Lithuania Tours & Vacations

About Lithuania

A mere speck on the world map to an outsider, it is much more to a Lithuanian – a country that was built over thousands of years. It is a place that intertwines the experiences of our ancestors, the battles that were fought, and the love that was shared. So what is Lithuania? Lithuania is mostly about its people. The people who built the state and the cities, who engendered cultural enrichment and knowledge, and who searched for their true identity. Although Lithuania was first recorded as a country in 1009, the first people are thought to have settled in the territory as far back as the 10th millennium BC. The first Baltic tribes arrived some 7,000 years later and settled near the Baltic Sea. Lithuanians are proud to have been brought up in a country with such a rich historical past, and they try to accentuate their national heritage by doing their best on stages and in sports arenas, by being great painters and authors, by singing their hearts out to thousands of people, and by making their presence known with the tricolor flag.

Geography

If you think Lithuania is somewhere in South America, think again. If your eyes are fixed on a map of the Balkans, press another key on your keyboard. So where is Lithuania located? The lyrics of one of our songs say it’s in the middle of Europe – and indeed, those are not just song lyrics. Using the method of gravitational centers, researchers at the National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information in France established that the geographical center of Europe is in fact found in Lithuania. The nation is only a few hours by plane from other European capitals and can also easily be reached by coach, train or even boat. So welcome to this country of Northern Europe, to the very center of Europe… to Lithuania.

Art & Culture

From ancient times to now Lithuanian art plays a special role in our hearts. The power of creativity lives inside us and allows us to make steps that lead us further. The sound of breathing may sometimes become music for a film. The wind that blows hair at the sea – song lyrics. A kicked road stone – a sculpture, a friend’s letter sent from a distant place – a piece of painting. Creation does not begin and does not end. It lives inside us, allows us to make steps that we wouldn’t dare to make, counts codes that we couldn’t grasp if not for the power of creativity. There would be no life without creation. There would be no Lithuania that we have at present. That is what makes Lithuanian culture so special.

Nature

Lithuanian nature is our greatest treasure. With its spectrum of shades of green, the freshness of its clean water, and its captivating landscapes, it seems as if the gifts of Lithuania’s nature are inexhaustible for its people and visitors. Enjoy them, while protecting and nurturing Lithuania’s greatest treasure.

Requiring Clothing

Pack as you would for any European city: more dressy outfits for formal restaurants and nightclubs and casual clothes for everywhere else. Even in summer bring a light jacket because the evenings can occasionally be cool. Needless to say you should bring a thick coat, gloves and a woolen hat in winter.

Did you know?

• Every year the river Vilnia is dyed bright emerald green for St. Patrick’s Day.
• Lithuanians celebrate two independence days, February 16 and March 11.
• Lithuania has its national scent, “The Scent of Lithuania.”
• Lithuania is home to the oldest tree in Europe, over 1500 years old.
• Lithuanians love hot air balloons.
• Lithuania only regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990
• People under the age of about 30 will speak excellent English and fluent Russian.
• Lithuania’s national dish, “cepelinai,” is composed of potatoes stuffed with meat.
• Vodka is a drink for many Lithuanians, and many local vodkas are made from potatoes.
• The cars won’t slow down at the designated crossing, and jaywalking is not practiced here.
• In Lithuania, whistling is considered rude and is thought to be called ghosts or spirits.