Lithuanian Tourist Information Centre

LITHUANIAA NEW DISCOVERY

I am thrilled to welcome you to the second edition of the magazine “Lithuania - A New Discovery” where we aim to explore this beautiful country even further. In the � rst issue, we introduced the main cities of Lithuania. There was Vilnius celebrating its year as European Capital of Culture, Kaunas stimulating with its many museums and Klaipeda for experiencing the beautiful Lithuanian seaside. In this edition we want to reveal a di� erent Lithuania and in particular some aspects of the country you might be less familiar with. In the following pages you’ll � nd out about � ve Lithuanian regions and the individuality of each of them. Whatever you are looking for in your holiday, I hope this magazine will help you plan your next Lithuanian adventure. Augusta JaudegyteDirectorLithuanian National Tourism O� ce in UK

LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY

Small country diverse cultureAukštaitija5 Aukštaitija National Park7 Biržai8 Kėdainiai9 Narrow Gauge Railway Žemaitija11 Žemaitija National Park13 Šiauliai14 Hill of Crosses15 Plungė16 Orvydas Farmstead18 PalangaSuvalkija20 MarijampolėDzūkija21 Dzūkija National Park23 Druskininkai25 Birštonas27 Varėna28 Grūtas ParkLithuania Minor29 Curonian Spit National Park31 Nemunas DeltaCompetitionTravel Essentials Spring - Summer EventsTour Operator List

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CONTENTS

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Even though Lithuania is a small country, it is not always easy to choose an itinerary. There are so many places of distinctive and unique beauty; it o� ers varied entertainment and numerous unique experiences to choose from. Prior research always needs to be done in order to make the right decision. Perhaps you would like to visit the Lithuanian Baltic Coast? Or set o� to the mystical land of obstinate Samogitians? How about a trip to the old villages and sunny pinewoods of Dzūkija – a region also known as the singing region of Lithuania? Or why not visit the land of cheerful highlanders (Aukštaitija), surrounded by lakes and unforgettable natural beauty?

SMALL COUNTRYDIVERSE CULTURE


SMALL COUNTRYDIVERSE CULTURE

There are � ve historically formed ethnographic regions in Lithuania – Aukštaitija (Highlands), Žemaitija (Samogitia), Dzūkija (Dainava – Land of Songs), Suvalkija (Sudovia) and Lithuania Minor. All regions maintain their distinct traditional clothing, folklore, cuisine, and architecture, so making each of them a unique place to be.

Across the � ve regions there is something to please every taste. With � ve national and 30 regional parks, Lithuania is a veritable playground for keeping active. Over 300 di� erent walking routes and 250 nature reserves give hikers and bird-watchers plenty of reasons to explore the well-preserved landscape, while around 20 rivers and 3,000 natural lakes form ideal water routes for canoeing and sailing.

Visitors looking for a peaceful gateway will also not be disappointed. Whether you choose to relax among the country’s ancient forests and clear lakes, lay lazily on the spectacular Amber coast or in one of the peaceful spa resorts – Lithuania will o� er an unforgettable experience.

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AUKŠTAITIJA NATIONAL PARK

AUKŠTAITIJA (HIGHLANDS)


The largest ethnographic region of Lithuania is situated in the north-eastern and eastern part of the country. The region is famous for a large variety of dialects, ways of life and ethno- cultural heritage. The cheerful temper of Aukštaitija people is said to stem from its remarkably picturesque nature, while Aukštaitija is also called the motherland of poets and story-tellers. The region is diverse and o� ers various attractions and places to visit. The small and cosy towns are full of hidden cultural gems. The villages and farmsteads scattered around the unspoilt nature are perfect places for an undisturbed holiday.

