundred years. We also enjoyed some really nice food and drink and some good socialising – we had a really nice group. The cycling was pretty easy if you’re reasonably fit – the routes aren’t that hilly and quite a bit is through pine forest rather than open road. Several of us had e-bikes to take the strain on the longer days. The hotels were all pretty good. Most Inspirational Moment This is hard! For cycling - riding next to the waves on a Latvian beach. For history - Andrius's stories of growing up when Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union. For culture - the art nouveau in Riga and the churches in Tallinn (see tip below). For food - the amazing mushroom soup and wild boar on our last night in Vilnius. For drink - my wife enjoying Latvian dark beer! For socialising - the music and dancing at the jazz cafe in Klaipeda. Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius was exceptional - one of the best guides of our 25+ group tours. Firstly he has a great sense of humour - the trip was full of laughter. Secondly he has a wide knowledge of the history of the three countries and, as someone who grew up during communism, he shares his personal experience. Thirdly - he picked some great places to eat and drink. And finally, he made the trip a five star experience - from his 'little fun surprises' to his proposed additions or adjustments that enabled us to see the art nouveau in Riga, explore Vilnius on our bikes and visit the Soviet missile base where the nuclear weapons were targeted on Germany, Norway and the UK. Thank you Andrius - you made the trip! Advice for Potential Travellers We were cycling in May/June and tended to have lunch in cafes rather than picnics (one day). The cafes were all good and some were a memorable part of the trip, e.g. the salmon soup in the ship museum in Estonia and the smoked fish lunch in the fisherman's garden on the Curonian Spit. Suggestions There is plenty to see in Tallinn which makes a great city break. We asked Exodus to book us two extra nights in the first hotel and to bring our flight forward two days. We enjoyed drinks in the lovely main square, Soviet Realist art in the KUMU gallery, going inside a British built submarine at the Seaplane Harbour, visiting various interesting museums and three amazing churches, especially the Niguliste Church which has a superb collection of medieval religious art. We bought a 48 hour 'Tallinn Card' that covered our various entry costs and our tram/bus travel that made it easy to get around the city. So, if you'd like more than a morning city tour, grab yourself a nice little city break!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/19/2023

Catherine Bannatyne   -  Traveled, September 2023

Brilliant Baltics on a bike I was drawn to this trip because I wanted to visit and learn more about this fascinating part of the world which has such a dramatic history. As it was my first cycling holiday I was also keen to choose a trip that wasn’t too strenuous and offered a good balance of activity and cultural interest. The trip fully met, and in fact, exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend the trip as a way of having a really enjoyable and active holiday while experiencing the history and culture of these proud and vibrant countries. (The fantastic weather was a lovely bonus!) Most Inspirational Moment The trip is a series of discoveries and revelations that expand what you know and give context to many of the key events of the last century making us all too aware of how fragile our peace and security are. Visiting the nuclear launch site that is now a museum of The Cold War was a chilling reminder of this. But it was a trip filled with fun too. I loved swimming in the Baltic and cycling through the sand dunes. The cities were visited were lively and full of great bars and restaurants with people young and old enjoying life. Particularly memorable was the brilliant band in the Jazz club. I’m not sure if the dancing of Andrius and me did the musicians justice but we certainly had a great time. Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius was an excellent guide - intelligent energetic, informed, funny, opinionated and thoughtful - and good company at all times. I always felt that he was working really hard to make the trip enjoyable and rewarding for everyone in the group - a very challenging task when different people sometimes had very different expectations he had to balance. I think he did this with tact and good humour. He always kept us informed about his plans each day but also gave us scope for doing our own thing when this was appropriate. When he did have to deal with a very unfortunate accident involving one of the group members he managed it very sensitively, professionally and compassionately. The success of the trip was in very large measure down to him. Thanks, Andrius! Our driver, Mindaugas, was super too. Totally professional but always with a smile. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes and you will be fully prepared. If you have wanted to try a cycling holiday but haven’t been sure about it, this would be a great trip to start with. I loved it and would now like to try something a little more demanding.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/15/2023

