This exciting journey takes you through the Northern European countries known as the Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Bounded on the East by the Baltic sea, this beautiful region contains more than 7,000 lakes, peat bogs, and swamps, as well as a network of rivers, particularly the Neman and Dvina, which empty into the Baltic Sea. You’ll explore these three countries by car and on foot, take in the Baroque and Gothic architecture, stroll through charming villages, learn to cook local cuisine, learn about culture through museums and interactions with local people, board ferries to ride through lagoons and on the Baltic Sea, wander through markets, and see some of the most exquisite medieval castles to be found in Europe. The itinerary can be fully customized to include more or less of what interests you, so tell us what intrigues you most about this charming and lesser-visited region of Europe.
Read More
Great For
Aquatic scenery & wildlife
Historic architecture
Local culture
We had a great time throughout the trip. Our local guides were friendly, accommodating, and widely knowledgeable; the hotels superior for service, furnishings and central location; and all pick-ups, drop-offs, and transfers were timely done. Thanks for your expert guidance in providing another memorable vacation.
Bob O.
On arrival in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Trakai. This historic town not far from Vilnius was built and preserved by different people of various ethnicities including Karaims, Tatars, Lithuanians, Russians, Jews, and Poles. Trakai is surrounded by many lakes and contains a number of cultural and historical monuments. The evening will be free for you to explore and enjoy a traditional dinner at the hotel, overlooking the castle.
Meals
None
Lodging
Apvalaus Stalo Klubas or Margis or similar
BDay 2Vilnius City Tour
Vilnius is the largest city in Lithuania and the second-largest city in the Baltic states. The city is especially known for its Old Town architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are many historical buildings built over many centuries in different architectural styles such as Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, etc. Before World War II, Vilnius was one of the largest Jewish centers in Europe, making it the “Jerusalem of Lithuania.”
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head out to the city on a two-and-a-half-hour walking and driving tour of the city, beginning with a visit to the Hill of Three Crosses from where you’ll have excellent panoramic views over the Old Town. Next, drive to St. Peter and Paul Church, considered one of the most decorated churches of the Baroque period with more than 2,000 sculptures and murals. Continue on with a short drive around the new city center and see the barricades near the Parliament where the non-violent struggle against the Soviet rule took place in 1991. Your walking tour begins at St. Anne Church, the jewel of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, followed by the Castle complex that includes the two castles, the Cathedral, and its Square, the 17th century Chapel of St. Kazimir, and the Bell Tower. Along the way, learn about the timeline of Lithuanian history and its periods – from proud rulers to silent captives and back to independence. Continue walking along the medieval Castle Street towards the Presidential Palace and the Old University compound where the story of the struggle between Reformation and Catholicism, the Jesuits and Calvinists are revealed with a magnificent Renaissance background. Pass the old Jewish Quarter with its memories of greatness and distress. Come to know the local Jewish folklore characters that once lived here, including sages and street dwellers that are still mentioned frequently as examples. From the ghetto, you’ll emerge to the old Town Hall Square where witches were burned as late as the 18th century and admire the 17th century St. Kazimir Church and its crown. The walk then takes you up the Great Street towards the Gate of Dawn. Along the way, stop at the “Triangle of Tolerance” which has a display on the heritage of art and culture of the Litvaks (Lithuanian Jews.) Pay a short visit to the mummified remains of the three Eastern Orthodox Saints in the Church of the Holy Spirit followed by the Holiest Mother of Mercy at the Gate of Dawn Chapel, a prime pilgrimage site for thousands of devout Catholics that believe the picture possesses miraculous powers. You’ll then pass under the chapel through the gate and walk around the Old Town Wall towards the Bastia Artillery Bastion from where there are beautiful views of the rooftops and belfries. Your walk continues to the Artists Quarter of Uzupis, which means, “Beyond the River”. This run-down place was emptied of its Jewish population during WWII and subsequently inhabited by former convicts. It had a terrible reputation until in the 1990’s when some artists moved there and throughout the years, this creative community grew. In 1997, they decided to declare its independence from the world and today, it is a thriving cultural hub with galleries, bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Take a stroll through the main street and stop for lunch at a restaurant recommended by your guide. Alternatively, dine at “Sweet Root” Restaurant, considered one of the best in Lithuania, but comes with a hefty price tag at 50 Euros more per person plus 30+ Euros for wine.
In the afternoon, your walking tour continues with a visit to the University compound to explore its 13 courtyards from different eras and a library of ancient books. If you like, you can instead visit the Samuel Bak Center at the Jewish Museum where works by this world-famous artists are on display.
You’ll have some free time this afternoon to explore on your own. If you’re up to it, there are plenty of alternative activities you can participate in for an additional cost, including:
Uzupis Art Incubator – a walk through a maze of small passageways in the neighborhood to see the artist at work, sculptures in open-air workshops, and the Galera gallery. If possible, the local artist will invite you to his or her studio where the atmosphere of free-thinking and creative Vilnius lives.
Gastronomy Walk – Stroll along the Old town streets, checking cafes and bars, enjoying a beer with a traditional snack or a strudel with coffee. Taste the local craft beer, hand made chocolate, Lithuanian hard cheese, and wander the Central Market with its many tasting options, ethnic fast food stops and more.
Multipart “Sutartines” singing class – a form of polyphonic music performed by female singers – perfect for those interested in experiencing a deeper dimension of Lithuanian soul. Led by Laurita, known as Promociu Giesmes onstage (the songs of the Foremothers), you’ll have a chance to learn the simple captivating way of “weaving a sung pattern” just like a traditional woven belt (some say in the past the belts were made to script song patterns).