The National Park of Aukštaitija is a watery stillness of 127 glassy lakes, lined by sandy beaches and vast forests in which lurk wild boar and wolves. Signs of human habitation are rare. The park’s small population is scattered over tiny hamlets and isolated farmsteads, preserving a traditional rural way of life. Aukštaitija is easily reached from Vilnius, making it ideal for day trips or a weekend gateway. Boating is a superb form of transport to traverse these tranquil waters and to explore the furthest reaches of the park. Wilderness lovers can canoe from lake to lake or go � shing, while the park’s labyrinth of forest paths and gentle hills makes it a great place to explore by bike. Isolated rural farmsteads and guesthouses o� er peaceful accommodation, hearty meals, steaming saunas and activities such as hunting or mushroom and berry picking. More information: www.countryside.lt

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BIRŽAI


Biržai region has been known as the centre of Lithuanian brewing since older times. Almost every family had their own beer-making recipes, which were only passed from father to son for many generations. Local people have � rm beer-drinking traditions. No festival or family party can start or � nish without a dark, rich and strong beer. It has a slightly sweet taste that usually deceives guests into thinking that the beer is very light. Today there are six breweries in Biržai region that produce traditional beer typical for Northern Lithuania. During the “Beer Road” (http://www.birzai.lt/index.php?594006747) excursion, most of the Breweries allow beer lovers to have a look inside and to discover the secrets of beer-making traditions and to taste traditional beer. More information: www.birzai.lt

�KEDAINIAIKėdainiai is located in the geographical centre of Lithuania and the history of the town is documented from 1372. It has a remarkable Old Town and for centuries the lively commercial and artisan city attractedsettlers from Europe. Orthodox believers, Jews, German Lutherans and Scottish Reformationists settled here in the � rst half of the 17th century and transformed Kėdainiai into a multi-ethnic city. Today, you can have a lazy stroll through the beautifully restored Old Town and visit various museums and houses of prayers which are the witnesses of multicultural history of Kėdainiai.More information: www.visitkedainiai.lt

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NARROW GAUGE

RAILWAY

The narrow gauge railway of Aukštaitija, is a unique open-air museum, which celebrated its 110th anniversary last year. A narrow-gauge railway line Panevėžys – Anykščiai - Rubikiai was established in 1899. Nowadays it is an object of national cultural heritage and is used for tourism, free time and entertainment purposes. The varied activity programme is changed every year and o� ers amusing trips such as “The Train of Legends” or “Wine Tasting”. If you can’t make it to one of the special train journeys, the regular route is as pleasant. On a beautiful summer day, it takes you through the remarkable surroundings of Anykščiai stopping by the lake Rubikiai where you will enjoy a picnic or maybe a dip to cool down the summer heat. More information: www.siaurukas.eu

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ŽEMAITIJASAMOGITIA


Žemaitija (Samogitia) is situated in the north-western part of Lithuania. Samogitia is the most ethnically distinctive area of the country. It was the last part of Europe to accept Christianity, but after conversion, Samogitians became passionate Christians and its religious folk art is a very visible and still thriving feature of the province. Wooden shrines mounted on the ground or hung on threes as well as wooden polls with shrines (koplytstulpis) and wooden crosses are characteristic for this region. Samogitia is famous for its impressive landscapes and wooden architecture.

Every parish has an old wooden church – a masterpieces of unknown village architects. Active tourism lovers can go canoeing and kayaking in one of many Samogitia’s rivers.

The 21,700 – hectare National Park of Žemaitija established in the Samogitian hills and hollows. The park preserves and manages a part of the province which is of interest from a natural and cultural perspective.Centred on the heavily indented Lake Plateliai, one of the most beautiful stretches of water in Lithuania, it incorporate hills, woods and marshes in addition to � elds and meadows which are still farmed in the traditional manner. Among a truly diverse range of historic monuments are the remains of numerous prehistoric settlements and

burial mounds, many early medieval fortress hills, wooden churches and one of the Soviet Union’s main missile bases. More information: www.meja.ltwww.zemaitijosnp.lt/en

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ŽEMAITIJA NATIONAL PARK


victory and since then Šiauliai is called the City of Sun.The worship of the sun is clearly visible in the city – Šiauliai Cathedral is a Renaissance masterpiece and the proud owner of the highest tower in Lithuania. It shelters the magic sundial

