The Best of Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is the capital city of Lithuania, another Baltic beauty!  It’s Old Town is charming with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, baroque church spires, and numerous shops carrying on the traditions of craftsmen who had their work shops in the XV-XVI centuries.

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We spent 48 hours touring Vilnius and ventured out to visit Trakai Castle, about 30 mins drive.  Happened to be in Vilnius during the St. Casimir’s Festival which takes place every year, first weekend of March.

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The streets were lined with arts and crafts booths, and musicians on almost every corner.

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Sharing our recommendations on what to do, where to stay, dine & spa, and how to get around.

HIGHLIGHTS

Best way to see Vilnius is by foot.  Upon arrival, we set out and explored the Old Town for a couple hours.

The next day, we booked a tour with Vilnius in Love, and our guide Renata showed us the highlights of Vilnius, and drove us to visit Trakai Castle.  Vilnius in Love offers day tours and weekend tours of Vilnius and Lithuania, and customizes tours based on your needs and interests.

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Some of the highlights included seeing the architectural and historical landmarks, and getting a local guide’s insights to the people, traditions, and daily lives.

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There are many places to visit starting with the Old Town, from Town Hall, St Anna, Old University, Central Cathedral square, the Literary Wall, and the Uzupis area, Church of St. Peter and Paul, the Puckoriai panorama view & Exile Memorial.  Also, the Markuciai Manor/Pushkin Museum, and Old Gate of Vilnius Paneriai (also known as Ponar) Memorial.  From the Valley of Shventaragis to The Madonna in Gate of Dawn, Vilnius in Love provided us with a fabulous introduction to Vilnius.  Contact Vilnius in Love, email:  vilniusinlove@gmail.com.

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Trakai Castle:

One of the most visited sites in Lithuania is the 14th-century Trakai Castle surrounded by 5 lakes, where visitors walk over a 1,000 ft wooden bridge to the entrance of the castle.  When we visited the lake was frozen, and some locals were skating and walking on the ice, and there was an area of the lake cut out for those brave enough to swim in the freezing waters.  Be sure to stroll through the quaint lake town of Trakai after a visit to the castle.

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Spa Vilnius

In the center of Vilnius, is a day spa where you can select from a wide range of treatments by spa therapists who are acknowledged in Lithuania and the Baltic states.  The specialists apply century old Druskininkai resort massage techniques.

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After a full day of touring, it was a welcome relief to surrender to a Classic Massage at this spa.  Felt rejuvenated and relaxed after 60 mins!

STAY

Stikliai Hotel, member of Relais & Châteaux

Located in a XVIth century building that was used as a glass blowing workshop, the Stikliai Hotel today is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the Old Town.

Rooms are comfortable and quiet, and the restaurant offers delicious breakfasts.

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Kempinski Hotel:  The Kempinski Hotel is also located in the Old Town and a luxury hotel that can accommodate larger groups.

DINE

Dublis:  One of the dining highlights in Vilnius.  Dublis prepared delightful Scandinavian-inspired cuisine, with a seasonal menu, filled with culinary improvisations.  Located on Traku Street 14, this exceptional restaurant is a delight.  Don’t Miss!  Visit the downstairs art gallery Grafo.

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Sweet Root:   One of the most heartfelt dining experiences I’ve experienced was at this farm to table restaurant – Sweet Root.  Every dish is inspired by seasonal, local, traditional and modern Lithuanian influences.  The Chef & Kitchen Team’s passion for slow food is evident as they deliver an unforgettable tasting menu.  Artfully presented and delicious.

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HOW TO GET AROUND

We recommend hiring Baltic Transfers & Tours for airport and land transfers, as well as tours.  We hired this company to drive us from Latvia to Lithuania, and they are prompt, professional, and drove us safely to our destination.  We stopped at some highlights along the way, and visited a castle, and a palace.

Contact:  Karlis Blums, General Manager
Baltic Transfers and Tours

Email: baltictransfers@gmail.com
Phone: 371 29722770

LinkedIn: goo.gl/ZqouU

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Global Adventuress would like to thank Vilnius in Love for hosting our tour, Spa Vilnius for hosting our spa treatment.

We thank Dublis and Sweet Root for hosting delicious meals.

Also, we want to thank the Stiklaiai Hotel for partially hosting our stay, and Baltic Transfers & Tours for partially hosting our transfers.

Lithuania

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