Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The biking on the Curonian Spit in Lithuania was beautiful. I really enjoyed the smoked fish served for lunch along the way. I wished we could see more of the sea during the ride as the beautifully groomed trails went through the forest. Actually most of the rides went through the forest and we did hit rain. Riga in Latfia was my favorite city. Walking through the city after our bike ride was great, historical , good food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had Lina for 2 days. Andrius took over for the rest of the trip. They were both warm, enthusiastic, took care of us during the rides and were at our dinners every night. Andrius knew a lot about the history of the Baltics. He grew up under Russian rule so had a great perspective of the struggles Lithuania had and he had great stories of what has made the Baltics great today.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The biking is relatively flat with some small climbs which were tougher than expected as the bikes had only 8 gears.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was so enjoyable and interesting, so it is difficult to pick out a special moment. Maybe the trip to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lina was our leader for the first few days, from the start in Tallinn and then Andrius took over for the rest of the tour as we left Estonia. They were both absolutely excellent, with really detailed knowledge of the route, the cycling paths, the very interesting history, the food and the cities. They were both inspirational in different ways - with Andrius having an amazing sense of humour as well, which really appealed to me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a tour not to be missed, even for non cyclists - and e-bikes are available. A great way to experience three adjacent countries in an often forgotten part of Europe. I have come home better informed about their very difficult history and with a much greater appreciation of the area, including its beauty and friendly people.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to choose only one, the variety of the trip provided plenty of memorable moments, but on reflection, I particularly enjoyed the tranquillity of cycling the excellent paths through the vast pine forests, with the sunshine poking through the trees, many times, purposely hanging back from the group with my thoughts or singing to myself. Mindfulness whilst cycling no-handed for the first time since I was around fourteen - don't knock it unless you've tried it, it's great!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Although I'd read the itinerary before booking the trip and a few times after that, like many people, I simply forgot most of it by the time I'd arrived in Estonia.. Therefore, I attach a lot of importance to being reminded of what is in store. Lina met us on the first evening in Tallinn and was clear on what the trip involved and her and our responsibilities, thus managing our expectations from the start. I benefited from Lina providing clear and concise direction every day and throughout the day, taking and answering any/all questions, not every trip I have been on was as carefully orchestrated.  We (I) teased Lina that she was our (my) 2nd, 3rd and even 6th favourite guide in the Baltics, but I think I can speak for the group when I say that everyone thought Lina was fabulous.She was very knowledgeable, spoke faultless English, provided personal family stories, that on occasions touched the whole group and highlighted the contrast in the lives of people under Soviet rule pre 1991 with our pampered lives in the West.  Additionally, there was never any doubt she was leading the group, she has a great sense of humour, limitless patience and was very likeable. If you read this Lina, you were really always my favourite guide in the Baltics.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd describe this as a cultural trip with some cycling, if you want big climbs, fast descents and your heart and lungs ready to burst, this is NOT the trip for you. If you want to broaden your knowledge of this extremely-interesting part of Europe and see so many different aspects of the three beautiful Baltic countries, whilst making new friends, eating 'new' foods (Georgina, Ubekistani, as well as Estonia, Latvian and Lithuanian), and sampling new experiences, this is a perfect way to do it & cycling allows you to see so many things. And if you fall for the myth that there are no plugs in the Baltics sinks, don't stress too much, I took one and brought it back, still intact in the packet. My main advice is :- Book this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Rides in the countryside

Thoughts on Group Leader

Worked with and led the group well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tallinn was the most picturesque city,cycling through countryside of baltics was very scenic The company of the other cyclists was excellent and the group got along very well

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lina-a excellent guide who was very informative of history and the struggles of the region.A great sense of humour

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relatively flat and easy cycling

Most Inspirational Moment

Most of our dinners were with a view-- beautiful!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent in every way

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely bring rain gear-- it rained on 2 of our rides! Not the whole time, but worth bringing something. Do your family research before you come to this area because if you have ancestors from this place, it would be fun to know that!

Most Inspirational Moment

We saw so many amazing sights, learned about the history and culture of the Baltics. We had the absolute best guide.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lina was the ABSOLUTE best. I can't have imagined a better guide. She was so knowledgeable, friendly, funny, and kind, and made each of us feel welcomed. She was cool under pressure and managed a couple of challenges with ease.

Most Inspirational Moment

visiting the 3 capital cities and biking along the lakeside through the small villages.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was efficient, patient, charming, very good with everyone. Amusing to be with. Very knowledgeable about the country and its past. Very efficient when one person had an accident and had to be taken to hospital. He did not panic and arranged for the group to do something whilst we waited for him to return. Suggested good restaurants which were not too expensive for everyone. A delightful person to be with. Exodus is lucky to have him as a guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Vilnius Old Town

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lukas was very informative, energetic and enthusiastic!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relatively flat route and distances were not overwhelming so this trip would be a good one for those wanting to find out what a cycling tour is like. That, plust the history and scenery makes this an attractive choice.

Most Inspirational Moment

There is not one but many moments. For Estonia, the most inspiring would be biking along the Gulf of Finland and stopping to have fish soup in Kasmu. It was a perfect combination of biking+history+food. For Latvia, exploring Riga with our guide and walking the old town was amazing. For Lithuania, the entire day spent on the Curonian Spit: biking through pines and dunes; the smoked fish lunch, and the sunset walk on Witches Hill were stunning moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius (Andrew) is an excellent guide for the Baltics. He obviously knows the countries well. He treated us as adults and unless we needed help, tended to be hands off and I appreciate that directness. If one needed additional information for the day's ride, he was happy to provide it. I got the feeling that others may have felt there wasn't enough information given for each day, but that is easily remedied with more info on the WhatApp. All one needed to do was ask. Personally, I felt cared for without being smothered. In addition to leading the rides, he chose very interesting places for lunches and dinners. Aside from the historical insights he shared, we were treated to local foods that included Fish Soup in Kasmu, the smoked fish shack in the Curonian Spit, and the Georgian dinner in Vilnius. Andrius also shared (with humor) the difficulty of life under various occupations. I came away with a very clear sense of why independence matters so much for each of the Baltic countries.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The level of riding described is spot on. It is not a strenous ride, and the distances are not very long each day. Our last two days of riding in Lithuania was hampered by rain and wind, so the original itinerary to bike in Trakai did not happen, instead, our guide led us through a short biking tour of the old city which was fascinating, and we drove to Trakai and explored the castle. Be prepared for rain and cold in June. You are as comfortable as your gear. For biking combined with culture and history of this area, this tour checked all the boxes for me. If you are interested in history and architecture, and extra day in Tallinn and an extra day in Vilnius would be worthwhile. I did elect to ride an e-bike, and the equipment was more than adequate for this ride. Exodus provided waterproof panniers.