Baltic brilliance: Discover Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Historic. The Baltic states have long, tumultuous histories, and we learned so much about each capital city on this trip. In Vilnius, we visited the KGB Museum, which is set in the former KGB headquarters. It gave us an eye-opening insight into Soviet rule and I'm glad we visited at the start of the trip, because it provided context for the rest of our week in the Baltic states. 
Image credit: Rossy

There was around 13 of us on this trip, with ages ranging from 30s to 50s and 80s. There was a mix of couples and solo travellers - in fact, this was my first ever solo trip - and many had travelled with Explore before. As there was so much to see and discover, we found it easy to bond with each other.

In each capital city, we stayed in excellent locations at the heart of the old towns. But our overnight stay at Pakruojis Manor was a truly unique experience. The atmosphere was different - a bit spooky but lovely. The historical ambiance and well-preserved architecture really transported me back in time. I enjoyed the guided tour. The beer-tasting experience was enjoyable - even though I don't drink, I was offered lemonade and didn't feel left out. Someone was singing with an accordion, which added to the fun. Overall, it was a unique experience and truly felt like living in a secret garden.

This trip is listed as having a Full On pace, which I'd say is accurate. The first couple of days involved a lot of walking (there was so much to see!) but then it seems to balance out. We spent our free time either visiting cafes or bars, or revisiting any sites we wanted to spend more time at.
 
We travelled between destinations in our own minivan, and we'd make stops along the way which helped break the journey up. The longest drive of the trip was the journey to Riga, which took around five hours - but the ride was comfortable and well-managed with several stops along the way, making the journey feel shorter.

1. Tallinn, Estonia: The well-preserved medieval architecture and panoramic views from the Upper Town are simply breathtaking, and display Tallinn's rich history and charm.
2. Pakruojis Manor, Lithuania: You'll truly feel as if you've stepped into the 19th century at this living museum. Explore the grounds before a good night's sleep in atmospheric surrounds.
3. Walking tours: The best way to get to know Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius is simply by foot. Soak up the culture and history as your tour leader tells you everything you need to know about each destination.
4. Kaunas, Lithuania: This former capital city of Lithuania is located right in the heart of the country. Kaunas is home to characteristic architecture, with some buildings dating to the 17th century.
5. Baltic cuisine: From traditional dishes to locally foraged ingredients, the Baltic states offer a variety - and sometimes intriguing - of delicious cuisine.