Lithuania

This thoroughly updated Bradt guide to Lithuania is the perfect introduction to the largest and most southern of the three Baltic States. A deep culture of heritage and tradition has given Lithuanians a feisty attitude to fend off unwanted invaders and occupiers over the centuries. Long ago this powerful little nation established an empire from the Baltic to the Black Sea. These days Lithuania is a key player in Europe and on the World stage – small but not shy. The capital city of Vilnius, second city Kaunas and the UNESCO Lithuanian coast are the eye-candy that attract international visitors. Behind these main sights is a patchwork of unspoilt rolling landscapes, wholesome village life, crafts, traditions, scars from a brutal Soviet occupation, youthful energy, new technologies, quirky artistic expression - a vibrant spirit leads Lithuania into a new era. To get the best out of your time in Lithuania hunt out your interests locally. If you are a foodie, don't just eat in the best restaurant in Vilnius, attend a cookery class or have lunch in a rural tavern where food is not only how Grandma cooks it. but you will probably meet Grandma. When you experience local Lithuanian life, it is a real privilege and unlocks an understanding of everything else you will experience during your stay. Lithuania is an all-year-round destination with four distinct seasons; feel the vitality of spring when hiking through wild-meadows, soak up the summer vibes at the Lithuanian seaside, forage through autumnal foliage in the forests, or crunch through crisp snow in silent old town streets. AUTHOR: Sally Chambers is an expert in travel to Lithuania and co-owner of Baltic Holidays. Having grown up in Cumbria, moved to Nottingham for University, then to Brussels for an EU internship – chance events led her to Vilnius, Lithuania, where she worked for local travel guide publisher 'In Your Pocket'. This unexpected move had a lasting impact due to local friendships and feeling at home in Lithuania. When sixteen, Sally's parents took her to Prague and she confidently stated that it felt right and that she would live in Eastern Europe. Little did she know that years later she would be back in Prague having travelled overnight from home in Lithuania with a coachload of colleagues for a staff Christmas party. Sally enjoys spending time in Lithuania and Eastern Europe while researching for Baltic Holidays, then using her experience and knowledge to tailor itineraries so others can enjoy the region. 40 colour photos, 22 maps

Table of Contents:
Introduction viii PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Education, Culture Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Travelling with a disability, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Opening times, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively PART TWO THE GUIDE Chapter 3 Vilnius History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Sports and activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do Chapter 4 Around Vilnius Trakai Historical National Park, Traku Voke, Paneriai, Kernave, North of Vilnius, Medininkai Chapter 5 Dzukija Druskininkai, Dzukija National Park, Northeast Dzukija, Western Dzukija Chapter 6 Kaunas and around Kaunas, Kedainiai, Nemunas River Valley, South of the Nemunas River, Birstonas Chapter 7 Aukstaitija Anyksciai, Utena, Moletai, Around Moletai, Aukstaitija National Park, Visaginas, Zarasai, Around Zarasai, Rokiskis, Birzai, Panevezys, Ukmerge Chapter 8 Zemaitija Siauliai, Joniskis, Zagare, Northern Zemaitija, Zemaitija National Park, Plunge, Telsiai Chapter 9 The Coast Palanga, Around Palanga, Klaipeda, Around Klaipeda, The Curonian Spit, South of Klaipeda Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Further Information Index Index of Advertisers

About the Author :
Sally Chambers is an expert in travel to Lithuania and co-owner of specialist tour operator Baltic Holidays. From 1999 to 2001, she lived in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, working for a local travel guide publisher. She arrived knowing nothing about the country and, as she was driving through a bleak, grey, snow-covered landscape, practised basic Lithuanian vocabulary and counting 1 to 10. Fortunately, things swiftly improved: any free time was spent exploring the country, and she was soon recommending where local friends should go on their weekends! Since returning to live in the UK, she has been promoting Lithuania as a travel destination and tailoring tours of Lithuania and the other Baltic states. She often works on Lithuania-time for meetings, considers the country her second home, and regularly returns to research and to catch up with colleagues and friends. Bradt's Lithuania is her first book.