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Walk Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania - Trip code ELL Walking and Trekking
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286Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Discover the rugged beauty of the Baltics on this walking holiday through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This tour takes you through the three capitals, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, as well as the states' biggest national parks. Try your hand at bog walking (seasonal), traverse the dunes of the Curonian Spit and uncover ancient fortresses in sprawling forests.

Why we love this trip
  • Explore the Baltic capitals - Wander through the enchanting capital cities: Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn.
  • Walk the Curonian Spit National Park - Take on the vast sand dunes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Bog Walking - On July to September departures, try your hand at bog walking in Lahemaa National Park

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Ferry

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Leisurely

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Tallinn, Estonia

Our tour of the Baltics starts in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. The city itself is something of fairytale wonder, perched on a hill overlooking the sea and with a charming medieval old town that's earned itself UNESCO World Heritage status.

For those arriving in time today, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting followed by the option to go for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive at any time. If you would like an airport transfer, you will need to arrive into Tallinn Airport (TLL), around a 20-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the meeting, our tour leader will catch you up ASAP.

Tallinn is a walkable city so if your flight arrives earlier, you might like to stretch your legs and explore. Take a stroll down the cobbled streets that lead to the bustling town square and marvel at the 14th-century town hall.

Accommodation:

Park Inn by Radisson Central Tallinn (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Explore Lahemaa National Park to look for beavers and learn how to bog walk (seasonal)

This morning, we'll start with a short walking tour of Tallinn's enchanting Old Town. Walking through the cobbled streets, the colourful houses show off influence from the German, Scandinavian and Russian periods of Tallinn's history, we'll pass by them and wander towards the old merchants' quarter and the busy town square.

Afterwards, we'll travel east to Estonia's largest national park, Lahemaa National Park. As well as its abundant nature, the park also celebrates Estonia's culture heritage and is home to ancient fishing villages and 17th-century manor houses. Today, we'll walk the Beaver Trail, discovering the diversity of plant and animal life and looking out for beaver dams along the Altja River Valley. If we're lucky, we might see the beavers themselves.

Our walk ends in the 400-year-old fishing village of Altja. On trips departing from July onwards, we've the opportunity after lunch to learn to bog walk in traditional shoes. Similar in construction to snowshoes, these strap onto your walking bootshoes and the frame prevents the wearer from sinking into boggy terrain. Unfortunately this activity isn't available between April and June due to bird nesting season.

Tonight, we'll spend the night in the national park in a beautifully converted distillery.

Today's Beaver Trail walk covers 4 kilometres/2.5 miles and is expected to take around 2 hours along gently undulating forest tracks. The afternoon bog walk covers 6 kilometres and is expected to take around 3 hours.

Accommodation:

Palmse Distillery Guesthouse (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Travel to Cesis and walk to Gauja River

Today, we'll cross the border into Latvia and drive to Cesis in the Gauja National Park, a four hour drive away. En route we may break the journey at the small town of Viljandi. Gauja National Park is the biggest in the country and has been given the nickname the Latvian Switzerland thanks to its rolling hills. Within the park, you can find the valleys of the Gauja River as well as over 500 historical sites including forts, castles, and windmills. The medieval town of Cesis is over 800 years old and its 13th-century castle was the main stronghold of the Livonian knights who ruled Latvia and Estonia during medieval times.

This afternoon, we'll take a forested nature trail through the park to the banks of the Gauja River, finishing by Eagle's Cliff from where there's a beautiful views. The 3 kilometre/1.8 mile walk should take around 45 minutes and the terrain is slightly hilly and forested. There are some sections of wooden steps, not always well maintained, where care should be taken.

Accommodation:

Kollona Cesis (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Walk in Gauja National Park

This morning, we'll drive to Sigulda to walk another nature trail through the forests and river valleys of the Gauja National Park. Our route will take us past the ruins of the Livonian medieval fortress and the neo-gothic castle ending at the 13th-century Turaida Castle. Along the way, we'll take a ride in a cable car to get a view of the forest from above.

In the afternoon, we'll journey on into Latvia to its capital, Riga. On arrival, we'll take a walking tour to get acquainted with the city. Riga is a very walkable destination, with most of its must-sees in one area - we'll take advantage of this and tick off the Freedom Monument, Gunpowder Tower, Saint Jacob's Church and the cathedral along the way.

Today's walk covers 8 kilometres/5 miles and should take around 3.5 hours. The terrain is undulating and forested.

Accommodation:

Rixwell Konventa Seta Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Explore the wetlands of Kemeri National Park

This morning, we'll drive west to Kemeri National Park, which was founded in 1977 to preserve the local wetlands, coastal lakes, and dunes. We'll take a walk along the raised boardwalk above the wetlands, discovering the distinctive mosses, bog pine trees and small pools and lakes. We'll then return to the seaside and spa resort of Jurmala for lunch. Jurmala has drawn tourists for years thanks to its curative mineral waters and therapeutic mud.

After lunch, we'll continue south and cross the border into Lithuania. We'll continue for around six hours to Klaipeda before taking a ferry to Nida on the Curonian Spit, our base for the next two nights.

Today's walk covers 4 kilometres/2.5 miles and is expected to take around 1.5 hours. The terrain is flat.

Accommodation:

Nidus Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Walk through the dunes and pine forests of Curonian Spit

Today we'll begin to explore the wild landscapes of the Curonian Spit. The Curonian Spit National Park is a 98-kilometre-long sand dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. Chains of sand dunes up to 60 metres high, breaking waves, pine forests and old Curnonian houses all make up this UNESCO Heritage Site.

