Lithuania

Types of trips: Cultural and Sight-seeing, History, City Tourism, Beach, Outdoor and Active, Active Leisure

Best known for: Huge Basketball following, Beautiful buildings, Individual Statues and Monuments

Why Go?: Within Europe, Lithuania is a real different location for a school trip from the UK. Certainly not a typical destination, Lithuania has a lot to offer and often surprises first-time visitors. 

Fact File

Population: 2,900,000

Capital: Vilnius

Language(s): Lithuanian

Ties to the UK?: With around 100,000 Lithuanians living in the UK we have a good relationship

Landscape: Hills (no mountains), Lakes, Rivers, Beaches, Islands

Climate/Seasons: Warm but wet summers (record high of 37.5°C), drier but very cold winter (record low of -40.5°C)

When to Go: Being as the snowfall can be very heavy during the winter and there are more festivities during the summer, summer is definitely the better time to visit for most trips

Reasons to Visit: Lithuania is a country that is easy to get to, easy to arrange travel to and a pleasure to be in. Try somewhere you've never been and teach your students about a culture that's definitely going to be new and exciting 

How to Get There: There's a small number of international airports which are a good option with well priced flights, and good rail connections which could be an option for more remote areas.

Places to Go: Vilnius, Curonian Spit National Park, Trakai, Druskininkai, Kaunas

Famous People: Zydrunas Savickas, Arvydas Sabonis, Jurgus Maciunas

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Dzukija National Park, Lakes of Aukstaitija, 

History: Soviet Union, WWII

Architecture: 1000 Litu building, Vilnius Cathedral, Saint Ann Church

Culture: Folk and Pop music, Basketball

Sport: Basketball, Football, Athletics, Cycling

Events: Republic Winter Festival, Mardi Gras, Folklore Festival, Ice Cream Festival

Watch Out For: Lithuanians are very proud of their heritage, visitors should do their best to respect this

Medical Issues: No mandatory vaccinations required although some may be advised by your GP - you can also check here

Watch this video about visiting Lithuania!