Riga | Vilnius

About the destination: Riga is the crown jewel of the Baltic States and it's the region's cultural, educational, political, financial, commercial and industrial epicentre. Charmingly divided by the Daugava River, it presents itself as a city of colours, church spires and beautiful nights of yellow lights. Even though the city is rapidly overflowing with a collage of glass and steel skyscrapers, it is still defined by its stunning chocolate box old town that Disney executives can only dream of. Art-Nouveau is also a big thing in Riga. The city's notable art nouveau district was declared a World Heritage Site and it is commonly regarded as the finest and best-preserved collection of art nouveau architecture in Europe. Aside from its toy town cuteness, this city is funky and vibrant with a big city soul. The Latvian capital is the perfect fusion of old and new; visitors will find the trendiest club inside a spectacular art-nouveau building. The city has been dubbed "The Second City that Never Sleeps" and rightly so; in Riga one can go out every night of the week until the early hours of the morning and there are even 24h restaurants to satisfy anyone's appetite at any time. With its timeless elegance and its cosmopolitan ambitions, Riga has been declared European Capital of Culture for 2014. The city is now chic, lively and green, parks cover a fifth of the capital, and has left its grey past behind and has no intention of looking back.

About the destination: This Baltic capital is peculiar, decadent, eccentric and enchantingly beautiful. Situated at the meeting point of the Vilnia and Neris rivers, Vilnius retains its medieval spirit. Its remarkable Old Town, one of the largest in Europe, has been declared a World Heritage Site. Church spires dominate the cityscape with 65 churches scattered throughout Vilnius. The view from the city's castle is breathtaking and offers the best vantage point to appreciate a magnificent panorama of this green metropolis. Vilnius has grand plans for its future and is evolving into a cosmopolitan city. Quirky pubs can be found nestled within the dark medieval courtyards. Užupis, declared the bohemian quarter of the city, is thriving with art galleries and workshops. In its main square stands a statue of an angel blowing a trumpet, symbolising artistic creativity and freedom of expression. On the north bank of the Neris, a new Vilnius is emerging, with a 21st-century skyscraper skyline being developed to accommodate the burgeoning business community, a sign that the city and Lithuania are progressing and leaving behind their Soviet past. The Lithuanian capital will captivate visitors with its vibrant, spirited and charming personality.