Lithuania

Lithuania is the largest of the three countries (Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania) that flank the eastern side of the Baltic ocean. The first Soviet republic to proclaim independence from Russia, Lithuania has embraced western democracy and in 2004 joined both NATO and the EU.

Lithuania's sparse population (it's home to just 3.6 million people) mean that it can boast large areas of unspoilt countryside, many small, traditional rural villages and many miles of beautiful coastline - none of which has been ruined by overdevelopment. City visitors also enjoy a similar treat; Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a well-preserved yet thriving historic city, replete with baroque churches, imposing museums and bustling bars and cafes.

Lithuania's other major cities are Kaunas and Klaipeda. Both Kaunas and Vilnius have their own airports and international flights from western Europe serve both airports. As well as the historic cities - increasingly popular destinations for city breaks - Lithuania's long, unspoilt beaches attract many Lithuanian families every summer. While Palanga offers the chance to enjoy a vibrant, modern resort with a good selection of restaurants, bars and entertainment, Nida allows you to get away from it all. Isolated from the mainland on the Curonian Spit, a stay in Nida allows you to completely unwind and enjoy a slower, gentler pace of life.

Lithuania's relatively modern infrastructure and EU membership makes it an ideal destination for a self-drive tour. Modern, fully-insured hire cars are readily available in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda and will enable you to take a leisurely tour through this unique country, staying in a mixture of hotels and traditional farmsteads as you travel around.