Peter Moores   -  Traveled, September 2022

Cycling The Baltics A fascinating trip through the 3 Baltic countries. The terrain was quite flat and the cycling easy over an amazing mix of forest trails generous cycle paths and some road travel. We were blessed with good weather and even managed to swim in the Baltic 3 times. The tour gave us a great insight into the conditions within all 3 countries during the Soviet era and how things have changed since then. The trip encompassed a wide range of activities and experiences ranging from climbing a forest fire watch tower to descending into the depths of an old Soviet nuclear missile site. Our travels were very much “off the beaten track” and we were able to meet the locals and had the opportunity to sample the local cuisine, including pink beetroot soup, smoked herring and potato-covered “zeppelins”. Most Inspirational Moment The visit to the Soviet nuclear missile site. It brought it home what the Cold War was all about. Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius was a absolute star. His command of English was excellent and he also understood (I think) the British sense of humour. His knowledge of the history of the region was encyclopaedic and there were very few questions on almost any topic which he was unable to answer. He took great pains to arrange our itinerary so that we saw as much as possible within the limited time available and built in little "extras" where he could. His organisation was superb and the whole tour, which was action-packed, ran to schedule. Andrius made a big contribution to our enjoyment of the tour and we were very appreciative of his efforts. (By the way the driver was also a real star: hard working, always smiling and popping up in the right place at the the right time to load our bikes or replenish our water bottles.) Advice for Potential Travellers Wear padded cycling shorts. It might be worth while reading up on the history of the Baltic States although you will get a thorough briefing from Andrius on the day. Suggestions We arrived at 00.30 on Day 2 of the tour. The flight was delayed about 2 hours but the Trip notes suggest that we spend we afternoon of our arrival looking round Tallinn. Clearly, the Trip Notes are out of date and perhaps this is only an 10 day tour rather than 11, as advertised.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/20/2022

Richard Beddows   -  Traveled, September 2022

BRILLIANT.....Although that's due to the guide. Not exodus Absolutely beautiful countryside, hotels, people and scenery. My holiday was marred by the fact I had contracted covid on day 2. Exodus policy is to just leave you where you are without any support and manage through your insurance policy. ANDRIUS the guide spoke with the group in their thoughts and made it possible for me to enjoy some cycling, albeit I had to travel on public transport for some bits the group were very accepting and gradually I was included in more activities. The guides were brilliant and the holiday for me was saved in most part. I would recommend the trip for the experience, friendliness and knowledge of the guides….but beware of exodus policy regarding covid. Thoughts on Group Leader Group leader kept everyone together, had enormous knowledge, was very friendly.....had a weird taste in music....but made sure the holiday was brilliant. Advice for Potential Travellers This post has been edited by moderators.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/20/2022

Janet Leverton   -  Traveled, August 2022

Just do it! I think this trip is probably one of the best, if not the best, we’ve ever done and having visited every continent, we’ve done a few! We were blessed with glorious weather and a fabulous guide and driver, so that always helps. Lina was so knowledgeable and informative, sharing her family’s story to put the history of the country in context. The days were planned with thought and care, a great balance of cycling and sightseeing, itineraries were changed, always with consensus, to accommodate the very hot days. The cycle network is really good, the roads were quiet and importantly, mostly flat. The beautiful beaches were a revelation, I hadn’t appreciated that the coast would be so sandy and the sea so clean. It was such a treat to be able to swim at the end of some of the days in clean, clear and not so salty water. We knew very little about this part of the world and this trip is a really good way to explore it and get know a little of it’s history; we really enjoyed it, and would highly recommend it Most Inspirational Moment The Hill of Crosses was quite exceptional, an amazing sight, unlike anything we've seen before, it's quite stunning and profound, difficult not to feel moved by such a sight. We also enjoyed the cycle along the Curonian Spit, the water on both sides at times, and the pine forests made for a glorious ride. Thoughts on Group Leader Lina was great; nothing was too much trouble, she really got the the British sense of humour and made each day fun and memorable. I liked that she took group photos every day, along with other pictures that she then posted on our group WhatsApp group. It meant we could enjoy the cycling and the scenery in the knowledge we would a record of our trip. She also posted details of where we had been so we didn't have to remember! We also appreciated she way she told us about the histories of all 3 countries without judgment, explaining the facts with care. Advice for Potential Travellers If travelling with cabin baggage only, be aware that if your journey involves a flight from Helsinki to Tallin, the cabin baggage has to be a smaller capacity. We got away with it on the way out but coming back we had to put our bags in the hold. Suggestions I cannot recommend this trip highly enough; such lovely, unspoilt countries, fantastic beaches, beautifully clean everywhere. I would do it again, if I didn't have so many other places on my to do list.........

