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s it possible for pieces of fossilized tree resin to change the course of history? You bet. If that surprises you, we suggest an immediate departure to the Baltic Countries — Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia — to see firsthand just how it all transpired.

Begin in Vilnius, Lithuania, one of the Baltic cities you might ahve already heard of. Meet Europe’s oldest baroque city. UNESCO fell in love with it and declared the Old Town a World Heritage site. See remnants of the Grand Duke Gediminas, the Tatars, the Germans, the Soviets.

From here, opt for one of two day-trips. Both go to Trakai to learn a bit of local history,including an introduction to the Judaic-Turkic Karaite sect (there are only 250 or so Karaites alive today). Then option A heads for Druskininkai and bizarre Grutas Park (known by the locals as Stalin Park, so you can imagine). Option B? From Trakai, head for Kaunas to visit the Museum of Devils.

Then Klaipeda, once the Prussian city of Memel, and the resort town of Palanga along the Amber Trail. Learn how the semi-precious gem shaped the lives of the ancient Baltic population. There's an optional visit to the Amber Museum; we urge you to go.

Latvia, next. Riga shines, once swept up in the art nouveau movement and forever adorned with the clean lines of Jugendstil. Alberta Street positively seduces with its remarkable architecture.

Finally, diminutive Estonia, where Tallinn boasts one of the world's most complete medieval Old Towns. Tell that to France, Germany, Italy!

Along the Amber Trail Through the Baltic Countries.
Lithuania, Latvia, & Estonia. 11 Days.