ITINERARY: VILNIUS – RUNDALE – RIGA
DAY 1 VILNIUS
- Arrival in Vilnius
- Meet English speaking guide at airport and transfer to hotel
- Overnight in Vilnius
DAY 2 VILNIUS
- Breakfast at hotel
- Optional: On first part of the day Enjoy Vilnius city tour (walking & driving, duration: 3 hours)
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania was founded in 1323 when Grand Duke Gediminas built a castle there, nowadays bustling city with one of the oldest and most charming Old Towns in Europe. The splendid architectural blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles makes this a wonderful city to explore. During sightseeing tour you will visit Old town, which is included to the UNESCO World Heritage. Visit Cathedral and Cathedral Square and pass by Gediminas Avenue, the Parliament and President’s Palace, Vilnius University and
Town Hall. Continue walking narrow old streets, visit St. Anna’s Church – a gem of Gothic architecture, Gates of Dawn and St. Peter-Paul Church.
- Optional: On second part of the day After free time for lunch, meet driver and continue to Trakai and Insular castle (till 4 hours).
Tour of Trakai, the former capital of Lithuania, which is situated on an island in the middle of a lake. The 14th century red brick castle now houses the Art Museum. The castles of Trakai are the best known works of defensive architecture in Lithuania. The old town of Trakai, which includes the Island and the Peninsula Castles,surrounded by lakes, is one of the most impressive and most picturesque locations in Europe. Here still reside small national minority of Karaites, who were brought from the Crimea by the Grand Lithuanian Duke Vytautas.
DAY 3 VILNIUS – RUNDALE – RIGA
- Breakfast at hotel
- Today choose from two options:
1.Transfer from Vilnius to Riga without excursions, stops and guide assistance;
2. Transfer from Vilnius to Riga with excursion at Rundale Palace (guide assistance startin from Rundale till
Riga)
Rundale Palace, the most magnificent masterpiece of baroque architecture in the Baltic States, lies at a distance of 70 km from Riga. It was built as a summer residence of the Duke of Courland Ernst Johann Biron in the first part of the 18th century by the Italian architect F. B. Rastrelli, the baroque genius from Italy who
created many of St. Petersburg’s finest buildings including the Winter Palace. The professionally renovated palace interiors are decorated with authentic 18th century furniture, paintings and china. The most impressive are the Golden Hall, the White Hall, and the bedroom of the Duke. The palace boasts a beautiful French-style park surrounded by a canal.
- Overnight in Riga
DAY 4 RIGA
- Breakfast at hotel
- First part of the day: Riga city tour (3 hours)
During the walking part of the tour you will enjoy the beauty of the ancient Hanseatic city, while strolling through the cobble-stone, picturesque streets of the Old Town. In Old Riga you will see the Dome Cathedral which boasts one of the world’s largest pipe organs, St. Peter’s Church with magnificent views of the city from its steeple, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, the architectural ensemble Three Brothers, St. Jacob’s Church, the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle, and view the many wonderfully restored buildings, now housing cozy restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops.
- Optional: Second part of the day: Tour to Jurmala (4 hours)
Jurmala is the place to enjoy sea breeze, sun, nature, architecture and cultural life. It has 150-year-old resort traditions and has become the largest resort area in the Baltic’s. The look of Jurmala since 19th century has been characterized by its wooden architecture, cottage-style buildings and resort centers. Romantic streets and wooden cottages surrounded by pine trees also nowadays create the vision of the olden days. Stroll along Jomas Street- the most popular pedestrian walkway with its many little restaurants and diverse entertainment. Visit city’s white-sand beach area, which is still largest draw to Jurmala.
DAY 5 RIGA
- Breakfast at hotel
- Transfer to airport