Bordered in the east by Russia and the south by Poland, Latvia and Lithuania make up two of the captivating yet relatively unexplored trio of Baltic states. Although they share many similarities – unblemished landscapes of immense beauty, and centuries of history shaped by domineering neighbours and unwavering faith – each clearly has its own distinct identity. The shared western coastline is a series of pristine beaches with mesmerising sand dunes stretching from north to south. Virgin forests of pine, birch and spruce meld with undulating landscapes that seem to spread unbridled towards the east. Meandering through both countries are thousands of rivers, nourishing innumerable dazzling lakes. The compelling conquest of Latvia began with the arrival of the Teutonic Knights in 1201, heralding German dominance for three centuries and the introduction of Protestantism. From the mid-16th to the early 18th century, it was divided between Poland and Sweden. By 1795, the entire country had been absorbed into Russia. On the other hand, Lithuania was Europe’s last pagan stronghold and a powerful state during medieval times. Thereafter it was subjugated, first by the Poles who brought Catholicism, and then by the Russians. After long periods of occupation and struggle for independence, both nations finally emerged in 1991 as sovereign states and have since flourished. Our insightful tour covers genuine hidden gems far removed from the limelight, beginning with Rīga, the photogenic Latvian capital once known as the ‘Paris of the North’. The city boasts one of Europe’s finest collections of Art Nouveau buildings, earning its Old Town its well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage status. From here we travel south, stopping to visit resplendent Rundāle Palace, ‘the Baltic Versailles’, and the atmospheric Hill of Crosses, perhaps one of the most extraordinary places you’ll ever encounter.  We spend time in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, getting to know its Old Town, another UNESCO-listed jewel recognised for its outstanding Baroque architecture. On our way to Lithuania’s lovely second city, Kaunas, we pause to explore a fairy-tale castle at Trakai. Finally our journey ends in Jūrmala, a sophisticated coastal city that radiates charm. Lithuania and Latvia are well-poised to entice and beguile even the most discerning travellers, with both capital cities proudly living up to their titles of European Capital of Culture 2009 and 2014 respectively. The year 2018 marks the centenary of both countries’ first independence, adding to the very many reasons to visit and experience these wonderful destinations.