Traveling through the Baltic states was far more than a vacation—it was a journey into the heart of living history and local culture. From the moment we set foot in Tallinn, we were swept up by the city’s medieval magic, walking cobbled lanes beneath ancient spires and discovering lively cafés tucked away in secret courtyards. Each evening, as the old city glowed against the sky, it felt like we’d stepped into a fairy tale.
Riga took us by surprise with its dramatic Art Nouveau architecture. Every building told a story in swirling stone and ornate detail. The Central Market—with its enormous Zeppelin hangars stuffed full of local cheeses, smoked fish, and pastries—was a sensory adventure, giving us a taste of everyday life. There was a youthful buzz to the city: music on the streets, laughter in cozy bistros, and a spirit of creativity everywhere. Spending two evenings at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, one of ballet and the second seeing the opera “Turandot,” were fantastic (and affordable).
Our time in Lithuania deepened the adventure. Vilnius radiated warmth and quiet beauty, its baroque churches and the quirky Užupis “independent republic of artists” neighborhood, with its constitution posted on mirrored panels in multiple languages, invited us to linger and explore. Strolling along the river, we reflected on the resilience woven into the region’s history. Beyond the city, Trakai Castle floating on its island was straight out of a legend.
Looking back, this adventure has left us not just with memories of beautiful places, but also a greater understanding of the region, its history, and the spirit of its people. For anyone looking for a travel experience brimming with culture, warmth, and unforgettable moments, the Baltics—especially with a guide like Andrius—are an absolute must.
European Cultural Tours
Europe Cultural Holidays
Europe has a fascinating history and is home to some of the most architecturally impressive cities on the planet. Choosing where to go and what to see can be overwhelming when there’s so much choice, which is why we offer a wide range of Europe cultural tours that highlight the most interesting and beautiful places you need to experience.
From walking trips in Italy to discovering the gems of Dubrovnik, our Europe culture tours are packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We also have amazing exploration trips in central and Eastern Europe, where you can go to the best diving hotspots in Turkey or enjoy a city tour of Russia.
Stretching along the vibrant coastline of southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is a mesmerising destination renowned for its dramatic cliffs, colourful villages and crystal-clear waters. Explore characterful towns like Amalfi, Positano and Ravello and admire the magnificent views of the Mediterranean. Sicily is another of Italy’s cultural gems, combining ancient Greek ruins with Baroque towns.
Often overlooked on Europe culture tours, Albania is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The country showcases a blend of Ottoman, Roman and Greek influences, along with breathtaking landscapes. Explore ancient cities like Butrint, an archaeological site that depicts the rise and fall of past civilisations, and explore the vibrant capital city, Tirana, known for its mix of Ottoman, socialist and modern architecture.
The Baltics are equally as enthralling with the medieval old towns of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, where cobblestone streets and Gothic spires exude a medieval charm. Soak up stunning coastal views, visit enchanting castles and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of these Baltic gems.
Europe Culture Trips
Expert insight: Europe Cultural Trips
“As cheaper flights have opened up the farthest-flung corners of the world, it’s become easy to forget (or dismiss) what we have in our own backyard. But Europe is packed with the very ingredients we travel the globe for: romance, adventure, contrast, drama. My trip to Romania with Exodus involved only a three-hour flight, but it introduced me to landscapes and cultures I thought had long disappeared, as well as one of the most thrilling animal encounters I’ve ever had: watching a dozen brown bears from a hide deep in the Carpathian mountains. Now there’s a backyard worth exploring.”
Dan Linstead, Wanderlust Editor, travelled to Romania with Exodus
Margaret Cary Discover the Baltics
Robert Taylor Discover the BalticsWe normally go on walking holidays with Exodus, but due to a current mobility problem we chose this culture experience instead. It proved to be very interesting and informative and gave a valuable experience of everyday life in the region. We were particularly surprised to learn of how hard and restricted life was when the area was under soviet control. It made us realise how lucky we are to live a free life in the UK.
Donald Teale Essential PeruEssential Peru was just excellent, every day there there was something different and exciting, each experience matching the visit to Machu Picchu, which we thought was going to be the highlight, but just became another amazing example of the wonders of Peru.
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