Latvia and Lithuania holidays

The next three days will bring you to a National Geographic movie-like sceneries with dark forests, moving sand dunes and tiny villages at the UNESCO world heritage site Curonian spit peninsula and Zemaitija National park. On these days you will be free to travel at your own pace and stop in as many stops along the routes we prepared for you. In the morning with your rented car head towards the ferry port on the way to Curonian spit. Just 5 min away on the ferry and you will be moved to a totally different world - full of nature magic and cosy settlements along the route. The main sites of the 50 km Curonian Spit peninsula are Juodkrante, Hill of Witches, Cormorant colony, Grey dunes and Nida. Juodkrante is famous for the Amber Bay - a place where amber mine was operating in the 19th century and where the famous Juodkrante amber treasure was discovered with the ancient figurines dating back to the Neolithic age. The copy of this treasure you will later see at the Amber gallery in Nida. 1 km south of Juodkrante you will pass one of the largest in Europe great cormorant and grey heron colony where an unusual setting with an apocalyptic movie-like scene is waiting for you. In fact a recent award winning documentary “Acid Forest” was filmed in this place and tells the story about this dying forest with leafless trees overtaken by thousands of ancient black birds ruining the area with their acid-fortified feces. The other stop on the way to Nida is Pervalka Grey dunes - a white sand desert that tells a story of the settlements long gone under the moving sand. Also do not miss Vecekrug dune, the highest dune of Lithuanian part of the Curonian spit. You will be gifted with 360 degrees views of the vast majestic beauty. While in Nida, you can visit a Nobel prize winning author Thomas Mann memorial museum and find out about the life and work of this famous writer. All along the way to Nida you will be following the Baltic sea coast.

Today you will have one more day to enjoy Curonian spit at your own pace. The bicycles will be available for you to explore lesser visited spots that would be hard to access by car.

In the morning you will return to Klaipeda and drop your rental car. With the local train travel to Plunge where your driver will be waiting for you who will take you to Plateliai homestead. Today you will not find the sand dunes anymore, but will be surrounded by forests and lakes in the Zemaitija National park which is known as the most mystical national park in Lithuania. The park territory is covered with fir forests which are populated by a huge number of protected plant and animal species; remains of ice-age plants were also found here. Not only the birds inscribed on the Red List of Lithuania breed in the park but also the birds protected in Europe, such as the hazel grouse, corncrake and whooper swan which produce a sound similar to a trumpet. The park’s jewel is the biggest and deepest lake in Zemaitija, surrounded by legends, the Lake Plateliai with its seven islands. Starting with Plateliai you can have a walk along it’s pristine lake and continue to a Sheire nature trail which will be a true delight for travelers who appreciate the natural environment and are longing for the peace of the forest. Walking on this trail you will touch untreated nature and see true forest life. Take a breath of fresh air and caress the stems of plants swaying in the wind. You will begin walking along the shore of the lake and later get into the forest where you will be accompanied by solemn trees that stretch as far as 50 meters towards the sky. Further onto the trail you will see how the surrounding nature changes from the forest to the swamped lakes and boggy landscapes. In Plateliai you will stay at the local homestead where the true local hospitality is awaiting you. Tonight the hosts will prepare a hearty welcome dinner which will give you a taste of Samogitian tradition and customs.

Today you will have bicycles available to explore the bigger surrounding area and make a circle around Plateliai lake. On the route you will have a chance to visit the Cold War museum - a former Soviet Nuclear Missile base, the most visited museum of Lithuania situated in the middle of the forest. Built in the 1960s in secret from the Lithuanian people, the base had enough firepower to flatten most of Europe, and may have played a role in the Cuban missile crisis. There’s a small exhibition on the history of the Cold War in the Baltic countries, and on the construction and role of the base, as well as some Soviet detritus in the gift shop. In the afternoon return to your homestead for another cozy evening. For those who would like to try Lithuanian sauna, one will be available as every homestead has it - Lithuanians love their saunas!

In the morning after having said farewell to your hosts you will be transferred to the train station in Plunge and take a train to Vilnius. A ride takes approximately 3 hours, so you will have time to gaze through the window at the green landscapes of Lithuanian countryside or sit back and relax. Upon arrival to Vilnius you will be transferred to your hotel for a leisure evening in Lithuania's capital.

Today your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a spectacular journey around Vilnius Old Town as well as a quirky bohemian district of Uzupis, that is a self-proclaimed republic. In this 2,5 hours walking tour You will be guided through impressive Gothic and Baroque churches, our Cathedral square, Presidential Palace, Vilnius University, Jewish Quarter. You will pass through the Gates of Dawn and City Gate remaining from medieval fortifications. You will walk the narrow streets that turn into an open air gallery called Artworks on Literatu str and finally you might get a chance to spot some locals drying their laundry in the narrowest street of Vilnius. You will visit the quirkiest and most vibrant area of Vilnius – Uzupis republic. It is home to bohemian people, who declared their independence and have their constitution – take Your passport to get a stamp! For the afternoon we prepared a few suggestions to round up your day - be it an ancient crafts workshop during which you will learn the old ways of amber, leather or ceramic processing or a flight on a hot air balloon which will definitely leave you in awe about the magnificent beauty of Lithuania’s capital. Please check the optionals section.

Today after a short train ride you will find yourself in the cosy medieval town surrounded by picturesque lakes and forests. Trakai, located 30 km from Vilnius is a historical capital of Lithuania and it’s beauty leaves no one indifferent. Locals take a day trip there and we invite you for one as well. See Trakai Castle, lakes and beautiful views around. Trakai used to be a medieval residence of Lithuanian Grand Dukes. Once a significant and powerful town, nowadays the town is enjoying tranquility and the status of summer resort with its only 5000 residents. The town is also famous for it's Karaim community living here since the 14th century who make "kibinai" the best local pastries in the area. This day offers two hikes to choose - a shorter one around the Trakai town and peninsula and a longer one with an extension to Varnikai Reserve that will lead you through an old forest and meadow offering nature lovers an opportunity to enjoy spectacular views and the rich natural biodiversity found here. Walking: Short route - 2 h, 7 km Long route - 5 h, 15 km Public transport: Vilnius train station - Trakai - Vilnius.

Departure day. Optional transfer to the airport.