The � rst mention of Šiauliai town in historical chronicles was after the Battle of the Sun in 1236 when the Livonian Order was defeated by the long-established local Lithuanian community. The legend tells that warriors took the sun as the ³ ag of

ŠIAULIAI

HILL OF CROSSES

which unstoppably calculates the time, checking it with another clock – Lithuania’s biggest symbol in Sundial Square. The gilded statue of sun boy – the Shooter blends the origins of Šiauliai’s name, which traditionally derives from Lithuanian šaulys (archer) or saulė (sun). Today Šiauliai is the 4th largest city in Lithuania and is an important economic, cultural and scienti� c centre. Various attractions and places draw many curious visitors keen to discover unique the Bicycle or Cat Museums among the twenty others in the city. The oldest brewery in Lithuania “Gubernija”, founded in 1665, o� ers popular beer-tasting excursions. However, the most visited place is The Hill of Crosses, located 12 km away from Šiauliai City.

More information: www.tic.siauliai.lt

Surrounded with legends, destroyed and devastated many times, the Hill of Crosses became a symbol of committed faith and hope of Lithuanians and pilgrims. Thousands of crosses brought to the Hill from all over the world turned this sacred place into a church under the open sky - a place of contemplation and prayers, meetings and fruition. Traditional Lithuanian crosses deserve such respect. UNESCO has undertaken the protection of Lithuanian manufacture of crosses and symbols of crosses together with another 18 masterpieces of material and verbal heritage of humankind. Upon visiting the Hill of Crosses in 1993 Pope John Paul II said: “You must show your Hill of Crosses to all of Europe, to the whole world”. And we follow his precept. Today, the Hill of Crosses has become one of the most popular places to visit in Lithuania.


It is also known as a busy market town, whose vast main square was formerly the most important place in Samogitia for the trading of agricultural products. Having outrivaled 16 cities and towns, Plungė last year was awarded the title of Lithuanian Capital of Culture 2009. The town has prepared three Cultural Tourism Routes (musical-literary, sacral-historical, and artistic possibilities). More than 60 events were held on the routes.More information: www.plunge.lt

The town is situated in Northwest Lithuania and it is a regional centre. It is located beside the present-day Šiauliai- Palanga highway and grew up around a road junction. Since old Plungė had been famous for its music, theatre and dance traditions and folk arts, it became the site of the � rst music school in Lithuania; it was also the home to the � rst symphony orchestra (thanks to the Oginski Dukes), and one of the � rst operettas was staged here. The most famous Lithuanian composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis lived and composed in Plungė.

PLUNGE

Vilius Orvydas was a local sculptor. In the 1960s, when Soviet leader Khrushchev ordered the destruction of anti-Communist memorabilia all over Lithuania, Orvydas decided to rescue these items from abandoned homes and cemeteries. Many strange and unusual objects have found shelter in Orvydas’ garden. Later he turned his smallholding into something quite extraordinary, incorporating various objects and pieces of his own along the way, around the ponds and in the wooden outhouses. This strange and unusual site requires a lot of time to wander around and contemplate. You can see many wooden carvings of Christ and the Virgin Mary, stones and boulders, a large Soviet missile and an abandoned Soviet tank. The garden is now looked after by members of Orvydas’ family. Those with a passion for unusual Outsider Art have to visit this place.More information: www.meja.lt/attractions/orvydas.html

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ORVYDAS FARMSTEAD

LITHUANIA

surrounding land in 1824; his heirs established an adjacent estate, created a park, and funded the construction of several public buildings in the town. Today Tyszkiewicz Manor House is the Museum of Amber where the largest amber stone “Stone of Sun” is held.Each year the opening of the summer season is celebrated at the beginning of June. The town has numerous other festivals and concerts.More information: www.palangatic.lt

Palanga is Lithuania’s premier seaside resort, with long stretches of sandy beaches, dunes and a botanical garden. The boulevards are crammed with restaurants, clubs and bars, giving it a carnival-like atmosphere during the summer season. The pier, � rst built in 1882, is the most popular spot to watch the sunset.The history of the present-day resort began when the count Michal Tyszkiewicz, a colonel in the tsar’s army bought the village and

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PALANGA


Is situated in the south-western part of Lithuania and is separated from other regions by the River Nemunas (the father of all rivers in the country). The countryside here is ³ at and covered with small farmsteads encircled by trees. The Sūduviai are characterized as rational, clever and extremely economical people. The region has always been a major agricultural producer. The area produces a famous kind of sausage, called “skilandis”, which is � lled with minced, seasoned meat and delicious bread and is served on Acorus calamus leaves.

