I’m originally from Tallinn, Estonia but I lived in Australia for 7 years, which was also the time when I travelled the world and visited over 50 countries. I LOVE travelling and it plays a big role in my life.
Baltic countries and Finland have a special place in my heart. I love that they are small, charming and off the beaten path. I spend most of my winters in Rovaniemi, surrounded by snowy forests and the quiet beauty of Lapland, which constantly reminds me why I love this region so much. Nature is very important to me and there’s plenty of it around here and that’s another reason why I love this region so much and want to introduce it to everyone.
When I create the trips, I like to include the highlights of the destinations that you visit, combined with equally fascinating sites off the beaten path and unique experiences that will help you immerse in new places to learn, grow, and connect. Responsible travel and respect and love for nature is something that I strongly believe in and when I build trips, I try keeping this in mind. I understand that it’s our responsibility to protect and sustain the environment we use and enjoy.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Primarily the Baltic States and Finland but also northern Norway and Swedish Lapland. We specialise from city sightseeing to more off the beaten path places. Unique, authentic and traditional experiences and nature based tourism. There's a lot of pristine nature around this region so everything related to nature is our speciality. Northern lights tours, sustainable animal tours and nature tours in Lapland. I try to avoid big group tours and touristy activities. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I moved back to Estonia in 2017 and decided to start my career in the tourism industry. As I was a big traveller myself I wanted to share my passion and knowledge with other people. For some reason the Baltic region is not that known around the world as a travel destination but it has so much to offer and my dream is to introduce the Baltic States and Finland to a wider public. To show, what this region really has to offer but in a sustainable way."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I love hiking and decided to do a solo hike up in the mountain in Peru. I had my tent and food an everything with me and started the hike. It was a bit scary as I got up in the mountains late at night and decided to camp the first night close to a village. When I woke up the next morning a dog from the nearby village was sitting in front of my tent, waiting for some food. Once I started hiking he followed me and through the whole hike up the mountains he was my companion and guide. When I got lost or walked slowly, he waited for me and showed me the right way. Sometimes it felt like he was annoyed with me that I walked so slow and had to walk back down again to lead me to the right path but he stayed with me the whole time. He slept under my tent every night and we kept each other warm, I gave him some food and he was my guide. Most importantly I felt a bit safer and not so alone with him. He was a perfect companion. After the hike we reach a village on the other side of the mountain and I asked in a local shop there if I could buy some food for the dog and the owner told me that this dog eats better than all the other village dogs. It turned out that he did this as a profession. he was a mountain dog who was walking with all the tourists all the time and clearly they all fed him very well. "
Moonika's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Recent trip reviews for Moonika
Moonika put together a great itinerary for ou...
Lithuania
|
Sep 22 - Sep 30, 2025
Paulina V.
Manhattan, NY
| Reviewed on Oct 03, 2025
Moonika put together a great itinerary for our road trip through the Baltics and Poland. She was very responsive throughout ensuring a smooth trip and able to make adjustments as needed while we were already there.
Our accommodations were beautiful and the drivers very professional. Highly recommend!
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Oct 03, 2025
Thank you for your review Paulina! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your trip and all the accommodations and services. I hope to have you as our guests again in the future!
Best,
Moonika
The Baltics were great. Loved our trip and ad...
Lithuania
|
Sep 11 - Sep 20, 2025
Patty N.
Kansas City, MO
| Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025
The Baltics were great. Loved our trip and adventures.
Read more
The Baltics were great. Loved our trip and adventures.
Hotel Reviews
Very nice hotel. I would gladly stay there again.
MICHAELSON boutique HOTEL
Klaipeda
Great historic building with lovely but small rooms
Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
Riga
This was a fantastic hotel.
The room was large and beautiful.
Savoy Boutique Hotel
Tallinn
A little outdated and old fashion but not in a good way.
Activity Reviews
Vilnius City Walking and Driving Tour
Vilnius
Guides, Drivers and Staff
K
Kaunas City Walking Tour
Lithuania
Beautiful city, so charming!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Discover Beautiful Curonian Spit
Klaipeda
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Riga Old Town & Central Market Walking Tour
Riga
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Riga - Klaipeda Private Transfer with Stops at Lake Plateliai & Hill of Crosses
Lithuania
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gauja National Park Tour
Riga
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tallinn Highlights Tour
Tallinn
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Sep 24, 2025
Hello Patty,
Thank you for your feedback. Glad to hear you liked the Baltic States and were happy with your trip. Sorry to hear you didn't really like the hotel in Tallinn but happy to hear you liked the other places.
