To mark the 100th anniversary of the creation of the modern Latvian state, we explore the trusted options for mini-breaks and holidays, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania.

As Latvia joins Estonia and Lithuania in reaching a century, finds each offers rich rewards Chris Leadbeater

It is not exactly the same as the cliche about London buses – but 2018 is proof that if you wait long enough for a European national centenary, three will come along at once. Last month marked the 100th anniversary of the creation of the modern Latvian state – a red-letter date that completes a trio of three-figure Baltic independence birthdays, in the wake of similar moments in Lithuania (tethered to Feb 16 1918), and in Estonia (Feb 24 1918). These milestones are being saluted with gusto in the countries in question. And it is not difficult to understand why. While these three amigos were not alone in taking shape amid the turmoil of 1918 – the Czech Republic and Slovakia (jointly, as Czechoslovakia), as well as Poland, all emerged, to some extent, from the fire of the First World War – the Baltic states had further roads to walk in their bid for definitive freedom. All three were subsequently occupied, not just by Nazi Germany, but by the Soviet Union – and they would not escape the latter until 1991.

Twenty-seven years on from this last liberation, Lithuania (lithuania.travel), Latvia (latvia.travel) and Estonia (visit estonia.com) have all become trusted options for mini-breaks and holidays. But each still has the capacity to surprise those who fly north-east...

LATVIA

Riga is a city of undoubted prettiness. Its celebrated art nouveau district has a museum that explains how this small Baltic seed became a flower bed of early 20th-century architectural grandeur (jugendstils.riga. lv; about Dh20). And St Peter's Church, 13th century in origin, is home to a giant steeple (peterbaznica. riga.lv; about Dh38) that delivers a splendid view of