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How Indigenous Tour Operators Are Reclaiming Their Ancestral Ties to National Parks Around the World

“We lived in harmony with the gorillas,” says Jane Nyirangano, the Batwa leader of the  Gahinga Batwa Village , a community in the foothills of the volcanic Virunga mountains of southwest Uganda . “We had a good life in the forest,” adds her husband Safari. 

Home to the endangered mountain gorilla, the Virungas’ lush tropical forests in East Africa have become a popular trekking destination for travelers eager to see the primates—the only great ape  whose numbers are on the rise after decades of successful conservation efforts. But for Africa’s Indigenous Batwa people—the forest’s original inhabitants who thrived hunting small game and gathering wild fruits, medicinal herbs, and wild honey here for millennia; and whose livelihood, culture, and spirituality is deeply tied to the land—these conservation efforts have been detrimental. 

The Gahinga Batwa Village is the new home of the Batwa community in Uganda.

The village is open to travelers who wish to visit and learn more about Batwa heritage.

Forcibly evicted from the Mgahinga and  Bwindi forests when the areas were gazetted as national parks by the Ugandan government in 1991, with no compensation or support, the Batwa became conservation refugees—a  growing class of people displaced by an exclusionary model of  conservation that favors wildlife and biodiversity, and forcibly expels native people who have lived there for centuries. A number of Indigenous communities like the Batwa relocated to the periphery of national parks and protected areas—or further—many of them dispossessed of their ancestral homelands, their rights to the terrain, and its resources. 

For travelers visiting ancestral lands of native people, there’s a unique responsibility to learn these stories—and to support the Indigenous communities who have been displaced.

The Gahinga Batwa Village is part of a resettlement project founded in 2018 by ecotourism operator,  Volcanoes Safaris , helping to set a new foundation for the Batwa community evicted from  Mgahinga National Park . Through the  Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust , 15 acres of land were purchased to establish permanent homes and gardens for 28 Batwa families comprising 139 people; an adjacent six-acre plot will be purchased to expand the project within the next three months. 

Guests staying at Volcanoes Safaris’  Mount Gahinga Lodge are welcomed to visit the Batwa village and its Heritage Trail—a 15-minute walk from the lodge—to learn about life in the forest before the park’s creation, Batwa medicinal herbs, bow and arrow hunting techniques, and song and dance traditions that continue to shape the community’s identity today. Nearby, the Batwa women weave baskets and accessories from sisal, raffia, and local grasses at a vocational center built by the non-profit; all proceeds go directly to the women weavers. 

The Batwa Village is a 15-minute walk from Mount Gahinga Lodge.

“We teach our crafts, sing, and practice our dances to not forget our culture,” Jane says, noting that experiencing their traditions and buying their crafts are ways they hope guests will support their community.  

Preserving Indigenous  traditional ecological knowledge , or TEK, can be a challenge for displaced communities who cannot access their ancestral land ​​and implement their inherited wisdom in its environment—particularly those experiencing a generational exit of elder family members whose children and grandchildren have never lived there.

In southern Nepal’s lush Terai Lowlands, an area encompassing savannah, wetlands, and dense forest where Birendra Mahato’s grandparents were born, the Indigenous Tharu people prospered in isolation for centuries using cattle grazing and rotational farming methods to cultivate the land. “Tharu people have unique Indigenous knowledge about how to protect ecosystems; manage the wetlands and grasslands; manage the irrigation systems we built; and minimize river floodings,” says Mahato, who continues to live and work near the park.

The migration of higher caste people, development, and government land reform policies following malaria’s eradication in the 1950s began stripping the Tharu of their ancestral land and forced them to relocate to Thori, near the border of India. The establishment of Chitwan National Park in 1973—a “copy and paste idea from  Yellowstone National Park ,” according to Mahato, referring to the  fortress conservation model that posits biodiversity preservation is best achieved without the presence of people—forced the remaining communities living inside its boundaries to relocate 12 miles north to an area called  New Padampur . “We lost our forest rights,” says Mahato. “We lost our agriculture rights. We lost our political rights. We lost our Indigenous wetland management rights. We lost a lot of things.” The community's traditional ecological knowledge is nearly gone, he says, because they cannot practice where the park now stands.

Chitwan National Park was established in 1973 in southern Nepal.

The Tharu people prospered in what is now Chitwan National Park for centuries.

In 1996, a buffer zone was created around the new park, along with 21 buffer zone committees that receive and allocate 30 to 50 percent of park revenues to local conservation and socioeconomic projects. Caste dynamics and the  lack of Indigenous representation on the committees enables the local non-Indigenous elite to capture much of the revenue from tourism and conservation. Meanwhile, Indigenous communities bear the brunt of deadly encounters near the park, not only with wildlife, but also with armed park guards  who’ve been accused of human rights violations , as cited in a World Wildlife Fund report. “Indigenous people are sacrificed by the park,” says Mahato. “The Tharu don’t get any benefit from the park. Every day we lose and lose.”

A passionate  conservationist , Mahato has created several initiatives to empower his community and Indigenous youth. Realizing Tharu culture could soon disappear, he founded the  Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Center , a non-profit organization in Sauraha to preserve Tharu Indigenous knowledge for future generations and educate visitors about their history and traditions. Travelers can also book bike and fishing excursions, traditional Tharu meals, and three modest guest rooms at the center; proceeds are reinvested into the community, education programs, and cultural preservation. 

“If travelers want to support Indigenous communities, they can work directly with Indigenous-owned businesses and NGOs,” Mahato says. “This way, maybe, more and more Indigenous people can benefit from the park, tourism, and conservation.” 

In North America, native communities are also identifying ways to benefit from tourism in national parks—even when their creation has been detrimental to tribes—and share the history of their land in an authentic way. Thirty years ago in Montana, Ed DesRosier of the  Blackfeet Nation broke new ground when he obtained a  concession contract with the National Park Service (NPS)—one of only two Indigenous-owned (and -staffed) businesses recognized as an NPS concession company at the time. His company,  Sun Tours , now operates half and full-day cultural interpretive tours of  Glacier National Park —former Blackfeet land taken in 1895 from a starved tribe through a treaty that  remains contested today . 

Glacier National Park stands on former Blackfeet land; Indigenous-owned Sun Tours offers excursions through the park that teach travelers about the tribe's history and culture.

“We have a role to educate people around the history of the land, the evolution of it and how the Blackfeet lost the land—and to make them more aware of where we are today because of what happened in the past,” says DesRosier, who runs the company with his son Derek. “Travelers share a similar conservation ethic, so we can be a conduit for broadening and transcending the typical national park experience where they can learn through our cultural connection of living in harmony with the earth.” A spectacular drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road paired with a Blackfeet interpretation of the site, for example, provides an experience only made possible by the Blackfeet’s profound connection to the land they’ve stewarded for over 10,000 years. 

“The reason the land looks the way it does is because of Indigenous management, our values of respect, and all the different tools that the tribe used and learned from being in a place over time and living in a sustainable way,” says Derek DesRosier. “The idea was that we would live in perpetuity with the landscape and respected it as such. Because we knew that would not just be best for us, but also for all the other things that we lived with.” 

Ed DesRosier is optimistic that the presence of Indigenous communities is “getting recognized more and more with travelers and people that support national parks.” His long-term dream is co-management of the park and having portions of nearby land returned, like  Badger-Two Medicine , a plot of unprotected federal land near the Blackfeet reservation which is home to Blackfeet origin stories and currently threatened by oil and drilling. In the meantime, strengthening the connection between park visitors and the Blackfeet perspective remains a priority.

“I always felt it was our duty to share the values that we hold dear to the land and in relation to our existence here,” Ed DesRosier says. “And that we continue to recognize who we are as part of this landscape that was our ancestors’ original homelands for thousands of years. As Blackfeet descendants of the ancestral connection, we’re still here and we’re still connected.” The least travelers can do is tune in and listen.

