Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our general
FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.
Resources to Learn & Teach about the Baltics
Visit our
recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have
lesson plans and
Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
Terms and Conditions
It is very important for you to visit our
Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
GEEO Program Confirmation Process
Most GEEO programs are officially confirmed to run once 4 participants have registered. If at least 8 people sign up by our designated deadline, the program will run as a private GEEO trip. Should enrollment fall between 4 and 8, the trip will still take place, but it may transition into a
shared departure with our partner tour operator, G Adventures. In this scenario, the itinerary, dates, and pricing for those who have already registered will remain unchanged, although additional travelers from outside GEEO may join the trip.A large majority of GEEO programs remain private for just educators, retired educators, and their guests. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process—first when 4 participants have registered and again once 8 people have signed up. As always, we recommend exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements (for example, booking flights with flexible change or cancellation policies) until your program is confirmed to run.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to
travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at +1 347-433-6674. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
- If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires. (Exception for participants who receive grants from our university partners: To address disruption caused by cancellation from grant recipients, deposits paid by grant recipients are forfeited upon cancellation.)
- If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
- If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
Trip Notes & Expectations
Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.
- ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation in Europe is quite different from other parts of the world. You can expect clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations, though customer service may sometimes be imperfect. Due to high demand, especially in summer, hotels can charge a premium and may have little motivation to improve facilities.
Important: Single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.
- TRANSPORTATION: We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself..
- LUGGAGE: In Europe, it can be rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels, or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage in and out of boats and buses, etc., and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on buses. You should be able to comfortably walk for 10-30 minutes at a time with your luggage. It is essential, therefore, that you pack light and bring luggage that is compact and lightweight. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
- ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE: Please make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities, which sometimes include day hikes with your daypacks. This trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. In the cities, you can split apart from the group to go at your own pace. Getting on and off transportation and walking with luggage requires some physical effort. We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
- ORIENTATION WALKS: The orientation walking tours on this trip are often on cobblestone roads at steep grades and can last several hours in the heat of the summer. Feel free to opt-out of these walking tours if you wish, as they can be quite physically taxing. In some cases, on the other side of the coin, they may move a bit too slow for you. If you have a map, a travel app, or a guidebook, feel free to go off on your own. GEEO wants you to have the experience you desire, and sometimes that means separating yourself from the group.
- GROUP LEADER: Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip. All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Single Travelers
Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our
extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email
travel@geeo.org to request a single room.
Emergency Contacts
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Berlin office: +441858378000
If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Packing List
Please
read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person.
Suggested (click to expand)
- Raincoat and/or umbrella
- Personal clothing for cool to hot weather – we recommend packing 8-9 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry once
- Long pants
- Fleece top (it can be colder than you expect)
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals or flip-flops
- Bathing suit and small, quick-dry towel
- Daypack
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
- Toiletries – important: some hotels do not give you soap and shampoo
- Camera (or use your phone)
- First-aid kit, including lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
Optional (click to expand)
- Travel pillow
- Light weight silk sleep sheet
- Money belt
- Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
- Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
- AirTags or Tile trackers
- Packing cubes
- Earplugs
- Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there, so don't go crazy here
- Ziplock bags
- Reading/writing material
- Hand sanitizer/Baby wipes
Documents (click to expand)
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Travel insurance ID card
- Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
- USD/EUR cash
- Credit/debit card
- G Adventures vouchers
- GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary. There will be times when you may want todo your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Passports and Visas
All GEEO programs require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general
FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching
the U.S. State Department's website.
PASSPORT
In Europe's
Schengen area, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. At present, the Schengen area includes most European Union (EU) countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland.
VISA
Currently, U.S. citizens can enter Schengen Area Countries visa-free for up to 90 days. The
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which approves entry for short-term stays into the European Union for visa-exempt visitors, was expected to go into effect in 2022 but has been continually delayed and is not scheduled to be implemented until late 2026. No action is required from travelers at this point, and the EU will announce a start date for ETIAS several months prior to its launch. If this changes and ETIAS will affect your trip, GEEO will let you know, and you will need to apply online and pay €7 for a travel authorization (see more
here).
Money Exchange
The local currencies on this trip are the Estonian kroon (EEK) in Estonia and the euro (EUR) in Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland. As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
We recommend that you obtain cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.
Tipping
It is customary to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service. Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
There will be opportunities during the trip to tip your local guides or drivers. You may do this individually, or your tour leader may offer to collect the money and give a tip on behalf of the group. Ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and expectations. Also, at the end of your program, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. Tipping amounts are entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline:
- Service providers/Waiters: €1-2 EUR for snacks or 10% of a meal bill
- Local guides and drivers: €3-5 EUR per person per day
- Tour Guide (CEO): €30-40 EUR per person per week
Flights
We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year.
You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.
This program begins in Vilnius and ends in Helsinki. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Vilnius, which usually means departing the U.S. one day prior. You may want to arrive in Europe one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Helsinki at any time on the final day of the trip, or stay later to see more of the city.
Plugs and Converters
There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S.
All of the countries visited on this trip have type C outlets for two circular prongs, and the voltage is 220-240V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.
Weather
The weather in all of these countries is similar. Summer is very pleasant with daily highs typically ranging from the mid-60s to the 80s F. Make sure you pack some clothes for cooler temperatures at night.
Costs
Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
- Tour Company Fee: See our price in the top right corner
- Optional Activities: $40-150 USD
- International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $1,000-1,700 USD
If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
- Airport Transfers: Varies depending on whether you take public transport or taxis. Anywhere from $30 to $100.
- Insurance: $30-200 USD
Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
- Tipping: $60-80 USD for your G Adventures tour leader, $30 USD for tipping local guides on additional activities.
- Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary: $255-335 USD
- Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
- Souvenirs: Variable. At your personal discretion.
- Vaccines: Variable. Please consult with your primary care provider.
- Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation)
This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.
Optional Activities
Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally, sometimes in the local currency, and you do not have to decide in advance which ones you would like to sign up for. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please use them as a rough guide for budgeting your trip.
VILNIUS
Frank Zappa Monument: Free
Visit the statue that pays tribute to the musician Frank Zappa, who's much loved in Lithuania.
Gediminas Tower: €2 EUR
Visit Gediminas Tower to learn more about this symbolic place in Lithuania.
KGB Museum: €3 EUR
The KGB Museum is the unofficial name for the Museum of Genocide Victims currently housed in the former KGB headquarters. The fascinating museum brings to light the atrocities of war and the suffering of the people of Lithuania and the other Baltic countries. On display are documents and artifacts related to the 50-year occupation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union.
NIDA
Nida Lighthouse: Free
Make your way to the Nida Lighthouse, one of the tallest along the Lithuanian coast. Built in the 1800s, its classic red and white stripes are an iconic lighthouse feature. Last renovated in 2016, it's still in use today.
Ethnographic Fisherman's Museum: €2 EUR
Take a wander through this restored 19th-century fishing cottage, now exhibiting relics and tools from the fishing trade.
RIGA
Andrejsala Artists' District: Free
The Andrejsala neighborhood is an industrial port area just outside the city. Recently it has developed into a cultural hub with art and entertainment areas, workshops, galleries, and cafés. Explore all it has to offer.
Saint Peter's Church: €7 EUR
Ascend the spire of this church by lift for a fantastic view over the city.
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia: Free (voluntary donation)
The museum is dedicated to portraying what life was like in Latvia during the three periods of occupation. Learn about life under Soviet and Nazi rule and how Latvians regained their freedom in 1991.
Riga Art Nouveau Center: €5-20 EUR
Riga is one of the few places where Art Nouveau architecture has survived in great numbers. Visit the center to learn more.
Riga Castle: €3 EUR
First built in the 1440s on the banks of the Daugava River, Riga Castle is now the home of the President of Latvia and the National History Museum. Enjoy a visit here and explore the castle.
KURESSAARE
Kuressaare Castle: €2 EUR
Visit the Baltic region's best-preserved medieval castle - surrounded by a real moat, no less! Today, Kuressaare Castle houses the Saaremaa Museum and its collections on local history, nature, and culture. While there's a fee to enter the museum, walking through the castle grounds is free, and a lovely way to experience the majesty of Estonia.
Abruka Lighthouse: Free
Built in 1897, the Abruka Lighthouse is over 90 feet high but only 2 feet wide, making it the slimmest lighthouse most visitors get to see.
Vilsandi National Park: Free
Vilsandi National Park is made up of 150 small yet incredibly biodiverse islets along the western shores of Saaremaa Island. Opt to hike along the park's many trails, visit a farm, or simply enjoy nature in a tranquil rural setting.
TALLINN
Peter the Great Museum: €3 EUR
Visit the house that Peter the Great and his wife Catherine stayed in on their visits to Tallinn.
Bike tour around Tallinn: €20-25 EUR
Hop on two wheels and explore Estonia's capital by bike.
Kadriorg Palace: €6.50 EUR
Named for Peter the Great's wife, Catherine, the Kadriorg Palace served as the Russian czar's summer residence. Designed by an Italian architect, much of the palace's architecture is distinctly Baroque in style. Today, it's also home to collections from the Estonian Art Museum.
Occupation Museum: €5 EUR
Visit the Museum of the Occupations to learn more about life under the Soviet and Nazi regimes, then head to the ex-KGB headquarters.
Dome Church and Toompea Hill: €2-6 EUR
Enjoy a visit to the Dome Church, or St Mary's Cathedral, located on Toompea Hill. it's the oldest church in Tallinn, built in the 13th century.
Explore Old Town: Free
Wander the Old Town, soaking in the 15th to 17th century feel, and visit the Raekoja Plats where you can check out cafés and restaurants lining this square. It's absolutely a must-see.
Sea Kayaking: €33 EUR
Head out to sea by kayak to get a new perspective of the area.
HELSINKI
Ateneum Art Museum: €15 EUR
Visit Finland's best-known art museum, considered the home of Finnish art. Located in Helsinki's city center, the Ateneum Art Museum was first opened in 1888. With over 20,000 works on display, spend a few hours getting acquainted with the landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, and abstract art of this unique Nordic region.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress: €3 EUR
The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is one of Finland's most popular attractions for a reason. Built in 1748 as a military fortress to protect Helsinki - first as a part of Sweden, then Russia, and finally, Finland - this UNESCO World Heritage site stretches over six islands and is easily accessible from the Helsinki harbor by ferry (€3/person for 15-minute ride). Opt for a guided tour to further explore the tunnels, dockyard, museums, and local history of this fascinating fortress.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: €9 EUR
After wandering through Helsinki's chic design district, see another side of Finland on Seurasaari Island. Hop on a bus or tram to visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and experience what rural Finnish life was like over a hundred years ago. Each of the island's 87 cottages, cabins, farmsteads, and manors are unique to a region of Finland - in fact, many were transported here from their original locations, and are complete with traditional objects, furniture, and dress.
Bike tour of Helsinki: €60-70 EUR
Experience Helsinki on two wheels with a guided bike tour of the city. Helsinki Bike Tours take you to off-the-beaten-path attractions and local favorites around town, while learning what life in contemporary Finland is like today with fun, knowledgeable guides.