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/14/2022

sue Neal   -  Traveled, July 2022

Cycle the Baltics Very good cycle paths at most times. We did try to explore new routes occasionally with mixed results but it was fun. The mileage and level of difficulty suited the group well and I finished each day satisfied with my efforts but not over tired. The bikes were heavy and not of good quality but I do appreciate that they needed to be robust as some of our rides took us off road. One concern I have is that unlike previous trips I have been on with Exodus this trip had only one guide who relied heavily on the bus driver to assist in indicating the route and also made a great deal of use of the goodwill of a few of the riders who were happy to help leading on many of the routes. Our guide was mindful of not losing anyone off the back of the group which meant that he was rarely in front leading and ensuring that we did not go off course. We really need both a guide and a back up man plus of course the bus driver which is what I have been accustomed to on previous holidays. Most Inspirational Moment Wandering around Tallinn on the first day and getting my first impression of that city and country was really enjoyable. The peacefulness and cleanliness of a capital city was so refreshing and made me ashamed of Cardiff which is of course the capital of Wales. Also swimming in the Baltic sea was great fun and a pleasant diversion from cycling all day. Thoughts on Group Leader Spoke excellent English. As most of your guides are, he was knowledgeable and answered all our questions. He took us on several interesting walks around towns and cities pointing out important landmarks and explaining things historically. I think he did an excellent job of guiding the rides when you consider that he was on his own with 14 of us to look out for. He gave us timely breaks and made sure we had access to fresh water, toilet facilities and cafe stops. He must have been exhausted at the end of each days ride yet he still took the time to make sure we knew where to go for dinner in the evening and that everyone in the group was included. We were a little pressed for time between getting to hotels and going out for dinner and I would have liked more time to shower and get ready. Advice for Potential Travellers Take plenty of insect repellent and sun cream. Suggestions One of our group tested positive for Covid a few days into the trip and there didn't seem to be a suitable policy in place to deal with this. Our guide wasn't sure what to do. I would have expected Exodus Head Office to have issued suitable guidance beforehand. The hotel in Riga had no hot water supply which was a big issue for 14 dirty cyclists. They gave reasons but no apology and, I assume, no compensation. Also the same hotel gave us s double room when we required a twin. They didn't seem to care when I complained and we had to move all the furniture ourselves to create 2 beds and I had to go to reception 3 times to demand proper bedsheets. Not happy with our stay there. All other hotels were good.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/10/2022

