| Lithuanian capital of Vilnius situated around | | | | mass graves. |
| 200 miles from the Lithuanian coast, Vilnius | | | | |
| is a hidden gem among the Baltic capitals. | | | | South of Cathedral Square, this old town is |
| Known for its quirky and vibrant spirit, the | | | | wonderful to explore. Its has winding |
| town offers the chance to feel like youre | | | | streets and courtyards it is a city that |
| stepping back in time while still offering | | | | captures your interest by just wondering |
| all of the modern conveniences. | | | | around. Just through the gates, enter the |
| | | | first door on the right to the 17th century |
| Vilnius has a population of approximately | | | | Chapel of the Gates of Dawn. |
| 600,000. | | | | |
| | | | Lithuanians like to eat nice, tasty and |
| The official language is Lithuanian. Russian | | | | filling foods. Traditional cuisine took shape |
| and English are also widely spoken. | | | | over many centuries and was much influenced |
| | | | by cultural contacts with neighbouring |
| Island Castle is a natural attraction 23 km | | | | nations. There seems to be an inexhaustible |
| west of Vilnius and accessible by bus or | | | | number of restaurants to choose from in |
| boat. One of the oldest castles in Lithuania, | | | | Vilnius, with cuisine available from all |
| it situated on Lake Galves near the old | | | | around the globe. However, be warned that |
| capital of Trakai. The 14th century castle | | | | many Lithuanian restaurants tend to serve |
| lies in a setting of forests and lakes in | | | | extra large portions fit for a small army. |
| Trakai National Park. You can also find the | | | | |
| ruins of the Peninsula Castle and the site of | | | | The nightlife, it must be said, is positively |
| Old Trakai Castle within this beautiful | | | | pumping, and the Vilnius locals are always up |
| national park. | | | | for a decent session of hard partying. |
| | | | |
| The old Jewish quarter and ghetto is a | | | | Locals are typically a friendly bunch, happy |
| cultural attraction. Vilnius was originally a | | | | to help out visitors to their city. |
| city with 100 000 Jewish residents. After | | | | |
| WWII only 6000 Jews had survived with only 1 | | | | Featuring a relatively temperate climate, |
| synagogue out of an original 105. The | | | | Vilnius has the best weather in the months of |
| Lithuanian State Jewish depicts the Yiddish | | | | June to August where the average temperature |
| culture in Lithuania and the tragedy of the | | | | is 22. It rarely gets above 4 between |
| Holocaust. The Genocide Memorial is a 15 | | | | November and March, dropping to below zero in |
| minute train trip away in Panerial. A total | | | | January. |
| of 70 000 Jews were killed and buried here in | | | | |