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Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722624
Iconic Landmarks, Off the Beaten Path Uncover the rich tapestry of history and culture on this adventure through Lithuania and Latvia. Experience stunning cities, unique cuisines, and breathtaking landscapes.
Trip Overview:
This 6-day trip begins in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, staying in the stunning Baroque former residence of the noble Pacai family. Then spend two additional nights in Riga, enjoying all Latvia has to offer.
Settle into Vilnius on your first day and acquaint yourself with Lithuania. A private guide meets you for an excursion to Druskininkai National Park and Grutas Park. A sculpture park with controversial holdovers from the Soviet era is the centrepiece of Grutas Park, a unique and sometimes confronting look at Lithuanian life under Soviet rule. After lunch, enjoy a spa break at Druskininkai, with time to explore the attractive town centre before returning to Vilnius. Lithuania is also a crossroad of lesser known cultures including the Karaite, who brought their traditional cuisine from Crimea to Lithuania. Learn more about them in Trakai near Lake Galve, and explore their culinary traditions through a cooking class.
Your accommodation in Riga is in a 400-year old boutique property in the centre of Riga’s old town, a short walk from the city’s famed Art Nouveau buildings. It’s the perfect base for exploring this charismatic city. Pass through the Swedish Gate, see the colourful House of the Blackheads, and don’t forget to look up to glimpse the feline guardians of Cat House, A half day tour takes you to Jurmala, Riga’s favourite summertime beach resort.
5 nights from $2,558 per person
Day 1: Arrive in Vilnius
Transfer: Vilnius Airportto Vilnius
Hotel: Hotel Pacai (5 Star Rating)
This stunning Baroque palace and former residence of the noble Lithuanian Pacai family dates back to 1677. In its palace days, it witnessed the times of Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth, the rule of Russian tsars and Napoleon who famously addressed the Vilnius townsfolk from the balcony in 1812.
Having undergone a complete renovation in 2018, the hotel combines the noble traditions of earlier centuries, its bon-vivant lifestyle and historical architecture with vibrant modern design. It enjoys the most sought-after location in the heart of the Old Town, its main entrance being right on Didzioji Street, an elegant street filled with high-end boutiques, restaurants and embassies. The stately façade of the property, with its famous balcony, faces the street and the key landmarks of the city are, literally, a couple of minutes away.
Tour to Druskininkai - a SPA town in Southern Lithuania - starts from hotel reception with private guide and by driver/vehicle. It is famous not only for mineral waters and local healing muds, but also for its picturesque surroundings and for the world-famous artist M.K. Ciurlionis, a great composer and painter. Spend your time in the Grutas Park (entrance), which unoficially is called the "Stalin World" - a sculpture garden of Soviet-era statues and an exposition of ideological relics. The park also contains playgrounds, a mini-zoo and cafes. It was created in the wetlands of Dzukija National Park that is the biggest national park in Lithuania. Return to hotel at the end of excursion.
Tour to Kaunas starts from hotel reception with a private guide and by driver/vehicle. After a 1.5 hour drive, reach the second biggest city in Lithuania, beautifully located at the confluence of two rivers - the Nemunas and the Neris. Explore the Old Town with the Town Hall, known locally as the White Swan, and the Kaunas Cathedral. Have a photo stop at the ruins of Kaunas Castle, built in the 13th century.
Also see the St. George's Church which is located near the castle ruins which was built in 15th century. Take a stroll along the Laisves Avenue (Liberty Avenue) which is a 1.5 km long pedestrian street - a shopping and entertainment area in Kaunas. Tour includes visit the Pazaislis Monastery (entrance) - a wonderful Lithuanian baroque pearl of the 17th century.
Return to hotel at the end of excursion.
Transfer: Vilnius to Riga
Hotel: Neiburgs Hotel (4 Star Rating)
The family-owned, boutique apartment hotel and restaurant Neiburgs is an Art Nouveau property located in the heart of Riga's Old Town. The Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering you an opportunity to explore the quiet beauty of the meandering streets and some of the most iconic buildings in the city. The stately Riga Cathedral is right next door, while many other key attractions are within a five-minute walk.
The hotel itself is an elegant fusion of the historical and modern. All apartments are elegantly furnished and offer breathtaking views of the Old Town and the left bank of the Daugava River. Filled with lots of light, each room has a personal touch, such as original graphic art by Katrina Neiburga. She is not only a representative of the family but a world-renowned, contemporary, multimedia art installation and set designer. This is a perfect choice for urban travelers of all ages that are looking for style blended with history.
Tour to Jurmala starts in Riga from hotel reception with private guide and after 20 min drive by driver/vehicle arrive in the Latvian most beloved summer-time vacation town Jurmala. This vibrant Latvian sea resort is famous for its fantasy-like wooden architecture of summer houses, and it stretches over 40 km along the great sandy beach of the Baltic Sea. The resort offers many SPA's and health temples which are facing the white-sanded beach, where historically the rich and the aristocracy had come for more than a century to enjoy the calm tranquility of this place and take a walk on the beach. Take also a stroll along the pedestrian Jomas Street which houses many cafes, restaurants and gift shops. After the tour return to Riga.
Transfer: Riga to Riga Airport
Transfer: Riga Airportto Riga
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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