2. Vilnius – Trakai

The best way to acquaint ourselves with history of Lithuania is visiting both capitals – Trakai and Vilnius – and investigating that historical construction.

Itinerary of excursion:

We depart from Riga in an early morning. Road goes through Latvia. If we look back in the past, we could find out how construction of different cities and towns in Latvia had been done, where they are connected with terrestrial traffic. The centre of Zemgale is Bauska.
Ruins of Bauska castle (they are being restored now) will remind us the times of Livonia. We are driving through two cities of Lithuania – Panevežio and Ukmerge.
Approximately at 12:00 am – arrival in Vilnius. Vilnius excites people with its well retained diversity of monuments and architecture. City excursion will begin with a visit of the capitals oldest part – the Old City – it is included in UNESCO cultural heritage. The Old City, if we are taking into account its area, it is one of the largest in East Europe. The construction of Vilnius were organised around the two castles – Upper Castle and Lower Castle. Upper Castle – Gediminas Tower is nowadays the symbol of the city. It is the heart of Vilnius and one of the first gothic buildings from 13th century. The history of the building is closely connected with history of Vilnius and whole country overall. In 14th – 16th century there were the Old City growing around the castles with many small and narrow streets, which looked as these were slightly scattered.
As early as in 1503 this territory was surrounded by united defence wall. Later city developed around it and became in its present appearance.
Narrow streets and tightly pressed houses allow people to enter into the spirit of unrepeatable Middle Ages. They also create cosy atmosphere. There are clearly separated different styles of architecture in Old City. There are houses that are made in Gothic and Nordic temperate styles. Buildings like St. Nicolay’s and St. Ann’s (built in 16th century, using red bricks) churches are considered as the pearl of Gothic architecture. Towns Wall makes a calm, but original impression about architecture. St. Mikhail Church and few buildings of university. St. Casimir’s, Dominican Church, Augustinian Church, St. Catherin’s, St. Raphael’s, St. Jacob’s and missionarie’s churches are only a small part of worthy sight places, which you will be able to see during excursion. After excursion – free time.
Passage to Trakai – preceding capital of Lithuania. There you can see unique architectural ensemble – castle similar to fairy tale castle in the middle of Lake Galve.
At 18:00 pm – departure to Riga.
At 23:00 pm – arrival in Riga.