Sports Tours in Vilnius

The Republic of Lithuania, on the east coast of the Baltic Sea, boldly became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence in 1990. With a restructured economy it joined the EU in the spring of 2004, and the gates of this fascinating ancient country are now wide open for western tourists and pleasure-seekers.

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.

Vilnius is somewhat unique compared to the major cities in the rest of the Baltic States, its old architecture being a hodge-podge of styles with Scandinavian, Russian and German influences.

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, such as Palanga, 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.

Highlights of a tour to Vilnius include Shooting Kalashnikov guns, a game of 'Canoe-Polo,' Walking in swamps through the Lithuanian jungle, a Soviet Survival day and a fantastic Beer Cycle Pub Tour - a stocked-bar on wheels that takes you on a pub crawl at a snails pace through Vilnius

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.