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Baltic City Breaks – Up and coming
The city break itinerary continues to grow with the addition of the Baltic States. Southernmost is Vilnius, in Lithuania, just north of Poland. The country declared independence from Russia in 1990 and, despite being one of Europe’s smallest capitals, still manages an impressive combination of history, culture and nightlife. In the heart of the capital, Gediminas Hill is a 14th-century castle surrounded by the old town, a charming patchwork of baroque buildings and colourful courtyards, dominated by grand churches and university buildings. The former KGB building now houses the Museum of Genocide complete with torture cells, execution pits and interrogation rooms, have been left as they were. For an alternative view of Vilnius, head to the Uzupis district, a self-proclaimed independent state, home to cafés, galleries and artists. A city break in Lithuania is the perfect combination of a chequered past and a vibrant future.
Baltic City Breaks – The biggest in the Baltics
Latvia borders Lithuania to the north. Settled as early as 9000BC, the country became independent of Russia in 1991. The capital, Riga, is a beautiful location for a city break and is the largest of the Baltic conurbations. Central Ratslaukums reflects the city’s turbulent past and sits atop the red-brick and gilded façade of the House of Blacksmiths. The original medieval structure was destroyed by the Soviets and rebuilt for Riga’s 800th anniversary in 2001. The old town affords spectacular views across the Daugava River and the soaring spires of the seven century’s old Dome Cathedral. For a window into Soviet life, a trip to the Centraltirgus (Central Market), housed in giant former zeppelin hangars, is a must. A vibrant nightlife and blossoming tourist trade demonstrate a shift in the city’s economic fortunes and make a Riga city break an ideal break.
Baltic City Breaks – Ridiculously beautiful
Situated on the Baltic coast, and bordering Latvia to the south, Estonia declared independence from Russia in 1991 and joined the European Union – along with Latvia and Lithuania – in 2004. The capital Tallinn is a European leader in information technology where residents pay for tram tickets and parking spaces via text message. For all its futuristic advances, the city is simply stunning; chocolate-box skyline of needle-like spires and red-tiled roofs characterise the Vanalinn (old town) cityscape. Stroll through the steep and cobbled Pikk jalg (Long Leg Street) up to Toompea, the seat of government or for a night on the tiles, head for the picturesque Raekoja plats. The Baltics – the perfect place for an amazing city break.
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