Travel to Lithuania - Vilnius Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Hill of Crosses

Lithuania's full name is the Republic of Lithuania. The official language of the country is Lithuanian, and Russian is spoken frequently. The country is located in northern Europe, and the capital city of Lithuania is Vilnius. It is bordered by the Baltic Sea on its west coast, and it is also bordered by Poland, Latvia, Belarus, and the Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave. Religious practices in this country are varied. Litas is the official currency.

Vilnius, Lithuania view larger image

Vilnius, located on top of Gediminas Hill, is a place filled with art and artists including the eccentric, the different, and the Baroque. Its Presidential Palace has guided tours through its classical Russian Empire styled building.

Napoleon stayed at the palace when he was preparing to advance on Moscow. Its Cathedral is a national symbol. In fact, Vilnius Cathedral began as a wooden structure that was designed for worshiping the thunder god.

Trakai Castle view larger image

In Lithuania, the Hill of Crosses is an eerie place where crosses are placed as part of a devotional exercise. The National Museum holds an eclectic collection of items that range from weaponry to clothing.

Trakai Island Castle and History Museum emerged as a holy site. Its many exhibits include items that chart the history of it. Located at Lake Galve, it has a footbridge to connect it to the shore.

Lithuania's Baltic coast of sand dunes and forests offers fishing, jet skiing, and boating. The settlements here are small, but the cuisine is prepared according to old recipes with cultural flavor.

More Destinations:

• Serbia - Belgrade, Novi Sad, Jelica Milanovic, Kalemegdan Fortress, Petrovaradin Citadel, Sirogojno, Mt. Zlatibor and Manasija Monastery.
• Turkey - Istanbul, Hisar, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara, Gallipoli Peninsula, Antalya and Bodrum.
• Botswana - Gaborone, National Museum & Art Gallery, Makgadikgadi Pans and Mokolodi Nature Reserve.