How to support Indigenous communities in and near the parks you visit

Visiting ancestral lands is a privilege; travelers can begin to support Indigenous communities by learning who previously lived on the land. Native Land Digital , an Indigenous-led non-profit, has a digital map that makes this incredibly easy. (For further pre-trip research, this guide about decolonizing the language used in conservation from  Survival International is helpful for acknowledging the ongoing dilemma around native peoples’ rights and conservation initiatives.) Once you know the nations tied to the land you plan to visit, research and book with Indigenous-owned and -led tour companies—and trust you'll come home with a fuller picture of the destination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Antarctica, responsible tourism, and the work IAATO does.

Find out more

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators is a member trade association that represents Antarctic tour operators and others organizing and conducting travel to Antarctica. It was originally founded in 1991 by seven private tour operators wanting to join together to practice and promote safe and environmentally responsible travel to this remote and delicate region of the world.

Membership today comprises more than 100 respected companies from across the world.

In 2021 IAATO will celebrate its 30th year of advocating and promoting safe and environmentally responsible private sector travel to Antarctica. It operates within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System , including the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, along with IMO Conventions and similar international and national laws and agreements.

These are designed to promote travel to the region that is not only safe but also that all of the necessary precautions are taken to minimize impact on the environment and wildlife. This effort is unique, and the challenge to maintain environmentally responsible tourism exists to this extent in no other region of the world.

Read more about Who We Are .

IAATO’s mission is to:

• Advocate and promote safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to Antarctica
• Operate within the parameters of the Antarctic Treaty System along with IMO Conventions and similar international and national laws and agreements
• Have no more than a minor or transitory impact on the Antarctic environment;
• Foster continued cooperation among its members
• Provide a forum for the international, private-sector travel industry to share their expertise, opinions, and best practices
• Create a corps of ambassadors for the continued protection of Antarctica by offering the opportunity to experience the continent first-hand
• Support science in Antarctica through cooperation with National Antarctic Programs, including logistical support and research and to foster cooperation between private-sector travel and the international science community in the Antarctic
• Help the Membership employ the best qualified staff and field personnel through continued training and education
• Encourage and develop international acceptance of evaluation, certification and accreditation programs for Antarctic personnel.

Read more about Our Mission .

IAATO’s offices are located in Providence, Rhode Island at 225 Dyer Street. Some members of the IAATO Secretariat work from home in the US or UK. The quickest way to contact us is via our online enquiry form .

Our  Membership Directory  has full details of all our current members. Not all companies that take visitors to Antarctica are IAATO members, however the vast majority are.

IAATO has two types of membership: Operators and Associates.

• Operate their own travel programs to the Antarctic
• Have fulfilled certain membership and operational requirements
• Tour operators
• Travel agents

Associates may also be other companies or individuals with an interest in supporting Antarctic tourism and IAATO’s objectives. This includes:

• Port agents/ship agencies
• Government tourism bureaus/tourist boards
• Expedition management service providers
• Conservation organizations
• Product/service providers

There is also a Provisional Operator status for organizers that operate travel programs to Antarctica but are new to IAATO and have not yet met all of the membership and operational requirements. Once they have met these requirements, these companies can then apply for full Operator status.

Find out more about membership requirements on our How to Join section .

IAATO members have demonstrated a commitment to follow the necessary precautions and protocols to visit Antarctica safely and responsibly, having minimal impact on the natural environment.

Protocols they subscribe to include (but are not limited to):

• Proper staffing and necessary experience of staff and crew
• How to approach and keep a safe distance from wildlife
• The proper disposal of waste materials

In addition, our members have demonstrated they have the experience needed and contingency plans in place to anticipate and respond to emergency situations, should they arise.

IAATO operates within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System , including the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, along with IMO Conventions and similar international and national laws and agreements. These are designed to promote travel to the region that is not only safe but also that all of the necessary precautions are taken to minimize impact on the environment and wildlife.

IAATO’s members share this commitment to the region. This commitment is combined with the authority of the Antarctic Treaty Parties to regulate tourism in their official capacity.

By choosing an IAATO member as a tour operator, you can be sure you’re undertaking travel to Antarctica in the most responsible way, helping to conserve this unique landscape for generations to come.

Read more about IAATO and its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty .

All IAATO members are to meet all of the association’s standard operating procedures and established procedures and guidelines designed to promote safe and responsible operations in Antarctica.

Examples of this include:

• Coordinating itineraries in advance through careful advance pre-season planning
• Participating in the IAATO vessel tracking system, designed to enhance contingency response
• Having adequate insurance and contingency plans in place
• Hiring Bridge officers with appropriate experience

For a more comprehensive list, see Section X of the IAATO Bylaws .

Yes. Being a member of IAATO is a privilege and companies must remain in good standing to retain their membership. The conditions of doing so are laid out in Section III of the IAATO Bylaws . These Bylaws allow for reprimand or change in membership status (e.g. probation or expulsion) after review by the Compliance and Dispute Resolution and Executive Committees and a vote by the members in good standing.

However, this is incredibly rare. Our membership is comprised of outstanding companies in all levels of membership who believe in IAATO’s mission and work hard to ensure excellence in their operations.

IAATO Members have agreed that they will not allow the recreational use of drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), in the unique coastal areas of Antarctica, until more is known about their responsible use. This ban will be reviewed annually in May to allow for potential technological advances and further developments within the regulatory community.

IAATO members allow the recreational use of authorized UAVs in the interior of Antarctica under strict and carefully controlled conditions.

Antarctic travellers interested in using a UAV for purposes other than recreational use in Antarctica must check with their tour operator or travel agent in advance of travel. As for all human activities in Antarctica, a permit is needed.

Non-IAATO members and private expeditions should contact their relevant Competent Authority or government agency if they intend to operate a UAV anywhere in or around the continent.

IAATO member operators must include an application to fly UAVs within their overall permit application. The difficulty for prospective UAV pilots is that Treaty Parties, and IAATO members, are concerned about their use in Antarctica; flying drones is a relatively new activity and while there are situations when they may be of value (e.g. science, ice reconnaissance for vessel navigation, education, including documentary film making), there are many questions still to be answered in terms of their potential impact on the environment. The use of UAVs is therefore in a state of development and, until more information is available, both the Competent Authorities and IAATO Member Operators are taking a precautionary approach when it comes to their operation. The intention is to devise a pragmatic policy framework that will allow safe and environmentally responsible use under controlled circumstances.

All human activities, whether for science or tourism, have to go through an Environmental Impact Assessment by a relevant Competent Authority/government agency. Critically, IAATO Member operators have agreed that their activities must have less than a minor or transitory impact on the environment. They submit permit applications annually to their Competent Authority/government agency and, if their planned activities meet all criteria, they are authorized and a permit granted.

Rigorous standards apply to all vessel operators who intend to conduct travel to Antarctica. Tourism operators must notify their National Authority in advance of their plans in order for the government agency (in the U.S. this is the Department of State) to verify they have jurisdiction over the operation and then file a detailed environmental impact assessment (in the U.S. this is to the Environmental Protection Agency) to verify that their planned activity will have less than a minor or transitory impact on the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems — a requirement by the governments involved in managing Antarctica (these are the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties).

Additionally, all vessels must comply with applicable international marine legislation that applies to virtually all ships at sea, including compliance with fuel oil standards adopted within the International Maritime Organisation that require ships to burn lighter-grade fuels while in the Antarctic Treaty Area (the sea south of 60 South latitude). This requirement came into effect in 2011 and has required a number of the larger ships (cruise-only vessels, icebreakers, and expedition ships alike) to switch from burning heavy fuel oil to lighter-grade fuels, such as marine gas oil.

