LITHUANIA

Lithuania is the largest of the Baltic States and is surrounded by Latvia, Belarus, Poland and has a long history that spans centuries. From the 12th century when the resident Balt nation divided itself, through to 1558 when Ivan the Terrible invaded Lithuania where he ruled for some 34 years. After which the country was embroiled in various rebellions and as with most Eastern European countries WWII took it's toll on Lithuania and it's population.

The country has extensive forests and has 5 national parks, which are alive with varied wildlife, which offer naturalists excellent hiking opportunities. Peak season to visit Lithuania is July and August, but any time between May through to September is a good time to visit. Lithuania offers the winter sports fan endless hours of fun with cross-country skiing, ice skating, toboganning as well as fishing and skydiving.

As with the other Baltic States the cost of living is still relatively cheap and bargains can still be had when looking for hotel rooms.

Worldmark's range of services include:-

Due to our extensive oversea's network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.

* Discounted hotels.
* Discounted air fares.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Theatre Tickets
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire

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Vilinuis

The nations capital sits astride the Neris River and offers it's visitors a cosmosopolitian vibrant city full of history and culture. The centre of the city lies the southern bank of the river and is where the main tourist sights can be located.

One of the most popular areas in Vilnius is CATHEDRAL SQUARE, which is a large square with the cathedral at one end with GEDIMIUNAS HILL at it's back and the OLD TOWN DISTRICT also starts here with it's bars, cafés and restaurants. In this part of town you will find VILNIUS UNIVERSITY, the PRESIDENTS PALACE, and the interesting OLD JEWISH QUARTER. The 19th century NEW TOWN part of town has some interesting sights such as the MUSEUM OF THE GENOCIDE OF THE LITHUANIAN PEOPLE, which offers, guided tours that offer an interesting insight to what this country suffered during WWII.

Finally as with all of the Baltic States it offers a cheap standard of living & decent hotel rates.

We can offer discounted rates at the following hotel's:-

Reval Hotel,Radisson SAS,Sarunas,Centrum,Crown Plaza,Holiday Inn,Atrium and Naujasis Vilnius.

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Other destination suggestions:-

Curonian Split

Dominates the Baltic Coast with the 60km Lithuanian half being a fairly isolated stretch of land. It sounds dull but it is anything but, the area is full of sand dunes, lush pine forests alive with wildlife such as elk, deer and boar. But the Splits downside that there are environmental concerns with visitors being encouraged to stick to the marked paths and not to pick any flowers.

Druskininkai

This interesting town lies in the Southern part of the country on the Nemunas River and is famous for it's mineral springs.

Palanga

18km north of Kalpeda sits this popular little town that is one of the busiest towns in Lithuania during the summer months when everyone and their family visits this seaside resort. It offers its visitors an attractive setting where you can sit on the long sandy beach complete with pine-topped dunes soaking up the sun. We recommend that you try to visit on the last Saturday of August when the town is home to a massive street carnival.

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Travel Warning / Information

There is a risk of mugging, pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly on public transport. Avoid poorly lit streets, parks and secluded areas after dark. There has been a recent increase in pickpocketing in bars and restaurants.

Be wary of accepting food and drink from strangers in bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Some visitors have been drugged and subsequently robbed.

Car theft, particularly of/from new or expensive cars, is rife. Lock unattended vehicles: conceal all contents (and radios, if possible). Major cities have guarded car parks: use them if at all possible, especially overnight. Road traffic accidents are common. Extra care should be be taken at all times when driving particularly driving at night.

Avoid carrying valuables and have a copy of your passport with you for identification purposes.

This information is current as of 13/5/05 we recommend that travellers contact the FCO Travel Advice Unit: 0870 606 0290 for up to date information.

Health Information

Visitors to forested areas should seek medical advice about inoculations against rabies and tick-borne encephalitis.

We recommend that all travellers check with their GP prior to departure or refer to the the Department of Health’s website.

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Worldmark Travel
2st Floor
The Arena
24 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HF
Tel 020 7 922 Fax 020 7 405 2545
E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com

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Currently no visa is reuired for U.K nationals to enter this country.