Lithuania’s past stories a tumultuous battle for independence. From Nazi Occupation to Stalinist Communism, enemies have desperately tried to dismantle their prized culture…but to no avail. Vilnius’ experience with oppression birthed a generation and culture of artists and intellectuals who are painting this compact city into a lively and creative urbana. This city is stocked with coffee shops and cocktail bars, set against a backdrop of historic antique ruins and graffitied KGB buildings.