Dust off your walking shoes and hiking boots and join us on a Vilnius city and nature tour. We'll explore Vilnius Old Town – home to the country's most historic sites – on a city walk that includes a delicious beer tasting. One of the most fascinating stops on our tour is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uzupis, an artsy district in Vilnius that named itself an independent republic in the 1990s. Trust us, you won't want to forget your camera! From the city center, most of the tour takes place in the scenic surrounding parks. Our talented guides will take you on daily nature hikes, snowmobile rides, and snowshoe walks through dense forests. This is the ultimate tour for those who don't want to choose between city fun and nature excursions!
Our tour begins in the historic Vilnius city center, which dates all the way back to the Middle Ages. You'll walk the old cobblestone streets of Vilnius Old Town on a 3-hour tour of all of the area’s most famous landmarks. Your guide will treat you to fascinating facts about the capital along the way. Our city center stops include Cathedral Square, the Presidential Palace, and Vilnius University, as well as some stunning Gothic and Baroque churches. Next, we head to the vibrant district of Uzupis, which is known for its bohemian atmosphere. In 1998 the local community declared the district as an independent republic and dubbed the district the Republic of Užupis, with its own constitution, president, and cabinet of ministers. Home to nearly 1,000 Lithuanian artists, you can find tons of cool handcrafted souvenirs here. Another fun fact: Uzupis is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The end of the tour will be topped off with a beer tasting with some expert beer connoisseurs. It’s a refreshing way to end a day of walking!
Day Highlights
Included
On day two we head out to the medieval towns of Trakai and Varnikai for a wintery hike. Just a 30-minute drive from Vilnius, we begin our adventure in Varnikai Forest, which boasts 600 species of higher plants, 118 species of moss, and 15 species of ...)
On day two we head out to the medieval towns of Trakai and Varnikai for a wintery hike. Just a 30-minute drive from Vilnius, we begin our adventure in Varnikai Forest, which boasts 600 species of higher plants, 118 species of moss, and 15 species of protected insects. Before we hit the trail, your guide will help you gear up with some traditional snowshoes to help you on your icy walk across the lake.
Across one of the 200 lakes in the region sits Trakai. The most popular historical sites in the settlement are the 14th century Trakai Island Castle in Lake Galvė (the only castle on the water in Eastern Europe), and the Peninsula Castle which sits on the mainland. During your nature walk your guide will educate you about the fascinating history of the area. Before you head back, you will be treated to traditional Karaim pie and tea to warm up!
On day three we offer a more adrenaline-filled winter excursion: a snowmobile safari! The group will head to Aukštadvaris Regional Park, located in Trakai District, for some snowy fun in nature. Covering 17,240 hectares, the park houses small village...)
On day three we offer a more adrenaline-filled winter excursion: a snowmobile safari! The group will head to Aukštadvaris Regional Park, located in Trakai District, for some snowy fun in nature. Covering 17,240 hectares, the park houses small villages, designated recreational areas, and about 80 lakes. Speed across snow-blanketed fields and through densely forested trails with the wind in your hair. The safari takes about two to four hours and requires no previous experience. In addition to snowmobiling, we will visit some interesting sights in the town of Aukstadvaris.
Today we board a train from Vilnius to Visaginas, a two-hour ride from the city and home to Grazute Regional Park. This nature reserve features a stunning landscape of forests, lakes, and reservoirs. Antalieptė Reservoir is the most famous natural at...)
Today we board a train from Vilnius to Visaginas, a two-hour ride from the city and home to Grazute Regional Park. This nature reserve features a stunning landscape of forests, lakes, and reservoirs. Antalieptė Reservoir is the most famous natural attraction in the park. The unique body of water features numerous small islands, peninsulas, and lagoons.
Alongside your expert guide, you will get the chance to explore the pristine nature of Grazute during a five-hour hike. Learn all about the local flora and fauna and sample the edible herbs and berries you’ll find on the path. Halfway through your hike, you will get a lesson from your guide on how to prepare some traditional Lithuanian fare over the fire. If you are up for it you can even help prepare the meal.
For the final stretch of the hike, we will head to a traditional sauna. You will have three hours to relax and decompress following your excursion. What better way to end a day of adventure! In the evening you will spend the night at a local guesthouse in the Visaginas area.
On the final day of your multi-day adventure, we return to Vilnius. Enjoy a peaceful morning train ride from Visaginas to Vilnius, as we ride through scenic landscapes on our way back to the city. )
On the final day of your multi-day adventure, we return to Vilnius. Enjoy a peaceful morning train ride from Visaginas to Vilnius, as we ride through scenic landscapes on our way back to the city.