SUVALKIJA (SUDOVIA)

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More information: www.marijampole.lt

It is the district centre and the largest city in Sudovia. Marijampolė is situated on the Šešupė River on a site which was still covered by forests in the 16th century. This town takes its name from an 18th- century monastery built for the Marian Fathers, a religious order founded in 1673. The town manufactures car parts and has one of the largest car markets in the country. The related transport and freighting businesses also generate a great deal of the city’s wealth.

MARIJAMPOLE


Evergreen forests occupy over 60% of the park’s territory; the park has 48 large and small lakes. It is close enough to both Vilnius and Kaunas to make it very convenient for a short break. The largest (55, 960 ha) of Lithuania’s � ve national parks, it encompasses massive woods stretching from the sandy Dainava plains to the Dzūkija heights. The Čepkeliai Reserve protects the country‘s most extensive marsh, which stretches into Belarus, and the migratory birds stop here. Paths and raised wooden walkways reach observation platforms o� ering great views.The park is easy accessible by bicycle and canoe, and has designated footpaths and camping areas.More information: www.dzukijosparkas.lt

DZUKIJA (DAINAVA – LAND OF SONGS)

DZUKIJA NATIONAL PARK

Situated in the south-eastern part of Lithuania between the Nemunas and Neris rivers, Dzūkija is the woodiest region of Lithuania. Mushrooms and forest berries from Dzūkija for many centuries were the main source of income for the locals. It is still the most popular area to go mushroom picking during the season. Dzūkijans are characterised by their optimism and their love of songs, and are known for having preserved many older traditions.The region is full of curiosities related to woodland culture, including a number of botanical reserves and ancient villages closely connected to the life of forest.

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DRUSKININKAI


Druskininkai � rst appeared in the Lithuanian Chronicles in 1569; its name originates from druska (salt) and literally means salt- makers, indicating that the local residents once made their living by extracting salt from mineral waters. It is the oldest and biggest health resort, located in the very south of the country, on the banks if the mighty Nemunas River and is known for its natural charm. The pride of the town is its seven mineral springs.The town itself is spread over quite a wide area made up of parks and gardens and dotted with lakes. It has a peaceful and unhurried atmosphere, making it an ideal place to spend a few days enjoying the scenery, walking in the surrounding forests and taking advantage of one of the many spa treatments available in the resort.More infomation: www.info.druskininkai.lt

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BIRŠTONAS

LITHUANIA

entertainment facilities and with its unique nature. A quiet and calming location with many green areas, Birštonas has swimming facilities in three man-made lakes. Pedestrians and bicycle paths meander along the river and through the surrounding forests. The town is also known for its international jazz festival, which takes place in spring every two years.

More information: www.visitbirstonas.lt/lit/English

The town is situated on the right bank of the Nemunas River and has one of the oldest balneology resorts in Lithuania. The healing mineral water lured the Great Dukes of Lithuania from the ancient times where they would stage hunting feasts. Famous writers, poets, painters and musicians were inspired by the small cosy town, surrounded on all sides by the meandering river Nemunas and by green forests. Today, Birštonas attracts its visitors not only by mineral water, acclaimed throughout Europe, but with great accommodation,

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Fly from London Gatwick Airport


Encircled by the beautiful forests of Dzūkija situated on the eastern edge of Dzūkija National Park , Varėna is known as Lithuania‘s mushroom capital: at the height of the mushroom picking season, on the last Saturday in September, the town welcomes all to its unique mushroom festival. More infomation: www.varena.lt

