LITHUANIA
A NEW DISCOVERY
I am thrilled to welcome you to the second edition of the magazine âLithuania A New Discoveryâ where we aim to explore this beautiful country even further. In the first 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 different Lithuania and in particular some aspects of the country you might be less familiar with. In the following pages youâll find out about five 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 Jaudegyte Director Lithuanian National Tourism Office in UK
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
CONTENTS 3 Small country diverse culture 5 AukÅĄtaitija 5 AukÅĄtaitija National Park 7 BirÅžai 8 KÄdainiai 9 Narrow Gauge Railway 11 ÅŊemaitija 11 ÅŊemaitija National Park 13 Å iauliai 14 Hill of Crosses 15 PlungÄ 16 Orvydas Farmstead 18 Palanga 19 Suvalkija 20 MarijampolÄ 21 DzÅĢkija 21 DzÅĢkija National Park 23 Druskininkai 25 BirÅĄtonas 27 VarÄna 28 GrÅĢtas Park 29 Lithuania Minor 29 Curonian Spit National Park 31 Nemunas Delta 33 Competition 34 Travel Essentials 35 Spring - Summer Events 37 Tour Operator List
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SMALL COUNTRY DIVERSE CULTURE 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 offers 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 off to the mystical land of obstinate Samogitians? How about a trip to the old villages and sunny pinewoods of DzÅĢkija â a region also known as the singing region of Lithuania? Or why not visit the land of cheerful highlanders (AukÅĄtaitija), surrounded by lakes and unforgettable natural beauty?
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
There are five historically formed ethnographic regions in Lithuania â AukÅĄtaitija (Highlands), ÅŊemaitija (Samogitia), DzÅĢkija (Dainava â 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 five regions there is something to please every taste. With five national and 30 regional parks, Lithuania is a veritable playground for keeping active. Over 300 different 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 countryâs ancient forests and clear lakes, lay lazily on the spectacular Amber coast or in one of the peaceful spa resorts â Lithuania will offer an unforgettable experience.
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AUKÅ TAITIJA (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 AukÅĄtaitija people is said to stem from its remarkably picturesque nature, while AukÅĄtaitija is also called the motherland of poets and story-tellers. The region is diverse and offers 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.
AUKÅ TAITIJA NATIONAL PARK The National Park of AukÅĄtaitija 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 parkâs small population is scattered over tiny hamlets and isolated farmsteads, preserving a traditional rural way of life. AukÅĄtaitija 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 fishing, while the parkâs labyrinth of forest paths and gentle hills makes it a great place to explore by bike. Isolated rural farmsteads and guesthouses offer peaceful accommodation, hearty meals, steaming saunas and activities such as hunting or mushroom and berry picking. More information: www.countryside.lt
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
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BIRÅŊAI BirÅžai region has been known as the centre of Lithuanian brewing since older times. Almost every family had their own beermaking recipes, which were only passed from father to son for many generations. Local people have firm beer-drinking traditions. No festival or family party can start or finish 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 BirÅžai region that produce traditional beer typical for Northern Lithuania. During the âBeer Roadâ (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 beermaking traditions and to taste traditional beer. More information: www.birzai.lt
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
KEDAINIAI KÄdainiai 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 attracted settlers from Europe. Orthodox believers, Jews, German Lutherans and Scottish Reformationists settled here in the first half of the 17th century and transformed KÄdainiai 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 KÄdainiai. More information: www.visitkedainiai.lt
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LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY The narrow gauge railway of AukÅĄtaitija, is a unique open-air museum, which celebrated its 110th anniversary last year. A narrow-gauge railway line PanevÄÅžys â AnykÅĄÄiai - 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 offers amusing trips such as âThe Train of Legendsâ or âWine Tastingâ. If you canât 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 AnykÅĄÄiai 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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ÅŊEMAITIJA SAMOGITIA
ÅŊemaitija (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.
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
Every parish has an old wooden church â a masterpieces of unknown village architects. Active tourism lovers can go canoeing and kayaking in one of many Samogitiaâs rivers.
