Lithuania and Vietnam Tours and Trips

The trip was excellent. I’ve not travelled with such a large group before so found that tricky at times but our leader Margareta managed the different elements in our Group expertly. Always ensuring everyone was included and informed of what we were doing.

The itinerary allowed for a comprehensive look at a variety of sites across the three countries, not just the capital cities. In the cities, the balance between time spent with the group (city walking tour with local guide) and free time to pursue your own interests was just right. The forward arranging of group meals for the evenings in the bigger places by the tour leader was appreciated as a way of sampling local cuisine - you could opt out if you wanted. The hotels were all of a good or excellent quality, often totally refurbished within an older building, and centrally located. The coaches used were very comfortable for a group of 15, though the tinted glass on the Riga-Vilnius coach made for so-so photography of the outside and made the interior a bit dark. For early morning flights from Vilnius on the last day (taxi to airport at 3:20am) it was 'no breakfast!', even though stated on itinerary, not even a mini box thing (as provided on a previous Explore trip. with similar early departure.. on "Silk Road" in Tashkent). The tour leader Margarita was excellent - knowledgeable, enthusiastic, personable - 10/10!

This trip was amazing. The itinerary had such a good mix of activities, cultural experiences and free time. Our trip manager and the local guides were so helpful and knowledgeable. I couldn’t recommend this trip enough.

We had an excellent tour guide: helpful, informed, receptive and with a good sense of humour. Most of the hotels were excellent....some slightly less so (Nha Trang for example). The service on the trip was exceptional. The support team of transport, bag carriage and a cycle mechanic were also excellent. Vietnam is fascinating and being on bikes we saw all aspects of the country. We saw its beauty, we saw the industry and pride of its people who were universally very welcoming. We also saw all sorts of things normal tourists, arriving in a large group with little language ability, would not be able to see. Some of the best things were stops in markets, or by rice fields, or at very basic homes or cafes. We saw a lot and visited a lot of different places: a 'grand tour' if you can do such a thing on bikes! The country certainly has issues, in my opinion, with rapid over-development (in the south particularly) with endless giant resorts half finished, being built or built and empty. It also needs to address the issue of litter. It is not alone in facing these issues! I am also certain it has the ability and determination to address them.

This was a very (very) enjoyable vacation. We have a good mix of personalities in the group who got on together and a great guide, Lina, who kept everything rolling. The mix of cycling and Baltic culture was the right balance and the sunny, warm weather, for all but the last day, showcased the 3 x Baltic countries at their glorious best. The trip blended the cycling with city visits (inc three in Lithuania, Kaunas, Klaipeda and Vilnius), beach visit (optional swim), a boat trip, city tours, country sightseeing, supported with interesting history and facts, supplied by Lina. This provided an overview of a 'hidden part' of Europe, that was very enlightening, more so now, due to the Baltic states proximity and relationship with bordering Russia. The hotels were all good standard and the local food ranged from good to delicious. During the days, we had the right amount of stops for coffee, ice cream, comfort breaks etc. Additionally, the local Baltic beer in all three countries is excellent, but be warned, pretty strong too. Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania do have many similarities but are clearly unique. Personally, I came away educated & with a clearer understanding of the the history and politics of the region & I'm grateful for this I highly recommend this trip - it was so good, I may even do it again!

The tour director Thom was excellent, so knowledgable about history as well as being very personable and thoughtful. Highlights for us include historic Hoi An, Lantern making in Hoi An, Halong Bay the Mekong Delta and the Red Bridge Cooking school. We also really appreciated the Thanh Dong Organic Village and the silk grafting at Van **** Silk Village. Terrific of Trafalgar to support people with disabilities. The farewell dinner at the home of the former American Ambassador was also special.