VARENA

In southern Lithuania, not far from the famous Druskininkai resort, there is a unique outdoor exhibition of monuments from Soviet times. Such a large concentration of monuments and sculptures of ideological content in a single out-door exhibition is a rare and maybe even unique phenomenon in the world, which brings you back to the haunting Soviet era. More infomation: www.grutoparkas.lt

GRUTAS PARK (GRUTO PARKAS)

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LITHUANIA MINOR (MAŽOJI LIETUVA)

CURONIAN SPIT NATIONAL PARK


Lithuanian book, the � rst Lithuanian grammar, and the � rst book of collected songs were printed here.The most archaic part of the land’s heritage is represented by wooden folk architecture. Houses are distinguished by impressive decorations such as ornamentally carved weathervanes.

and Juodkrante. Neringa’s beaches are also internationally recognised and have been awarded with the blue ³ ag. A pedestrian and bicycle path along the lagoon runs past � shermen’s houses converted into summer holiday homes. Visitors can climb Parnidis Dune (looming 52m above Nida) with its sundial clock and calendar or walk among the wooden folk sculptures on Raganų kalnas (Witches‘Hill). The Nobel Prize-winning writer, Thomas Mann (1875-1955) was so fascinated by “the fantastic world of wandering sand dunes” that he bought a summer house and spent three summers there.More information: www.nerija.lt/en

The region of Lithuania Minor covers the western part of Lithuania including the Curonian Spit, Klaipeda District and Nemunas Delta. From the 16th century until 1918 the current Kaliningrad region (Russian Federation) was also named Lithuania Minor and it is the birthplace of written Lithuanian: the � rst

The Curonian Spit is the pearl of Lithuania and Europe, the Mecca for artists and a recreational oasis for everyone looking for peace. The Curonian Spit is of exceptional beauty, a unique and peculiar patch of land designed by nature and supervised by man. Its landscape is composed of sand dunes, rare greenery, linden and pine trees growing in sandy soil. The Curonian Spit National Park was created in 1991 to preserve the dunes, lagoons and surrounding area and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.Neringa resort founded in the Curonian Spit National Park is one of the most beautiful resorts in the Baltic Sea region. It consists of Alksnyne farmstead and four settlements: Nida, Preila, Pervalka

LITHUANIA MINOR (MAŽOJI LIETUVA)

PAGE 30


It is an area of islands and waterways, extensive � shing and the main port of call for migrating birds. Among the typical � shing villages here are Mingė, the ‘Venice of Lithuania’, where the River Minija serves as its main street. Protected as architectural monuments, 19th – century wooden houses stand on both riverbanks.The low-lying delta of the Nemunas, Lithuania’s largest river has great potential for outdoor activities. The wetlands, protected as a regional park, are a popular spot for angling and bird-watching. Every spring, when the snow and ice melt, 20 per cent of the delta gets ³ ooded, attracting 200 species of birds to breed, while hundreds of other species migrate through that area every year. A bird ringing station at Ventė is one of the oldest in Europe. More infomation: www.nemunodelta.lt

NEMUNAS DELTA

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DON‘T MISS YOUR CHANCE TOWIN A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY IN PALANGA, SUMMER RESORT TOWN OF LITHUANIA!

FROM NOW UNTIL MAY 31ST YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN A TRIP FROM LONDON TO PALANGA – THE SUMMER PARTY DESTINATION. THE PRIZE INCLUDES RETURN FLIGHT FOR TWO AND 3 NIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN PALANGOS VETRA HOTEL. THE COMPETITION INVOLVES ANSWERING ONE SIMPLE QUESTION: HOW MANY REGIONS DOES LITHUANIA HAVE?AND DON’T WORRY IF YOU WEREN’T THE LUCKY WINNER, AS THERE IS ALSO A RUNNERS-UP PRIZE – A GORGEOUS PHOTO ALBUM “UNSEEN LITHUANIA” BY MARIUS JOVAISA.