Most cruises depart from one of the gateway ports in southern South America, such as Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile) or Montevideo (Uruguay), to the scenic and wildlife rich northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. These cruises often include visits to the nearby Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and South Georgia. A limited number of cruises are operated to the Ross Sea side of the continent departing from Hobart, Australia or Lyttelton or Bluff, New Zealand. Occasionally a trip to the Peninsula will be offered that begins or ends in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth (South Africa), either at the start or end of the season as the ships are being repositioned for the Antarctic season.

You don’t need a visa to travel to Antarctica itself, but you might need a visa for the country you intend to travel to Antarctica from. This is usually Argentina or Chile, although some operators depart from South Africa or New Zealand (see ‘Where do cruises depart from’, above). It depends on the country that issued your passport. Please check with relevant consulates and embassies before you travel and also check that you have adequate medical and travel insurance for your entire journey. Your operator will be able to offer advice.

IAATO members operate a range of vessels, which are categorized according to their passenger capacity:

• C1 – Traditional expedition ships that carry 13-200 passengers and make landings
• C2 – Mid-size vessels that carry 201-500 passengers and make landings
• CR – Vessels that carry more than 500 passengers and do not make landings (i.e. cruise only)
• YA – Sailing or motor yachts that carry up to 12 passengers

Our Vessel Directory lists all the vessels currently used by our members.

Yes. In addition to the stringent regulations outlined above, IAATO and the Antarctic Treaty Parties place an additional restriction on vessels carrying more than 500 passengers. These vessels are not allowed to land any passengers while in Antarctic waters. This means these operators are cruise-only.

All operators are encouraged by IAATO and the governments who manage commercial tourism activities in Antarctica (the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties) to provide a focus on the enrichment and education of visitors about the environment and its protection. In line with this, all IAATO operators all offer educational programs.

Some operators offer lectures in languages other than English: for example French, German, Japanese, Spanish, etc. Lecturers and naturalists present presentations on topics that relate to the area visited, as well as on topics such as geology, glaciology, biology (seabirds and sea mammals), the history of Antarctic exploration, geopolitics, the Antarctic Treaty, and selected other topics.

IAATO expects its members to hire an expedition team comprised of individuals of whom have at least 80% relevant experience and 50% of whom have previous Antarctic experience.

Many of our members have won awards for the excellence of their educational programs. Some also offer children’s educational programs (usually offered on the holiday cruises around Christmas/New Year’s), with a children’s activity coordinator, where there are specialty programs and educational activities designed around the interests of younger travelers.

For specific information about the educational opportunities offered on each trip, please check with the individual operators.

There are many research stations in Antarctica, with most being located along the coastline or on the offshore islands, some of them operating all year round. Many have visitor arrangements by prior request of the tour operator.

Some of those visited in the past have included stations in the Antarctic Peninsula area including Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, the People’s Republic of China, Germany, Poland, the Russian Federation, the Republic of (South) Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay, and a few in the Ross Sea area (Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the United States).

Visits include an opportunity to see and learn about the research being undertaken as well as life on an Antarctic base. Not all operators include visits to research stations, nor are they visited on every cruise. Check with the operator if this is of interest to you.

IAATO views training and experience as lynchpins of its mission: facilitating safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to Antarctica. IAATO Members’ guides or expedition staff play a key role in the stewardship of the Antarctic. Their role includes introducing, educating and informing visitors about the unique Antarctic environment and its role in the global system — and all this with the robust best practices identified to help keep everyone safe and treading softly with minimal or no disturbance to the environment.

As such, IAATO has established an online field staff assessment and certification program. The online assessment is designed to augment the training and test the knowledge of staff on the contents of the  IAATO Field Operations Manual .

If you are a guide who has access to the IAATO ‘Field Staff’ section of the website due to being employed by an IAATO member tour operator, simply login and navigate to ‘Online Assessment’ which can be found in the ‘Field Staff’ Menu where you can find all of the information you will need to undertake this year’s Assessment.

If you are a guide but you are not employed by a current IAATO member tour operator, you can still undertake the field staff assessment and certification programme. To take the Online Assessment, you will need to create a new account by logging into the Online Assessments site directly. Once you have signed in, please change your password in the My Account  section.

In case of any further queries please contact  Operations .

Through the unique global partnership that is the Antarctic Treaty system, the entire continent is formally designated as a ‘natural reserve, devoted to peace and science’. Antarctica is regarded as the last great wilderness on our planet, still pristine with wildlife and landscapes that show little evidence of direct human activity. To visit, and operate in, an environment like this comes with a responsibility to do so carefully and with minimal impact.

IAATO has demonstrated through its work that environmentally responsible tourism is possible in remote and fragile wilderness areas. More than this, tourism is and should continue to be a driving force in Antarctic conservation.

First-hand travel experiences foster a better understanding of a destination where no indigenous population exists to speak for itself. Visitors — representing more than 100 different nationalities on average per season — return home as ambassadors of goodwill, guardianship and peace.

IAATO’s focus on protection, management and education promotes a greater worldwide understanding and protection of the Antarctic with the goal of leaving it as pristine and majestic for future generations as it is today.

The Antarctic Treaty was signed on 1 December 1959 at Washington, D.C. and entered into force on 23 June 1961. It designated the entire continent as “a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science”, creating an unprecedented global partnership that now includes nearly 50 countries.

Read more about the Antarctic Treaty .

The number of ships varies from year to year. To facilitate the responsible management of human activity in Antarctica by Treaty Parties, IAATO annually submits Information Papers to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), which IAATO attends as an Invited Expert. They include a tourism overview paper which:

• Details the scope of Antarctic tourism that took place during the past season
• Provides an estimate for what is being planned for the upcoming season

You can find all of IAATO’s information papers here .

Alternatively, our Information section provides information on the scope of Antarctic tourism, as well as Antarctic destinations by ship and information on land tourism.

If you need any additional information, please  contact us directly .

Privacy Overview

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• Legislation

Tour Operators (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations, 1992

( c ) the substitution in Regulation 9 (c) for "£88.00" (inserted by the Tour Operators (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations, 1988) of "£101";

( d ) the substitution for paragraphs "( d ), ( e ), ( f ) and ( g )" of Regulation 9 inserted by the Tour Operators (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations, 1988) of the following paragraphs:

"( d ) In the case of an applicant for a tour operator's licence who has not held a tour operator's or travel agents licence within the two years immediately prior to application, an additional fee of £201 shall be payable.

"( e ) Where an application for a tour operator's licence is received less than two months but more than one month prior to the date on which the licence is required to commence, an additional fee of £1,000 shall be payable.

"( f ) Where an application for a tour operator's licence is received less than one month prior to the date on which the licence is required to commence, an additional fee of £2,000 shall be payable.

"( g ) Where an applicant for a tour operator's licence has failed to submit audited financial statements as required by the Minister under Regulation 7 ( b ), an additional fee of £1,000 shall be payable.";

( e ) the insertion of Regulation 9 ( h ):

"( h ) The Minister may, at her discretion, waive the additional fees payable under paragraphs ( e ) and ( f ) where she is satisfied that the delay in submission of an application was due solely to circumstances outside the control of the applicant, his agents or servants."; and

( f ) the substitution of the following Schedule for the first Schedule:

"FIRST SCHEDULE

Regulation 6

APPLICATION FOR A TOUR OPERATOR'S LICENCE

Checklist for all Tour Operator Licence Applications

Note: An application without a completed checklist will not be regarded as a valid application and will be returned to the applicant for completion. This may result in a late application fee for a applicant.

Additional checklist for new Applicants only

Note: An application without a completed checklist will not be regarded as a valid application and will be returned to the applicant for completion. This may result in a late application fee for the applicant.

TRANSPORT (TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENTS) ACT, 1982

Name of Applicant ............................................................ ............................................................ ....................

Business or Trading Names 1............................................................ ............................................................ ..

Registered Office ............................................................ ............................................................ .......................

Business Address ............................................................ ............................................................ .......................

Telephone No. ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................

Fax. No. ............................................................ ............................................................ .......................................

hereby applies for a licence to carry on business as a tour operator as defined in section 2 of the Transport (Tour Operators and Travel Agents) Act, 1982 , for the period

The amount of £ , being the fee payable in respect of this application, is enclosed.

I, the undersigned, declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the particulars herein given are true and complete and that there have been no changes in the financial resources, ownership and control of the business other than those notified in this form.

I also authorise the Minister, or any officer approved by him, to apply to all or any of the persons or bodies specified in section 11 of this application form, and all such persons or bodies are hereby authorised to give such information as may be sought from them hereunder, for the purpose of substantiating the particulars furnished in this application.

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Baltic capitals.

May-September 2020, 10 days/9 nights

Gbc06: 13.05-22.05.20 gbc08: 27.05-05.06.20 gbc11: 17.06-26.06.20 gbc12: 24.06-03.07.20 gbc13: 01.07-10.07.20 gbc14: 08.07-17.07.20 gbc15: 15.07-24.07.20 gbc16: 22.07-31.07.20 gbc17: 29.07-07.08.20 gbc18: 05.08-14.08.20 gbc19: 12.08-21.08.20 gbc20: 19.08-28.08.20 gbc21: 26.08-04.09.20 gbc22: 02.09-11.09.20 gbc23: 09.09-18.09.20, package prices per person:,  eur 1195.00 (double occupancy), eur 500.00 (single supplement), white night supplement for gbc06-gbc13, eur 100.00 (double occupancy), eur 100.00 (single supplement), 9 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels, 9 x buffet breakfast, welcome meeting with champagne-cocktail or juice, personalised welcome package, entrances to medieval great guild hall in tallinn, church-in-the-rock in helsinki and peter-paul fortress in st. petersburg, service of english and german speaking tour escort on all tours, service of italian only speaking tour escort on baltic countries segment and italian and spanish speaking tour escort on finnishrussian segment on tours gbc12, gbc14-gbc19, service of 1 st class motor coaches or 1 st class minivans throughout the itinerary, ferry ticket tallinn-helsinki ow (2 nd class), portage at hotels, transfer airport to hotel wellton riverside: eur 35.00 for  private car (1-3 persons), eur 55.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), 4-hour excursion to jurmala: eur 40.00 pp, latvian dinner at restaurant forest: eur 40.00 pp, 3-hour excursion to kadriorg park and visit to kumu: eur 40.00 pp, medieval dinner at restaurant maikrahv: eur 40.00 pp, 6-hour excursion to lahemaa national park: eur 70.00 pp, 3-hour excursion with water bus to the suomenlinna fortress: eur 60.00 pp, finnish dinner at restaurant salve: eur 60.00 pp, 4-hour excursion to zarskoye selo and visit to catherine’s palace: eur 80.00 pp, visit to folklore show at the nikolaevsky palace: eur 65.00 pp, 4-hour excursion to peterhof and visit to the grand palace: eur 75.00 pp, 3-hour visit to the hermitage art museum: eur 50.00 pp, russian dinner at restaurant pryanosti & radosti: eur 50.00 pp, transfer hotel sokos vasilievsky to airport: eur 70.00 for private  car (1-3 persons), eur 90.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), half board at hotels (7 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea on day 1 – day 4 and day 7 – day 9): eur 225.00 pp, day 1 (wednesday): arrival riga.

Arrival in Riga, optional transfer to Hotel Wellton Riverside**** or similar, check-in, welcome meeting.

Day 2 (Thursday): Riga

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Forest.

Day 3 (Friday): Riga-Tallinn

The tour continues along the coastal highway to the Estonian summer resort of Parnu. We do a short tour of the resort before we continue through the North Estonian land of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon, check-in at the Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia**** or similar.

Day 4 (Saturday): Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. In the afternoon an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian Art museum, with its collections of classic and contemporary fine art. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv.

Day 5 (Sunday): Tallinn-Helsinki

This day offers first an optional day excursion to Lahemaa National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour ends with a visit to the charming 16 th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. After lunch break, we head back to Tallinn to take the ferry to Helsinki and enjoy a refreshing tour through the Finnish archipelago before arriving in Helsinki. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel and check-in at Hotel Glo Art**** or similar.

Day 6 (Monday): Helsinki

Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. The sightseeing tour takes us around the harbours and the Senate Square with the Lutheran Cathedral, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the famous Church-in-the-Rock. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural treasure which construction was started in the 18 th century as a sea fortress. Located on an island, fortress is a unique attraction for visitors. The evening offers optional Finnish dinner at Restaurant Salve.

Day 7 (Tuesday): Helsinki-St. Petersburg

Today we continue eastbound to St. Petersburg. Shortly after crossing the border into Russia we arrive in Vyborg, where we take time for a short sightseeing tour and a photo-stop at Vyborg Castle. In the late afternoon we arrive in St. Petersburg and checkin at Hotel Sokos Vasilievsky**** or similar.

Day 8 (Wednesday): St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is an amazing city. Its imperial palaces and museums enjoy worldwide fame, while the Neva River and the many canals have deservedly given the city the title of Venice of the North. During the morning sightseeing tour we get acquainted with all the splendours of the city: the Peter-Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Church of the Bleeding Savior, the Nevsky Convent and much more. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Zarskoye Selo with the impressive Catherine’s Palace and the Amber Room, which vanished during World War II and was restored for St. Petersburg’s tri-centennial celebrations. In the evening enjoy an optional visit to the Nikolaevsky Palace with an exciting Russian folklore show and Russian „champagne” and snacks.

Day 9 (Thursday): St. Petersburg

The morning is reserved for an optional visit to Peterhof, an uncontested masterpiece of the time of Peter the Great, with the impressive Grand Palace, Grand Cascade and Water Avenue and its wonderful parks. In the afternoon, an optional visit to the world-famous Hermitage Art Museum is offered. In the evening enjoy an optional Russian dinner at Restaurant Pryanosti & Radosti.

Day 10 (Friday): St. Petersburg Departure

Optional transfer to the airport.

Baltic Amber Coast

July – September 2020, 13 days/12 nights

Gba13: 05.07-17.07.20 gba14: 12.07-24.07.20 gba15: 19.07-31.07.20 gba16: 26.07-07.08.20 gba17: 02.08-14.08.20 gba18: 09.08-21.08.20 gba19: 16.08-28.08.20 gba20: 23.08-04.09.20, eur 1745.00 (double occupancy), eur 700.00 (single supplement), white night supplement for gba13 eur 100.00 (double occupancy) eur 100.00 (single supplement), 12 overnights at 4-star hotels, 12 x buffet breakfast, personalized welcome package, entrances to artus court in gdansk, amber museum in kaliningrad, medieval great guild hall in tallinn, church-inthe-rock in helsinki and peter-and-paul fortress in st. petersburg, transfer airport to hotel mercure gdansk: eur 55.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 95.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons, lithuanian dinner at restaurant 19 th century: eur 35.00 pplithuanian dinner at restaurant 19 th century: eur 35.00 pp, organ concert at the dome cathedral: eur 35.00 pp, transfer hotel sokos vasilievsky to airport: eur 70.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 90.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), half board at hotels (12 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): eur 370.00 pp, day 1 (sunday): arrival gdansk.

Arrival in Gdansk, optional transfer to Hotel Mercure Gdansk**** or similar.