Gong and Singing Bowl meditation – takes place at a cozy meditation studio in the artist quarter. You will relax to the waves of sound while your well-known instructor and sound healer talks you through the meditation process. This is a two-hour activity.
Renaissance Ceramics Workshop – at the Vilnius Pot-maker guild, a group of artists striving to recreate the medieval methods of pottery, using techniques such as sauerkraut glaze. You will receive a short introduction and a few hours to create your own ceramic bowl. The guild will then take the responsibility to fire it in the kiln, glaze it and send it back to you as a souvenir.
After dinner at a local restaurant of your choice or recommended by your guide, you’ll meet back up with the guide at a chosen spot and take the short drive back to Trakai for your overnight. We recommend the 19th century Nobles Cuisine experience at the Lithuanian Ertio Namas Tavern (prices start at 30 Euros per person) or a Lithuanian folk cuisine experience at Senoji Troble with a folk performance.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Apvalaus Stalo Klubas or Margis or similar
CDay 3Trakai, Rumsiskes, & Panemune Castle
After breakfast, you’ll spend some time exploring Trakai, an ancient town that served as a capital for the great dukes of Lithuania. The town is situated on a peninsula between three lakes, offering spectacular views. It’s most noted for its island castle, which also houses a rich museum of medieval history. After visiting Trakai Castle and Museum, take a walk through the lakeside streets to a Karaite restaurant. The Karaites are an ethnic minority of Semitic origin that settled here in the 14th century. Your guide will provide you with dining options, or you can take part in a cooking class (extra cost) at Senoji Kibinine where you’ll learn how to make traditional kibin meat pastries. (This fun attraction is limited and not guaranteed.)
Immediately following lunch, you’ll make the short drive to the Rumiskes open-air museum, one of the largest ethnographic museums in Europe. You’ll explore the heritage of Lithuanian rural life from its vast collection of 18-19th-century buildings where the people once lived. The homes, which contain household items such as furniture, utensils, and home decorations, represent the main ethnic groups of Lithuania including the Aukstaitija, Samogitia, Dxukija, and Suvalkya. If you like, after the one hour tour (additional cost), you can take part in break making at a sourdough workshop (2 hours) or discover the local medicinal herbs with a herbalist.
From Rumiskes, continue on to Kaunas (time permitting), to visit the precious Pazaislis Monastery, the largest monastery complex in Lithuania and one of the finest examples of Italian Baroque architecture styles in the country. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 17th century by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania for the Order of the Camaldolese Hermits. The monastery was closed by Russian authorities in 1832 and later converted into an Orthodox Church, a Roman Catholic Church, a psychiatric hospital, and an art gallery. In the 1990’s, the complex was returned to the nuns of the Lithuanian convent of St. Casimir.
Afterward, drive about 45 minutes more to your last stop of the day, Panemunes Castle, built on the original hill fort of the Teutonic Knights in the early 17th century. Dinner and overnight will be at the castle.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Panemunes Castle or similar
DDay 4Kaunas & Klaipeda
In the morning, drive to Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania, for a guided walking tour (2.5-3 hrs) visiting most of Kaunas’ best attractions in the Old Town, which are very close to one another. These include the 15th-century Gothic Perkunas House, Vytautas the Great Church, one of the oldest churches in the city, the Council Square and the monuments, churches, and monasteries situated around it, and the main medieval street with a number of souvenir stalls and galleries. You will learn about the interwar political history in the garden of the Old President’s Palace and come to understand the controversies that are still present in the region. After a chance to rest up at the park, your walking tour continues on towards the newer sections of town that were built in the 1930’s in Art Nouveau and Bauhaus architectural styles. Take a walk along the longest pedestrian street in Europe, Freedom Alley, and stop at the Kiemas open-air gallery, a courtyard entirely decorated in murals and artwork by the community that lives there. You may even get the chance to chat with some of the friendly inhabitants.
You’ll have free time for lunch at one of the dozens of worthy places around Freedom Alley, and your guide can recommend some of the best.
The second half of your Kaunas tour takes you to the M.K. Ciurlionis Museum Gallery where you will learn about the famous painter and musician said to have the ability to see music and hear color. Next, visit the nearby Devil’s Museum. Then, go to the Fort Memorial, a former prison and Nazi extermination camp where 40,000 Jews were murdered, followed by a visit to the Chiune Sugihara Museum to learn about the Japanese diplomat that rescued more than 6,000 Jews from the Holocaust by illegally issuing them Japanese visas.
Next, drive about two hours to Klaipeda where you will check in at your hotel. From the hotel, it is a short and pleasant walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Baltic German port of Memel to the preserved Meridian tall ship. Evening is on your own to explore Old Town. After dinner, we suggest you experience the local nightlife with a drink at the Fat Cat, a pub popular with the locals and sailors.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
National Hotel or similar
EDay 5Curonian Spit & Sand Dunes
Your day begins with a ferry ride across the Curonian Lagoon to the Spit, a long, thin, curved sand dune that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is shared by Russia and Lithuania. During the spring and fall migrations, many birds flock here to rest or breed. It is also the site of the town of Juodkrante and the Hill of Witches, home to a large collection of wooden sculptures based on Lithuanian legends and folk tales. After stopping to learn about Baltic mythology, drive to the top of the highest dune (131 feet), Parnidzio, for breath-taking views of the lagoon and Baltic Sea, the barren dune desert, and the serene pine forest. At the sundial, you’ll have a short introduction to time measurement. Descend from the dune and visit the former fishing and amber collecting village of Nida, now a resort town. Here we’ll arrange for you to have lunch at the favorite local smoked fish restaurant, Tik Pas Jona. Afterward, spend some time relaxing, walking along the Promenade, and watching the sailboats. If you like, drive a mile to the other side of the Spit to the seashore to seek out pieces of amber. Or, spend some time at the Dead Dunes Sanctuary. Before making your way back to the ferry, stop at a cormorant nesting site.