Best,
Moonika
Overall the trip was fantastic, the cities we...
Lithuania
|
Sep 11 - Sep 20, 2025
Joanna G.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025
Overall the trip was fantastic, the cities were beautiful and the countries so interesting. The hotels were good - the hotel in Tallin was the least comfortable but still Ok and a good location. The hotel in Riga was excellent.
Guides - overall they were very knowledgeable but they did not do a great job of organizing the pace, the timing and the amenities on the tour. For example a 5 hour tour with no stop for toilet (until we asked and forced the issue) or food is not good. They need to...
Read more
Overall the trip was fantastic, the cities were beautiful and the countries so interesting. The hotels were good - the hotel in Tallin was the least comfortable but still Ok and a good location. The hotel in Riga was excellent.
Guides - overall they were very knowledgeable but they did not do a great job of organizing the pace, the timing and the amenities on the tour. For example a 5 hour tour with no stop for toilet (until we asked and forced the issue) or food is not good. They need to learn the overall management of a tour and also discuss with us more what we want to see. In Estonia. our guide spent far too long at one place that was not that interesting versus the old city.
Our guide in Vilnius - Helena was the best at organizing - she stopped for coffee and bathroom and the pace is good.
Our guide at the Curonian Spit was rather boring and too much info about things that did not interest us.
It is more the management of the time - Janus in Latvia arrived back two hours after the time we were supposed to return, it is good to see a lot but then too much time in places that were less interesting.
Hotel Reviews
Savoy Boutique Hotel
Tallinn
Good location but hotel old and little cramped
MICHAELSON boutique HOTEL
Klaipeda
Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
Riga
Very spacious and beautiful hotel, our room was cold and we were told there was no heat in the hotel at that time
Activity Reviews
Vilnius City Walking and Driving Tour
Vilnius
Good guide - very knowledgeable and stopped for WC and drinks at appropriate time
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kaunas City Walking Tour
Lithuania
Guide was good but a little rushed and we would have liked to spend different times at certain things. Needs to explain where we are going better
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Discover Beautiful Curonian Spit
Klaipeda
Beautiful part of the country - guide was a little dull and hard to hear in back of van and also did not give us enough instructions about where to meet when he sent us off on our own. Lunch was not organized before hand and so we had to sit outside in the rain (sort of under umbrella) as the other place was full that he wanted to go to.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Riga - Klaipeda Private Transfer with Stops at Lake Plateliai & Hill of Crosses
Latvia
Good driver, stopped when we wanted to
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Riga Old Town & Central Market Walking Tour
Riga
Guide did a good job with the market and the tour - knowledgeable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gauja National Park Tour
Riga
We arrived back two hours later than originally planned, the time at certain places was too long and too short at others. The guide was knowledgeable and interesting but again the management of the day was not great.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tallinn Highlights Tour
Tallinn
Tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly but 5 hour tour with no stops for bathroom or food until we requested the bathroom. We spent far too long at the outdoor museum and not enough time in the old town. Not great use of time always.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Sep 22, 2025
Hello Joanna,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed the trip overall, loved the cities.
I also really appreciate your honest feedback about the tours. It sounds like the pacing and breaks weren’t always handled in the best way, and I completely understand how that can affect the experience. I’m happy to hear Helena in Vilnius stood out, and I’ll definitely be sharing your comments with our partners so we can improve how guides manage time...
Read more
Hello Joanna,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed the trip overall, loved the cities.
I also really appreciate your honest feedback about the tours. It sounds like the pacing and breaks weren’t always handled in the best way, and I completely understand how that can affect the experience. I’m happy to hear Helena in Vilnius stood out, and I’ll definitely be sharing your comments with our partners so we can improve how guides manage time and comfort along the way.
Feedback like yours is so valuable, it helps us make sure future trips run even smoother. I truly appreciate you taking the time to let us know, and I hope we’ll get the chance to plan another journey for you in the future.