Lily Owens   -  Traveled, August 2022

August Adventure in the Baltics It was the first cycling holiday with exodus and lived up to all my expectations with a great mix of leisurely cycling and cultural visits. Our tour Leader Andrius contributed to the success of the trip with his thoughtfulness, caring attitude, and sheer determination to ensure our group had a lovely holiday. Nothing was left to chance and each day was so varied with a packed itinerary to explore three countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with all its history, culture food and drink. I enjoyed the leisurely cycle to admire the beautiful landscape of each country along Rivers Lakes, Forests and coastal shoreline. Swimming or paddling in the Baltics sea together with having lunches to taste the local cuisine to include smoked fish, soups and of course Zeppelins. Most Inspirational Moment I loved cycling along the Peipsi Lake and the hilly trip to Otepaa which is known as the Estonian Switzerland which had stunning views of pine forests from the Tower. The trip along the Curonian Spit with the calmness of the Lagoon and then the memorable boat trip to view the Trakai Castle. it was also great in the evenings where the group attended some traditional restaurants and of course the friendless of the people we were fortunate to meet throughout our trip. Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius was so knowledge to provide insightful history of all Capital towns we visited, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius. To be honest The Baltic countries have history which I was not familiar with it so made it more interesting to hear the tales of the Soviet occupation and how relevant the Ukraine War is today for all of us. Advice for Potential Travellers It was hot in the Baltics so good quality cycling gear with plenty of sun cream, insect repellant. The trip is not for serious cyclists but a nice relaxed mixture of cycling and sightseeing. Suggestions Its one for your bucket list as age is irrelevant. Just be cycling fit and you will really enjoy your trip

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/15/2022

Keith Best   -  Traveled, July 2022

A great trip Knowing very little about the Baltic States this trip was revelation. Beautiful countryside historic cities and so many places of interest. The cycling was enjoyable and not too strenuous as we passed along mainly flat routes giving us the opportunity to appreciate the the countryside. Our guide, Andrius, was excellent with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the history and culture of the towns and cities we passed through. We even got an introduction to Tom Lehrer as a bonus. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/07/2022

Peter Webber   -  Traveled, August 2022

New Discovery Originally booked for 2020, we were glad to finally get going after Covid interrupted our plans. Any fears we were not as fit as we might’ve been were quickly dispelled. The terrain was varied, largely flat and very manageable. The weather was brilliant and we could cycle at a good pace. The 3 countries are very different in their own way and we were lucky to have an excellent guide Andrius to explain those differences with his vast knowledge and experience. Most Inspirational Moment There were many but the unscheduled stop at the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania as recommended by our guide left a lasting impression. As did the visit to the Käsmu Maritime Museum where we had a simple but delicious fish soup lunch and heard about the way of life there past and present. Seeing the inscriptions honouring the victims of soviet occupation on the wall of the KGB Museum in Vilnius was also a chilling reminder of the current conflict in Ukraine. Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius was amazing. Leading the cycling on his own he succeeded in keeping the group together - quite a feat given the large group of varying abilities. Always on hand, he kept us entertained at all times with his explanations and anecdotes on the different cultures and histories of the 3 countries. He made excellent choices of restaurants for us to taste the local specialties and treated us with tastings of liqueurs such as the rum based Vanna Tallinn and Riga Black Balsum. He wanted us all to enjoy the experience and leave with happy memories and I’m sure we all did. Advice for Potential Travellers A gel seat cover for the bike would be handy for the less experienced cyclist. Remember your swimming kit. There were several opportunities to get into the Baltic sea which is not as cold as you might expect! Suggestions Nothing more to add other than that we really enjoyed the holiday and appreciated the difference an excellent guide can make.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/22/2022

Caroline McGregor   -  Traveled, July 2022

Baltic July Thanks to wide comfy saddles and mostly flat terrain the cycling was easy and enjoyable. My favourite area was Laheema National Park in Northern Estonia with wooden fisherman’s houses, empty beaches and BIG swings. Swimming in the Baltic is lovely – the temperature is perfect and it’s not salty. Our guide, Andrius, was great at setting the historical scene and teaching us what it’s like to be a Lithuanian with an off-beat Lithuanian sense of humour. He led us round Talinn, showed us the art nouveau in Riga, cycled us through Vilnius as well as various smaller towns, castles and even a nuclear launch site. He was particularly good at organising places for us to eat Zeppelins, drink mead and dig our fingers into freshly smoked fish. But he was even better at setting up musical experiences. We heard a pipe organ concert in a Riga church, a big swing band on the water-front in Klapedia and best of all, our fabulous group spent a memorable night dancing like no-one was watching to a funky jazz band playing classics. Thanks Andrius. A special mention also for Mindogas, our ever-attentive driver who kept the whole show on the road. Thoughts on Group Leader Great Advice for Potential Travellers Take cabin baggage only! Despite the best efforts of Andrius my luggage never arrived in the Baltics and is still stuck somewhere in the black hole of Edinburgh Airport