Day 2 (Monday): Gdansk-Kaliningrad

Like a mini-state all to itself, Gdansk has a unique feel, cultured, wealthy and cosmopolitan, that sets it apart from all other cities in Poland. During morning old town walking tour we see Dlugi Targ or Long Market, St. Mary’s Church, St. Bridget’s Church, Artus Court and Gdansk Town Hall. In the afternoon we depart to Kaliningrad, located in an enclave completely surrounded by countries of the EU. Check-in at Hotel Holiday Inn Kaliningrad**** or similar.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Kaliningrad-Klaipeda

While German Königsberg reveled in regal architecture and a cosmopolitan European culture, modern Kaliningrad is undeniable a Russian city. The old Prussian red-brick buildings are intermixed with Soviet blocks of flats, brand-new Orthodox churches, and glass high-rises. The morning city tour takes us around the city with Victory Square and Kant’s Island with the impressive Cathedral of Christ the Savior and we visit the lively Central Market and the fascinating Museum of Amber. In the afternoon we depart from Kaliningrad along the amazing Curonian Spit, a 100 km thin stretch of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon to the picturesque fishing town of Nida and further onwards to Klaipeda. Check-in at Hotel National**** or similar. The evening offers an optional Lithuanian dinner at Restaurant 19th Century.

Day 4 (Wednesday): Klaipeda-Riga

Klaipeda first became a part of Lithuania in 1923 and had a long history as a German town called Memel. A short sightseeing tour takes us to the Old Town with its narrow, cobblestone streets and old guild houses and we visit the Theatre Square and the Aennchen von Tharau Fountain. We now continue to the Samogitia National Park, where we enjoy a walking tour around the picturesque Lake Plateliai. After that we continue to Siauliai and Hill of Crosses, one of the holiest sites of Catholic Lithuania. We head North into Latvia and reach Riga in the afternoon. Check-in at Hotel Wellton Riverside**** or similar. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.

Day 5 (Thursday): Riga

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a true kaleidoscope of various architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument.The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Forest.

Day 6 (Friday): Riga-Tallinn

Day 7 (saturday): tallinn, day 8 (sunday): tallinn-helsinki, day 9 (monday): helsinki.

Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. The sightseeing tour takes us around the harbours and the Senate Square with the Lutheran Cathedral, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the famous Church-in-the-Rock. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural treasure which construction was started in the 18 century as a sea fortress. Located on an island, fortress is a unique attraction for visitors

Day 10(Tuesday): Helsinki-St. Petersburg

Today we continue eastbound to St. Petersburg. Shortly after crossing the border into Russia we arrive in Vyborg, where we take time for a short sightseeing tour and a photo-stop at Vyborg Castle. In the late afternoon we arrive in St. Petersburg and check-in at Hotel Sokos Vasilievsky**** or similar.

Day 11 (Wednesday): St. Petersburg

Day 12 (thursday): st. petersburg.

The morning is reserved for an optional visit to Peterhof, an uncontested masterpiece of the time of Peter the Great, with the impressive Grand Palace, Grand Cascade and Water Avenue and its wonderful parks. In the afternoon, an optional visit to the world-famous Hermitage Art Museum is offered. In the evening enjoy an optional Russian dinner at Restaurant Pryanosti & Radosti

Day 13 (Friday): St. Petersburg

Information & booking: [email protected].

Baltic Triangle

May-October 2020, 8 days/7 nights

Gbt06: 15.05-22.05.20 gbt07: 22.05-29.05.20 gbt08: 29.05-05.06.20 gbt09: 05.06-12.06.20 gbt11: 19.06-26.06.20 gbt12: 26.06-03.07.20 gbt13: 03.07-10.07.20 gbt14: 10.07-17.07.20 gbt15: 17.07-24.07.20 gbt16: 24.07-31.07.20 gbt17: 31.07-07.08.20 gbt18: 07.08-14.08.20 gbt19: 14.08-21.08.20 gbt20: 21.08-28.08.20 gbt21: 28.08-04.09.20 gbt22: 04.09-11.09.20 gbt23: 11.09-18.09.20 gbt24: 18.09-25.09.20 gbt25: 25.09-02.10.20, eur 975.00 (double occupancy), eur 450.00 (single supplement), white night supplement for gbt06-gbt13, 7 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels, 7 x buffet breakfast, service of italian and spanish speaking tour escort on all tours, ferry tallinn-helsinki ow, transfer airport to hotel radisson blu olympia: eur 35.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 55.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), half board at hotels (5 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea on day 1-day 2 and day 5-day 7): eur 175.00 pp, polish splendours.

June-August 2023, 7 days/6 nights

Gps12: 20.06-26.06.23, gps16: 18.07-24.07.23, gps18: 01.08-07.08.23, gps19: 08.08-14.08.23, gps20: 15.08-21.08.23, package prices per person: , eur 795.00 (double occupancy), eur 300.00 (single supplement), 6 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels, 6 x buffet breakfast, entrances to wawel castle in krakow, jasna gora monastery in czestochowa, st. john’s cathedral in warsaw and artus court in gdansk, service of 1st class motor coaches or 1st class vans throughout the itinerary,   optional:, transfer airport to hotel q plus krakow: eur 45.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 65.00 for private van (4-7 persons), 4-hour excursion to wieliczka salt mine: eur 60.00 pp, polish dinner at restaurant hawelka: eur 40.00 pp, 3-hour excursion to the royal lazienki park and visit to palace on the water: eur 40.00 pp, polish dinner at restaurant dawne smaki: eur 40.00 pp, 4-hour excursion of tri-city with sopot and gdynia with organ music concert at oliwa church: eur 45.00 pp, 5-hour excursion to malborg castle: eur 70.00 pp, farewell dinner at restaurant pod lososiem: eur 50.00 pp, transfer hotel mercure gdansk to airport: eur 55.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 95.00 for private van (4-7 persons), half board at hotels (6 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): eur 185.00 pp, day 1 (tuesday): arrival krakow.

Arrival in Krakow, optional transfer to Hotel Q Plus Krakow **** or similar, check-in, welcome meeting.

Day 2 (Wednesday): Krakow

For half a millennium Krakow was the royal capital of Poland and for centuries the city walls have guarded its traditions and secrets. The morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Old Town with the St. Mary’s Church, the Jagiellonian University, the Cloth Halls and Wawel with the Wawel Castle and the Wawel Cathedral. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, an amazing labyrinth of tunnels going down as far as 327 meters. The evening offers an optional Polish dinner at Restaurant Hawelka.

Day 3 (Thursday): Krakow – Warsaw

We leave for Czestochowa, the spiritual heart of Poland, where we visit the Jasna Gora Monastery with the Black Madonna. Through the flat low-laying plain of Central Poland we reach Warsaw in the early afternoon. Check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Sobieski**** or similar.

Day 4 (Friday): Warsaw

Warsaw is essentially a post-war city with a meticulously reconstructed Old Town. The morning sightseeing tour includes the Royal Route and the Old Town with the Royal Castle, St John’s Cathedral, the Old Town Market Square and the Barbican. In the afternoon is offered an optional excursion to the Royal Lazienki Park with the Palace on the Water. The evening offers an optional Polish dinner at Restaurant Dawne Smaki.

Day 5 (Saturday): Warsaw – Gdansk

Leaving Warsaw, we depart by train bound for Gdansk. Like a mini-state all to itself, Gdansk has a unique feel, cultured, wealthy and cosmopolitan, that sets it apart from all other cities in Poland. Upon arrival to Gdansk, check in at Hotel Mercure Gdansk**** or similar. During the afternoon old town walking tour we see Dlugi Targ, or Long Market, St. Mary’s Church, St. Bridget’s Church, Artus Court and Gdansk Town Hall.