All the best,
Moonika
Our trip to Inari, Lapland.
Finland
|
Sep 7 - Sep 11, 2025
Renee C.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025
Moonika was great. We shared with her via Zoom the kind of experiences we wanted and everything was pre planned and scheduled for us. She checked in with us numerous times while we were on the trip to Inari which made us feel very comfortable and very well taken care of. When we did have questions about the trip, Moonika responded in an extremely timely fashion. I would highly recommend KimKim and we would definitely work with them again.
Read more
Moonika was great. We shared with her via Zoom the kind of experiences we wanted and everything was pre planned and scheduled for us. She checked in with us numerous times while we were on the trip to Inari which made us feel very comfortable and very well taken care of. When we did have questions about the trip, Moonika responded in an extremely timely fashion. I would highly recommend KimKim and we would definitely work with them again.
Hotel Review
Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos
Inari
Location
Right on the lake. We upgraded to a lakefront view.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom is very small. No way to open windows to let in clean air. Private Sauna is awesome though.
Activity Review
Reindeer & Sami Handicraft
Inari
Very authentic experience. So interesting to meet the owner of the farm and to learn about Sami culture.
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Sep 15, 2025
Hello Renee,
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip to Inari and that everything went smoothly. It was a pleasure working with you, and I’d be happy to help plan another adventure whenever you’re ready.
All the best,
Moonika
Great introduction to the Baltics
Lithuania
|
Aug 2 - Aug 11, 2025
Jason B.
Ireland
| Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025
Moonika met us on arrival in Tallinn to make sure we arrived safely and even gave us a lovely gift! Everything went very smoothly with our trip, we had a great time and all the accommodations/trips were of a high standard. We will definitely return to Estonia/Latvia, beautiful countryside and nature, nice temperatures too. Moonika was always available if we had questions, which was reassuring, but we had no real problems.
I would highly recommend Moonika, she clearly knows her country well...
Read more
Moonika met us on arrival in Tallinn to make sure we arrived safely and even gave us a lovely gift! Everything went very smoothly with our trip, we had a great time and all the accommodations/trips were of a high standard. We will definitely return to Estonia/Latvia, beautiful countryside and nature, nice temperatures too. Moonika was always available if we had questions, which was reassuring, but we had no real problems.
I would highly recommend Moonika, she clearly knows her country well and looked after our needs as a family. Thanks Monnika!
Hotel Reviews
Loved this hotel, modern rooms and foyer, the meal in the restaurant was very very good. Breakfast was one of the best of our trup
Jonathan SPA Hotel
Amatas novads
Felt like a family run hotel, but with great facilities of a larger hotel. Spa was excellent, but the steak in the restaurant was of a very high standard. We had a great time here, big rooms too, beautiful location.
Authenticity & Character
Thatched roof and design was different to most hotels
Location
Lovely lakes that you can swim in
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Sep 06, 2025
Hello Jason,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure to meet you in Tallinn and help make your trip special. I’m glad you enjoyed the experience and our beautiful region. I’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime!
Best,
Moonika
The trip was great in all regards. We have already recommended Kimkim and Moonika to friends.
Lithuania
|
Jul 25 - Aug 9, 2025
Jeffrey B.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025
The trip was great in all regards. We have already recommended Kimkim and Moonika to friends.
Kimkim was responsive to multiple changes in our planning and booking.
Moonika was always avaialble as issuess arose as they always do on a trip involving 9 people from multiple locations.
In our case, changes were necessitated by cancelation of flights by Discover Airlines (we would not use again).
High points included shoe bogging, food markets, Art Nouveau tour and the museums that describe...
Read more
The trip was great in all regards. We have already recommended Kimkim and Moonika to friends.
Kimkim was responsive to multiple changes in our planning and booking.
Moonika was always avaialble as issuess arose as they always do on a trip involving 9 people from multiple locations.
In our case, changes were necessitated by cancelation of flights by Discover Airlines (we would not use again).
High points included shoe bogging, food markets, Art Nouveau tour and the museums that describe the Jewish communities and the occupations.
The guides were excellent with regard to knowledge, general friendliness and sensitivity to the needs to the group.
