Archive for the ‘Lithuania’ Category

The Three Remarkable Baltic States - Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania

March 24th, 2011

Freaking Awesome will be less than an adjective to describe the gratifying experience offered by discovering the world-famous Baltic cities. With a wide array of sightseeing tours, museums, full-service spas and beauty farms, regions around the Baltic are quite inviting. Dive into the ocean of adventure, visit the National Opera concert, or do anything you want under the roof while traveling to the Baltic States. No matter whether you are coming with your family or with your friends, or planning for a classical sightseeing, visiting the Baltic cities is an excellent holiday idea. Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are well-known for beautiful castles, manors, and un-spoilt nature and amber. These days, the Baltic States are developing at a rapid pace, offering immense holiday opportunities for long-tour aficionados. The countryside offers to its guests the opportunity to discover untouched wild nature – its hundred miles of sandy shoreline, vast forests, hayfields and beautiful lakes. There is certainly no justification for not visiting those remarkable Baltic States – Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

img credit : jennyhsu47

If you explore a little deeper, you’ll find a difference in the way people of the Baltic look and speak. They retain their diverse cultures and customs through years of subjugation in the earlier Soviet Union. Obscure references aside, these three incredible Baltic countries do offer the most extraordinary experiences of the European culture. The food is energetic and sophisticated, with a firm influence by local customs of hunting as well as mushroom gathering. These cities are a mix of old and new-fangled, with the world’s renowned mediaeval town centers and largest collection of the Art Nouveau architecture. Young and vibrant as always, the capitals are becoming innovative cultural meccas where one can see an excellent opera prior to wandering the cobbled streets for a late dinner. Gothic festivals and up-to-the-minute shopping emphasizes the meticulously maintained former towns through the region. Those striking wooden buildings, towering cathedrals and metaphorical town halls out there would beg to be photographed throughout every bend. The well-placed escapades abroad Baltic States excursion offers an exclusive insight to the destinations rarely visited North Americans. Nowhere will you explore such brilliantly preserved gothic cities, castles and traditions. If you believe that you have visited all the places of this awesome continent, Europe, think again. You still have lots more to explore in these beautiful Baltic States. Experience the contemporary culture of a region emerging over the borders of Europe.

Lithuania - Why it’s worth exploring

January 12th, 2010

Lithuanian holidays may not be on a lot of people’s ‘to-do’ lists, but maybe they should. Though not thought of as one of the most beautiful places in the world, the culture and history, going back to the people’s fight for independence from the Soviets, can provide the ingredients for an unusual and exciting holiday.

Vilnius

Vilniuscredit

Vilnius is Lithuania’s capital. Whenever I hear that name I can’t help but think of the Russian submarine Captain, played by Sean Connery, in the movie The Hunt for Red October. He spoke of his love for the city that was his home. Vilnius is considered to be a “hidden gem” in Eastern Europe and despite its history, the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque style buildings have held up beautifully. If you travel to Lithuania, you must go to Vilnius and see the Archcathedral Basilica, Gediminas Castle, and the Lithuanian National Museum.

In Siauilai in the northern part of the country you can visit Lithuania’s most famous attraction, the Hill of Crosses.

The Hill of Crossescredit

This is a popular destination for religious pilgrims. The origins of the tradition aren’t documented, but over the years since 1832, these religious travelers have brought giant crucifixes, small crosses, carvings of the country’s patriots, and statues of the Virgin Mary to this hill. It is quite a sight.

Lithuania is on the Baltic Sea, so naturally there are some beaches. Palanga is a seaside resort that tops the list of attractions in Lithuania.

Palanga, a beautiful beach on the Baltic Seacredit

The prices are very reasonable and the beach is thought to be one of the best on the Baltic. Palanga can be quite crowded in the summers since many Lithuanians come here to holiday.

Klaipeda, also on the Baltic, is the country’s third largest city. It was originally founded by Baltic tribes and the city and its ancient castle were built in 1252. There is a lot of history to be discovered in Klaipeda. Another popular beach can be found near Klaipeda, called Smiltyne.

Klaipedacredit

Holidays to Lithuania can be very easy to arrange, especially the travel. If you live or are traveling from London, you can get there by train that goes through Berlin and Warsaw. The drive is easy from Poland, Belarus, and Latvia and there are no border controls between these countries so entry is painless. If you plan to fly, you’ll probably land in Vilnius, but Palanga has a small airport. If you want all the arrangements made for you, you can sign for a tour of the country to be sure you see everything worth seeing in Lithuania.