*Terms & conditions: You must be aged over 18 and be legally a resident of the UK. All valid entrants must be in possession of a valid in-date passport and visa (if required) for travel to Lithuania. Employees of the promoter, its agents or anyone professionally connected with the promotion, and their families, are excluded from being counted as valid entrants of this competition. Competition closes on Monday 31 May 2010 with winners noti� ed by Monday 7 June 2010. The prize is for 2 (two) people only and includes return (economy class) ³ ights from London Gatwick (only) via Riga to Palanga with Air Baltic. The prize includes 3 (three) night accommodation at the Palangos Vetra hotel. Any additional meals, activities and personal expenses are the responsibility of all prize winners. Travel insurance is not included in the prize, and all prize winners are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance. All prize winners must ensure they hold valid travel insurance to cover them (and everyone in their party) for the entire duration of the prize trip, and this must be both fully comprehensive and organised pre-departure. The prize must be taken before Wednesday 15 December 2010 and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other prize. All prizes are subject to availability, with the promoter and all prize partners included in the competition, to take no responsibility for any inconvenience or disappointment caused due to the unavailability of ³ ight seats, accommodation or any other components to the prize. The promoter accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities, injury or disappointment incurred or su� ered by the prize winner/s or their guest/s in entering the draw or accepting the prize. The entries will be judged by an independent judge, with prize winners noti� ed by email or via phone. The judge’s decision is � nal, and should the prize winner be unable to accept the prize (for whatever reason) nor return winning con� rmation communications within a 48 hour period, the judge will then redraw the entries and an alternative winner will be selected and noti� ed. Enquiries regarding the terms and conditions of this competition can be forwarded to the promoter, Lithuanian National Tourism O� ce, 86 Gloucester Place, London W1U 6HP or by phone 020 7034 1222.

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Lithuania Democratic Republic within the European Union

When to go? Lithuania generally has warm summers with temperatures sometimes hitting 30˚C. Winters can be cold, with bitterly chilly winds from the east bringing the temperature down as low as -12˚C; there is normally snow cover for one or two months of the year. Spring and autumn are mild.

Currency £1 = LTL 3.80

Time di� erence GMT +2

Intl dial code 00 370

Language Lithuanian. English is widely spoken in the main cities. Russian, Polish and German are also widely spoken.

Population 3,369,600

Getting there

2h30m from London AirportsAvg ³ ight time

For more information please contact:Lithuanian National Tourism O� ce 86 Gloucester Place, London W1U 6HPTel: 0207 034 01222 Fax: 0207 935 4661www.lithauniatourism.co.uk

3 international airports - Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga.Direct ³ ights - to Vilnius Airport - from London Stansted and Edinburgh Airport with Star 1 and from London Gatwick International Airport with AirBaltic.Direct ³ ights - to Kaunas Airport - from London Stansted, London Luton , London Gatwick (starting May 2010), Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh (starting May 2010) & Bristol Airports with Ryanair.Czech Airlines, SAS, Lufthansa and other airlines operate indirect ³ ights from major UK airports to Vilnius International and Palanga International airports.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

SPRING - SUMMER 2010 EVENTS IN LITHUANIA


Festival “Skamba Skamba Kankliai”(27-30 May) VilniusAnnual international folklore festival introduces folklore groups from Europe and Asia. Chamber concerts and performances at the city squares will present outstanding soloists and superb ensembles. Evenings of light singing and glee songs, guest concerts, a song hour, dancing at night and various exhibitions will be o� ered to audiences of various ages and backgrounds. www.etno.lt

Vilnius Festival 2010 (May 26 – June 10)VilniusHeld every year since 1997, this festival features Classical music and invites world-famous performers. Each year the festival has a di� erent concept and presents both traditional and contemporary Lithuanian music, and o� ers a platform for jazz and musical theatre.www.vilniusfestival.lt

The IX International Jazz Music Festival “Šiauliai Jazz 2009” (June)SiauliaiDuring three days of Jazz Music Festival various improvisations on traditional and non-traditional themes are played. Guests can enjoy the exhibitions of art and watch � lms about the history of jazz.www.tic.siauliai.lt/en

