About this experience
You will walk through a medieval lakeside castle, climb a picturesque hill with wooden carved angels, and explore an elegant 19th-century estate. You will also visit a chocolate museum and taste the famous Karaite pastries!
What to Expect
Medieval Castle on the Island
We will head to Trakai - a city that was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania over 600 years ago. You will visit the only medieval island castle in Eastern Europe. Its strong walls once protected the prince and his courtiers from the crusaders, and knightly tournaments were held in the forecastle part. I will tell you how the castle was destroyed during the Russo-Polish war and why it lay in ruins for almost 400 years. Now the castle has been completely restored and will impress you with its mighty and simultaneously romantic atmosphere, red tiled roofs, and ancient spirit.
Valley of Angels
After lunch at a Karaite tavern and tasting local pastries called Kibinai, you will climb the picturesque hills adorned with wooden carved angels. Each year their numbers are growing - teachers, librarians, firefighters already have their angel. You will also see angels of family, love, friendship, joy, and health. I will show you special places where you can leave your angel and make a wish.
Antique Estate and Chocolate Figure Museum
The next stop is the 19th-century Uzutrakis estate. You will stroll through its wonderful park and enjoy the panorama of the lake. Next, you will visit the museum of chocolate figures, astonishing with the variety and plasticity of the exhibits. There is everything here: parrots, leopards, an Indian guarding cocoa beans, miniature domestic scenes. You will also feel the very pleasant smell of chocolate that permeates the entire museum!
Organizational Details
- The road from Vilnius to Trakai takes about 30 minutes
- Food, drinks, and entrance tickets are not included in the excursion price: castle - 12 euros for adults, 6 euros for schoolchildren, students, pensioners, and all those entitled to discounts. Visiting the castle on the last Sunday of the month is free.
- After visiting the medieval castle, you can take a break and sail on a yacht or a small steamboat. Please inquire about the cost in a personal message.