ÅŊEMAITIJA NATIONAL PARK The 21,700 â hectare National Park of ÅŊemaitija 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 fields 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 Unionâs main missile bases. More information: www.meja.lt www.zemaitijosnp.lt/en
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Å IAULIAI The first mention of Å iauliai 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 flag of
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
victory and since then Å iauliai is called the City of Sun. The worship of the sun is clearly visible in the city â Å iauliai Cathedral is a Renaissance masterpiece and the proud owner of the highest tower in Lithuania. It shelters the magic sundial
HILL OF CROSSES which unstoppably calculates the time, checking it with another clock â Lithuaniaâs biggest symbol in Sundial Square. The gilded statue of sun boy â the Shooter blends the origins of Å iauliaiâs name, which traditionally derives from Lithuanian ÅĄaulys (archer) or saulÄ (sun). Today Å iauliai is the 4th largest city in Lithuania and is an important economic, cultural and scientific 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 âGubernijaâ, founded in 1665, offers popular beertasting excursions. However, the most visited place is The Hill of Crosses, located 12 km away from Å iauliai 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: âYou must show your Hill of Crosses to all of Europe, to the whole worldâ. And we follow his precept. Today, the Hill of Crosses has become one of the most popular places to visit in Lithuania.
PLUNGE The town is situated in Northwest Lithuania and it is a regional centre. It is located beside the present-day Å iauliai- Palanga highway and grew up around a road junction. Since old PlungÄ had been famous for its music, theatre and dance traditions and folk arts, it became the site of the first music school in Lithuania; it was also the home to the first symphony orchestra (thanks to the Oginski Dukes), and one of the first operettas was staged here. The most famous Lithuanian composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Äiurlionis lived and composed in PlungÄ.
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
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, PlungÄ last year was awarded the title of Lithuanian Capital of Culture 2009. The town has prepared three Cultural Tourism Routes (musical-literary, sacralhistorical, and artistic possibilities). More than 60 events were held on the routes. More information: www.plunge.lt
ORVYDAS FARMSTEAD 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 OrvydasÃĸ€™ 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 OrvydasÃĸ€™ 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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LITHUANIA
PALANGA Palanga is Lithuaniaâs 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, first 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 tsarâs army bought the village and
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 âStone of Sunâ 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
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SUVALKIJA (SUDOVIA) 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 flat and covered with small farmsteads encircled by trees. The SÅĢduviai 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 âskilandisâ, which is filled with minced, seasoned meat and delicious bread and is served on Acorus calamus leaves.
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
MARIJAMPOLE It is the district centre and the largest city in Sudovia. MarijampolÄ is situated on the Å eÅĄupÄ River on a site which was still covered by forests in the 16th century. This town takes its name from an 18thcentury 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 More information: www.marijampole.lt a great deal of the cityâs wealth.
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DZUKIJA
(DAINAVA â LAND OF SONGS) Situated in the south-eastern part of Lithuania between the Nemunas and Neris rivers, DzÅĢkija is the woodiest region of Lithuania. Mushrooms and forest berries from DzÅĢkija 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. DzÅĢkijans 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.
DZUKIJA NATIONAL PARK Evergreen forests occupy over 60% of the parkâs 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 Lithuaniaâs five national parks, it encompasses massive woods stretching from the sandy Dainava plains to the DzÅĢkija heights. The Äepkeliai Reserve protects the countryâs most extensive marsh, which stretches into Belarus, and the migratory birds stop here. Paths and raised wooden walkways reach observation platforms offering great views. The park is easy accessible by bicycle and canoe, and has designated footpaths and camping areas. More information: www.dzukijosparkas.lt
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
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Druskininkai first 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
DRUSKININKAI
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
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BIRÅ TONAS
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, BirÅĄtonas attracts its visitors not only by mineral water, acclaimed throughout Europe, but with great accommodation,
LITHUANIA
entertainment facilities and with its unique nature. A quiet and calming location with many green areas, BirÅĄtonas 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
Fly from London Gatwick Airport
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VARENA
Encircled by the beautiful forests of DzÅĢkija situated on the eastern edge of DzÅĢkija National Park , VarÄna is known as Lithuaniaâs 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
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
GRUTAS PARK (GRUTO PARKAS)
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
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LITHUANIA MINOR (MAÅŊOJI LIETUVA) 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 first
Lithuanian book, the first Lithuanian grammar, and the first book of collected songs were printed here. The most archaic part of the landâs heritage is represented by wooden folk architecture. Houses are distinguished by impressive decorations such as ornamentally carved weathervanes.
