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Lithuanian Experience

10 Days / 8 locations in Lithuania

Absolute success since 2005, introducing not only to main tourist sights of Lithuania (Vilnius, Trakai, Kaunas, Rumsiskes, Seaside), but also to cultural life, traditions, lifestyle of locals. Picnic in a farmstead, visit to National Park and much more fun! All departure dates are fixed to suit traditional cultural events.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Vilnius
Accommodation: Artis Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Arrival to Vilnius. Private transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner in national Lithuanian cuisine restaurant, where you will meet members of your group and your escort guide.

 
Day 2     Vilnius
Accommodation: Artis Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Full day to explore the capital - Vilnius. Tour in Historical Old Town of Vilnius by car and on foot: Cathedral and it’s square, Gediminas Castle, University campus, Pilies street with the 16-18th century historical and architectural monuments, Gothic corner of Vilnius with The Church of St. Anne and The Church of St Francis and St Bernardino (Bernardine Church), former Town Hall square, the The Gates of Dawn with miraculous icon of Virgin Mary, spectacular Baroque church of The Church of St Peter and St Paul. Visit to KGB museum. Overnight in Vilnius.

 
Day 3     Trakai - Kernave - Vilnius
Accommodation: Artis Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Two ancient Lithuanian capitals in one day! Drive toTrakai (28 km )- the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Visit the 15th century Insular Trakai Castle housing an exhibition on prehistoric findings and the 17-18th century applied art, the way of life of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes, and the Karaites, brought to Lithuania from the Crimea. Lunch at the restaurant with charming Castle view. Later-visit the first capital of Lithuania Kernave.Here you will be able to climb 5 mounds and enjoy a superb breath-taking view of the river valley graced by the bends of the river Neris. In the afternoon drive back to Vilnius for overnight.

 
Day 4     Druskininkai
Accommodation: Best Baltic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day in tranquillity of unspoiled nature & past. Trip to Dzukija National Park located in Southern part of Lithuania, famous for wild forests, mushrooms and berries, authentic villages and friendliness of local people. You will visit ethnographic village and get acquainted with the lifestyle of locals. Here you’ll have lunch and learn how to cook Lithuanian speciality - Šakotis (tree cake). Afterwards an outdoor museum of notorious Soviet Political Figures Grutas Park awaits for you. Stay for overnight in charming spa town Druskininkai. Enjoy yourself at spa or water amusement park.

 
Day 5     Kaunas
Accommodation: Hotel Daugirdas Kaunas
Meals: Breakfast

Morning drive to Kaunas. En route stop at Open-air Museum of Rumsiskes, unique open air country life museum, depicting the 18-19th century architecture, traditions, crafts and the way of life of different ethnographic regions of the country. Later sightseeing tour of Kaunas Old Town, - second largest city and the capital of Lithuania between the World Wars. The tour includes: the Old Town of Kaunas with its St George's church, castle ruins, Theological seminary, the Town Hall Square, the Jesuit church, the Cathedral, the Church of Vytautas and the Perkunas House. Visit Ciurlionis Art Museum. Later visit to Pazaislis Camaldolese Monastery, famous for its architecture and wonderworking icon of Virgin Mary. Overnight in Kaunas

 
Day 6     Klaipeda
Accommodation: Old Mill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Drive to the seaside via most picturesque road in Lithuania - Panemune castle road with few stops along the way. Sightseeing tour of Klaipeda (Klaipėda) - Lithuania's third biggest city - a historic seaport and resort. Old Town of Klaipeda with the Theatre square and the statue of a girl Ann from Tharau, numerous old streets and buildings, Linden street with the old post-office, Mazvydas Sculpture Park. Overnight in Klaipeda.

 
Day 7     Curonian Spit - Palanga
Accommodation: Baltic Inn
Meals: Breakfast

Full day visit to the Curonian Spit. Morning ferry to Neringa - visit to Juodkrante, climb the Raganu Kalnas (Hill of Witches) decorated with numerous wooden sculptures based on Lithuanian legends and folk tales. Stop at a bird sanctuary. Further drive to Nida (30 km), a small old fishermen village famous for its majestic seashore sand dunes, neo-gothic church and old ethnographic cemetery.

Drive for overnight to Palanga.

 
Day 8     Palanga
Accommodation: Baltic Inn
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Morning sightseeing of Palanga offers a visit to the The Palanga Amber Museum which houses very rich amber collection, a walk in the Botanical Park of Palanga with Birute's Hill - a 22-metre-high dune, the central street full of souvenir shops, open-air cafes, and leading to the beach and the pier. Later trip to Kretinga. Time for lunch on your own. Afterwards visit Kretinga museum, which exhibits the history, traditions, crafts, and lifestyle of this part of Lithuania. In addition, the tour will include an exotic winter garden of the former palace with an all year flourishing plants and nice water cascades. Return to Palanga. Free time to enjoy resort life and beautiful sunset. Overnight in Palanga.

 
Day 9     Vilnius
Accommodation: Artis Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Drive to Vilnius with en route stop in the holy site of Catholic Pilgrimage – Hill of Crosses. This is an expression of a spontaneous religiousness of the people, and is a symbol not of grief and death but of Faith, Love and Sacrifice. From here the Pope blessed people of Lithuania and Christian Europe. Farewell dinner in the restaurant in the cozy Vilnius street. Overnight in Vilnius.

 
Day 10     Vilnius
Meals: Breakfast

End of the tour. Private transfer to the airport

 

Notes

One full day may be set up for roots research

Guaranteed With Minimum 4 Participants
Price Includes
Hotel Accommodation As in Itinerary With Daily Breakfast
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Sightseeing and Entrances Per Itinerary
Arrival and Departure Transfers
Car/Coach Services
English Speaking Guide Services
Entrances Fee to Musuems As Per Itinerary
Information Package
9 Buffet Breakfasts & 2 Lunches
Price Does Not Include
 Air
VTL-1269
1.28.15.WP26