The Baltic countries (or Baltic states) are three sovereign nations located in Northern/Northeastern Europe along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. They sit directly south of Finland, west of Russia, and north of Poland and Belarus. This will be the first time we have visited these three countries.
Each of these countries endured harsh occupation by both Nazi and Soviet regimes during the 20th century, only to reclaim their independence in 1991. Since then, they have thrived as proud members of the European Union and NATO, embracing democracy, digital innovation, and tourism with remarkable energy. Together, the Baltic states offered an unforgettable and enriching experience.
Estonia, known for its tech-savvy society and fairy-tale capital, Tallinn, has strong Nordic ties and a language more closely related to Finnish than to its Baltic neighbors.
Latvia, the cultural heart of the trio, draws visitors with Riga’s breathtaking Art Nouveau architecture, charming Old Town, and serene stretches of white-sand beaches.
Lithuania, the largest and southernmost of the three, stands out for its deep Catholic roots and a rich past as a former European power. Its landscape is dotted with historic churches, hilltop castles, and sacred pilgrimage sites.
And that was just the start!!
We added a Pre-Trip to Poland and a Post-Trip to the wild, otherworldly landscapes of Finnish Lapland! That means we experienced everything from medieval city streets to Arctic wilderness, with a thrilling mix of climates and weather along the way!
We were part of an OAT “Baltic Capitals” tour (Fall, 2025).
Our guide was Marius Bernatonis, an experienced OAT leader with 14 years of guiding behind him. We later learned from one of our local day guides that Marius had recently been honored as one of the Top 10 OAT Guides worldwide—out of thousands! Throughout our journey, he not only guided us seamlessly between five countries but also coordinated the many local guides, speakers, and drivers we met along the way. Marius was truly exceptional—each day he went above and beyond what anyone could expect from a trip leader.
Like every OAT journey we’ve taken, this one promised more than just sightseeing. It was built for travelers like us who crave active exploration, authentic encounters, and cultural experiences in places where the big buses rarely venture. And we were not disappointed! In fact, this is one of our best trips EVER!!
We really put our new “carry-on-only travel” strategy to the ultimate test for the variety of climates on this trip! This was one unforgettable journey, in so many ways!