Back on the mainland, make the short drive to the bustling and colorful resort town of Palanga, a favorite destination of local tourists. Here you will take a walk through the beautiful park of the Count Oginsky Palace to enjoy its rose garden, then continue walking to the main pedestrian mall in town for some free time and dinner. Alternatively, take part in a Cepelinai cooking class (additional cost), and learn a fun way to prepare this simple, traditional Lithuanian potato dumpling, filled with meat, cheese or pepper. Or, take part in a fish-cooking class at Bararosa Restaurant with one of the best local chefs who will share his knowledge of massaging cod and spicing herring. Return to your hotel in Klaipeda for your overnight.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
National Hotel or similar
FDay 6Hill of Crosses & Pakruojis Manor to Mezotne Manor, LATVIA
This morning, return to Palanga to visit the Amber Museum housed at the picturesque Oginsky Manor. Here you’ll see the collection of amber, learn how it is made, and hear the history of the Eurasia amber trade. The collection includes Europe’s third-largest amber stone, the Sun Stone, jewelry pieces from the past four centuries, rosaries, and decorative boxes.
After an early lunch at a local restaurant, travel about two hours to Northern Lithuania, stopping to admire the famous Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site where thousands of crosses have been left by Lithuanians that prayed for peace, their country, and loved ones lost during wars. The number of crosses is unknown, but it is thought to be more than 100,000. After about an hour of walking around on the hill, continue on a short drive to Pakruojis Manor, the largest protected manor in Lithuania. The original manor dates back to the 16th century, but the construction of the current manor began in the 18th century after Baron Wilhelm von der Ropp took ownership. If you are there on a weekend, you can watch the “Living Museum” program, and see pots thrown, sheep being shorn, and perfume being made. You’ll have some free time to explore the manor or participate in a beer brewing demonstration with the Master Brewer (extra cost approx. $15, 90 minutes, weekends only). You’ll taste three different kinds of locally produced beer, and munch on hemp pancakes and various other snacks that pair well with the beer. Enjoy a traditional dinner at the manor’s tavern.
After dinner, cross the Latvian border and drive to the 18th century Mezotne Manor for your overnight. This manor is a great example of Neoclassical architecture.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Mezotne Manor or Skrundas Muiza or similar
GDay 7Rundale Palace & Riga
After breakfast, you’ll make the drive to Rundale Palace, an exquisite example of Rococo architecture. It was built in the early 18th century for the Dukes of Courland. The palace suffered damage during the Latvian War of Independence in 1919 and reconstructed shortly after when it was taken over by the Ministry of Agriculture. It became a school and protected monument before finally being fully restored and becoming a museum. Its collection of artifacts and beautiful baroque gardens will astound you. You can explore the palace on your own, or hire a local palace guide for an additional cost. In the cellar of the palace, you’ll enjoy dining at the historical Ozollade restaurant, which offers a nice selection of local cuisines (not included).
After lunch, continue on to Riga, the capital of Latvia, where you’ll check into your hotel and have the afternoon free through dinner. Riga is famous for its wine, craft beer, and folk taverns. Popular options for dinner include Rosengral’s for medieval cuisine or a crusader banquet, or the set menu at the Library Restaurant, Kilversala; your guide can also make other recommendations.
After dinner, your guide will take you on an evening stroll through the Old Town to get an impression of this lively city. You also have the option to order the Riga Black Balsam liquor program at the “Magic Bar,” with or without the story of chocolate. This program includes several strong drinks, coffee, cake, and homemade chocolate (not included in cost).
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Wellton Centrum or Europa Royale or similar
HDay 8Riga Exploration
You’ll spend today exploring Riga, Latvia’s capital and largest city. The city, founded in 1201, is known for its Art Nouveau and Jugendstil architecture. Riga’s historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll begin your guided walking tour with a visit to the main landmarks and lesser-known corners of the city. See the 13th-century Dome Cathedral and its extraordinary organ with over 6,700 pipes. Next, see the Great and Small Guilds’ houses and learn about Riga’s economic history, the Swedish Gate, and Beer-brewer’s Street, and learn about the legend of Cat’s House. You’ll also see the Three Brothers, an architectural complex of three houses built over different centuries, the House of the Blackheads, a single merchants’ guild, St. Peter’s Church and Tower, and Latvian Parliament in the Old Castle.
You’ll have some free time for lunch, and one option you might choose is to head to the market for a tasting tour of local delicacies and Latvian snacks (around 2 hours and additional cost). Return to your hotel for a chance to rest before setting out on an afternoon guided tour through the Art Nouveau District. This unique neighborhood, full of character, was built in the early 20th century. Visit the Art Nouveau Museum to see a collection of modernist artifacts, then return to the Old Town for some local shopping. If you like, for an additional cost, you can take a short ride to the cozy resort town of Jurmala and walk along the wide beach and promenade, enjoying the open-air cafes and live music. Or, see a performance at the Riga Opera (schedules and programs vary depending on day and time of year). This would be a good opportunity to get a look at behind the scenes and learn how the shows are staged and what it takes to produce a hit performance.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Wellton Centrum or Europa Royale or similar
IDay 9Sigulda Castles & Gauja N.P.
