Traveling to Baltic Countries - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, also Poland

We're planning a similar trip but will not include Poland for this time. We're going independently and planning to use buses and maybe trains between cities - we plan to visit Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn plus smaller cities along the way. We do not plan to rent a car. I can let you know more about our travel specifics when we return in July.

We've been to that region a couple of times and are headed to LT again this summer. We've traveled by bus from Tallinn to Riga to Klaipeda, and between Klaipeda and Vilnius (see http://www.luxexpress.eu/en). We used the bus because it was the local recommendation. Trains didn't get the recommendation due to reliability, quality, etc., but others on this board have given the thumbs up to train travel. I can't comment on doing it by car. We have used the train from Vilnius to Warsaw; there was a train change at the border because of different guage track in the two countries. You can easily visit Poland and Berlin by train. Let me know if you have more questions about Lithuania specifically.

Labas Fran! I can help with information concerning the Batlics. I am sure Germany will be fabulous and Poland will be fantastic! I have read that Krakow is a great city. You have come to the right place! I majored in history and minored in international studies. I hope you will fined the information I provide helpful and useful for your trip! Vilnius, Lithuania The old town or Senamiestas was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994. It is one of the largest in Eastern Europe. It is located between two rivers--Vilna and Neris. The city is very multicultural and has great architectural diversity. It can be described as southern architecture beneath the northern sky! The ruins of castles, network of meandering streets, church spires, bell towers, and red tile roofs make Vilnius a charming city just waiting to be discovered! Best Airline: Finnair or LOT Polish Airline (I purchased a ticket to Vilnius for April 2012 for $888 round trip) Best Travel Guide: Bradt Travel Information: http://www.litrail.lt/ http://www.autobusustotis.lt Language: The official language is Lithuanian. Polish and Russian is spoken as well. English is widely spoken especially among the young 35 and under. The locals really admire the fact that you know a few words in their beautiful native language which is the OLDEST in Europe! Currency: Litas 1 Litas= 38 US cents or 2.62 Litas = 1 USD. Please check the exchange rates before leaving for your trip. What to See: Vilnius University Vilnius Cathedral Our Lady of Dawn St. Annes Cathedral The Church of the Holy Spirit Museum of Genocide St. Teresa Cathedral President's Palace Gedminas Tower Castle Valdviu Rumai (Lower Castle will open in *2013.) Vilnius City Gate (Partially reconstructed)
Trakai Island Castle (Outside of Vilnius)

Here is more information about Vilnius: Currently Vilnius hosting a large exhibition from Hermitage collections. Vilnius Picture Gallery, 4 Didžioji Str. Vilnius, until 10 June Vilnius City Phone App According the the VILNIUS TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE "Vilnius Tourism City Guide is like a local by your side as you discover everything the city has to offer. You will find the information about sightseeing, attractions, activities, restaurants, cafés, hotels, shopping, nightlife, Vilnius City Card and lots more. Vilnius Tourism City Guide is a 100% offline, so you will not get a huge phone bill for the internet. With "Near Me" function you will easily navigate through the city and all your "Favorites" are stored for later use. It is advisable to have an active Wi-Fi connection when downloading and updating the application." Vilnius City Card Card prices 2012: 24 hour card with public transport ticket – 58 Lt (17 EUR) 24 hour card without public transport ticket – 45 Lt (13 EUR) 72 hour card with public transport ticket – 90 Lt (26 EUR) 5% discount for children up to 14 years. A special catalogue with information about discounts is received upon the purchase of the Vilnius City Card. The catalogue is available in Lithuanian, English, German, Polish and Russian languages. Phone: +370 5 250 5895
Email: [email protected] http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/vtic/services/vilnius-city-card/about/

Day Tours for Vilnius: Trakai Castle Trakai was the first capital of Lithuania; is only 30 km from Vilnius. The unique landscape of Trakai is comprised of numerous picturesque lakes and hills. The main landmark of Trakai is the famous insular Trakai Castle. It was constructed in the 14 century making it an excellent example of Gothic architecture. The castle was used in the HBO Golden Globe winning film "Elizabeth I" with Helen Mirren. TRAKAI TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE Vytauto str.69 LT-21001 Trakai, Lithuania Tel./Fax.: +370 528 51934 e-mail:[email protected] http://www.trakai-visit.lt TRAKAI MUSEUM
http://www.trakaimuziejus.lt Belamontas Entertainment and Recreation Center http://www.belmontas.lt/about-belmontas/ I hope your trip to the Lithuania will be sensational and unforgettable!

Labas vel! Hello again! I just wanted to add a youtube link of a short video entitled "Unseen Lithuania" of "Neregeta Lietuva" I hope you like it! Take care! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hkwOONxNCw&feature=related