Travel to the Baltic republics in May

Join the NPC trip to the Baltic Republics May 19-30, 2012. This is a rare opportunity to visit the historical capitals of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

The trip begins in Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, once the largest medieval state in Europe. This small independent democratic country is rich in historical monuments and lovely landscapes. Sightseeing includes St. Stanislav Cathedral, Gediminas Castle and the Old Vilnius University while walking through narrow, winding alleys and courtyards. Travel to the 12th century town of Trakai and Kaunas outside of Vilnius.

After three nights in Vilnius, travel to Riga, Latvia, via the Hill of Crosses, a unique national pilgrimage site where thousands of hand-carved wooden and metal crosses create a moving symbol of medieval times. Riga dates from 1201 and is the largest city of the Baltic States. It was ruled by Germans, Poles, Swedes, Russians, Nazis and Soviets before becoming independent in 1991.

Four nights in Riga are followed by travel to Tallinn, Estonia, a medieval trading town whose history dates from the Hanseatic League and is possibly the best-preserved medieval center of Northern Europe. Three nights in Tallinn provide ample opportunity to explore many wonders, including the Kadriorg Palace built by Peter the Great.

The trip price is $3,195 per person, double occupancy, with a $675 supplement for a single room. The price includes round trip economy-class airfare from Washington, Dulles to Vilnius and from Tallinn to Dulles via SAS, ten nights in first-class hotels, buffet breakfast daily, three dinners, sightseeing by private motor coach and local guides in each city.

For additional information or to sign up for the trip, contact Richard Meyer, [email protected], (703)356-6782.