We'll take an 11 kilometre/6.8 mile walk through the varying landscapes of the national park. Our walk is expected to take around 3.5 hours and the terrain is mainly flat and sandy with some forested areas.

Accommodation:

Nidus Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Walk around Lake Galve and Trakai Castle, travel to Vilnius, Lithuania

We have a long journey ahead of us today, around six hours, to Trakai, the former home of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Located on a peninsula in Lake Galve, Trakai is famous for its 15th-century castle, which sits on its own island. We'll stretch our legs with a scenic walk around the town and the castle.

After our castle visit, we'll make the short journey onwards to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. On arrival, we'll take a short walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, taking in the ancient university, the cathedral and St Anne's Church.

Today's walk covers 4 kilometres and is expected to take around 2 hours. The terrain is mostly flat with forested trails in some parts.

Accommodation:

Amberton Vilnius Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Vilnius, Lithuania

Our tour of the Baltic capitals ends at our hotel in Vilnius.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Vilnius International Airport (VNO), around a ten-minute drive from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Estonia

Climate

Summer days in Estonia are warm though changeable with the occasional thunderstorm. Temperatures are commonly around 20-25°C, but can reach 30°C or more especially in July. At night temperatures are cooler. Winters can be harsh with very low temperatures, especially in January. Sometimes it drops as low -30°C, but more commonly it'll be around -5°C. Snowfall usually starts in November and lasting through to March. Being a maritime climate it can rain at any time of the year and it can be foggy in the autumn.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Evangelical Lutheranism

Language

Estonian

Latvia

Climate

Summers in Latvia are generally hot and sunny and less humid than in Central Europe, with temperatures commonly around 18-22°C, but can reach 30°C. Summer is normally the rainiest time of year on a count of the afternoon thunderstorms that occur on some days. It can be windy on the coast at any time of year. Temperatures begin to drop in autumn and September can quite cold with temperatures between 8-15°C. Winters are normally below freezing with the first snows starting in November and lasting to the end of February. Temperatures regularly reach as low as -5°C, but can go down as far as -35°C.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Christian

Language

Latvian

Lithuania

Climate

Summer days in Lithuania are warm though changeable. Temperatures on the coast are usually around 19°C and between 22-23°C further inland, but they can reach over 30°C. At night temperatures are cooler. Winters are cold, with temperatures regularly below freezing, so be prepared for snowy and icy conditions. Temperatures regularly reach as low as -5°C, but can go down as far as -35°C. Snowfall usually starts in November and lasting through to March. Being a maritime climate it can rain at any time of the year.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Lithuanian

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. It can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier, a warmer fleece is recommended as a mid layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
-Insulated jacket

Footwear

Well broken in and waterproof walking boots are recommended, and shoes, trainers or sandals for relaxing. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water. Remember that you'll have to carry your own luggage between your transport and hotels so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
-Camera
-Walking poles (if you usually use them)
-Personal toiletries
-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
-Insect repellent
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)
-Binoculars

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local c urrency for tipping.

In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Estonia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£20 - 22
Dinner price
£22 - 25
Beer price
£6 - 8
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euros.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
EUR, GBP or USD
Where To Exchange
US Dollars, GBP Sterling and Euros can be changed in most places.
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn from ATM's in most cities.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are generally accepted only in the larger hotels and restaurants.

Latvia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£20 - 22
Dinner price
£22 - 25
Beer price
£5 - 7
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We suggest you take most of your spending money in cash (in small denominations). US Dollars and Euros are more easily converted than Pounds Sterling. N.B. US$ notes should be in good condition (not torn or marked). Notes prior to 1990 (of any currency) are often not accepted.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn from ATMs in all major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
In major restaurants and shops.

Lithuania

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15 - 18
Dinner price
£18 - 20
Beer price
£5 - 7
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euros
Recommended Currency For Exchange
EUR, GBP or USD
Where To Exchange
US Dollars, GBP Sterling and Euros can be changed in most places.
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn from ATM's in most cities.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are generally accepted only in the larger hotels and restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Ferry

Accommodation notes

All the hotels on our tour have been graded as comfortable. In the three capital cities we'll stay in centrally located four-star hotels, just a few minutes' walk away from the main sights. The air-conditioned rooms come equipped with all the usual modern comforts including tea/coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, safe, television and a free Wi-Fi connection.

A highlight of this trip is the Park Hotel Palmse in Lahemaa National Park. Based within its own grounds, this former vodka distillery is peaceful and comfortable with simply furnished rooms that each have en-suite bathrooms.

Food and drink

The majority of visitors to the Baltic states will be surprised by the quality, variety and value of food and drink on offer. The majority of food is locally sourced and part of the regions heritage is being able to forage for food and make local brews. Walking through the forests you will see locals passing the time picking mushrooms and gathering berries.

There are a lot of traditional restaurants with influences from Germany and Russia serving locally produced dishes. There's a wide variety on the menu ranging from soups, casseroles, salads, meat and fish dishes. Beer is locally brewed and you can find light and dark beers, filtered or unfiltered all for a reasonable price.

Estonia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Latvia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Lithuania

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Lithuania: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Latvia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Estonia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

Visa regulations in the Baltics are often subject to frequent change, and we advise you to check before you go.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

50

Estonia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus and hepatitis A. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Latvia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, polio and diphtheria. Consult your travel clinic for further advice. tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Lithuania

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus and hepatitis A. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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