Buena Vista University Tours The Baltics

 

Thank you, MCI, for creating such a memorable and meaningful journey for our students. We fell in love with the Baltics—and we will carry those memories with us for a lifetime.  We are already looking forward to the day we can return.

 

One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the Director’s Preview Tour to the Baltics offered the summer before our student trip. That preview was a game changer—it allowed me to walk through the entire tour in advance, experiencing firsthand the performance venues, hotels, restaurants, and daytime excursions. It gave me the confidence to answer student and parent questions thoroughly, and it allowed me to bring the tour to life for our students through photos and stories well before we even boarded the plane.

 

One of the most unforgettable moments came during our performance at St. John’s Church in Riga. As our final chord hung in the air, reverberating through the space, there was a brief moment of silence before the applause. I looked at my students and saw how deeply connected they were—to the music, to each other, and to the audience. As a director, there is no greater reward than sharing a moment like that with your ensemble.

 

The performances we had in Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius were undoubtedly highlights—but they were just part of a larger journey filled with meaningful, life-changing experiences. From exploring the Estonian Song Festival Grounds, Rundale Palace, and the Hill of Crosses, to interacting with local communities, our students engaged deeply with the culture and history of the region. The natural beauty—parks, ocean views, and scenic landscapes—only added to the wonder.

 

A colleague once told me their Estonian tour unexpectedly became the gold standard for all future tours—and I completely understand why. After experiencing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, the bar has been set incredibly high. For anyone hesitant about including the Baltics in a tour itinerary, I would urge you to set those doubts aside. This region offers rich cultural, musical, and educational experiences that are unmatched