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Relatively small, with only 62 miles (100km) of Baltic coastline, and hemmed in by Latvia, Belarus, Poland and part of the Russian Federation, Lithuania has a big heart and wide variety of offerings for visitors, including around 2,500 lakes, 18 sizeable meandering rivers, and forests covering a third of its territory. The country can also boast of being officially the centre of Europe: the National Geographic Institute of France proclaimed a point (now a popular tourist attraction) 15 miles (24km) northwest of the capital, Vilnius, as the geographic centre of the continent in 1989.

Vilnius itself is an atmospheric historic city founded in 1323, with a beautiful old quarter that has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site and is undergoing tasteful renovations. Just a few miles from Vilnius lies Trakai, capital of Lithuania in the Middle Ages, on the shore of the scenic Lake Galve, and a little further west visitors revel in the peaceful Birstonas mineral water spa resort. Lithuania's second largest city, Kaunas, is a cultural centre boasting numerous museums and three theatres among its attractions. On its Baltic coastline Lithuania boasts seaside resorts, the most popular being Palanga and Kursiu, with unspoilt white sandy beaches backed by pine forests.

An increasing number of travellers are savouring the delights of this re-discovered Baltic State, which is easily accessible from the main centres of Europe by air and road, and whose people are ready, willing and proud to show off its attributes.

Essentials:

Time:Local time GMT + 2.

Electricity: European style two-pin sockets at 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Language: Lithuanian is the official language, but Russian and English are widely spoken.

Communications: The international dialling code for Lithuania is +370. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK) and the country has three-digit area codes. Vilnius has six different area codes: 521 and 523-527. Local calls can be dialled without the area codes. There are three major mobile GSM network service providers and connections are excellent. The Internet is well established in Lithuania and cities teem with Internet cafes. Small towns and villages have public Internet access points in libraries, post offices and tourist information centres.

Lithuania Climate :Lithuania has a climate mid-way between maritime and continental. The weather is changeable, with mild, wet summers and cold winters. Winter temperatures are usually below freezing. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, but more rain tends to fall on the coast. Summer is the wettest season and cloudy skies are common.

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Overlooking the city from a central hill is the landmark Gediminas Castle (named for the medieval Grand Duke who founded the city) with its impressive tower, from which visitors can enjoy an unrivalled view of the old town and the shiny new section on the right bank of the Neris. Gediminas Square is the heart of the old quarter, featuring the splendid classical cathedral. The city boasts numerous other interesting churches, beautiful historic buildings, museums, monuments and parks, and the splendid University of Vilnius, one of Europe's oldest institutions of learning, chartered in 1579.

In its 'golden age' in the Middle Ages, Vilnius was renowned as the region's centre for culture and learning, and today it has reclaimed that reputation, with a packed programme of events always on the go, from classical music evenings at the Philharmonic Society Hall and performances at the Opera and Ballet Theatre, Youth Theatre and Academic Drama Theatre to exhibitions in seven art galleries and a vast modern art centre. The city also plays host to numerous commercial fairs and exhibitions annually.

Last, but not least, when the sun goes down Vilnius reveals the fun side of its nature, with a nightlife that is fast gaining a reputation as the hottest in Eastern Europe.

Gediminas Castle
Standing sentinel over Vilnius since the 13th century, the landmark Gediminas Castle was built by the founder of the city, and has served as defence bastion, prison, and now major tourist attraction. Originally the castle was made of wood, later clad in 10ft (3m) thick stone walls, and then all but destroyed by Russian troops in the 17th century. Now completely and carefully restored to its former glory, the top of the majestic octagonal tower provides a breathtaking view of the old city. The castle also contains a museum depicting the history of Lithuania and Vilnius, exhibits including models of the city at various points in history and archaeological finds.

Address: Arsenalo g. 5; Telephone: (526) 17453

Cathedral
The resplendent Vilnius Cathedral, which stands proudly on the central square of the Old City, has a chequered history that left it decaying and abandoned through the Soviet era. The Cathedral, which resembles a classical Greek temple more than it does a Christian church, is now once again the pride of the city, filled with awesome artworks, traditional icons and history. The cathedral, originally built in the 13th century, stands on the site of an ancient pagan temple, and has been rebuilt several times in the succeeding centuries after fires and storm damage. It contains more than 40 paintings and frescoes. Most noteworthy is the Casimir Chapel, first constructed in 1623, containing eight silver-plated statues and décor wrought by artist Constantino Tencallo.

Address: Katedros Square; Telephone: (526) 11127

European Park
A few miles north of Vilnius town centre Lithuanian sculptor Gintaras Karosas founded the Europos Parkas (European Park) on a 55-hectare site that encompasses the geographic centre of Europe, as determined by the French National Geographic Institute in 1989. The Park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, who come to admire a permanent outdoor sculpture exhibition, set amid rolling hills, woods and fields dotted with natural springs. More than 90 works by artists from 27 countries are on display. Guided tours are available, and the site includes a restaurant, shop and post office.