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/20/2022

Carl Harper   -  Traveled, August 2022

A wonderful adventure Having never been to the Baltics, and having recently started looking after customers in the three countries for work, I was keen to discover more about Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. A friend from another trip recommended the trip. He was spot on! Andrius is a superb guide and looked after our group very well. We were treated to many hidden gems in each country, none more hidden than the Cold War Museum. We rode through pretty little fishing villages and lovely cities, such a rich tapestry of scenes. Riding was not too strenuous for those new to cycle tourism, yet plenty of scope for those of us used to clocking up the miles. Something for everyone. Make sure you add this trip to your list of trips to do. Most Inspirational Moment The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania was very moving and something that will stay with me for a long while Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius is superb and a credit to Exodus Advice for Potential Travellers Pack your swimming trucks! The swimming in the Baltic sea is lovely. Good idea to have insect repellent spray on the first few days riding and hayfever tablets as the terrain covers quite a lot of grassland with tick bites common. The views are worth it though.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/23/2022

Ali O’Neill   -  Traveled, July 2022

The Baltics The trip was well organised and offered the perfect mix between cycling and cultural visits. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. The driver was supportive and friendly. We tasted the local dishes and I enjoyed the variety of food offered. It was great to have a local guide who knows the background and personal stories that greatly contributed to learning about the countries we visited. The routes chosen to cycle were really beautiful. I also appreciated the time we had in each capital city. Most Inspirational Moment So many memorable moments! Seeing the storks nesting and baby stroke popping their heads out of the nest, having a dip in the sea, admiring the beautiful buildings and managing to cycle the distances each day! Thoughts on Group Leader Andries was full of energy and kept us on the go the whole time. He was keen we saw all aspects of the 3 countries. He was very knowledgeable and gave us a good understanding of the the history of those countries. He had a great sense of humour and related well to everyone in the group. He took us to some great places to eat and taste the local delicacies.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/25/2022

Lillian Backstrom   -  Traveled, July 2022

Great trip!! I went on this trip with my mom and we had the best time. The biking for the most part was relatively flat with only one day being rather hilly. We were a small group-7people-but everyone got along well and we all had so much fun. It was a great trip with beautiful sights to see both in town and in small villages along the coastline. Most Inspirational Moment The night we went out in Lithuania and the restaurant we ate at had a live band. We requested a song and the group gave us a shoutout and we got up and started dancing which then caused other guests to also get up and dancing. It was just such a fun night all around, great vibes with new friends. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide Andrius Mazrimas was amazing. He went above and beyond and made adjustments to the itinerary to offer better biking routes and allow for some more stops/sightseeing that weren’t scheduled. Advice for Potential Travellers I think opting to splurge for the electric bike might be a nice choice for someone unsure of how they’ll fair on the hills but I am by no means a well trained cyclist and did ok. Suggestions Strongly recommend this tour and even more so our guide Andrius. If you’re looking for a way to explore the Baltic countries definitely book this trip!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/20/2022