After breakfast at the hotel, take a short ride to Sigulda, a small town with two opposing medieval castles. Turaida Castle sits on a hilltop overlooking the stunning Gauja River and National Park. If you like, you can climb to the tower for even better panoramic views. See the exhibitions at the castle’s museums and walk through the sculpture park filled with dozens of depictions of characters from Latvian folk songs and botanical gardens.
Lunch will be at a local tavern, then visit the Crusader’s Castle, built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (German warrior monks) around 1207. Next, take a nature walk through Gauja National Park, the largest national park in Latvia, and visit legendary Gutman Cave, the widest and tallest cave in the Baltic region.
Continue on to an eco-village and meet the local people who chose to build an “alternative civilization” for a better way of life, then drive about an hour further to your charming manor hotel for the night. If you like, participate in one of the many activities offered by the manor such as a bicycle ride to the shore, playing croquet and other games, or wandering the beautiful English park.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Liepupe Manor or similar
JDay 10Soulkrasti & Parnu, ESTONIA
In the morning, a short drive takes you to Soulkrasti County where you’ll visit the famous Baron von Munchausen’s Manor. The legendary fictional character was based on a real person who lived in Soulkrasti in the mid-18th century. By telling outrageous heroic stories about himself, he became a celebrity of sorts, making people laugh and mock authorities. After exploring the museum, take a walk along a short trail to see the largest beer jug in the world according to Guinness Book of World Records. Continue along the picturesque Baltic Coast Highway across the Estonian border to Parnu. After lunch in Parnu, you’ll take a walk along the seaside on the wooden promenade, visit historic spa buildings and parks, and learn how Estonia gained its independence from the USSR in the ’90s. You’ll have some free time this afternoon to explore on your own or relax. Alternatively (additional cost), take a short drive to an ethnographic Russian village and farmyard and learn about the minority Russians in Estonia and their rural way of life. Admire their hohloma handicrafts, a typical Russian wood painting style, and enjoy tea made in a traditional samovar with Russian bagels. Additionally, a workshop of Russian herb-filled doll-making can be arranged, depending on time.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Villa Ammende or Hedon or similar
KDay 11Estonian Islands of Muhu & Saaremaa
Today’s adventure takes you to the Estonian Islands of Muhu and Saaremaa, known for their pristine Nordic nature and rural way of life. On arrival at the main town of Kuressaare on the island of Saaremaa, you’ll have lunch at one of the taverns, then head out on a four- to five-hour driving and walking tour. Visit the many natural wonders of Muhu and Saaremaa: the picturesque cliffs with lighthouses, seaside meadows, fishing villages, a meteorite crater site, and a group of five ancient windmills. You’ll see for yourselves how flour was once made. Return to Kuressaare where you’ll visit the Episcopal Castle, the only medieval structure that didn’t suffer any significant damage during the Baltic War. Spend some free time in Kuressaare this evening.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Georg Ots or Grand Rose or similar
LDay 12Ferry to Haapsalu & Drive to Tallinn
After breakfast, transfer to the pier and take the ferry to the mainland where you visit the small medieval coastal town of Haapsalu, known for its warm sea waters and healing spas. After lunch, take a short guided walk through the Old Town, then visit the Arvo Part Centre. Arvo Part is the most performed contemporary composer in the world and in his honor, Estonia built a sci-fi style museum and music center. You’ll have the opportunity to admire his ethereal tunes while watching the nearby forest trees through the center’s huge windows. After a short introduction and some time to enjoy his music, continue on to Tallinn. Expect to arrive around 5 or 6 pm for check-in, then have some free time to relax. Alternatively, take a dinner cruise on an old Swedish steamer while enjoying wonderful views of the Old tTown and castle (not included in cost). After dinner, take a stroll along the Old tTown streets towards Telliskivi creative villages, full of galleries, cafes, and bars. If you like, stick around and celebrate with the locals into the night.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hestia or Palace Hotel or similar
MDay 13Tallinn City Tour
Today you’ll immerse yourselves into Tallinn, taking in the Old Town, 15th century Town Hall, and fortification with its 27 iconic towers. Visit the old Toompea Castle, the seat of the government, and Tallinn Protestant Cathedral for a panoramic view of the old city. Next, explore the Dominican Monastery, Alexander Nevski Orthodox Church, Kiek in de Kok defensive tower, as well as many other celebrated landmarks of this medieval wonderland. If you like, you can have lunch on the top terrace of the Tallinn TV tower, or at the stylish Scheeli restaurant in the Old Town, or at the tavern of the Estonian open-air museum (lunch is not included in cost.)
This afternoon, visit Kadriorg Park and Palace, the Rusalka Monument, Pirita Olympic Village, and Seaplane Harbor. If you like, participate in the activities at the open-air museum or learn how to make marzipan and take home this special treat to share with loved ones (activities not included in cost.)
This evening, spend some time on your own to roam the Old Town one last night and enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants Tallinn has to offer.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hestia or Palace Hotel or similar
NDay 14Depart Tallinn
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
This exciting journey takes you through the Northern European countries known as the Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Bounded on the East by the Baltic sea, this beautiful region contains more than 7,000 lakes, peat bogs, and swamps, as well as a network of rivers, particularly the Neman and Dvina, which empty into the Baltic Sea. You’ll explore these three countries by car and on foot, take in the Baroque and Gothic architecture, stroll through charming villages, learn to cook local cuisine, learn about culture through museums and interactions with local people, board ferries to ride through lagoons and on the Baltic Sea, wander through markets, and see some of the most exquisite medieval castles to be found in Europe. The itinerary can be fully customized to include more or less of what interests you, so tell us what intrigues you most about this charming and lesser-visited region of Europe.
