More Magic for Less

No matter who you are, there are always new parts of the world to explore. My latest summer adventure was to a corner of Europe with less and more at the same time. For less was less heat, less crowds and less money. For more was more history, new unique cultures, a design culture and more choices in outstanding and well priced cuisine.

This journey of discovery was to the Nordic country of Finland and the the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The slightly over two week period was perfect for exploration. I was very surprised and impressed with what I found.

My journey there and back was on Air France Business Class after a stop at one of the most exclusive lounges at LAX. That, the outstanding food and service on Air France and older but comfortable seats got me to Helsinki in fine style. The extra cost of the Air France Concierge Service at Paris-CDG was well worth it. I did it both ways.

Finland is an easy country to navigate and explore. Helsinki is comfortable, walkable and full of parks and outdoor spaces. The harbor area has a daily market with even local choices like reindeer and local ferries to neighbor islands and parkland. I did the short flight up to Rovaniemi, Lapland for a two night stay. The is the home of an all year Santa Claus village with reindeer as well a significant 20 Century history. It is an outdoor paradise with its peak time as winter with a host of winter excursions.

From there I flew via Helsinki to Vilnius, Lithuania with a rich history and old town. Among the three Baltic capitals, this one is inland due to Lithuania’s history and connections with farming and land. Here I arranged a small group tour focusing on the colorful and sometimes tragic 20th Century history of Lithuania.

I then used the dominant air carrier in the region Air Baltic for the 50 minute flight to Riga, Latvia. Riga has a significant old town as well as modern part which is interesting as well. Basketball is the big sport here.

Here and in all the Baltic States I found impressive cuisine and very attractive prices. Not just the basics, but true gourmet and innovative dishes at prices much less than Paris or Rome. Much

thought had also gone into restaurant design, wow and creative settings for very satisfying dining.

Our final stop was Tallinn, Estonia which is probably the best known of the three Baltic capitals. The city is thriving well outside the old town boundaries. Nevertheless old town was very busy and full of indoor and outdoor dining venues. Russian, French, British, American, Italian and local all significant here. Very high quality and still attractive prices.

Our accommodations were varied but all centrally located and attractive in pricing as well. They were the cute Lilia Robert’s in Helsinki, the funky Arctic Light in Rovaniemi, the Hilton Curio in Vilnius, the very outstanding Kempenski Grand Hotel Riga and the warm and comfortable Schlössle Hotel in old town Tallinn.

Those who hesitate to travel to Europe in summer because of heat, crowds and prices are missing a great opportunity. With temperatures in the 60’s, fewer crowds and very attractive prices in Euros, Finland and The Baltics can be a very good fit to fulfill your summer Europe wanderlust. Let us show you the way.