Trakai - Lithuania

Trakai lies not far from Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, in a region of 200 lakes. It is an historical city and lake resort, settled by Lithuanians, Russians, Poles, Jews, Tatars and Karaims (a Turkic-speaking people), each with their distinct building styles. Outside of the town on its own island is Trakai Castle, the former summer residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. This picturesque castle is now home to festivals and concerts during the summer and is still worth visiting in winter when the lake can freeze and the castle is approachable on foot across the lake. A local food delicacy is Kibinai, remarkably similar to a Cornish pasty.