Kaunas is the second largest city of Lithuania, situated in the valley of the Nemunas and the Neris and was first mentioned in the old manuscripts of 1361.
The town itself became an example of meetings of peoples and cultures, an attractive mixture of architecture and nature. During the centuries the town has kept deep traditions of independence and freedom and became termed as the guard of national identity.
The city is an important industrial and cultural centre with population of 415 thousands, situated at the crossroads of the main transport flows between the West and the East. Two main highways cross the city - Via Baltika connecting Helsinki and Warsaw, and the highway between Vilnius and Klaipeda.
Kaunas is famous for its remarkable Old Town, which is a concentration of ancient architectural monuments. The

Pazaislio Abbey in Kaunas

Town Hall Square is reminiscent of the middle Ages with the early Gothic Vytautas Church and the late Gothic Perkunas (Thunder) house not far away. The Old Town squares and buildings of the surrounding streets are brisk with numerous 

restaurants, bars and cafes as well as art galleries and Lithuanian folk art souvenir shops, popular with tourists.
Two pedestrian streets: Vilnius street and Laisvės Aleja (Liberty avenue), connect the Old and the New cities. Artists who play their instruments here, dance, sing and paint, surrounded by idle passer- by and shoppers favour Laisvės Aleja. It is also the main business area of Kaunas with offices, shops, restaurants and banks. It is also a nonsmoking zone.
Kaunas can already offer quite many hotels, motels and private apartments for tourists. If you have not ever been to Kaunas, you are more than welcome.

of life. In the environs of Palanga are walking paths "For adults and kids", "A path of puzzles", Zemaitija National Park and Kursiu National Reservation known as Nida. The other attraction is a unique Amber museum, located in Earl Tiskevicius palace, which features the largest collection of amber inclusions, articles in the world.
The future plans are likely to focus more on tourism and recreation. Trying to accelerate process of development Palanga has become a member of several international unions, organisations and signed partnership agreements and cooperates with many municipalities. As a member of UBC Palanga plans to join more actively the Union's projects related to tourism, culture and environmental protection. 

Palanga stretches along the shore of Baltic Sea and, on the north, borders with Latvia. The recreation zone covers several dozens of kilometres, lying as far as Klaipėda, large seaport which has regular ferry lines for passengers and cargo. The international Palanga airport offers flights to major cities of Germany, Sweden, Russia, Norway, Denmark and other countries.
The name of Palanga was first mentioned in the 12th century. The routes of Hanza merchants also referred to this territory in late 14th century and middle of 17th century. In 1824, Palanga Manor was purchased by Earl Mykolas Tiskevicius which triggered constructions of the first rest houses, creation of park and palace for Earl Tiskevicius. At the 20th century Palanga came to be a famous resort, especially liked by intellectuals and aristocrats of Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The resort particularly grew after 

World War II. At the summer time, city becomes a capital of entertainment and cultural events. Then, it turns into a symbolic Lithuanian capital gathering people of different professions and age, including artists and academic community. The town provides space for summer residence of Lithuanian government and President.
Holidaymakers can expect a universal type or resort. In early June there are festivals, numerous of the concerts, fiestas, sport and cultural events. In the middle of July Palanga invites for a traditional Aviation Festival. Since the year 1971, the park of Tiskevicius palace has been a venue of "Night Serenade" concerts. In winter, the town witnesses a mass bathing of "seals", perhaps one of the biggest in world. Those who are fond of active recreation can find a wide choice: tennis courts, fields of basketball and small golf, horse riding, water motorcycles and yachting. A famed health school is open year round to provide education in healthy mode