CURONIAN SPIT NATIONAL PARK 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 A NEW DISCOVERY
and Juodkrante. Neringaâs beaches are also internationally recognised and have been awarded with the blue flag. A pedestrian and bicycle path along the lagoon runs past fishermenâs 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 RaganÅŗ kalnas (WitchesâHill). The Nobel Prize-winning writer, Thomas Mann (1875-1955) was so fascinated by âthe fantastic world of wandering sand dunesâ that he bought a summer house and spent three summers there. More information: www.nerija.lt/en
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NEMUNAS DELTA It is an area of islands and waterways, extensive fishing and the main port of call for migrating birds. Among the typical fishing villages here are MingÄ, the âVenice of Lithuaniaâ, where the River Minija serves as its main street. Protected as architectural monuments, 19th â century wooden houses stand on both riverbanks. The low-lying delta of the Nemunas, Lithuaniaâs 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 flooded, attracting 200 species of birds to breed, while hundreds of other species migrate through that area every year. A bird ringing station at VentÄ is one of the oldest in Europe. More infomation: www.nemunodelta.lt
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
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DONâT MISSYOUR CHANCE TO WIN ATHREE 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 â 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 DONâT WORRY IF YOU WERENâT THE LUCKY WINNER,AS THERE IS ALSO A RUNNERSUP PRIZE â A GORGEOUS PHOTO ALBUM âUNSEEN LITHUANIAâ 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 notified by Monday 7 June 2010. The prize is for 2 (two) people only and includes return (economy class) flights 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 flight seats, accommodation or any other components to the prize. The promoter accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities, injury or disappointment incurred or suffered 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 notified by email or via phone. The judgeâs decision is final, and should the prize winner be unable to accept the prize (for whatever reason) nor return winning confirmation communications within a 48 hour period, the judge will then redraw the entries and an alternative winner will be selected and notified. Enquiries regarding the terms and conditions of this competition can be forwarded to the promoter, Lithuanian National Tourism Office, 86 Gloucester Place, London W1U 6HP or by phone 020 7034 1222.
LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Lithuania
Democratic Republic within the European Union
When to go?
Lithuania generally has warm summers with temperatures sometimes hitting 30ËC. Winters can be cold, with bitterly chilly winds from the east bringing the temperature down as low as -12ËC; there is normally snow cover for one or two months of the year. Spring and autumn are mild.
Currency
ÂŖ1 = LTL 3.80
Time difference
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
Avg flight time
2h30m from London Airports
Getting there
3 international airports - Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga. Direct flights - to Vilnius Airport - from London Stansted and Edinburgh Airport with Star 1 and from London Gatwick International Airport with AirBaltic. Direct flights - 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 flights from major UK airports to Vilnius International and Palanga International airports.
For more information please contact: Lithuanian National Tourism Office 86 Gloucester Place, London W1U 6HP Tel: 0207 034 01222 Fax: 0207 935 4661 www.lithauniatourism.co.uk PAGE 34
SPRING - SUMMER 2010 EVENTS IN LITHUANIA Lithuanians and tourists enjoyed the exceptionally festive year of 2009. The country has been celebrating two significant occasions during 2009 â the official 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 countryâs 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 â10 (April 29 â May 3) Kaunas
Every 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, KlaipÄda
On the first 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 worldâs most universal language - the language of music. www.gatvesmuzika.lt/en/
15th International classical music Festival âPaÅžaislis Music Festivalâ (May 30 â August 29) Kaunas
The listeners of the most particular taste may find in the schedule of the festival something what interests them, starting from the old music and finishing 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 LITHUANIA A NEW DISCOVERY
Festival âSkamba Skamba Kankliaiâ (27-30 May) Vilnius
Annual 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 offered to audiences of various ages and backgrounds. www.etno.lt
Vilnius Festival 2010 (May 26 â June 10) Vilnius
Held every year since 1997, this festival features Classical music and invites world-famous performers. Each year the festival has a different concept and presents both traditional and contemporary Lithuanian music, and offers a platform for jazz and musical theatre. www.vilniusfestival.lt
The IX International Jazz Music Festival âÅ iauliai Jazz 2009â (June) Siauliai
During three days of Jazz Music Festival various improvisations on traditional and nontraditional themes are played. Guests can enjoy the exhibitions of art and watch films about the history of jazz. www.tic.siauliai.lt/en
The VII International Summer Festival at Ch. Frenkel Villa (June 1 - August 29) Siauliai
The 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
Trakai Medieval Festival (12 - 13 June) Trakai
On the territory of the Peninsular Castle guests may visit workshops temporarily set by craftsmen. Prime focus of this event is knights âfights with swords, bats and battleaxes. Gourmands have a chance to taste dishes, appreciated by people who lived in the middle ages. www.trakai.lt
JoninÄs (The Feast of St. John) (23 June)
âSea Festivalâ (July 30 â August 1)
KlaipÄda
The main event of KlaipÄda 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 âBALTIC SAILâ and âSPRINT CUPâ taking place during the festival. www.jurossvente.lt
Old Crafts Days (14 â 15 August)
Vilnius
Trakai
The Lithuanian traditional JoninÄs is Midsummer Day, marking the summer solstice. During the feast, wreaths are made and set to float down the river; herb markets and herbal magic take place. www.pavilniai-verkiai.lt
The 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 fill their tables with silver and brass jewellery. www.trakaimuziejus.lt
Christopher Summer Festival (July 1 âAugust 31)
International Opera and Symphony Music Festival âMusical August at the Seasideâ (August)
Vilnius
During 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 KernavÄ (4 â 6 July) KernavÄ
During the festival prehistoric and early medieval crafts, lifestyles, medieval fights 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-livearchaeology-in-kernav
KlaipÄda
Each 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 - KlaipÄda 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 â 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.
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TOUR OPERATORS FEATURING LITHUANIA IN THEIR BROCHURES: Ace Study Tours www.acestudytours.co.uk ace@acestudytours.co.uk Babraham, Cambridge England United Kingdom CB22 3AP Archers Direct www.archersdirect.co.uk Baltic Breaks www.baltic-breaks.com info@baltic-breaks.com Baltic-Breaks Travel Agency Virmalise 24/26 . 10131 Tallinn . Estonia Tel +3726311796 Baltic Holidays www.balticholidays.com Baltic Holidays, 5 Wood Road, Manchester M16 9RB, United Kingdom +44 (0)845 070 5711 Cosmos Tourama www.cosmostourama.co.uk touramaadmin@tourama.co.uk Customer Services Department Cosmos Tourama Wren Court, 17 London Road Bromley, Kent BR1 1DE Cox & Kings www.coxandkings.co.uk Sales: sales@coxandkings.co.uk General: cox.kings@coxandkings.co.uk Cox & Kings UK Head Office 6th Floor,30 Millbank London SW1P 4EE Cricketer Holidays www.cricketerholidays.co.uk info@cricketerholidays.com Cricketer Holidays Beacon House, Croft Road, Crowborough East Sussex TN6 1DL
LITHUANIA
European Study Tours www.euro-study-tours.co.uk estsales@euro-study-tours.co.uk European Study Tours 4 Post Office Walk Fore Street, Hertford Hertfordshire SG14 1DL Explore www.explore.co.uk res@explore.co.uk Explore Worldwide Ltd, Nelson House, 55 Victoria Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7PA, United Kingdom Imaginative Traveller www.imaginative-traveller.com online@imtrav.net Imaginative Traveller 1 Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Suffolk IP5 3RH Intrepid Travel www.intrepidtravel.com ask@intrepidtravel.com 76 Upper St Islington (nearest tube Angel) London N1 0NU Kirker www.kirkerholidays.com travel@kirkerholidays.co.uk Kirker Travel Limited 4 Waterloo Court 10 Theed Street London SE1 8ST Leger (Experience Europe) www.leger.co.uk Martin Randall Travel www.martinrandall.com info@martinrandall.co.uk Voysey House, Barley Mow Passage London W4 4GF United Kingdom
Operas Abroad www.operasabroad.com info@operasabroad.com Operas Abroad, 80-83 Long Lane, London EC1A 9ET Ramblers Holidays www.ramblersholidays.co.uk info@ramblersholidays.co.uk Ramblers Worldwide Holidays Lemsford Mill, Lemsford Village Welwyn Garden City AL8 7TR England Regent Holidays (Baltic States & Poland) www.regent-holidays.co.uk regent@regent-holidays.co.uk Regent Holidays (UK) Ltd Mezzanine Suite, Froomsgate House Rupert Street Bristol BS1 2QJ
12 ONLINE TOUR OPERATORS FEATURING LITHUANIA: Adventures Abroad www.adventures-abroad.com Baltic Travel Company www.baltictravelcompany.com Baltics and Beyond www.balticsandbeyond.com Black Tomato www.blacktomato.co.uk Kudu Travel www.kudutravel.com Nomadic Thoughts www.nomadicthoughts.com
Topdeck www.topdecktours.co.uk Level 2, 107 Power Road, Chiswick W4 5PY
PAX Travel www.paxtravel.co.uk
Travel Editions (The Baltic Capitals) www.traveleditions.co.uk john.dryden@traveleditions.co.uk ed@traveleditions.co.uk Travel Editions 69-85 Tabernacle Street London EC2A 4BD
Responsible Travel www.responsibletravel.com
Travel for the Arts (Opera & Music) www.travelforthearts.co.uk tfa@stlon.com Travel for the Arts 12-15 Hanger Green London W5 3EL
Saga Holidays www.travel.saga.co.uk The Internationalist www.internationalist.com oby Brocklehurst www.tobybrocklehurst.com YEStravel www.yes-travel.com
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