Lithuania

Lithuania is a country rich in culture and history. This small Baltic country once ruled an empire that stretched from the Baltic Sea to the shores of the Black Sea. The country is dotted with beautiful castles, palaces and churches that tell stories of the days when it was one of the most powerful countries in Europe. You won't be disappointed by the scenery and architecture and your visit will be made more enjoyable by the incredibly warm and out going Lithuanian people.

If you want to see an amazing memorial to Lithuanian national identity, a visit the Hill of Crosses is essential. Located about 150 miles northwestof Vilnius is a small hill where many hundreds of thousands of crosses have been placed to represent the peaceful resistance to foreign oppression.
The tradition of placing crosses dates back to the 14th century when the area was occupied by the Teutonic Knights. During the Soviet era the hill was leveled and the crosses destroyed three times, but each time they were replaced by local inhabitants and pilgrims from all over Lithuania. The sacred hill is visited by many thousands of pilgrims each year, including Pope John Paul II, who visited the Hill of Crosses in 1993.One of the unique natural features of Lithuania is the Coronian Spit. This 60 mile long strip of sand dominates Lithuania's Baltic coastline.

Comprised of pine forests and sand dunes, the Spit is inhabited by elk, deer and wild boar. There is a lovely village, Nida, at the end of the spit where you can enjoy delicious smoked fish and the beautiful surroundings.