Exceptional among the guides (apologies for spelling): Marilyn, Ilse, Janis, Christina, Svetlana and Yolanda.
Hotel Reviews
The Hotel PACAI was the best of all the outstanding hotels on our trip to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
In addition to the first class room and dining facilities, the level of service was exceptional, none better anywhere in Europe or Asia. When I asked the desk staff early one morning "when will the room be cleaned", his response was "whenever you would like it to be". This attitude of guest satisfaction was pervasive among the front desk, room and dining staffs.
Authenticity & Character
This a modern hotel that would be appreciated in any geographic location
Location
Perfect for visiting the Old Town
Staff
Ready to deal with any request in a very friendly and efficient manner.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful rooms, meticulously maintained. The only suggestion would be more additional hand rails in the bathrooms for us older folks.
Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Airport
Vilnius,
The hotel was an easy 6 min walk to the terminal, very convenient.
The front desk was very efficient and welcoming.
In general, a very good experience with exception noted below.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room had not been cleaned prior to our entering it. The staff apologized and provided another room immediately.
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Aug 14, 2025
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! I’m so glad you enjoyed the trip and that we could make everything run smoothly despite the changes. It was a pleasure working with your group, and I’ll be sure to share your kind words with the guides.
Best,
Moonika
Moonika was fantastic, put together an unbeli...
Lithuania
|
Jul 25 - Aug 9, 2025
Cornelia D.
Phoenix, AZ
| Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025
Moonika was fantastic, put together an unbelievable trip and exceeded our expectations.
Everything, all transfers and tours, went smoothly.
Would do this again!
Lia
Read more
Moonika was fantastic, put together an unbelievable trip and exceeded our expectations.
Everything, all transfers and tours, went smoothly.
Would do this again!
Lia
Hotel Reviews
MICHAELSON boutique HOTEL
Klaipeda
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Aug 14, 2025
Hello Lia,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the trip and that everything went smoothly. I’d be happy to help you plan your next adventure anytime!
Best,
Moonika
The Baltics - Lithuania and Latvia
Latvia
|
Jun 29 - Jul 12, 2025
Linda S.
Greensboro, NC
| Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025
We have worked with Kim Kimfor multiple trips and Moonika has planned the last several for us. She has come to understand our requirements and expectations as travellers (as a couple and a family with grown children) and we count on her to find unexpected and different itineraries that allow us to really experience new countries. This trip was no exception. Yes, we visit the capital cities - but Moonika ensures we explore the hidden gems and little towns with guides who (for the most part)...
Read more
We have worked with Kim Kimfor multiple trips and Moonika has planned the last several for us. She has come to understand our requirements and expectations as travellers (as a couple and a family with grown children) and we count on her to find unexpected and different itineraries that allow us to really experience new countries. This trip was no exception. Yes, we visit the capital cities - but Moonika ensures we explore the hidden gems and little towns with guides who (for the most part) fit our style of learning and interacting. Even the drivers she finds are pretty great. Moonika was available when we needed her and stayed in touch with us to be sure all was okay. She is truly a professional.
Activity Reviews
Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Trakai
Vilnius
What a great way to see a countryside. The ride itself was perfect. Great, professional captain who made everyone feel safe and comfortable. The drivers to and from the take off site were not super friendly and didn't speak with any of us which was too bad.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Especially the captain. The crew worked hard.
Vilnius Walking Tour
Vilnius
Due to flight complications and arriving later than expected, our walking and food tour were combined. It all worked out great though. Our guide (Dov) was very informative, friendly and full of energy. She took the time to explain many cultural aspects related to food, people, art and history. Her communication style was friendly and warm.
Quality of Experience
Dov was a very flexible person. Took us to the art section and it was fascinating.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Flavors of Vilnius
Vilnius
This was combined with our walking tour. See previous notes.
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Jul 14, 2025
Hello Linda,
Thank you so much for your wonderful words and for trusting me with your travels again. I’m so glad this trip met your expectations, and I’m already looking forward to helping you explore your next destination!
All the best,
Moonika
Simply the best
Latvia
|
Jun 29 - Jul 12, 2025
Stu N.
