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TRAVEL 017 LITHUANIA
WWW .LITHU
ANIA.TRA VEL LITHUANIA IS THE LARGEST OF THE BALTIC COUNTRIES
Lithuania sits on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and is the largest of the Baltic countries with a population of 3.2 million. A land of forests, rivers and gently rolling hills, it boasts five national parks covering a remarkable 33% of the country’s territory. The capital Vilnius is noted for its baroque architecture and medieval old town. The national sport is basketball; Lithuania is the only country in the world with its own official scent and, somewhat randomly, there are more hot air balloons per head of population than in any other country!
WHY GO? • Amble around the stunning medieval old town. • The lakeside resort and historically important town of Trakai (a perfect day trip from the capital).
LATVIA
WWW.LA TVIA.TRA VEL
LATVIA IS RANKED ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREENEST COUNTRIES
Neighbouring Russia and with a population of 2.1 million, Latvia is ranked one of the world’s greenest countries whilst its capital, Riga, is the largest in the Baltics. Its natural beauty features pine-fringed beaches of white sand that often see it dubbed the ‘Baltic Riviera’. The country is a heavy hitter when it comes to the natural environment – evident across open spaces that take in four national parks, seven protected marine areas and more than 250 nature reserves. Latvia turns out more fashion models than almost any other country in the world (Estonia does beat it!). And the Latvians have a great love of beer. In fact, Riga even has a ‘beer spa’, while Black Balsam – a liquer
of 24 different plants and berries fermented in oak barrels is said to have cured a cold of Catherine the Great.
WHY GO? • Rundale Palace – nicknamed the ‘Baltic Versailles’.
• The seaside resort of Jurmala (20 minutes from Riga).
• From medieval castles to bungee jumping, head for Gauja National Park.
• Kuldiga is a beautiful town harking back to a quieter age.
• One of the largest in Europe, visit Riga’s central market.
• For a spot of culture head to the Latvian National Opera and Ballet.
TAKE OFF Ryanair (
www.ryanair.com) flies from Stansted and Air Baltic (
www.airbaltic.com) from Gatwick to Riga with fares starting from £90. Ryanair flies to Vilnius from Luton and Stansted (£90). Flights to Tallinn are operated by easyJet (www.easyjet. com) from Gatwick starting at £70.
• Curonian Spit, a long strip of sand between the Curonian Lagoon and the mighty Baltic Sea, and Kursiu Nerija National Park.
• The Hill of Crosses, a memorial to those who died over years of uprisings and civil strife, and the Gate of Dawn, part of Vilnius’ original walls of defence dating back to medieval times.
Neil Taylor’s guidebooks to Estonia and the Baltic Cities are published by Bradt (
www.bradtguides.com)
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