Erica Kendall   -  Traveled, July 2022

Just returned from a wonderful 10 days cycling in the Baltics. Absolutely loved it! I only cycle around town so ordered an electric bike which was fantastic. I could have managed without as it mainly flat but wanted to enjoy rather than exert myself. It was great to see three completely new countries and hear about their history and culture. It was incredibly varied: loads to see, wonderful countryside, sea, towns and cities, with swimming, concerts, city tours, boat trip, nuclear missile launch site, and wonderful little places for lunch and elevenses and coffee breaks. Lovely restaurants and food, excellent hotels. Fantastic guide and driver and a very nice group. Heaven. Most Inspirational Moment We all got up and danced to the band that played in the restaurant after dinner one night in Lithuania. But it was all inspirational! Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius Mazrimas was just wonderful. He was always thinking of extra things we might like to do and see and improvements to the itinerary. He was really efficient, looked after us all every step of the way with charm and incredible good humour, knew about everything and told great stories .His humour and cheerfulness really helped the group to gel and kept us smiling. He absolutely gave 100% to the trip and to give us all a good time, thank you Andrius!!! Our driver Mindaugas was brilliant too, he kept the bus and trailer always near us and was a real sweetie. Advice for Potential Travellers I only cycle around town and don't do much else in the way of exercise. The rest of the group cycled regularly though not fanatically. I'm very glad I paid the extra for the brilliant electric bike, which meant I didn't have to worry about catching people up or being tired.. I could have managed with an ordinary bike but I wasn't looking to improve or maintain fittness on the trip, just to enjoy the scenery. Definitely worth the expense. It was mostly fairly flat but there certainly plenty of ups an downs and interesting paths so it was never boring. Suggestions Thoroughly recommended! Gorgeous scenery, and amazing network of brilliant cycle paths, quite remarkable! Plenty Very varied, loads to do, great food and hotels. Glorious.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/18/2022

Karen Ratcliffe   -  Traveled, June 2022

Three beautiful countries, one awesome tour leader!! This is a fabulous way to see three beautiful countries, their cities, towns, cultural hot spots and coastline!! Our awesome tour leader, Andrius, seriously optimised our time at each stop, and made sure we cycled the best routes. His local knowledge, attention to detail, sense of humour, and ability to ascertain and accommodate everyone’s wishes is exceptional. This is an amazing trip, and if you land Andrius as your guide, you’ve hit the jackpot!! Most Inspirational Moment It’s hard to choose a favourite. The relaxed start in Talllin, the beautiful Tartu, the sunny Curonian Spit, the cultural capitals of Riga and Vilnius - all stunning! Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius is thoughtful, funny, knowledgeable and organised. Is there anything else you need from any human being? He’s an exceptional tour leader!! Advice for Potential Travellers Don’t forget to pack for mixed weather! And ladies, we had men's and ladies bikes issued, and the ladies bikes did not accommodate water bottles. Maybe ask for a men's bike?! Andrius kindly mounted a holder on my bike, and he would have done this for anyone, but the dropped bar still made it difficult to reach while cycling. Suggestions If you haven’t been already done so, get it booked!!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/12/2022

John Whiting   -  Traveled, June 2022

Cycle the Baltics review Having had a number of cycling trips cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, I was immensely pleased to finally be able to travel again. This particular trip had been on my wish list for for a number of years and it didn’t fail to live up to my expectations. On the whole the cycling was fairly leisurely and the trip also provided the opportunity to get a flavour of the three Baltic capital cities (Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius). Most Inspirational Moment I particularly enjoyed the cycling through the 'Estonian Switzerland' and the day cycling along the Curonian Spit together with the smoked fish lunch at the fisherman's smokery. Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour leader Andrius was excellent and kept us fully informed (and entertained!) throughout the trip. Nothing was too much trouble for him.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/16/2022

