Tallinn – Riga – Vilnius

Baltic states, northeastern region of Europe containing the countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Latvia is still one of those places where you can embrace the unbeaten path and become an intrepid adventurer exploring virgin terrain. From crumbling castles in Sigulda, to Jurmala and its alluring resorts on the edge of the ice-blue Baltic Sea. Latvia has a serenity and charm rarely found elsewhere in Europe. Although the smallest of the Baltic countries, Estonia makes its presence felt in the region with its lovely seaside towns, quaint country villages and verdant forests and marshlands, all of which set the scene for discovering many cultural and natural gems.  And rebellious, quirky and vibrant, Lithuania, Europe’s best-kept secret and country with a colourful history. Its capital, Vilnius, is an incredibly small place with astonishing contrasts – eerie shadowy courtyards, eccentric artist community, awesome arts and beautiful baroque. Its natural treasures – forests, lakes, the magical Curonian Spit  in Western Lithuania – shimmer, while its oddities – the Hill of Crosses in and a Soviet sculpture park – add a flavour found nowhere else.

Brief overview of Estonia
Country name: Republic of Estonia
Population: 1.3 million (UN, 2010)
Capital: Talinn
Area: 45,227 sq km (17,462 sq miles)
Major language: Estonian, Russian
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 80 years (women) (UN, 2010)
Monetary unit: 1 euro = 100 cents
Main exports: Machinery, textiles, wood products
GNI per capita: US $14,460 (World Bank, 2010)
Internet domain: .ee
International dialling code: +372

Brief overview of Latvia
Country name: Republic of Latvia
Population: 2.2 million (UN, 2011)
Capital: Riga
Area: 64,589 sq km (24,938 sq miles)
Major language: Latvian, Russian
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 79 years (women) (UN, 2010)
Monetary unit: 1 lats = 100 santims
Main exports: Timber and wood products, fish and fish products
GNI per capita: US $11,620 (World Bank, 2010)
Internet domain: .lv
International dialling code: +371

Brief overview of Lithuania
Country name: Republic of Lithuania
Population: 3.3 million (UN, 2011)
Capital: Vilnius
Area: 65,300 sq km (25,212 sq miles)
Major language: Latvian, Russian
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 78 years (women) (UN, 2010)
Monetary unit: 1 Lithuanian litas = 100 centas
Main exports: Textiles, clothing, fertilisers, industrial machinery
GNI per capita: US $11,390 (World Bank, 2010)
Internet domain: .lt
International dialling code: +370