Why Book with Baltic Holidays?
Because we are the longest running UK specialist tour operator to the Baltic region, we have been established since 1999, we have an excellent track record with our suppliers and clients.
100% financial protection. Baltic Holidays are members of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) and AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators). Tour Operators who belong to these associations have to adhere to a strict code of conduct, meaning you and your money are safe. ABTA and AITO have set high standards for their members, ensuring they deliver an excellent service. An ATOL license is important but only protects you if you book a flight with that tour operator as part of your package.
Baltic Holidays are a member of ABTA, AITO and hold an ATOL license.
Our staff. Our friendly travel consultants, managers and directors travel to our destinations at least once a month, we check our hotels, check our ground suppliers and check out all that is new and exciting, this is so we have up to date knowledge to pass on to our clients so you get the very best from your break.
Small but not tiny, we are small enough so you will deal with the same travel consultant from your first quote through to when you arrive home. However we are big enough to meet all your expectations. Our hotels and suppliers know us well and have been dealing with us for years, they know our clients liked to be looked after on their well deserved holiday.
We listen, tell us your ideas and suggestions, we can only continue to improve our excellent service if you tell us what you think. We like to build friendships with our clients.
Is my money safe? Am I protected?
YES!
One of the stipulations for being a member of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) is to offer 100% financial protection to all our clients, on packages and 'accommodation only' bookings. Its not cheap for a Tour Operator to offer this sort of guarantee and protection so companies that hold the AITO badge will be leaders in their field.
As ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) members we have to adhere to a strict code of conduct. That’s means we offer a level of service that meets a standard set by them. If we fail to do so clients have some come back, there is objective complaints procedure clients can follow.
An ATOL bond - if you book your flights with us as part of your package your money is protected.
So whatever level of service you chose from us you can relax and rest assured your money is safe.
Do I need a Visa?
UK Citizens wishing to visit the Baltic Countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia do NOT need a visa.
Other foreign Nationals need to check with the appropriate foreign embassy
UK & US Citizens wishing to visit Kaliningrad and Russia DO need a visa.
Other foreign Nationals need to check with the appropiate foreign embassy.
How do I apply for a Visa?
You firstly need to obtain a TOURIST VISA application form from the Russian Consulate - this can be down loaded easily from their website http://www.rusemblon.org/
After completing this form (which we can help you with if there are some questions you are unsure about how to answer) you need to send it to them with a letter of invitation and postal order for the visa price (£30). Please note they do NOT accept cheques.
We provide this letter of Invitation once your deposit has been paid and booking confirmed.
We recommend an absolute minimum of 4 weeks for a visa application. If you have less time than this you can visit the Russian Consulate in London and apply in person, however the waiting time can be long - you must get there early in the morning and expect to wait for a few hours. Please note the Visa section at the consulate is closed on a Wednesday. Please check their website for other queries and latest information.
You can obtain your visa through an agency the cost is around £60-75 per person.
What money do I need to take?
Lithuania - LITAS - there are 5 Litas to one pound sterling.
Latvia - LATS - there is 0.95 to one pound sterling.
Estonia - KROON (EEKS) there are 22 EEK to one pound stering.
Russia - RUBLES - there are approximately 50 Rubbles to one pound sterling.
Is it easy to get money out whilst on holiday?
Yes - there are many ATM's in the Baltics which work just the same as in the UK or US. There is an English option you select when you first put your card in.
Please note some machines may charge a small fee for this.
There are also ATMs in St Petersburg, Russia.
When will I receive my booking pack?
We aim to get all tickets and your city information pack to you two weeks before you travel.
If your concerned drop your travel consultant an e-mail or give us a call 0845 070 5711 to find out when to expect it.
Whats the weather like?
As a rule of thumb the summers are hotter than in the UK and the winters are colder.
Spring and Autumn exist but as a season they are a lot shorter than in Britain.
The best summer time is late June to late August, with July usually being the warmest. Temperatures often top 30 Celsius.
The coldest months tend to be January to March where it can go down to -15, however its a dry cold rather than the damp cold we get in the UK, so a good coat that covers your legs, mittens and a hat and you'll be ready for anything!
Snow is usual during these months turning these countries into beautiful winter wonderlands.There's nothing better than a snowy walk through a beautiful city, with white capped buildings looking like they are auditioning for a fairytale and then finishing up in a cosy cellar restaurant with a glass of mulled wine, now that should warm you up!
What's the food like?
Lovely! There are all sorts of restaurants in the capital cities traditional and Italian, Indian, Russian catering for all sorts of tastes.
In the countryside and off the beaten track it is more likely to be traditional fare, lots of mushrooms, pork, bacon, potatoes, herrings, pickles, and some weird and wonderful dishes such as cepelinai that shouldn't be missed!
Will vegetarians go hungry!?
Josie one of our directors is a vegetarian so she has a particular interest in this!
"Whilst I would say eating as a vegetarian in the Baltics can on occasion present a challenge, in the capital cities its not a big problem anymore, there are some wonderful restaurants that may offer little vegetarian choice what they do offer is very tasty and great value for money, its certainly easier than it was 7 years ago!
I would say in the countryside you really need to make it clear that you don't eat any meat or fish, as bacon can find its way into most dishes, but some of the best vegetarian food I have ever eaten has been in the Baltic’s. One of our hotels in particular in Estonia has marvellous vegetarian fare, also their mushroom dishes are delicious".
Who are AITO?
AITO stands for The Association of Independent Tour Operators.
To be a member of this organisation a company has to have been trading for at least two years and adhere to a strict code of conduct and offer 100% finacial protections on all holidays offered, packages and accommodation only bookings.
Offering 100% financial protection is not a cheap option for a tour operator so your find AITO members tend to be leaders in their field.
Baltic Holidays are in their fifth year of being AITO members.
Who are ABTA?
ABTA stands for The Associtaion of British Travel Agents
Members of ABTA have to adhere to a strict code of conduct.
The Code of Conduct means that every one of ABTA's travel agents and tour operators has to work to the highest standards of service and quality. When you deal with an ABTA travel agent, they are required to give you comprehensive advice on things like insurance, visas, passports, health requirements, and any alterations to your travel arrangements.
Baltic Holidays are in their sixth year of ABTA membership. Membership number W5202.
What is an ATOL license?
If you book a flight as part of a package with a tour operator then you need to make sure they hold an ATOL license this means your money is safe regarding your air travel arrangements, however an ATOL license only protects the air aspect of that package.
To protect the other aspects of your holiday and if you book 'accommodation only' with a tour operator you need to make sure they are a member of ABTA or AITO (although only AITO members are as part of their membership obligation, still required to offer 100% financial protection on all bookings).
Or you need to be aware that if you book a flight outside of a package you are not necessarily financially protected.
Baltic Holidays are a member of AITO, ABTA and hold a ATOL License.
How much is....
How much is a beer?
In the cities 95p - £1.30
Countryside 50p - 75p
How much is an ice cream?
At the beach 20p-40p
How much is a two course meal with beer at a decent restaurant?
In the cities £5-6 a head
In the countryside £3-5 a head
With wine and spirits?
In the cities £7-14 a head
In the countryside £5-9 a head
How much is entry into museums?
In the cities £1-2.50
In the countryside 50p - £1.50
Do museums close on a certain day?
Yes - it is well worth checking if that is what you want to mainly do, especially on a city break. As a rule of thumb museums tend to be closed on a Monday, but as with everything there are exceptions to the rule.
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