• > Why go to the Baltic States with Djoser?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > How will you arrange the visa for Russia?
• > Do I have enough time in Saint Petersburg? Can I extend my trip?
• > How long are the travel days?
• > How are the accommodations?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > What is the best time to travel?
• > Is money exchange complicated for four countries? Are there ATM machines?

Why go to the Baltic States with Djoser?

The Baltic States are in a very interesting region. After 50 years of Soviet rule the originality and the authenticity is emerging again. With Djoser you will visit all three Baltic countries in combination with the old Russian capital of Saint Petersburg. Aside from your stay at the attractive capitals you will spend a number of days rurally and in nature-rich regions. Excursions from Riga and Kuressaare are included. During the entire trip a guide will be present. Locally we will travel by a modern bus. The modern hotels are very centrally located, within walking distance of the city centers. Breakfast, which usually consists of a richly provided buffet, is included.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could be one of a maximum of four North American travelers on this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English. While the tour leader will help you to assimilate, you will not get a word-for-word repeat of all that is said or written in Dutch.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

How will you arrange the visa for Russia?

Because of the “red tape” involved for Russian visas, we require that you go through our visa service It’s Easy Passports, on the web at http://www.itseasypassport.com. You will receive more information about this upon booking. It’s Easy honors a 10% discount for Djoser customers off the service portion of the fee. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens for the other three countries.

Do I have enough time in Saint Petersburg? Can I extend my trip?

We have set aside two days to be spent in Saint Petersburg. The emphasis of this trip after all is the Baltic States. If you choose to spend more time in this imposing, cosmopolitan city, you will have the possibility to delay your return flight for a few days. To do so, you can request an extension in Saint Petersburg when you book your trip ($100 for flight deviation). You can also request an overnight layover in Amsterdam on the way over or back (layover, $150 for flight deviation). You will be responsible for booking your hotels or airport transfers for any layovers or extension nights.

How long are the travel days?

Because of the rather short distances there are few long trips. A bus trip takes four hours at the most. We will travel by private bus the entire trip. There is often a lot to see on the way and because the bus is entirely at our disposal we will be able to stop where we want to stretch our legs, to take a picture or to visit a nice spot or a historical site on the way.

Click here to view examples of our transport: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation/

How are the accommodations?

The hotels are good middle class hotels and centrally located without exception. People of the Baltic countries have worked hard to catch up with overdue maintenance since their independence. At all times you will stay at a modern hotel with air-conditioning, showers, bathrooms and even cable TV in your room. In most hotels breakfast consists of an extensive buffet.

Click on the following link to view some of our lodgings: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels/

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.

What is the best time to travel?

Although the Baltic States are situated rather to the north, temperatures in the summer are about the same as in the Netherlands. At the shore there are less overcast skies and you may count on sunny days. Inland it may be cloudy sometimes and more rainy. Due to the northern location you may also take advantage of long days in the summer months.

Is money exchange complicated for four countries? Are there ATM machines?

Every country has its own currency. However, you will be able to get local currencies everywhere very easily at ATM machines. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are also accepted in most establishments.