VILNIUS – TRAKAI – DRUSKININKAI – KAUNAS – KLAIPEDA – JUODKRANTE – NIDA –MINJA – VENTE – PALANGA – “HILL OF CROSSES” – RUNDALE – RIGA

Land only:  $ 1399 USD ( $1739 CAD)
Per person in dbl room land only.  Single room $ 1869 USD  ($ 2329 CAD)

Starting in Vilnius :
2016 – Jun 10, 24, Jul 08, 22, Aug 5

INCLUDED SERVICES:

• Airport transfers in Vilnius and Riga
• Welcome cocktail at hotel in Vilnius 
• English  and German speaking guide escort on days 2-5, 8-11
• Transportation by air-conditioned coach/minivan (depending on group size)
• Meals as per itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
• Sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary

YOUR HOTELS:

• 2 nights at Vilnius Radisson Blu or similar
• 1 night at Europa Royale Druskininkai or similar
• 4 nights at Nidos Smilte in Nida or similar
• 2 nights at Amberton in Klaipeda or similar
• 2 nights at Radisson Blu Latvija in Riga or similar

Day 1 VILNIUS ( Welcome meeting )

Arrival in Vilnius and transfer to your hotel.
7:00 p.m. Welcome meeting at the hotel with your tour guide.
Overnight in Vilnius.

Day 2 VILNIUS-TRAKAI-VILNIUS (B)

Morning city tour of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. The tour includes: St.Peter and Paul’s Church, Gediminas Castle, Cathedral Square with St. Stanislaw Cathedral and Bell tower, Bernadine Garden, St.Ann and Bernardines’ Church, Amber gallery-museum, Užupis -one of the oldest districts of Vilnius, mentioned in the historical sources as far back as the 16th century, nowadays the artists’ “republic”, which has its own constitution, national anthem, calendar and map, the Gates of Dawn with a holy image of the Virgin Mary, short photo stop on the street Subaciaus to throw the view of the old town from the observation deck , Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Town Hall Square and Vilnius University (founded in 1579) with St. John’s Church. Afternoon trip to Trakai (25 km from Vilnius), the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Visit to the insular castle of the 14th century, erected on a small island in the lake Galve. Return to Vilnius for overnight.

Day 3 VILNIUS-DRUSKININKAI (B, D)

After breakfast departure for Druskininkai. Stop in Grutas village to visit an open-air exhibit of Soviet era sculptures and monuments. Arrival in Druskininkai, the oldest health resort in Lithuania famous for is its mineral springs. In 1794 the king of Poland and Lithuania announced a decree officially designating Druskininkai as a health resort. Possibility to try various spa treatments (additional cost for treatments). Dinner and overnight at hotel in Druskininkai.

Day 4 DRUSKININKAI- KAUNAS - KLAIPEDA- JUODKRANTE-NIDA (B, D)

Morning departure for Nida. Stopover in Kaunas – former temporary capital and second largest city of Lithuania. City tour includes ruins of the castle, Town Hall Square with its impressive monuments, visit to Cathedral. Arrival in Klaipeda. Ferry trip to the Curonian Spit. Visit the Hill of Witches which houses a hundred fanciful and folksy wooden sculptures scattered along a forest path in Juodkrante. Arrival in Nida. Check in at hotel for dinner and overnight in Nida.

Day 5 NIDA (B)

Walking tour of Nida resort, including the Fisherman’s House - museum, famous German writer Thomas Mann’s House, Amber Gallery, old ethnographic cemetery, neo-gothic church and a walk along impressive sand dunes. Rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Nida.

Day 6 & 7 NIDA (B)

Leisure time. Nida is an old fishing village on the Curonian Spit washed by the Baltic Sea from one side and the Curonian Lagoon from the otherside. Today Nida is the largest settlement of the town of Neringa and one of the most beautiful resorts in Lithuania. The ancient fishermen’s architecture is distinguished by its originality. A variety of activities are
available to choose from such as watersports, cycling or just relaxing. Overnight in Nida.

Day 8 NIDA-MINIJA-VENTE-KLAIPEDA (B, L)

After breakfast departure by boat from Nida to the Nemunas River Delta Regional Park.
En route passing the Minija village called the Lithuanian Venice, where the River Minija serves as the main street.
Continue by coach to Kintai where you will enjoy a typical local fish dish for lunch. Departure by coach to the Vente Horn where you will visit the ornithological station and the 19th century lighthouse. Arrival in Klaipeda for overnight.

Day 9 KLAIPEDA-PALANGA-KLAIPEDA (B)

City tour of Klaipeda, the main seaport of Lithuania, includes walking in the old part of the town which is interesting for frame-built architecture, cozy closed yards, the Theatre Square with a sculpture of “Annchen von Tharau”, Old Post Office. Trip to Palanga, the biggest seaside resort of Lithuania. City tour including the visit to the Botanical Garden and Amber Museum in the Palace of Count Tyszkiewicz, with over 25000 pieces of amber and 15000 inclusions of insects on display, further walk by the Birutė Hill along the sea coast, on the sea bridge and on pedestrian Basanavičiaus street famous for its cafes and restaurants with live music. Return to Klaipeda. Overnight in Klaipeda.

Day 10 KLAIPEDA- “HILL OF CROSSES” - RUNDALE-RIGA (B)

After breakfast departure to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Stop at the Hill of Crosses (16 km from Šiauliai), the unforgettable place with thousands of crosses on two small hills. Continue to Rundale to visit the beautiful 18th century late baroque Palace. It is a splendid example of the early work of famous Italian architect F.B.Rastrelli. Arrival in Riga for overnight.

Day 11 RIGA (B)

Morning city tour of Riga. A combined coach and walking tour encompasses the most significant sights of Riga: driving along the central boulevards of Riga, enjoying the view of the City Canal Parks, the Bastion Hill, the Powder Tower, the Latvian National Theatre, the Fine Arts Museum, the Art Nouveau Buildings of the beginning of the 20th century, the Freedom Monument, University of Latvia, Latvian National Opera House and the Daugava River. During the walking part of the tour you will enjoy the beauty of the ancient Hanseatic City: picturesque streets of the Old Town, the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St.Peter, the old Guild Houses, the Swedish Gate, St.Jacob’s Church, St. Mary Magdalene's Church, the Parliament House, Old Riga Castle. Following the visit of the famous market halls of Riga.
Rest of day at leisure. Overnight in Riga.

Day 12 RIGA (B)

After breakfast transfer to the airport. End of tour.

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B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner