Amber Road in the Baltics

ITINERARY

• DAY 1

  Welcome to Vilnius, Lithuania!

  Arrival in Vilnius. Transfer with an assistant guide to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel.

  What's included?

  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
• DAY 2

  Vilnius - City tour, capital of Lithuania and city tour of Trakai

  After a breakfast city tour of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania The tour includes St.Peter and Paul’s Church, Gediminas Castle, Cathedral Square with St. Stanislaw Cathedral and Belltower, Bernadine Garden, St. Ann, and Bernardines’ Church, Amber gallery-museum with a tasting of Amber Vodka. Užupis is one of the oldest districts of Vilnius. In the historical sources as far back as the 16th century, nowadays the artists’ “republic” which has its constitution, national anthem, calendar and map, short photo stop on the street Subaciaus to throw the view of the old town from the observation deck, the Gates of Dawn with a holy image of the Virgin Mary, 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 (15 miles from Vilnius), the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Tasting of Kibinai, the traditional dish of the cuisine of the national minority Karaites at the local tavern, who were settled in the area of Trakai in the 14th century by the Grand Duke Vytautas. Visit the insular castle of the 14th century, erected on a small island in the lake Galve. Return to Vilnius.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 3

  Klaipeda - Walking tour in Kaunas and stop at Nemunas Delta Regional Park

  Departure for Klaipeda. The first stop in Kaunas – the former temporary capital of Lithuania. The city tour of Kaunas- the second largest city in Lithuania - includes ruins of the castle, Town Hall Square with its impressive monuments, visit Cathedral. Continue to Klaipeda via Panemuniai Regional Park, which represents a narrow belt of land on the banks of the Nemunas river and is noted for its natural picturesque valley adorned with castles. A short stop at Nemunas Delta Regional Park for visiting Vente Horn, which is known as a resting place for many birds during their migrations. One of the first bird ringing stations in Europe is still operating in Vente. A further drive via Šilute to Klaipeda.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 4

  Klaipeda - City tour of Klaipeda, Ferry trip to Curonian Spit National Park

  After breakfast a city tour of Klaipeda, the main seaport of Lithuania, including Theatre Square and the Old Town. Ferry trip to Curonian Spit National Park, the most valuable nature reserve in Lithuania. Chains of highest dunes in Northern Europe, the soughing of the sea and rustling of sand as well as old Curonian houses smelling of fish, accompany a traveler all along the spit, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. Arrival in Juodkrante. Visiting amber bay of Juodkrante, where the overage production of amber during the period of 1860-1890 was 75 thousand tons per year. Hiking to the Hill of Witches that houses a hundred fanciful and folksy wooden sculptures scattered along a forest path. Continue to Nida with short stops at a cormorant and heron colony and “Dead” sand dunes. Lunch break. Tasting smoked fish with a glass of Lithuanian beer at the tavern on the lagoon. The tour of Nida resort, including the Fisherman’s House, famous German writer Thomas Mann’s Museum, Amber Gallery, old ethnographic cemetery, neo-Gothic church, and a walk along the impressive sand dune. Return to Klaipeda.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 5

  Riga - Experience the mysteries of Amber catch

  Departure by coach to Riga, the capital of Latvia. The first stop in Karkle is where you will experience the mysteries of amber catch. During the tour, you will learn about the formation and the properties of amber and have a look at the original amber collection of a tourist guide. He will explain to you the features of the Amber muzzle and amber collecting. The more daring can try with a net to catch the amber in the Baltic Sea waves. The next stop is Palanga. 15 miles from Klaipėda), one of the biggest resorts in Lithuania near the Baltic Sea. You can visit the Botanical Park of the 19th century and the Amber Museum in the Palace of Count Tyszkiewicz, where over 25000 pieces of amber and 15000 inclusions of insects are on display. Further driving to Riga. On the route short stop at the Hill of Crosses, the most incredible, awe-inspiring sight in Lithuania. The next stop is at the Hill of Crosses (10 miles from Šiauliai), an unforgettable place with thousands of crosses on two small hills. Arrive in Riga, check-in at the hotel.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 6

  Riga - City tour of Riga, Latvia

  After breakfast a city tour of Riga. A combined coach and walking tour encompass 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 to the famous market halls of Riga. Afternoon excursion to Jurmala-the famous resort in the Baltics. Return to Riga.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 7

  Tallinn - Visit city of Sigulda called the Latvian Switzerland and Stop in Pärnu

  Departure for Tallinn, Estonia. Stopover in Sigulda- often called the Latvian Switzerland, located about 30 miles from Riga on the Gauja River valley. Experience a genuine whiff of the Middle Ages, a time of romantic legends, castles, and heroic figures, visiting the ruins of the 13th century Crusader Castle, and the 19th cent. Kropotkin’s Palace on the outskirts of Sigulda. A short drive down into the river valley, enjoying the landscape and the walk to the 13th century Turaida Castle. A chance to view ‘the garden of Gods’ from the 100-feet-high fortification tower and visit the local history museum. On the way to Tallinn a short stop in Pärnu, Estonia “Summer Capital”. This little town has been known as a summer health resort since the first spa opened here in the 1830s. Further, drive to Tallinn. Arrive in Tallinn, check-in at the hotel.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 8

  Tallinn - Visit the Old Town of Tallinn and Kadriorg Palace

  After a breakfast city tour of Tallinn, visiting the Old Town of Tallinn - an example of Gothic architecture in the Baltic and Nordic countries. The tour includes Toompea Castle fortifications, the Dome Church (13th century), the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky (19th century), Town Hall Square (15th century), St. Catherine's Passage, where artists of St. Catherine guild present their work, St.Olaf’s Church. Caffe break at the marzipan-shop museum. The Marzipan Museum Room gives an overview of the history of marzipan and how a medicine, made in chemist's shops during the Middle Ages, became a popular candy later. There are 200 marzipan figurines, cards, and cakes on display, which are made by using molds that are more than a hundred years old. Here, you can watch the art of painting marzipan: an artist works at the museum room who will paint the marzipan figures just as the guests wish. Afternoon excursion to Kadriorg Park and a visit to Kadriorg Palace.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 9

  Departure From Tallinn Airport

  Today is the departure day. All good things come to an end...
  After breakfast, privately transfer to the Tallinn airport.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer