Lithuania is the south destination in the Baltics
Lithuania is a country under the northern sky, surprising with its southern open temperament and optimistic character. Vilnius, the youngest of the three Baltic capitals, impresses with exceptional examples of Italian Baroque, preserves the history of brilliant royal dynasties, and memories of the glorious military campaigns of Lithuanian princes. Lithuania combines deep Catholic faith and traditional religious diversity. Dense forests, blue lakes, and pre-Christian settlements on the hills along the majestic Neman hold deep sacred meaning of ancient pagan mythology. Kaunas, the capital during the interwar period, is full of national pride in the early years of independence and amazes with its modernist architecture. The national parks and reserves of Aukstaitija, Zemaitija, and Curonian Spit delight with the diversity of natural landscapes and invite you to connect with unspoiled nature. National cuisine and upscale restaurants please the most sophisticated gourmets. Lithuania’s cultural life is full of music festivals and traditional folklore celebrations, offering guests an unforgettable experience.
Fortresses and castles
- The Old Town of Vilnius has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994 with its magnificent architecture in the styles of Baroque and Neoclassicism, with the majestic Cathedral and Pilies Street.
- Trakai Castle stands on an island on Lake Galve and is the symbol of Lithuania.
- The dunes of the Curonian Spit are a unique natural formation included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Zemaitija National Park is a cultural and historical reserve with ancient settlements and examples of wooden architecture.
- Kaunas Castle – once the largest fortress on the border of lithuania and the territories of the Order and East Prussia.
Latvia is the central destination in the Baltics
Latvia welcomes with restraint and regularity. Refined and elegant Riga will captivate you with the sounds of organ and opera music. Latvian nature calms with soft, restrained colors, and has a harmonising effect on thoughts and feelings. Folk motives sound across wide fields, hills, and hamlets, over the waters of the majestic Daugava and restless Gauja. Raw walls of the Order’s castles above the steep sandy cliffs witnessed cruel battles in the past. Their exact opposite is the peaceful idyll of noble estates and ducal palaces in Rundale and Jelgava. Evidence of fierce military confrontations in modern times are preserved by the military seaport in Liepaja, the secret nuclear bunker Ligatne, and Europe’s last bastion-type fortress in Daugavpils. The resort coast in Jurmala and Saulkrasti offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. Latvian cuisine attracts gourmets with its original dishes and traditional culinary master classes. Music and opera festivals attract tourists from all over the world.
Ancient cities and natural parks
- The Old Town of Riga has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997 with its medieval architecture, Riga Castle and Dome Cathedral.
- Gauja National Park contains more than 500 cultural and historical monuments.
- Jurmala is a famous resort on the Baltic Sea coast with white sandy beaches and spa hotels.
- Cesis Castle is a medieval fortress, the center of the Livonian Order.
Estonia is the northern destination in the Baltics
Estonia is the smallest country by area with a strong northern character. It surprises with contrasts of landscape and mood in different regions. A moraine with boulder fields and boundless peat bogs on the southwest coast transitions to dolomite clays and spacial landscapes of slag heaps in the industrial north. Estonian islands with juniper thickets, ancient windmills, and the powerful medieval Kuressaare Castle excite the imagination. Estonian history is full of dramatic events related to conflicts between restless neighbors, near and far. The ancient cities of Tartu and Narva, and the gloomy ruins of Order castles in the country’s south will remind you about these events. The ancient Palmse Manor, the jewel of Lahemaa National Park, tells about the life of the Baltic German nobility. Fascinating nature trails and a holiday in the popular Pärnu resort will strengthen your health. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, impresses with its incredible combination of medieval Hanseatic architecture and modern high-tech. The Lennusadam, or the Seaplane Harbour, tells about the military-technical heritage. The Estonian national character is admired for its hard work, perseverance, and willingness to do risky experiments: the largest Technopark in the Baltics, robots, Skype, and e-citizenship programs – all this is modern Estonia.
Islands and medieval castles
- The Old Town of Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe with defencive walls, towers, the Dome Church, Niguliste Church and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997.
- Lahemaa National Park is a protected natural area with forests, swamps, and historic Baltic German farmsteads.
- Saaremaa Island is the largest of the Estonian islands with a unique cultural and natural heritage.
- Kuressaare Castle is a medieval fortress on the island of Saaremaa with a viewing platform.
- The Estonian National Museum in Tartu is the largest museum dedicated to the history of Estonia, with interactive exhibitions.