Address: Joneikiskiu; Telephone: (523) 77077; E-mail: hq@europosparkas.lt; Website: www.europosparkas.lt; Transport: From Zalgirio stop at Kalvariju street take a bus marked Zalgirio-EUROPOS PARKAS-Skirgiskes; Opening time: The museum is open for visitors throughout the year daily from 9am to sunset; Admission: 18 Lt (adults), 6 Lt (children); guided tours 50 Lt. Other concessions available

Jewish Memorials
In the early 20th century about half of the population of Vilnius were Yiddish-speaking Jews and the city was dubbed the 'Jerusalem of the North'. The Nazis in World War II effectively obliterated this community, encircling the Jewish quarter in barbed wire and eventually marching the 60,000 or so residents into the Paneriai forest where they were executed. Today the Genocide Museum has been established at the killing field in memory of the horror. There is also a Jewish Museum depicting pre-war Jewish life, and visitors are also welcome at the only remaining Vilnius synagogue. Efforts are underway to rebuild and restore many aspects of the former Jewish Quarter. Tours of Jewish Vilnius are offered by several private operators.

Address: Genocide Museum: Agrastu 17; Exposition of Holocaust: Pamenkalnio 12 and The Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: Pylimo 4; Synagogue: Pylimo 39;; Telephone: Exposition of Holocaust: (526) 20730 and Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: (521) 27912; E-mail: Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: jewishmuseum@jmuseum.lt; Website: www.jmuseum.lt; Opening time: The Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and Exposition of Holocaust: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Fridays 9am to 4pm

Museum of Genocide Victims
The dark days of the Soviet occupation of Lithuania are preserved in this disturbing collection of exhibits, which is contained in the former KGB headquarters building. Those who drew the antagonism of the authorities were detained, tortured and often executed in this building. Some of the Museum's exhibitions include the 'Eavesdropping Room' that highlights the use of secret surveillance by the KGB and 'Life Goes On' - a look at the day to day living of Lithuanian deportees and prisoners. Guided tours of the Museum are available in English.

Address: Auku 2a; Telephone: (524) 96264; E-mail: muziejus@genocid.lt; Website: www.genocid.lt/muziejus; Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 3pm; Admission: 4 Lt (adults); 1 Lt (children). Photography permit: 4 Lt. Free admission on Wednesdays from September to June

Hill of the Three Crosses
Near the Gediminas Castle in the Old City stands a hill topped with a trio of crosses, originally erected in the 17th century in memory of seven Franciscan monks who were crucified and thrown into the Vilnia River. The crosses were destroyed by the Soviet regime, but re-erected in 1989 to mark Lithuanian independence as a symbol of faith and national identity. There is an excellent view from the site, and pleasant walks on the wooded hillside.

CONTACTS:
Lastly and I hope you don't need it, but should you require consular help - here are the details
Lithuanian State Department of Tourism, Vilnius: +370 (521) 08796 or www.tourism.lt
Embassy of Lithuania, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 5860.
Embassy of Lithuania, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7486 6401.
Embassy of Lithuania, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 567 5458.
Consulate of Lithuania, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)6 253 2062.
Honorary Consul of Lithuania, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 406 9208.
Embassy of Lithuania, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 8292.
Consulate of Lithuania, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 524 9463.
United States Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (526) 65500.
British Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (524) 62900.
Canadian Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (524) 90950.
Australian Honourary Consul, Vilnius: +370 (521) 23369.
South African Embassy, Copenhagen, Denmark (also responsible for Lithuania): +45 3918 0155.
Irish Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (526) 90044.
New Zealand Embassy, Warsaw, Poland (also responsible for Lithuania): +48 (0)22 521 0500.
Emergencies: 911

AIRPORTS:
Vilnius International Airport (VNO)
The airport is situated four miles (7km) south of Vilnius. Time: GMT +2. Contacts: Tel: +370 (527) 39305 Transfer to the city: A bus service connects the airport to the railway station, and another runs from the airport to the city centre and suburbs, roughly every 15 minutes. A minibus service is also available from the bus stop outside the Arrivals terminal covering various routes through the city and outskirts. Taxis are plentiful outside arrivals, and are relatively cheap. Car rental: Car rental agents with offices on site in the arrivals lounge are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Unirent. Facilities: There is a currency exchange counter in the arrivals concourse, and a post office on the departures ground floor level. There are coffee bars and cafes in arrivals and departures, and a newsagent. The airport offers a VIP Lounge, which can be utilised by all passengers at an hourly rate. There is also a medical aid station and small duty free shop. Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available. Departure tax: 60 Lt. Website: www.vilnius-airport.lt

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