Day 6 (Sunday): Gdansk

In the morning is offered an optional tour of the so-called Tri-City – a conurbation uniting Gdansk with the lively coastal towns of Sopot and Gdynia. The tour along the 35 km gulf of Gdansk includes a visit to the famous pier in Sopot and a lovely organ concert at the Oliwa Church. In the afternoon we offer an optional tour out of Gdansk to Malborg Castle. Our first stop is at Elblag, a town with a bitter-sweet past and a seemingly bright future. After a short visit of the Old Town with the red bricked St. Nicolas Cathedral we continue to pay a visit to Malbork Castle – a massive fortress founded by the Teutonic knights in the 13th century and beautifully sat on the banks of the sluggish Nogat River. In the evening is offered an optional farewell dinner at the prestigious Restaurant Pod Lososiem.

Day 7 (Monday): Gdansk Departure

Information & booking: [email protected]

Polish and Balti c Jewels

May-September 2023, 13 days/12 nights

Gpb09: 30.05-11.06.23, gpb12: 20.06-02.07.23, gpb14: 04.07-16.07.23, gpb16: 18.07-30.07.23, gpb18: 01.08-13.08.23, gpb19: 08.08-20.08.23, gpb20: 15.08-27.08.23, gpb22: 29.08-10.09.23,  eur 1445.00 (double occupancy), eur 550.00 (single supplement), 12 overnights at centrally located 3-4 star hotels, 12 x buffet breakfast•welcome meeting with champagne-cocktail or juice, entrances to wawel castle in krakow, jasna gora monastery inczestochowa, st. john’s cathedral in warsaw, bialowieskinational park, peter and paul church in vilnius, rundale palaceand medieval great guild hall in tallinn, service of 1st class motor coaches or 1st class vans throughoutthe itinerary, transfer airport to hotel q plus krakow: eur 45.00 for privatecar (1-3 persons), eur 65.00 for private van (4-7 persons), 3-hour excursion to the royal lazienki park and visit to palaceon the water: eur 40.00 pp, 3-hour excursion to trakai and visit to trakai castle: eur 45.00pp, lithuanian dinner at restaurant senoji trobele: eur 40.00 pp, 4-hour excursion to gauja national park: eur 50.00 pp, 3-hour excursion to the riga motor museum: eur 40.00 pp, latvian dinner at restaurant forst: eur 45.00 pp, 3-hour excursion to kadriorg park and visit to kumu: eur45.00 pp, medieval dinner at restaurant peppersack: eur 45.00 pp, transfer hotel radisson blu olympia to airport: eur 45.00 forprivate car (1-3 persons), eur 65.00 for private van (4-7persons), half board at hotels (12 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): eur350.00 pp, day 5 (saturday): warsaw – bialystok.

Today we continue through the well forested Eastern Poland to Podlasie region and Bialowieza. The forest there represents the ancient forest that once covered all Europe. We will visit Bialowieza National Park and its famous European Bison Show Reserve. After light stroll along nature trails of the forest, we continue to Biaylistok where we check in at Hotel Ibis Styles Bialystok*** or similar. In the late afternoon we visit Bialystok and its landmark Branicki Palace.

Day 6 (Sunday): Bialistok – Vilnius

We depart from Bialystok heading to Vilnius through attractive resort towns into Lithuania. We do a stop in Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania, to admire the beautiful Old Town and the elegant white Baroque Town Hall before we arrive in the late afternoon to Vilnius. Check in at Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva **** or similar.

Day 7 (Monday): Vilnius

Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning sightseeing tour includes a panoramic tour of the city and a walking tour of the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, with the well preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galve. In the evening enjoy an optional Lithuanian dinner at Restaurant Senoji Trobele. >

Day 8 (Tuesday): Vilnius – Riga

Heading for Riga, the first stop is the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania. After crossing into Latvia we soon reach the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace we travel through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to reach Riga late afternoon, check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija**** or similar.

Day 9 (Wednesday): Riga

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.

Day 10 (Thursday): Riga

After we got acquainted with Riga, we have the possibility of discovering medieval Latvia. The optional tour for this morning takes us to the stunning scenery of the Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before we return to Riga. The afternoon offers an optional visit to the Riga Motor Museum which has an impressive collection of vintage car including a very unique collection of old Soviet limousines from the Kremlin Garage. In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Forest.

Day 11 (Friday): Riga – Tallinn

Day 12 (saturday): tallinn.

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, medieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. In the afternoon an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU, the award-winning new Estonian Art museum, with its collections of classic and contemporary fine art. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Peppersack.

Day 13 (Sunday): Tallinn Departure

Helsinki and south karelia, june-september 2023, 5 days/4 nights, ghe13: 25.06-29.06.23, ghe15: 09.07-13.07.23, ghe17: 23.07-27.07.23, ghe19: 06.08-10.08.23, ghe20: 13.08-17.08.23, ghe21: 20.08-24.08.23, eur 595.00 (double occupancy), 4 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels, 4 x buffet breakfast, entrances to church in the rock in helsinki, lake saimaa, express train tickets helsinki-lappeenranta-helsinki (economy class), service of english and german speaking tour escort in helsinki and local english speaking guide in lappeenranta, service of italian and spanish speaking tour escort in helsinki and local english speaking guide in lappeenranta, service of 1st class motor coaches or 1st class minivans throughout the itinerary, transfer airport to hotel radisson blu seaside: eur 90.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 120.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), transfer hotel radisson blu seaside to airport: eur 90.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 120.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), half board at hotels (4 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): eur 195.00 pp, small groups: max. 16 guests in the groups, day 1 (sunday): arrival helsinki.

Arrival in Helsinki, optional transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Seaside**** or similar, check-in, welcome meeting.

Day 2 (Monday): Helsinki

Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. The sightseeing tour takes us around the harbours and the Senate Square with the Lutheran Cathedral, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the famous Church-in-the-Rock. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural treasure which construction was started in the 18th century as a sea fortress. Located on an island, fortress is a unique attraction for visitors.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Helsinki – Lappeenranta

In the morning we go to the railway station and depart with train bound for Lappeenranta, where we arrive shortly after midday. Transfer to Hotel Scandic Patria**** or similar. Lappeenranta is beautifully set at the shores of Lake Saimaa and was an important Swedish fortress town in the 18th century. Nowadays it is an attractive and popular resort town. The afternoon walking tour of Lappeenranta takes us to the historical Old Town, the port area and Lappeenranta Fortress with its wooden and redbrick buildings, artisans’ shops, museums, wooden Orthodox Mary the Virgin Church and cafes. Return to hotel and check-in. Late afternoon we walk to the pier to embark on spectacular evening cruise on Lake Saimaa and to the Saimaa Canal. The ship has a restaurant, where we can enjoy drinks and snacks or a full dinner while we are stunned by the views of the lake. After three hours we return to port and walk back to hotel.

Day 4 (Wednesday): Lappeenranta – Helsinki

The day offers the possibility to the explore Lappeenranta resort town on own hand. The hotel is located between the Old Town and the port area and both are easily accessible on foot. Go shopping in the small boutique in the Old Town, try the Karelian cuisine or enjoy the atmosphere and the views at the port. In the late afternoon transfer to the train station and departure by train back to Helsinki. Arrival to Helsinki early in the evening and transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Seaside**** or similar, check in.