The VII International Summer Festival at Ch. Frenkel Villa (June 1 - August 29)SiauliaiThe festival attracts the fans of classical music every year since the beginning of June until the end of August to enjoy the sounds of its unique world-renowned musical virtuoso. www.tic.siauliai.lt/en

Lithuanians and tourists enjoyed the exceptionally festive year of 2009. The country has been celebrating two signi� cant occasions during 2009 – the o� cial 1,000th birthday of its name and capital city Vilnius the European Capital of Culture combining to encourage foreign visitors to uncover more about the Baltic gem. The year 2010 will be none less important as Lithuania commemorates 20 years since the reinstatement of the country’s independence from Soviet Union in 11 March 1990. Extensive programme of the events will cement Lithuania as a major centre for arts and culture projects.

Major scheduled events for 2010:

20th International Jazz Festival Kaunas Jazz ’10 (April 29 – May 3)KaunasEvery year Kaunas Jazz presents a wide and rich spectrum of modern jazz. Participants from Lithuanian and more than 20 countries of the world have taken part in the festival. www.kaunasjazz.lt

Street Musicians Day (1 May)Vilnius, KlaipėdaOn the � rst Saturday in May thousands of people go out to the streets to play music. Street Musician Day is the event which unites all who speak the world’s most universal language - the language of music. www.gatvesmuzika.lt/en/

15th International classical music Festival “Pažaislis Music Festival”(May 30 – August 29)Kaunas The listeners of the most particular taste may � nd in the schedule of the festival something what interests them, starting from the old music and � nishing with jazz, from the subtle chamber music to the grand vocal instrumental pieces, from the modern music premieres to the impressive pageants of Lithuanian dramaturgy in the surroundings of Kaunas Castle. www.pazaislis.lt

SPRING - SUMMER 2010 EVENTS IN LITHUANIA

PAGE 36

Trakai Medieval Festival (12 - 13 June) TrakaiOn the territory of the Peninsular Castle guests may visit workshops temporarily set by craftsmen. Prime focus of this event is knights ‘� ghts with swords, bats and battleaxes. Gourmands have a chance to taste dishes, appreciated by people who lived in the middle ages. www.trakai.lt

Joninės (The Feast of St. John) (23 June) VilniusThe Lithuanian traditional Joninės is Midsummer Day, marking the summer solstice. During the feast, wreaths are made and set to ³ oat down the river; herb markets and herbal magic take place. www.pavilniai-verkiai.lt

Christopher Summer Festival (July 1 –August 31) VilniusDuring this annual classical music festival, one may attend concerts of organ and symphonic music, jazz, or choir and wind orchestra performances. Famous international soloists and groups take part in the festival.www.kristupofestivaliai.lt

Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė (4 – 6 July) Kernavė During the festival prehistoric and early medieval crafts, lifestyles, medieval � ghts are being demonstrated and archaic music groups perform. A historic and cultural heritage of Lithuania and other European countries from prehistoric to late medieval times will be presented during the event, through the methods of experiment and archaeological reconstruction. www.vilnius-events.lt/en/festivals/days-of-live-archaeology-in-kernav

“Sea Festival” (July 30 – August 1)KlaipėdaThe main event of Klaipėda city, celebrated annually last week-end of July since 1934. During the festival there are more than 100 various events organized (concerts, fairs, exhibitions, artistic actions, ceremonies of seamen, etc.). It is also famous for traditional sailing regattas “BALTIC SAIL” and „SPRINT CUP” taking place during the festival. www.jurossvente.lt

Old Crafts Days (14 – 15 August) TrakaiThe festival will begin after a gunshot of an old canon. Lively tumultuous starts in the big castle yard: the smith will blow his bellows, potters will throw jars, and goldsmiths � ll their tables with silver and brass jewellery. www.trakaimuziejus.lt