On arrival in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Trakai. This historic town not far from Vilnius was built and preserved by different people of various ethnicities including Karaims, Tatars, Lithuanians, Russians, Jews, and Poles. Trakai is surrounded by many lakes and contains a number of cultural and historical monuments. The evening will be free for you to explore and enjoy a traditional dinner at the hotel, overlooking the castle.
Meals
None
Lodging
Apvalaus Stalo Klubas or Margis or similar
BDay 2Vilnius City Tour
Vilnius is the largest city in Lithuania and the second-largest city in the Baltic states. The city is especially known for its Old Town architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are many historical buildings built over many centuries in different architectural styles such as Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, etc. Before World War II, Vilnius was one of the largest Jewish centers in Europe, making it the “Jerusalem of Lithuania.”
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head out to the city on a two-and-a-half-hour walking and driving tour of the city, beginning with a visit to the Hill of Three Crosses from where you’ll have excellent panoramic views over the Old Town. Next, drive to St. Peter and Paul Church, considered one of the most decorated churches of the Baroque period with more than 2,000 sculptures and murals. Continue on with a short drive around the new city center and see the barricades near the Parliament where the non-violent struggle against the Soviet rule took place in 1991. Your walking tour begins at St. Anne Church, the jewel of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, followed by the Castle complex that includes the two castles, the Cathedral, and its Square, the 17th century Chapel of St. Kazimir, and the Bell Tower. Along the way, learn about the timeline of Lithuanian history and its periods – from proud rulers to silent captives and back to independence. Continue walking along the medieval Castle Street towards the Presidential Palace and the Old University compound where the story of the struggle between Reformation and Catholicism, the Jesuits and Calvinists are revealed with a magnificent Renaissance background. Pass the old Jewish Quarter with its memories of greatness and distress. Come to know the local Jewish folklore characters that once lived here, including sages and street dwellers that are still mentioned frequently as examples. From the ghetto, you’ll emerge to the old Town Hall Square where witches were burned as late as the 18th century and admire the 17th century St. Kazimir Church and its crown. The walk then takes you up the Great Street towards the Gate of Dawn. Along the way, stop at the “Triangle of Tolerance” which has a display on the heritage of art and culture of the Litvaks (Lithuanian Jews.) Pay a short visit to the mummified remains of the three Eastern Orthodox Saints in the Church of the Holy Spirit followed by the Holiest Mother of Mercy at the Gate of Dawn Chapel, a prime pilgrimage site for thousands of devout Catholics that believe the picture possesses miraculous powers. You’ll then pass under the chapel through the gate and walk around the Old Town Wall towards the Bastia Artillery Bastion from where there are beautiful views of the rooftops and belfries. Your walk continues to the Artists Quarter of Uzupis, which means, “Beyond the River”. This run-down place was emptied of its Jewish population during WWII and subsequently inhabited by former convicts. It had a terrible reputation until in the 1990’s when some artists moved there and throughout the years, this creative community grew. In 1997, they decided to declare its independence from the world and today, it is a thriving cultural hub with galleries, bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Take a stroll through the main street and stop for lunch at a restaurant recommended by your guide. Alternatively, dine at “Sweet Root” Restaurant, considered one of the best in Lithuania, but comes with a hefty price tag at 50 Euros more per person plus 30+ Euros for wine.
In the afternoon, your walking tour continues with a visit to the University compound to explore its 13 courtyards from different eras and a library of ancient books. If you like, you can instead visit the Samuel Bak Center at the Jewish Museum where works by this world-famous artists are on display.
You’ll have some free time this afternoon to explore on your own. If you’re up to it, there are plenty of alternative activities you can participate in for an additional cost, including:
Uzupis Art Incubator – a walk through a maze of small passageways in the neighborhood to see the artist at work, sculptures in open-air workshops, and the Galera gallery. If possible, the local artist will invite you to his or her studio where the atmosphere of free-thinking and creative Vilnius lives.
Gastronomy Walk – Stroll along the Old town streets, checking cafes and bars, enjoying a beer with a traditional snack or a strudel with coffee. Taste the local craft beer, hand made chocolate, Lithuanian hard cheese, and wander the Central Market with its many tasting options, ethnic fast food stops and more.
Multipart “Sutartines” singing class – a form of polyphonic music performed by female singers – perfect for those interested in experiencing a deeper dimension of Lithuanian soul. Led by Laurita, known as Promociu Giesmes onstage (the songs of the Foremothers), you’ll have a chance to learn the simple captivating way of “weaving a sung pattern” just like a traditional woven belt (some say in the past the belts were made to script song patterns).
Gong and Singing Bowl meditation – takes place at a cozy meditation studio in the artist quarter. You will relax to the waves of sound while your well-known instructor and sound healer talks you through the meditation process. This is a two-hour activity.
Renaissance Ceramics Workshop – at the Vilnius Pot-maker guild, a group of artists striving to recreate the medieval methods of pottery, using techniques such as sauerkraut glaze. You will receive a short introduction and a few hours to create your own ceramic bowl. The guild will then take the responsibility to fire it in the kiln, glaze it and send it back to you as a souvenir.
