1. Lithuania

Rebellious and quirky, Lithuania is Europe's best-kept secret, an all-rounded when it comes to value. Shoved successively between Russian pillar and Nazi post, this tenacious little country stunned the world when it played David and Goliath with the might of the Soviet Union -- and won its independence just over a decade ago. There's been plenty to enjoy since. The nation that vanished from the maps of Europe is back with a vengeance: it's part of the EU and is a fully fledges partner of NATO. It is the place to buy "Baltic gold" (amber) or to explore 15th-century castles.

Pictured: Trakai Castle

Text reproduced with permission from Bluelist 2007, copyright 2006 Lonely Planet Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.