Vilnius and Trakai - modern and ancient capitals of Lithuania

What to expect

Our tour will start from the grey Vilnius. This city has an extraordinary aura, interesting history, and architecture (more details on the excursions to Vilnius). Then we will head to Trakai - a unique corner surrounded by lakes and often compared to Venice. In any season - this is a favorite resting place for the residents of Vilnius and numerous tourists.

• We will visit the magnificent Gothic castle on the island, in the courtyard of which typical medieval life is bustling. Potters make pots according to ancient samples, blacksmiths forge and sharpen swords, and weavers in historical costumes weave traditional fabrics.
• On the peninsula, next to the castle, rises the Gothic Church of the Holy Virgin Mary, also known as the Church of Vytautas (the Grand Duke and initiator of the baptism of Lithuania). This is one of the earliest Christian temples in Lithuanian land.
• And the town itself, squeezed between lakes like a ribbon, resembles an illustration from a children's book. We can drive around it or cross the lake by boat (boats are available for rent everywhere), and find ourselves at the magnificent classical Užutrakis Palace.
• After enjoying the architecture, we will relax in the beautiful old park around the castle.
• It is impossible to visit Trakai without tasting traditional Karaim pies with chopped meat - kibinai. This unusually delicious Eastern fast food is sold everywhere in Trakai.

You will learn about the events that took place in the two cities, how they became capitals, and what life was like there. I will tell you about the great dukes who shaped the destiny of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in Vilnius and Trakai, about fratricides and alliances, about the state's foreign policy that expanded the influence of the GDL to Moscow in the north and the Black Sea in the south. And about the inhabitants who populated these territories over the centuries.