After dinner at a local restaurant of your choice or recommended by your guide, you’ll meet back up with the guide at a chosen spot and take the short drive back to Trakai for your overnight. We recommend the 19th century Nobles Cuisine experience at the Lithuanian Ertio Namas Tavern (prices start at 30 Euros per person) or a Lithuanian folk cuisine experience at Senoji Troble with a folk performance.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Apvalaus Stalo Klubas or Margis or similar
CDay 3Trakai, Rumsiskes, & Panemune Castle
After breakfast, you’ll spend some time exploring Trakai, an ancient town that served as a capital for the great dukes of Lithuania. The town is situated on a peninsula between three lakes, offering spectacular views. It’s most noted for its island castle, which also houses a rich museum of medieval history. After visiting Trakai Castle and Museum, take a walk through the lakeside streets to a Karaite restaurant. The Karaites are an ethnic minority of Semitic origin that settled here in the 14th century. Your guide will provide you with dining options, or you can take part in a cooking class (extra cost) at Senoji Kibinine where you’ll learn how to make traditional kibin meat pastries. (This fun attraction is limited and not guaranteed.)
Immediately following lunch, you’ll make the short drive to the Rumiskes open-air museum, one of the largest ethnographic museums in Europe. You’ll explore the heritage of Lithuanian rural life from its vast collection of 18-19th-century buildings where the people once lived. The homes, which contain household items such as furniture, utensils, and home decorations, represent the main ethnic groups of Lithuania including the Aukstaitija, Samogitia, Dxukija, and Suvalkya. If you like, after the one hour tour (additional cost), you can take part in break making at a sourdough workshop (2 hours) or discover the local medicinal herbs with a herbalist.
From Rumiskes, continue on to Kaunas (time permitting), to visit the precious Pazaislis Monastery, the largest monastery complex in Lithuania and one of the finest examples of Italian Baroque architecture styles in the country. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 17th century by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania for the Order of the Camaldolese Hermits. The monastery was closed by Russian authorities in 1832 and later converted into an Orthodox Church, a Roman Catholic Church, a psychiatric hospital, and an art gallery. In the 1990’s, the complex was returned to the nuns of the Lithuanian convent of St. Casimir.
Afterward, drive about 45 minutes more to your last stop of the day, Panemunes Castle, built on the original hill fort of the Teutonic Knights in the early 17th century. Dinner and overnight will be at the castle.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Panemunes Castle or similar
DDay 4Kaunas & Klaipeda
In the morning, drive to Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania, for a guided walking tour (2.5-3 hrs) visiting most of Kaunas’ best attractions in the Old Town, which are very close to one another. These include the 15th-century Gothic Perkunas House, Vytautas the Great Church, one of the oldest churches in the city, the Council Square and the monuments, churches, and monasteries situated around it, and the main medieval street with a number of souvenir stalls and galleries. You will learn about the interwar political history in the garden of the Old President’s Palace and come to understand the controversies that are still present in the region. After a chance to rest up at the park, your walking tour continues on towards the newer sections of town that were built in the 1930’s in Art Nouveau and Bauhaus architectural styles. Take a walk along the longest pedestrian street in Europe, Freedom Alley, and stop at the Kiemas open-air gallery, a courtyard entirely decorated in murals and artwork by the community that lives there. You may even get the chance to chat with some of the friendly inhabitants.
You’ll have free time for lunch at one of the dozens of worthy places around Freedom Alley, and your guide can recommend some of the best.
The second half of your Kaunas tour takes you to the M.K. Ciurlionis Museum Gallery where you will learn about the famous painter and musician said to have the ability to see music and hear color. Next, visit the nearby Devil’s Museum. Then, go to the Fort Memorial, a former prison and Nazi extermination camp where 40,000 Jews were murdered, followed by a visit to the Chiune Sugihara Museum to learn about the Japanese diplomat that rescued more than 6,000 Jews from the Holocaust by illegally issuing them Japanese visas.
Next, drive about two hours to Klaipeda where you will check in at your hotel. From the hotel, it is a short and pleasant walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Baltic German port of Memel to the preserved Meridian tall ship. Evening is on your own to explore Old Town. After dinner, we suggest you experience the local nightlife with a drink at the Fat Cat, a pub popular with the locals and sailors.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
National Hotel or similar
EDay 5Curonian Spit & Sand Dunes
Your day begins with a ferry ride across the Curonian Lagoon to the Spit, a long, thin, curved sand dune that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is shared by Russia and Lithuania. During the spring and fall migrations, many birds flock here to rest or breed. It is also the site of the town of Juodkrante and the Hill of Witches, home to a large collection of wooden sculptures based on Lithuanian legends and folk tales. After stopping to learn about Baltic mythology, drive to the top of the highest dune (131 feet), Parnidzio, for breath-taking views of the lagoon and Baltic Sea, the barren dune desert, and the serene pine forest. At the sundial, you’ll have a short introduction to time measurement. Descend from the dune and visit the former fishing and amber collecting village of Nida, now a resort town. Here we’ll arrange for you to have lunch at the favorite local smoked fish restaurant, Tik Pas Jona. Afterward, spend some time relaxing, walking along the Promenade, and watching the sailboats. If you like, drive a mile to the other side of the Spit to the seashore to seek out pieces of amber. Or, spend some time at the Dead Dunes Sanctuary. Before making your way back to the ferry, stop at a cormorant nesting site.
