Journey of Exploration within the Baltic Nations
Exploring the Baltic Triangle: A Journey through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
Traveling through the Baltic Triangle — Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia — offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern charm.
Starting in Lithuania, an 8am flight from Luton lands in Vilnius, the capital city, at lunchtime. The country's countryside is dominated by forests, swamps, lakes, and farmland, creating a picturesque landscape that stretches far and wide, with little urban sprawl and empty roads. The combined area is greater than England and Wales, yet the population is only six million.
Vilnius, like the other capital cities — Riga in Latvia and Tallinn in Estonia — has faithfully restored its medieval old town. A stroll through these cobblestone streets reveals a strong sense of civic pride, with roads, streets, and public spaces being litter-free and neat.
In Vilnius, the Ertlio Namas restaurant serves traditional Lithuanian dishes such as beaver paté and chocolates flavored with strawberry and cucumber. National flags, including Ukrainian ones, are ubiquitous, indicating a strong sense of national pride.
Kaunas, Lithuania's old capital, is also worth visiting. The only remnants of Soviet occupation can be found in antique/junk shops, a testament to the country's journey towards independence.
A drive down the Curonian spit, reached by ferry, is recommended. However, it's advisable to avoid going too far to reach the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. Other stopping points include the towns of Kuldiga and Sigulda in Latvia, and Tartu in Estonia.
Rundale Palace, south of Riga, is another must-see. This magnificent palace, with its baroque architecture, offers a glimpse into the region's royal past. The variety of churches in these countries, from Catholic to Orthodox to Lutheran, is exceptional.
In Latvia and Lithuania, the flower displays are impressive, attracting accolades from RHS judges at the Chelsea Flower Show. The quality of restaurants in these countries is high, with many Michelin-starred or recommended restaurants. Prices in restaurants are reasonable by UK standards.
These countries — Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia — are now prosperous, friendly, and safe. They have excellent roads, use the euro, and are at least as tech-savvy as the UK. Through Regent Travel, a two-week fly-drive tour was booked, allowing travelers to explore these beautiful countries at their leisure.
Instead of following the suggested itinerary, some travelers opted to go one way, dropping off their rental car in Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia mentioned alongside Vilnius and Riga in a fly-and-drive travel report. Klaipeda, formerly the East Prussian city of Memel, is another fascinating destination in Lithuania.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, the Baltic Triangle offers something for everyone. So pack your bags and embark on this unforgettable journey!
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