Latvia

Home to just 2.3 million people, Latvia is a country full of surprises. From the capital Riga - full of culture and often referred to as the Paris of the north - to the tranquil sandy beaches of Jurmala, just 20 minutes drive from Riga, you will not have seen anything like it before. Travel further inland and Latvia's historic castles, country houses and many miles of unspoilt countryside remind you that this is an old country, with many centuries of interesting and often complex history. After all, Latvia was under occupation or foreign rule almost continuously from the 13th century to the 20th century.

Apart from its capital Riga, Latvia has several other important towns. Liepaja, Ventspils, Mezciems and Jelgava are all regional centres. Latvia's two main international airports are Riga International Airport and Liepaja International Airport. At the time of writing, direct flights from the UK are only available to Riga - but Riga is connected to Liepaja by a major road and is centrally located, so it's an ideal starting point for most destinations.

Nature lovers will not want to miss the Gauja National Park. In wintertime, the country's northern Baltic climate means that both seaside and rural areas take on a magical appearance as snow transforms the landscape - while in the city of Riga, Latvia's thriving cultural scene, including a highly-regarded opera - provide the perfect setting for a city break.