My decision to come to Lithuania came about because I was traveling to London to visit my mother’s side of the family and I decided that I would like to visit my father’s birthplace also. I have no contacts in Lithuania and I found it difficult to find a tour that would include Kaunas through Australian travel agents. I found Visit Lithuania through a Google search. I knew nothing about them and even less about Lithuania. I had heard warnings about fake internet sites and Romanian scammers and I had no idea whether I was contacting a bona fide website or one that was all “show” and no substance. The e-mail response seemed to be genuine and I had called and spoken to a lady who told me that I should contact via e-mail. I decided to take a chance and book the tour through this travel agency.

I can only say that my expectations were greatly exceeded. Justinas was more than helpful. I was picked up at the airport as promised. I received a wonderful pack of brochures about Lithuania and all the places I was to see. The itinerary was complete and accurate and I still have it today to remind me of the places I visited. All of the hotels were first class with some very minor hiccups that can be expected everywhere, but they were rapidly rectified, which is the most important thing. Included meals were a good representation of the local cuisine and all the restaurants were first class. Both guides were fantastic. Virginia in Vilnius was a wealth of information and I wish I had her here to ask even more questions. It seems there was nothing she did not know and so friendly and helpful and very proud of her country and heritage. Loreta the guide for the rest of the tour was also helpful and knowledgeable and very proud of her country. She made a special effort when it came to visiting my father’s town and helped me to see all the places I wanted to see. She answered endless questions with ease and soon became used to the fact that I would take photos of everything. The tour took me to everything that I wanted to see and more. I have wonderful memories of my father’s birthplace and am considering when I could come back again. I cannot fault the service provided by Visit Lithuania from my pick up at the airport to the drop off at the airport, not at the door and “off you go” but “let me take your bags to the counter”, fantastic. I will gladly and enthusiastically recommend them.

Justinas, nothing really went wrong except that you know I had an issue with the hotel in Palanga. The mattress was well past it’s replacement time. There was no support at all and it was hurting my back. Also the room was stone cold. I was given a blanket during the night which at least kept me warm and the next morning I asked to be moved to a room with a mattress that was not collapsed. They did that quickly after breakfast.

I also need to mention the lady at the reception at the Hotel Klaipeda in Vilnius the day I arrived. I do not know her name but she was working all the first weekend. She was just amazing. Very helpful, very cheerful and she remembered my name and my room number. I would recommend her customer service skills to anyone and I think she deserves some recognition. I did not see her again so I could not pay her a personal compliment so maybe you will pass it on for me. Unfortunately the restaurant in the hotel was swamped for breakfast and I did not enjoy most breakfasts there after having to wait for a cup or food or a table or seat. One morning in particular I was to leave early so I wanted breakfast as early as possible, trying to beat the rush. The door to the restaurant was locked and my helpful young lady at reception already had her hand on the phone to call the restaurant before I could turn around to ask if it was open. Unfortunately the breakfast staff were sitting outside on the other side of the building having a cigarette so they could not hear the phone but I did not have to wait long for them to come inside and unlock the door.

It is difficult to say what I would have changed with the tour. On a first visit everything is new and I was eager to see absolutely everything so I spent the whole time with wide eyes and my mouth open in amazement. I feel very blessed, having visited so many churches, truly wonderful and I feel that I have truly had a Lithuanian “experience”. Thank you very much for the effort you personally put into the tour and for making my visit enjoyable and memorable, I really appreciate it and I have the most wonderful memories along with the well worn map of Vilnius that helped me wander around the town during my free time.

Congratulations and thank you.

Rita England