I am afraid I don't know anything about traveling from Lithuania to Germany. Just was wondering where your relatives live in Lithuania. I am from Seduva/ Radviliskis region. I knew some Vedeckis there.

It seems my relatives are from Jurbarkas & Kelme. Our anmes was changed to Wedesky once they came over. I look so forward to go to see them! Paul

Aaa, na tai labas zemiete!
Is tikro as esu is Seduvos, bet nuo jos iki Radviliskio galima akmeniu numesti
Malonu cia virtualiai sutikti krastieciu!

I am not sure if the original author is still reading this, but here some tips for the trip to Lithuania . Somehow discovered this forum through the google, and thought it would be a good idea to write something. And btw, I am from Lithuania

Train trip from Germany to Lithuania - probably not a good idea. First, the railroad tracks in Lithuania and Western Europe are of different width (remember we were on the other side of the curtain for a while), hence there are no direct trainroutes from Germany to Lithuania. Although technically it is possible to take a train to Poland, then another train across the Poland, and make a transfer at Lithuania border, it will be more of a hassle, and I would not recommend unless you are specifically looking for adventure. Air is the best option. There are multiple airlines flying to Vilnius airport, and some to Kaunas airport as well (RyanAir, the discount carrier in Europe, flies to Kaunas).

Once you are in Vilnius, tip number one - DO NOT take the cab waiting just outside the airport. They are all ridiciously priced and not worth it. I have heard of cases foreigners paying over 100EUR for a trip to the city center (15-20min trip only). Instead, CALL IN the taxi. You are probably not used to call taxi by phone in the US, but in Lithuania thats how people usually get taxis. In most cases, they arrive within 5-10 minutes, and they will pick you up right from the airport. You need to remember the number you called though, so that you do not sit in an overpriced airport cab. Language may be a problem, but only while in taxi. In Vilnius, most people will understand english. Here are some taxi numbers: http://www.etaksi.lt/en/taxi-directory/vilnius .

Anytime in Lithuania, whether you need hotel or taxi, you can call information service at 118 or 1588. Its more likely they will speak english. And they are good. You can order taxis, or find train, bus or even movie schedules trough them. If I were a foreigner, I think I would use them very often. The short numbers will not work if you are dialing from a non lithuanian operator though, so it may be worth to get a local provider prepaid SIM card once you are in Lithuania. It will make travelling a lot easier.

I would recommend to spend at least on night in Vilnius, to get a "feel" of the country first. Go to tourist office, get some maps, do some city tours, then go to Jurbarkas or Kelme. Best way to get there is by car. No train. Also you can take bus if you want. Remember, these towns are smaller provincial towns, and its likely less people will be able to speak english, and there will be fewer accomodation options. I would recommend staying one night in Kaunas, and covering Jurbarkas and Kelme in one day. I have never actually been in those towns for longer periods, so its hard to say about accomodation. There might be some motels, or hotels, but I am not sure. Just research that in advance.

Here are some links:
Car route: http://maps.google.com/m...282733,3.724365&z=8
Bus tickets: http://www.iticket.lt/en
Train tickets: www.litrail.lt
Or more adventurous forms of travel: http://www.nemunolinija.lt/en/main

Hope you like it here. I would suggest coming in summer.

Thanks for the information, very helpful. I look forward to going soon! Thanks to all that replied!

Welcome back Paul...

Waiting for a detailed report from the time you boarded the plane..............to the time you landed in DFW