Back on the mainland, make the short drive to the bustling and colorful resort town of Palanga, a favorite destination of local tourists. Here you will take a walk through the beautiful park of the Count Oginsky Palace to enjoy its rose garden, then continue walking to the main pedestrian mall in town for some free time and dinner. Alternatively, take part in a Cepelinai cooking class (additional cost), and learn a fun way to prepare this simple, traditional Lithuanian potato dumpling, filled with meat, cheese or pepper. Or, take part in a fish-cooking class at Bararosa Restaurant with one of the best local chefs who will share his knowledge of massaging cod and spicing herring. Return to your hotel in Klaipeda for your overnight.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
National Hotel or similar
FDay 6Hill of Crosses & Pakruojis Manor to Mezotne Manor, LATVIA
This morning, return to Palanga to visit the Amber Museum housed at the picturesque Oginsky Manor. Here you’ll see the collection of amber, learn how it is made, and hear the history of the Eurasia amber trade. The collection includes Europe’s third-largest amber stone, the Sun Stone, jewelry pieces from the past four centuries, rosaries, and decorative boxes.
After an early lunch at a local restaurant, travel about two hours to Northern Lithuania, stopping to admire the famous Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site where thousands of crosses have been left by Lithuanians that prayed for peace, their country, and loved ones lost during wars. The number of crosses is unknown, but it is thought to be more than 100,000. After about an hour of walking around on the hill, continue on a short drive to Pakruojis Manor, the largest protected manor in Lithuania. The original manor dates back to the 16th century, but the construction of the current manor began in the 18th century after Baron Wilhelm von der Ropp took ownership. If you are there on a weekend, you can watch the “Living Museum” program, and see pots thrown, sheep being shorn, and perfume being made. You’ll have some free time to explore the manor or participate in a beer brewing demonstration with the Master Brewer (extra cost approx. $15, 90 minutes, weekends only). You’ll taste three different kinds of locally produced beer, and munch on hemp pancakes and various other snacks that pair well with the beer. Enjoy a traditional dinner at the manor’s tavern.
After dinner, cross the Latvian border and drive to the 18th century Mezotne Manor for your overnight. This manor is a great example of Neoclassical architecture.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Mezotne Manor or Skrundas Muiza or similar
GDay 7Rundale Palace & Riga
After breakfast, you’ll make the drive to Rundale Palace, an exquisite example of Rococo architecture. It was built in the early 18th century for the Dukes of Courland. The palace suffered damage during the Latvian War of Independence in 1919 and reconstructed shortly after when it was taken over by the Ministry of Agriculture. It became a school and protected monument before finally being fully restored and becoming a museum. Its collection of artifacts and beautiful baroque gardens will astound you. You can explore the palace on your own, or hire a local palace guide for an additional cost. In the cellar of the palace, you’ll enjoy dining at the historical Ozollade restaurant, which offers a nice selection of local cuisines (not included).
After lunch, continue on to Riga, the capital of Latvia, where you’ll check into your hotel and have the afternoon free through dinner. Riga is famous for its wine, craft beer, and folk taverns. Popular options for dinner include Rosengral’s for medieval cuisine or a crusader banquet, or the set menu at the Library Restaurant, Kilversala; your guide can also make other recommendations.
After dinner, your guide will take you on an evening stroll through the Old Town to get an impression of this lively city. You also have the option to order the Riga Black Balsam liquor program at the “Magic Bar,” with or without the story of chocolate. This program includes several strong drinks, coffee, cake, and homemade chocolate (not included in cost).
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Wellton Centrum or Europa Royale or similar
HDay 8Riga Exploration
You’ll spend today exploring Riga, Latvia’s capital and largest city. The city, founded in 1201, is known for its Art Nouveau and Jugendstil architecture. Riga’s historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll begin your guided walking tour with a visit to the main landmarks and lesser-known corners of the city. See the 13th-century Dome Cathedral and its extraordinary organ with over 6,700 pipes. Next, see the Great and Small Guilds’ houses and learn about Riga’s economic history, the Swedish Gate, and Beer-brewer’s Street, and learn about the legend of Cat’s House. You’ll also see the Three Brothers, an architectural complex of three houses built over different centuries, the House of the Blackheads, a single merchants’ guild, St. Peter’s Church and Tower, and Latvian Parliament in the Old Castle.
You’ll have some free time for lunch, and one option you might choose is to head to the market for a tasting tour of local delicacies and Latvian snacks (around 2 hours and additional cost). Return to your hotel for a chance to rest before setting out on an afternoon guided tour through the Art Nouveau District. This unique neighborhood, full of character, was built in the early 20th century. Visit the Art Nouveau Museum to see a collection of modernist artifacts, then return to the Old Town for some local shopping. If you like, for an additional cost, you can take a short ride to the cozy resort town of Jurmala and walk along the wide beach and promenade, enjoying the open-air cafes and live music. Or, see a performance at the Riga Opera (schedules and programs vary depending on day and time of year). This would be a good opportunity to get a look at behind the scenes and learn how the shows are staged and what it takes to produce a hit performance.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Wellton Centrum or Europa Royale or similar
IDay 9Sigulda Castles & Gauja N.P.
After breakfast at the hotel, take a short ride to Sigulda, a small town with two opposing medieval castles. Turaida Castle sits on a hilltop overlooking the stunning Gauja River and National Park. If you like, you can climb to the tower for even better panoramic views. See the exhibitions at the castle’s museums and walk through the sculpture park filled with dozens of depictions of characters from Latvian folk songs and botanical gardens.
Lunch will be at a local tavern, then visit the Crusader’s Castle, built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (German warrior monks) around 1207. Next, take a nature walk through Gauja National Park, the largest national park in Latvia, and visit legendary Gutman Cave, the widest and tallest cave in the Baltic region.
