Palaces & Manors of Lithuania

Overview:

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arival in Vilnius

Upon arrival in Vilnius, pick up your rent a car and head to Vilnius Old Town. Visit Vilnius Cathedral, St. Anne's Church - a gem of the Lithuanian Gothics, Vilnius University founded in 1579, the Dawn Gate with the icon of Virgin Mar and Gediminas Castle, the symbol of Vilnius, rising on the hill above the city centre, with a splendid panoramic view of the old and new Lithuanian capital. Overnight in Vilnius in a centrally located 4* Hotel Amberton or similar.

Day 2: Vilnius - Trakai

Take the pleasant 28 km drive to Trakai, the ancient Lithuanian capital, famous for its 15th century Gothic Castle, now housing a historic Museum, with five picturesque lakes around. A short stop in Uzutrakis Manor situated in Trakai national park, a beautiful neo-Renaissance palace on the lakeshore, built in 1896-1901 when it belonged to the Count Tiskeviciai family. The park around was created by a well known landscape architect Andre.The manor is now under restoration. Returning to Vilnius and stop at Traku Voke Manor, built by the Italian architect Markoni in the second half of the 19th century in neoclassical and neobaroque styles. Overnight in Vilnius in a centrally located 4* Hotel Amberton or similar.

Day 3: Vilnius and Surrounding Area

Drive to the Sirvintos district (about 50km) near Vilnius to discover Sesuoleliai Estate with an ornate and a very rich interior from the early 1900”s. Visit the 18th century Verkiai Manor near Vilnius, the former residence of Vilnius' bishops since the 14th century. On return to Vilnius Old Town, visit Chookeviciai Palace, a perfect example of the 17th century.classicism, now housing the Vilnius Picture Gallery. Overnight in Vilnius in a centrally located 4* Hotel Amberton or similar.

Day 4: Vilnius - Pakruojis - Burbiskis - Siauliai

Make your first stop at Pakruojis Manor, 43 buildings built in the end of the 18th century by baron von der Ropp, from the local material, dolomite. Next stop, Burbiskis Manor (Radviliskis district), the 17th century structure now famous for the annual tulip festivals held on its grounds. In Sauliai visit the Hill of Crosses, a holy site of Catholic piligrimage. On arrival to Siiauliai, visit Frenkelis Mansion, built in 1908 by a local Jewish manufacturer, now housing an art museum. Overnight at the Hotel Saulys 3* in Siauliai.

Day 5: Siauliai - Mazekiai - Kretinga - Klaipeda

In the morning, drive from Siauliai to Mazeikiai, to visit Renavas Manor built in 1880 by barons Rene, one of the most interesting and best preserved manor ensembles in Western Lithuania. A bit further southwest you will come across Kretinga Manor, another 19th century palace belonging to the Count Tiskeviciai family, together with the glasshouse opened in 1875 where there grew palms, banana trees and other tropical plants. Enjoy some refreshments in the popular café, which has been opened in the glasshouse. Overnight in Hotel Gamanta 4* in Palanga.

Day 6: Palanga - Nemunas Riverside - Kaunas

Enjoy Palanga, the most popular Lithuanian sea resort, famous for its long beaches of white clean sand, fresh sea breeze and pine air. Visit the Amber Museum, located in the neo - classical 18th century Count Tiskevicius Palace amidst a beautiful park designed by the French architect Andre. Take an afternoon drive along Klaipeda - Kaunas highway towards the Nemunas riverside to visit two castles Raudone Castle, built by a wealthy local merchant and Panemune Castle, also built in Renaissance style, but later many classical features were added to it. Near Kaunas vicinities we stop in Raudondvaris Manor, a former residence of nobles. Overnight in Hotel Kaunas 4* in Kaunas.

Day 7: Kaunas - Vilnius

A short morning tour of Kaunas Old Town including Kaunas Castle, then a direct drive to Vilnius for a departure flight home.

Package Includes:

• Flights from London to Vilnius (we can arrange flights from alternative UK airports upon request)
• 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 20 kg)
• 7 days B-class car hire
• 3 nights' accommodation in Vilnius
• 1 night's accommodation in Siauliai
• 1 night's accommodation in Palanga
• 1 night's accommodation in Kaunas
• Breakfast daily
• Map of Lithuania
• 24-hour emergency service
• ATOL protection
• All taxes

You'll see...

• History of Lithuania
• Klaipeda
• Lithuania Attractions
• Lithuania weather
• Palanga
• Vilnius