Lithuania is the southernmost of the three Baltic states. The profusion of Baroque buildings in its capital, Vilnius, has earned it the nickname ‘Italy of the Baltics’. This often overlooked vacation destination is ideal for anyone seeking an experience off the beaten track, and promises myriad medieval castles and towns, a breathtaking Baltic coastline, and pristine national parks.

The nation was once the location of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, one of the largest and most influential states in Europe during the Middle Ages. This powerful kingdom has left behind a vast number of well-preserved medieval castles such as Myras Castle and Nesvyžius Palace. Today, Lithuania's Medieval towns of Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda are coursed with cobbled streets and packed with picturesque squares.

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  Take a bike tour of Vilnius, Lithuania's capital and the Baltic states' largest city, to discover a city that harbors a forward-thinking dynamism behind the medieval architecture of its storied streets. A family-friendly guided tour will take you to Vilnius Cathedral, the oldest university in the Baltic states, and the Gate of Dawn.

  Lithuania is also known for possessing superlative scenic spots, and the area around Vilnius is no exception. Head out of the city for a day of your vacation to take a mountain bike tour to Belmontas. Ride along the River Vilnia until you reach Pavilniai Regional Park, where paths wend through fragrant forests beneath cool and shady canopies.

  Elsewhere, explore the breathtaking Curonian Spit National Park, where sandy beaches and windswept dunes form a unique natural wonder. Or, feel the refreshing sea breeze as you bike along the beautiful Baltic coastline, stopping at seaside towns like Palanga and Nida.