Day 5 (Thursday): Helsinki

This tour can be booked also as extension to our baltic highlights, baltic classical and baltic impressions tours., baltic metropoles, may-october 2023, 10 days/9 nights, gbm08: 21.05-30.05.23, gbm09: 28.05-06.06.23, gbm10: 04.06-13.06.23, gbm11: 11.06-20.06.23, gbm12: 18.06-27.06.23, gbm13: 25.06-04.07.23, gbm14: 02.07-11.07.23, gbm15: 09.07-18.07.23, gbm16: 16.07-25.07.23, gbm17: 23.07-01.08.23, gbm18: 30.07-08.08.23, gbm19: 06.08-15.08.23, gbm20: 13.08-22.08.23, gbm21: 20.08-29.08.23, gbm22: 27.08-05.09.23, gbm23: 03.09-12.09.23, gbm24: 10.09-19.09.23, gbm25: 17.09-26.09.23, gbm26: 24.09-03.10.23, gbm27: 01.10-10.10.23, eur 1095.00 (double occupancy), entrances to peter and paul church in vilnius, rundale palace, medieval great guild hall in tallinn and church-in-the-rock in helsinki, service of italian and spanish only speaking tour escort on all tours, service of spanish and portuguese speaking tour escort on tours gbm14, gbm18, gbm20, gbm22, transfer airport to hotel radisson blu lietuva: eur 45.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 65.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), 3-hour excursion to trakai and visit to trakai castle: eur 45.00 pp, 3-hour excursion to the riga motor museum: eur 45.00 pp, latvian dinner at restaurant forest: eur 45.00 pp, 3-hour excursion to kadriorg park and visit to kumu: eur 45.00 pp, transfer hotel radisson blu seaside airport: eur 90.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 120.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), half board at hotels (9 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): eur 325.00 pp, day 1 (sunday): arrival vilnius.

Arrival in Vilnius, optional transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva**** or similar, check-in, welcome meeting.

Day 2 (Monday): Vilnius

Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning sightseeing tour includes a panoramic tour of the city and a walking tour of the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, with the well preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galve. In the evening enjoy an optional Lithuanian dinner at Restaurant Senoj.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Vilnius-Riga

Heading for Riga, the first stop is the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania. After crossing into Latvia, we soon reach the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace we travel through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to reach Riga late afternoon, check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija**** or similar.

Day 4 (Wednesday): Riga

This day offers an optional day excursion to Lahemaa National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour ends with a visit to the charming 16th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. After lunch break, we head back to Tallinn to take the ferry to Helsinki and enjoy a refreshing tour through the Finnish archipelago before arriving in Helsinki. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel and check-in at Hotel Radisson Blu Seaside**** or similar.

Day 10 (Tuesday): Helsinki

Baltic highlights.

April-October 2023, 8 days/7 nights

Gbh01: 02.04-09.04.23, gbh03: 16.04-23.04.23, gbh05: 30.04-07.05.23, gbh07: 14.05-21.05.23, gbh08: 21.05-28.05.23, gbh09: 28.05-04.06.23, gbh10: 04.06-11.06.23, gbh11: 11.06-18.06.23, gbh12: 18.06-25.06.23, gbh13: 25.06-02.07.23, gbh14: 02.07-09.07.23, gbh15: 09.07-16.07.23, gbh16: 16.07-23.07.23, gbh17: 23.07-30.07.23, gbh18: 30.07-06.08.23, gbh19: 06.08-13.08.23, gbh20: 13.08-20.08.23, gbh21: 20.08-27.08.23, gbh22: 27.08-03.09.23, gbh23: 03.09-10.09.23, gbh24: 10.09-17.09.23, gbh25: 17.09-24.09.23, gbh26: 24.09-01.10.23, gbh27: 01.10-08.10.23, gbh28: 08.10-15.10.23, gbh29: 15.10-22.10.23, package prices per person:  ,  eur 745.00 (double occupancy), entrances to peter and paul church in vilnius, rundale palace and medieval great guild hall in tallinn, service of portuguese speaking local guides for vilnius, riga and tallinn city tours on tours gbh14, gbh18, gbh20, gbh22, transfer airport to hotel hotel radisson blu lietuva: eur 45.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 65.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), 4-hour excursion to jurmala with city museum: eur 40.00 pp, transfer hotel radisson blu olympia to airport: eur 45.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 65.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), half board at hotels (7 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): eur 220.00 pp, supplement for accommodation at superior rooms at hotels: eur 130.00 per person, baltic classical, may – se p tember 20 2 3 , 8 days/7 nights, g c a 0 7 : 1 4 . 0 5 – 21 .05. 2 3 g ca 0 9 : 2 8 .05 – 04 . 06 . 2 3 g ca 12 : 1 8 .0 6 – 25 .06.2 3 g ca 1 3 : 2 5 .06 – 0 2 . 07 . 2 3 g ca 1 4 : 02 . 07 – 0 9 .07.2 3 g ca 1 5 : 0 9 .07 – 1 6 .07.2 3 g ca 1 6 : 1 6 .07 – 23 .07. 2 3 g ca 1 7 : 2 3 .0 7 – 30 . 07 . 2 3 g ca 18 : 30 .0 7 – 0 6 .08. 2 3 g ca 19 : 0 6 .08 – 1 3 .08. 2 3 g ca 2 0 : 1 3 .08 – 20 . 08 . 2 3 g ca 2 1 : 20 . 0 8 – 27 . 08 . 2 3 g ca 2 2 : 2 7 . 08 – 03 .09.2 3 g ca 2 3 : 0 3 .09 – 10 .09.2 3 g ca 2 5 : 1 7 .09 – 2 4 . 09 .2 3, eur 845.00 (double occupancy), eur 350.00 (single supplement), 7 overnights at central l y located 4 star hotels, 7 x buffet breakfa st, w elco me meeting with champagne – cocktail or juice, entrances to peter and paul church in vilnius , rund ale palace and medieval great guild hall in tallinn, service of english and german speaking tour e scort on all t ours, service of italian spe ak in g to ur escort on tours gca 12 , gca14, gca16 – gca2 2, transfer airport to hotel radisson blu lietuv a : eur 4 5 .00 for private ca r (1 – 3 persons), e ur 6 5. 00 for private minivan ( 4 – 7 persons), casual fisherman dinner at tik pas jona tavern: eur 35.00 pp, 4 – hour excursion to the curonian spit: eur 4 5 .00 pp, casual dinner on the beach at red sun buffet : eur 35.0 0 pp, organ concert at the dome ca thedral: e ur 35. 00 pp, 4 – ho ur excursion to jurmala: eur 40.00 pp, latvian dinner at restaurant forest : eur 4 5 .00 pp, 3 – hour ex cursion to kadriorg park and visit to kumu: eur 4 5 .00 pp, medieval dinner at restaurant peppersack : eu r 4 5 .00 pp, transfer hotel radiss on blu oly mpi a t o airport: eur 4 5.00 for private car (1 – 3 persons), eur 6 5.00 for private minivan (4 – 7 persons), half board at hotels (7 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): eur 2 2 5 .00 pp.

Arrival in Vilnius, optional transfer to Hotel Radisson Blu Liet uva**** or si mil ar , check – in, welcome meeting.

Day 2 (Monday): Vilnius – Nida

Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning sightseeing t our includes a panoramic tour of the city and a walking tour of the Old To wn with Vi lni us Ca thedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anna’s Ch urch, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. After the tour we continue to Curonian Spit and Nida, whe r e we arrive late in the afternoon. Check in at Hotel Nerija*** or similar. The eveni ng off er s optional authentic fisherman dinner at “Tik Pas Jona”.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Nida – Liepaja

The morning is reserved for a half – day optional tour of the Curonian S p it, a thin, 100 km stretch of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon wi th sma ll fishing villages, pine forests and endless sand dunes. Tour takes us to the spectacular Parnidis Dune and Naglis Dune, the Hill of Witches in Juodkrante and Thoma s Mann’s summerhouse. In early afternoon we head towards Liepaja where we a rrive in e arl y a ft ernoon and check in at Hotel Promenade***** or similar. The evening offers a casual dinn er at a beach café Red Sun Buffet, right on the wide sandy beach.

Day 4 (Wednesday): Liepaja – Riga

Liepaja takes its name from the numerous linden trees in the ci t y. W e start the day with a short stroll in the Old Town with the Trinity Church and we visit Jurmala Park and the former Naval Port area with its famous Orthodox Cathe d ral. We now continue through Southern Latvia to the magnificent Rundale Palace, the for m er s ummer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace we travel through Latvia to reach Riga at late afternoon. Check in at Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija**** or similar. T he evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Ca t hedr al.

Founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a true kaleidoscope of vari o us architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, Dome Ca t hedr al, St. Peter’s Church , Swedish Gates, Three Brothers, Large and Small Guild House and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jur m ala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy be ach e s. In the evening enjoy a n optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Three .

The tour continues along the coastal highway to t h e Estonian summer resort of Parnu. We do a short tour of the resort befo re we contin ue t hrou gh the North Estonian land of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon, check – in at the Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia**** or similar.

Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquillity and modern urban life. The m edi e val Old Town is a busy pla ce in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes us around the ol d medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Al e xand er Nevsky Cathedral, m edieval Old Town Hall and Great Guild Hall. In the afternoon an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU, the award – w i nning new Estonian Art museum, with its collections of classic and conte mporary fine ar t . Th e evening offers an op tional medieval dinner at Restaurant Peppersack .

Day 8 (Sunday): Tallinn Departure

Baltic impressions, gbi07: 12.05-21.05.23, gbi09: 26.05-04.06.23, gbi12: 16.06-25.06.23, gbi13: 23.06-02.07.23, gbi14: 30.06-09.07.23, gbi15: 07.07-16.07.23, gbi16: 14.07-23.07.23, gbi17: 21.07-30.07.23, gbi18: 28.07-06.08.23, gbi19: 04.08-13.08.23, gbi20: 11.08-20.08.23, gbi21: 18.08-27.08.23, gbi22: 25.08-03.09.23, gbi23: 01.09-10.09.23, gbi25: 15.09-24.09.23, eur 1045.00 (double occupancy), 9 overnights at centrally located 3-4 star hotels, entrances to palmse manor house, peter and paul church in vilnius, rundale palace and medieval great guild hall in tallinn, transfer airport to hotel radisson blu olympia: eur 45.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 65.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), 4-hour excursion to the curonian spit: eur 45.00 pp, casual dinner on the beach at red sun buffet: eur 35.00 pp, half board at hotels (9 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): eur 285.00 pp, baltic lifestyle, june – september 20 2 3 , 11 days/10 nights, glb01: 25.06-05.07.23, glb02: 16.07-26.07.23, glb04: 20.08-30.08.23, glb04: 10.09-20.09.23, eur 1145.00 (double occupancy), eur 350.00 (single supplement), 10 overnights at centrally located 3-4 star hotels, 10 x buffet breakfast, estonian dinner at restaurant kaval-ants tavern, dinner at marciena manor, 3 course latvian farewell dinner with black balsam at restaurant three, entrances to palmse manor, valmiermuiza brewery, organic cheese sampling at a local farm, aglona basilica, ceramics show-room in aglona, mark rothko art centre in daugavpils, peter and paul church in vilnius and trinity church in liepaja, bike and helmet rentals for biking program on day 6, service of 1st class van throughout the itinerary, transfer airport to hotel santa barbara: eur 45.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 65.00 for private van (4-7 persons), zeppelinas masterclass and lithuanian dinner at restaurant senoji trobele: eur 35.00 pp, casual dinner on the beach in liepaja: eur 35.00 pp, visit to riga central market: eur 40.00 pp, transfer hotel wellton centrum to airport: eur 45.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 65.00 for private van (4-7 persons), half board at hotels (7 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea): eur 175.00 pp, small groups:, max. 16 guests in the groups, min. booking of 2 guests, baltic revelation, may-october 2020, 13 days/12 nights, gre06: 10.05-22.05.20 gre07: 17.05-29.05.20 gre08: 24.05-05.06.20 gre09: 31.05-12.06.20 gre11: 14.06-26.06.20 gre12: 21.06-03.07.20 gre13: 28.06-10.07.20 gre14: 05.07-17.07.20 gre15: 12.07-24.07.20 gre16: 19.07-31.07.20 gre17: 26.07-07.08.20 gre18: 02.08-14.08.20 gre19: 09.08-21.08.20 gre20: 16.08-28.08.20 gre21: 23.08-04.09.20 gre22: 30.08-11.09.20 gre23: 06.09-18.09.20 gre24: 13.09-25.09.20 gre25: 20.09-02.10.20, eur 1495.00 (double occupancy), eur 650.00 (single supplement), white night supplement for gre06-gre13 eur 100.00 (double occupancy) eur 100.00 (single supplement), 12 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels, entrances to peter and paul church in vilnius, rundale palace, medieval great guild hall in tallinn, church-in-the-rock in helsinki and peter-and-paul fortress in st. petersburg, service of italian only and spanish only speaking tour escort on baltic segment of the tour and italian and spanish speaking tour escort on finnish segment of the tour on tours gre13-gre15, gre17-gre19 and gre21 and italian speaking local guide on finnish segment of the tour on tours gre08 and gre12, service of spanish and portuguese speaking tour escort on tours gre08, gre12, gre16, gre20, service of italian and spanish speaking tour escort on tours gre06-gre07, gre09, gre11 and gre22-gre25, transfer airport to hotel radisson blu lietuva: eur 35.00 for private car (1-3 persons), eur 55.00 for private minivan (4-7 persons), 3-hour excursion to trakai and visit to trakai castle: eur 40.00 pp, folklore dinner at restaurant belmontas: eur 40.00 pp, half board at hotels (10 x 3 course dinner with coffee/tea on day 1 – day 7 and day 10 – day 12): eur 300.00 pp.

Vilnius is known for its more than 1.200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. The morning sightseeing tour includes a panoramic tour of the city and a walking tour of the Old Town with Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne’s Church, Old University and the Gates of Dawn. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania, with the well preserved Trakai Castle, beautifully located on an island in Lake Galve. In the evening enjoy an optional folklore dinner at Restaurant Belmontas.

Heading for Riga, the first stop is the Hill of Crosses, one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania. After crossing into Latvia we soon reach the magnificent Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Following a guided tour of the palace we travel through the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to reach Riga late afternoon, check-in at Hotel Wellton Riverside**** or similar.

After we got acquainted with Riga we have the possibility of discovering medieval Latvia. The optional tour for this morning takes us to the stunning scenery of the Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before we return to Riga. The afternoon offers an optional visit to the Riga Motor Museum which has an impressive collection of vintage car including a very unique collection of old Soviet limousines from the Kremlin Garage. In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Forest.

This day offers an optional day excursion to Lahemaa National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour ends with a visit to the charming 16 th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. After lunch break, we head back to Tallinn to take the ferry to Helsinki and enjoy a refreshing tour through the Finnish archipelago before arriving in Helsinki. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel and check-in at Hotel Glo Art**** or similar.

Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. The sightseeing tour takes us around the harbours and the Senate Square with the Lutheran Cathedral, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the famous Church-in-the-Rock. The afternoon offers an optional excursion to Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural treasure which construction was started in the 18 century as a sea fortress. Located on an island, fortress is a unique attraction for visitors. The evening offers optional Finnish dinner at Restaurant Salve.

Day 10 (Tuesday): Helsinki-St. Petersburg

Day 13 (friday): st. petersburg departure.

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The professional relationship between tour guides and tour operators

Tour operators and tour guides are major stakeholders during production and operation of organized package tours. However, the relationship between them received little attention in tourism literature. This study intends to identify the dimensions of the relationship between the two parties and importance attained to different guiding roles both by tour operators and guides. It also explores the attitude gaps between tour operators and guides on various guiding attributes. The analyzed data were collected from 110 professional tour guides and 56 inbound tour operators. Numerous differences in perceptions were identified regarding importance attained to foreign language skills, group cohesion, holiday experience creation, entertainment, representation skills, contract compliance, image creation, itinerary compliance and identification with tour operators

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