Lithuania and Poland Tours and Trips

Although the weather was challenging (very hot) our leader and our mountain guide made the most of the available alternatives. Our leader Gabi was sociable, extremely knowledgeable and always ready with a suggestion for activities or restaurants. The Penny Grand spa hotel was truly superb and I took the opportunity to have a foot and leg massage - heavenly!

Poland is a lovely country to visit great food, transport, views, accommodation, very reasonable prices for taxis, museum tickets etc. The coutryside is not very busy with other visitors or hikers until you come to the mountain hsuts were the service is generally very efficient.

Hiking the Polish Carpathians was a very good experience. The only downside was the extreme temperatures (36 degrees) and humidity, both of which were outside the control of Explore. Gabi the tour leader was very good and gave great insight into Polish culture and history. The leader had to make a judgement call on the first hiking day when it was clear that some of the group would struggle to make the summit of the first hike, due to high temperatures and exposed approach to the summit, the leader opted for a lower elevation and shaded route. Some of the group were not happy with decision, but it was the right call and showed good leadership skills. I would recommend either arriving a few days early or staying on at the end of the tour to experience more of what Krakow have to offer. E.g excursions to Auschwitz, Schindler's Factory and Salt Mines.

Krakow is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture to explore. The Carpathian Mountains are just as good for walking as The Alps but not yet as visited.

Well paced and varied itinerary, with some built in free time to explore on your own. Visited lots of interesting places. Stayed in comfortable hotels. Recommend taking insect repellent for the outdoor countryside walks as there a few friendly, hungry buggies about. Signe is a good organised tour leader who “read the room well” and so was flexible and responsive to the group and shared good insight about life in the Baltic States both past and present. She organised optional group meals which were a good opportunity to sample local cuisine in good quality interesting restaurants. One can use cash or card to pay in shops and restaurants. It was nice to have the same driver and bus throughout to get us between locations. We were lucky to travel at Midsummer as we were able to see the interesting local celebrations. A thoroughly enjoyable trip and would definitely recommend.

Great itinerary combining nature walks and city visits in a compact, well-balanced trip. The group was friendly, experienced, and made up of strong walkers. Magical, overnight stay in Palmse distillery in Estonia! Trip notes: A walking stick is highly recommended, especially for the many steps in Gauja Forest, Latvia. Our tour leader was energetic and knowledgeable about the region's history and culture. It would have been a bonus to have a park ranger or botanist explain the local plants and wildlife, though the well-informed group helped fill in those gaps. Best surprise: Our guide arranged a minivan to the Midsummer bonfire celebration in Riga—an unforgettable experience and highly recommended. One suggestion: add an extra afternoon or full day in Riga.