Patricia Bassett   -  Traveled, June 2022

Enjoyable cycling in the Baltics - thoroughly recommended This trip fully met my expectations. I had never visited any of the Baltic countries and I was pleased to be able to see something of the countryside and coastal areas as well as brief stays in each of the 3 capitals. I also wanted to return to cycling with a fairly gentle trip and the itinerary allowed for a reasonably leisurely pace with mostly quiet roads. I found the balance of cycling, sightseeing and relaxation (sampling local cuisine and drinks!) to be good. What made our trip special was a great bunch of fellow cyclists and a superb guide in Andrius. Most Inspirational Moment The Baltics are a fascinating area with a rich history and some lovely cities. Highlights for me were the day on the Curonian Spit in Lithuania, the seaside town of Jurmala in Latvia with its wonderful beach and cycling through the 'Estonian Switzerland'. Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius kept the group well informed about the areas we were travelling through and kept us amused with his keen sense of humour. He was able to make small adaptations according to the group's interests and the weather so we largely avoided the rain! The group bonded well and I think that was in part due to his skill in reconciling everyone's wishes. Due to the pandemic he had not done this route for nearly 3 years and I think credit is also due that he was able to arrange so many great lunch experiences for us along the way. Advice for Potential Travellers This is not a trip for those who want to cycle all day every day at speed. It's about taking time to appreciate the areas you are cycling through and the most magical moments are seeing the mist lift to reveal part of the coastline you hadn't been aware of or eating freshly smoked fish in a fisherman's garden. Suggestions Accommodation is fair to good. A couple of the hotels, particularly the ones in Klaipeda and Vilnius were nice. Mostly you have 2 nights in each hotel allowing a little time for repacking and washing out the odd item. Exodus should probably look at a couple of hotels which were below par (eg the one in Riga) to see if better alternatives are available.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/26/2022

Russell Bailey   -  Traveled, June 2022

Baltic cycling review Trip was worthwhile. Interesting cities. Good food. Excellent guide – Andreus – who made the trip special. He had a good rapport with the whole group and his knowledge of the Baltics was first class.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/20/2022

Roger Eustis   -  Traveled, June 2022

Cycle the Baltics - an eye opening ride. A great introduction to Exodus for me. Although I had originally booked Northern Italy, that was cancelled due to Covid- this was a last minute booking – and glad I made it. Good local beer, pleasant well-matched company , lot of good locally produced food and an excellent tour leader Andrius Mazrimas with a very dry sense of humour ( which,on occasion, he needed). The cycling was not overblown (longest day 55kms) through mostly rural surroundings. Bikes were brand new and well suited to the terrain, though sturdy tourers rather than the racing style some may prefer. Hotels were all very good, with one exception, which is the only reason I haven’t rated this holiday ‘Excellent’. I will definitely be looking at some of the other options in the Exodus catalogue. Well done Andrius and thank you for showing us the heritage of some beautiful countries. Most Inspirational Moment Probably the Hill of Crosses - and our day on the Curonian Spit with a view over the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad (formerly Koenigsberg) Thoughts on Group Leader Andrius Mazrimas is an experienced leader, with a great sense of humour. A knowledgable local with colloquial English and proud of his heritage, Andrius and our driver Mandaugus made us feel ' all of one company '. Advice for Potential Travellers I was charged a Flight Supplement in order to make use of the Exodus Flight package to and from Gatwick. I would try hard to make my own flight arrangements on a future trip as I live quite close to an easier airport. Suggestions A great holiday, glad I went

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/17/2022

Randy Gregory   -  Traveled, June 2022

The amazing Baltics Thanks Exodus for working with us to make this trip happen. Cancelled in 2020 and 2021, due to COVID, we we finally made it in 2022. The Baltics are amazing, so rich with history, spectacular scenery and the weather was great. Best part of the trip was Andrius our remarkable guide. His knowledge of the Baltics is commendable, his humour infectious and his ability to adapt outstanding. His recommendations wether it was to the route itself or for places to visit or eat were well received by all. Thanks also to Mindaugas our driver who always where he needed to be. Definitely recommend taking a tour with Andrius. Randy and Annette

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/28/2022

Ste D   -  Traveled, June 2022

Tip top tour leader We were lucky enough to have Andrius as our guide. He ticked all the boxes you’d want from a tour leader, and then some. Aside from a cracking sense of humour (that initself says he probably should have picked a career as a stand up comedian), most impressive was his ability to adapt and innovate as went along, meaning we got the very best out of our tour. Exemplary stuff, chapeau.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/19/2022

Stephen Gilmore   -  Traveled, September 2019

Gastrocycle A gastronomical experience on 2 wheels. Every day had a culinary surprise including grilled salmon, onion (not the crappy French) soup, onion pie, pink soup, mushroom soup, venison, pork knuckle and Zeplins!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/15/2019