International Opera and Symphony Music Festival “Musical August at the Seaside” (August)KlaipėdaEach year festival is dedicated to new conception or topic. The biggest part of the program is made of the opera premiers and concerts, prepared by the organizer of the festival - Klaipėda State Musical Theatre. Nevertheless, symphony and chamber orchestras, ensembles, quintets, soloists and conductors from Lithuania and foreign countries are taking part at the festival as well. www.muzikinis-teatras.lt

Hansa Kaunas 2010 (21 – 22 August)Kaunas The Middle Ages, the knights, and Hansa markets in Kaunas downtown. www.hanzakaunas.lt

For more information on Lithuania, please see

www.LithuaniaTourism.co.uk.

LITHUANIA

European Study Tours www.euro-study-tours.co.ukestsales@euro-study-tours.co.ukEuropean Study Tours4 Post O� ce WalkFore Street, HertfordHertfordshire SG14 1DL

[email protected] Worldwide Ltd,Nelson House, 55 Victoria Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7PA, United Kingdom

Imaginative Travellerwww.imaginative-traveller.comonline@imtrav.netImaginative Traveller1 Betts Avenue, Martlesham HeathSu� olk IP5 3RH

Intrepid Travel [email protected] 76 Upper StIslington (nearest tube Angel)London N1 0NU

Kirker [email protected] Travel Limited4 Waterloo Court10 Theed StreetLondon SE1 8ST

Leger (Experience Europe) www.leger.co.uk

Martin Randall [email protected] House, Barley Mow PassageLondon W4 4GF United Kingdom

TOUR OPERATORS FEATURING LITHUANIA IN THEIR BROCHURES:

Ace Study Tours [email protected], Cambridge England United Kingdom CB22 3AP

Archers Direct www.archersdirect.co.uk

Baltic Breaks [email protected] Travel Agency Virmalise 24/26 . 10131 Tallinn . Estonia Tel +3726311796

Baltic Holidays www.balticholidays.comBaltic Holidays, 5 Wood Road, Manchester M16 9RB, United Kingdom+44 (0)845 070 5711

Cosmos Tourama [email protected] Services DepartmentCosmos TouramaWren Court, 17 London RoadBromley, Kent BR1 1DE

Cox & Kings www.coxandkings.co.ukSales: [email protected] General: [email protected] Cox & Kings UK Head O� ce 6th Floor,30 Millbank London SW1P 4EE

Cricketer Holidays [email protected] HolidaysBeacon House, Croft Road, CrowboroughEast Sussex TN6 1DL

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12 ONLINE TOUR OPERATORS FEATURING LITHUANIA:

Adventures Abroadwww.adventures-abroad.com

Baltic Travel Companywww.baltictravelcompany.com

Baltics and Beyondwww.balticsandbeyond.com

Black Tomato www.blacktomato.co.uk

Kudu Travelwww.kudutravel.com

Nomadic Thoughtswww.nomadicthoughts.com

PAX Travelwww.paxtravel.co.uk

Responsible Travelwww.responsibletravel.com

Saga Holidayswww.travel.saga.co.uk

The Internationalistwww.internationalist.com

oby Brocklehurstwww.tobybrocklehurst.com

YEStravelwww.yes-travel.com

Operas [email protected] Abroad, 80-83 Long Lane, London EC1A 9ET

Ramblers Holidays [email protected] Worldwide Holidays Lemsford Mill, Lemsford VillageWelwyn Garden City AL8 7TR England

Regent Holidays (Baltic States & Poland) [email protected] Holidays (UK) LtdMezzanine Suite, Froomsgate HouseRupert Street Bristol BS1 2QJ

Topdeckwww.topdecktours.co.ukLevel 2, 107 Power Road, Chiswick W4 5PY

Travel Editions (The Baltic Capitals) [email protected]@traveleditions.co.ukTravel Editions 69-85 Tabernacle Street London EC2A 4BD

Travel for the Arts (Opera & Music)[email protected] for the Arts 12-15 Hanger Green London W5 3EL

(valid for purchases until 05 June):

Documents

Lithuanian Tourist Information Centre