Lithuania is a stunning and captivating country that boasts an incredible 800-year-old statehood, a unique ancient Baltic language, and a wealth of history and culture. The country is home to numerous medieval castles and impressive Gothic and Baroque Catholic churches that will take your breath away. The picturesque land is washed by the waves of the beautiful Baltic Sea and is covered in stunning sand beaches and coastal dunes. It is dotted with thousands of mesmerizing lakes that offer a tranquil atmosphere. Lithuania is a warm and welcoming place for its guests, where the locals take pride in their traditions and culture. The country is also famous for its amber, a precious and unique natural gem considered Lithuania’s leading national jewellery. Come and discover this enchanting country that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Upon your arrival in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, you will be accommodated in your hotel. In the afternoon, you will tour Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour will showcase the main attractions of the Old Town, including its endless church domes, steeples, and gloriously restored buildings. The tour will commence at Cathedral Square, dominated by the Cathedral itself and the principal landmark of Vilnius, Gediminas Castle.
Next, you will travel to Vilnius University, where you will visit the University courtyards before continuing along the main street of the Old Town, Pilies St. The tour will then showcase the Gothic corner of Vilnius, highlighting St. Anne’s Church. Afterwards, the tour will continue by coach to the 17th-century Baroque Church of St. Peter and Paul, passing the only remaining city gate, the Gate of Dawn, famous for its miraculous icon of The Virgin Mary. Finally, the tour will conclude at the Old Town Hall Square.
Take a morning tour to Trakai, once the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and now one of the oldest towns in the country. Trakai is famous for its 15th-century red-brick Gothic Castle, built on one of the many small islands in Lake Galve. The Castle was once the seat of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes and now houses a museum of local history, along with an enormous collection of objects d’art, including furniture, ceramics, snuff boxes, pipes, and more.
After visiting Trakai, return to Vilnius via Kernave, known among locals as the Lithuanian Troy and, testifies to the country’s 13th-14th century history. Kernave is a complex ensemble of archaeological properties, encompassing the town of Kernave, forts, some unfortified settlements, burial sites, and other archaeological, historical, and cultural monuments.
We will depart for Kaunas, which served as the interim capital of Lithuania between the two World Wars. On the way, we will stop at Rumsiskes Outdoor Ethnographic Museum. The Museum covers a total area of 176 hectares and offers a glimpse into farmers' architecture, traditions, crafts, and lifestle from the end of the 18th to the 19th centuries. The Museum features an impressive collection of old houses, farms, schools, pubs, and mills representing the country's central regions.
Once we arrive in Kaunas, we will embark on an afternoon tour of the Old Town. The tour will cover the leading architectural and historic sites of the area, including Town Hall Square, the Jesuit Church, the 14th-century Cathedral, Vytautas Church, the Perkunas (Thunder) House, the courtyard of the Theological Seminary, and the ruins of Kaunas Castle. Our tour will conclude with a visit to Ciurlionis Picture Gallery, which preserves and exhibits works of the famous Lithuanian artist Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis. He was known for his paintings and compositions during the turn of the 20th century.
This morning, we will drive to Klaipeda, Lithuania’s gateway to the Baltic Sea. We will stop at the Hill of Crosses near Siauliai along the way. This site is where people express their gratitude to God for divine favours.
In the afternoon, we will explore the city of Klaipeda, specifically the Old Town. This area features Theatre Square, where a statue of a girl named “Ann from Tharau” stands prominently. Additionally, we will explore the narrow alleyways with their attractive courtyards, art galleries, cafes, and small boutiques. We will also see blocks of lattice-work buildings and old warehouses that reflect the influence of Germanic architecture from the Hanseatic period.
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing at the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Park between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. During your visit, you can walk on the Hill of Witches in the fishing village of Juodkrante, admire the breathtaking view from a majestic 60-meter-high seaside dune, and explore Thomas Mann’s summer house in Nida. After an adventure-filled day, you will return to your overnight stay in Klaipeda.
In the morning, quickly drive to Palanga, Lithuania’s most popular seaside resort, just 25 km from Klaipeda. While there, visit the Amber Museum, housed in the former mansion of Count Tyszkiewicz and surrounded by an elegant park created by French arborist Eduard Andre. In the museum, you can find about 4,500 pieces of amber on display. Visitors will learn about the formation, processing, practical use, and structural variations of amber. Late in the afternoon, return to Vilnius.
Indulge in a leisurely morning in the charming city of Vilnius, where you can stroll through the picturesque streets, savour a cup of coffee at a cosy café, or explore the city’s historic landmarks. Later, go to the airport for a seamless transfer to your next destination.