Continue on to an eco-village and meet the local people who chose to build an “alternative civilization” for a better way of life, then drive about an hour further to your charming manor hotel for the night. If you like, participate in one of the many activities offered by the manor such as a bicycle ride to the shore, playing croquet and other games, or wandering the beautiful English park.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Liepupe Manor or similar
JDay 10Soulkrasti & Parnu, ESTONIA
In the morning, a short drive takes you to Soulkrasti County where you’ll visit the famous Baron von Munchausen’s Manor. The legendary fictional character was based on a real person who lived in Soulkrasti in the mid-18th century. By telling outrageous heroic stories about himself, he became a celebrity of sorts, making people laugh and mock authorities. After exploring the museum, take a walk along a short trail to see the largest beer jug in the world according to Guinness Book of World Records. Continue along the picturesque Baltic Coast Highway across the Estonian border to Parnu. After lunch in Parnu, you’ll take a walk along the seaside on the wooden promenade, visit historic spa buildings and parks, and learn how Estonia gained its independence from the USSR in the ’90s. You’ll have some free time this afternoon to explore on your own or relax. Alternatively (additional cost), take a short drive to an ethnographic Russian village and farmyard and learn about the minority Russians in Estonia and their rural way of life. Admire their hohloma handicrafts, a typical Russian wood painting style, and enjoy tea made in a traditional samovar with Russian bagels. Additionally, a workshop of Russian herb-filled doll-making can be arranged, depending on time.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Villa Ammende or Hedon or similar
KDay 11Estonian Islands of Muhu & Saaremaa
Today’s adventure takes you to the Estonian Islands of Muhu and Saaremaa, known for their pristine Nordic nature and rural way of life. On arrival at the main town of Kuressaare on the island of Saaremaa, you’ll have lunch at one of the taverns, then head out on a four- to five-hour driving and walking tour. Visit the many natural wonders of Muhu and Saaremaa: the picturesque cliffs with lighthouses, seaside meadows, fishing villages, a meteorite crater site, and a group of five ancient windmills. You’ll see for yourselves how flour was once made. Return to Kuressaare where you’ll visit the Episcopal Castle, the only medieval structure that didn’t suffer any significant damage during the Baltic War. Spend some free time in Kuressaare this evening.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Georg Ots or Grand Rose or similar
LDay 12Ferry to Haapsalu & Drive to Tallinn
After breakfast, transfer to the pier and take the ferry to the mainland where you visit the small medieval coastal town of Haapsalu, known for its warm sea waters and healing spas. After lunch, take a short guided walk through the Old Town, then visit the Arvo Part Centre. Arvo Part is the most performed contemporary composer in the world and in his honor, Estonia built a sci-fi style museum and music center. You’ll have the opportunity to admire his ethereal tunes while watching the nearby forest trees through the center’s huge windows. After a short introduction and some time to enjoy his music, continue on to Tallinn. Expect to arrive around 5 or 6 pm for check-in, then have some free time to relax. Alternatively, take a dinner cruise on an old Swedish steamer while enjoying wonderful views of the Old tTown and castle (not included in cost). After dinner, take a stroll along the Old tTown streets towards Telliskivi creative villages, full of galleries, cafes, and bars. If you like, stick around and celebrate with the locals into the night.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hestia or Palace Hotel or similar
MDay 13Tallinn City Tour
Today you’ll immerse yourselves into Tallinn, taking in the Old Town, 15th century Town Hall, and fortification with its 27 iconic towers. Visit the old Toompea Castle, the seat of the government, and Tallinn Protestant Cathedral for a panoramic view of the old city. Next, explore the Dominican Monastery, Alexander Nevski Orthodox Church, Kiek in de Kok defensive tower, as well as many other celebrated landmarks of this medieval wonderland. If you like, you can have lunch on the top terrace of the Tallinn TV tower, or at the stylish Scheeli restaurant in the Old Town, or at the tavern of the Estonian open-air museum (lunch is not included in cost.)
This afternoon, visit Kadriorg Park and Palace, the Rusalka Monument, Pirita Olympic Village, and Seaplane Harbor. If you like, participate in the activities at the open-air museum or learn how to make marzipan and take home this special treat to share with loved ones (activities not included in cost.)
This evening, spend some time on your own to roam the Old Town one last night and enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants Tallinn has to offer.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hestia or Palace Hotel or similar
NDay 14Depart Tallinn
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Some manor and castle hotels are prime wedding locations and the weekends are booked several years in advance. We will do our best to confirm these accommodations whenever possible. Otherwise, an alternative hotel will be used.
Some activities mentioned may not be available on weekends.
We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!
Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.
Pricing and Payment
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.
We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.
Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.
Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Paying by credit card offers you certain consumer protections, including the ability to initiate a chargeback if you believe we have committed consumer fraud. You may not use credit card chargeback as an alternative to compliance with your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Program Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.
Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, adequate to cover such costs.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
Days Prior to Departure
Cancellation Penalty
61 or more
Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable
31-60
Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit
0-30
100% of total land costs
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.
Transfers Between Programs
You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, to cover these risks.
Travel Insurance
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.
If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Assumption of Risk
Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.
While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.
In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.
Fitness to Join
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.
Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.
Personal Conduct
You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.
You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.
Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.
Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.
Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Recording
Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.
Planning & Preparation Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Duration 14 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 2 - 12
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Superior
Delightful & superior hotels
Activity Level
Active
Light to moderate hiking
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.