Germantown, MD
| Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025
This is at least our third trip that Moonika has organized. She is amazing. Each trip keeps getting better and better. We visited Lithuania and Latvia and loved it. Moonika arranged for us to stay in and experience a list of cities that otherwise we woud never have known about. Kuldiga is a great example. I love this place so much that I am thinking seriously about buying a place there. The balloon ride was to die for. Moonika is the best. She follows up on details. She stays in...
Read more
This is at least our third trip that Moonika has organized. She is amazing. Each trip keeps getting better and better. We visited Lithuania and Latvia and loved it. Moonika arranged for us to stay in and experience a list of cities that otherwise we woud never have known about. Kuldiga is a great example. I love this place so much that I am thinking seriously about buying a place there. The balloon ride was to die for. Moonika is the best. She follows up on details. She stays in touch during the trip making sure everything is top notch. We travel far more than most and so we appreciate good agency and Moonika is the best.
Stu Nichols
Hotel Reviews
Amazing hotel. Very good staff.
Authenticity & Character
I don't know how they did what they did.
Location
Right next to city hall
perfectly fine hotel, but not amazing. had motel vibes. Great gym though. probably the most amazing gym ever.
MICHAELSON boutique HOTEL
Klaipeda
Great renovation but the staff disappointed us.
I love this hotel. Very near the central square. Unique design. Great restaurant.
Authenticity & Character
Unique design
Location
Right in the middle of things
Staff
The breakfast is amazing. The staff is the dream team. Friendly and attentive. I literally looked forward to breakfast daily. Elizabete is top tier. Her colleagues didn't wear name badges but they are amazing.
The design was amazing, but there was ZERO interaction with the hotel staff. My wife and I are very self-sufficient travelers so we don't need interaction, but this was sort of ridiculous.
Btw, we LOVED Kulidiga. The stay was just good. Not amazing.
Staff
if you want to get a decent rating on this, you need to have staff present. Not the case here.
Activity Review
Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Trakai
Vilnius
Un-effing believable. do this! fly to the baltics just for this. Trust me.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Jul 14, 2025
Hello Stu,
Thank you so much for your kind words and continued trust, it truly means the world to me. I'm so happy you loved Latvia and Lithuania, and that Kuldīga left such an impression! It's one of my favorite towns too:) All the best and I hope to have you as my guests again in the future.
Moonika
From Michigan to Finland
Finland
|
Jun 12 - Jun 26, 2025
Erik K.
Minneapolis, MN
| Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025
From the transportation to the accommodations, every part of the trip was wonderful! I would recommend Kim Kim to anyone planning an overseas vacation.
Read more
From the transportation to the accommodations, every part of the trip was wonderful! I would recommend Kim Kim to anyone planning an overseas vacation.
Hotel Reviews
The train was clean and the staff very helpful. I had a little trouble sleeping on the train due to the motion, but a fun experience.
Arctic Light Hotel
Rovaniemi
Original Sokos Hotel Arina
Oulu
Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
Turku
Aquarius Resort
Lappajärvi
I would recommend room darkening shades. We just happened to stay during the mid-summer holiday. It was a little difficult to sleep with the bright sky.
Lapland Hotels Tampere
Tampere
Activity Reviews
Korouoma Canyon Wilderness Hike
Rovaniemi
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Unfortunately, we did have some car trouble on the way home. Our guide did his best to remedy the situation.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Finnish Legends and Stories Around the Fire
Rovaniemi
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nothing better than a Finnish sauna and a dip in the lake!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Arctic Nightless Night Boat Trip
Rovaniemi
Food
The salmon was amazing!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour
Helsinki
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Porvoo Private Day Tour
Helsinki
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Industrial Past of Tampere
Tampere
Our guides really went out of their way to help us!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Turku City Walking Tour
Turku
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Boat Trip from Nauvo
Turku
A definite high light of the trip!! Sami was great!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia
| Replied on Jul 11, 2025
Hello Erik,
Thank you for your review. I'm glad to hear you had a good time on your trip with us. Sorry to hear you didn’t get a good night’s sleep on the train and that there were some car issues during one of the tours, but I’m glad it didn’t dampen your overall experience. I hope to have you as our guest again in the future.
Best,
Moonika
