Kernavė

Once you are picked up by your guide at your accommodation, you will head to Gediminas tower in Vilnius to take a look at the Old Town of Vilnius. Later you will take a stroll in the Old Town. Then you will head to Kernave, the first Lithuanian capital, located 40 minutes drive from Vilnius. Upon reaching Kernave (a medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and today a tourist attraction and an archaeological site) you will explore 5 hill forts, archaeology museum and hand-made souvenirs shop. Afterwards you will head to Trakai. Trakai prides a magical castle, located on an island. You will be able to visit castle museum, to take a boat trip (additional charge), and have lunch in traditional restaurant owned by the Karaim family. After lunch you will head back to Vilnius, where you will do some more sightseeing in the Old Town

After pick-up from accommodation in Vilnius start the tour with Paneriai memorial park, where thousands of Lithuanian Jews were killed. Learn about the Paneriai or Ponary massacre where up to 100,000 people were murdered by German SD, SS and Lithuanian Nazi collaborators during World War II. After the tour of the park visit Trakai castle, once a major centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and where today you can see one of Europe's most beautiful castles on the island in the lake. Here you will have the chance to have lunch in a traditional Karaim restaurant or enjoy a boat trip around the lake. After Trakai visit the first capital of Lithuania, Kernavė. Kernavė is highly significant in Lithuanian history and boasts five hill forts and historic churches. A Lithuanian state cultural reserve was established in Kernavė in 1989 and it was in 2004 that Kernavė Archaeological Site was included into the UNESCO world heritage list. After enjoying this site you will be returned to your accomodation in Vilnius.

Embark on an immersive day tour from Vilnius to the Hill of Crosses, Pakruojis Manor, and the ancient capital of Kernavė. Learn about Lithuania's spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage, and see the beauty of its landscapes and the resilience of its people. Start your day with a visit to one of Lithuania’s most iconic and poignant landmarks, the Hill of Crosses. Located near Šiauliai, this site is a powerful testament to the resilience and faith of the Lithuanian people. As you approach the Hill of Crosses, you'll be struck by the sight of thousands of crosses, each placed here by pilgrims and visitors over the centuries. The hill is not just a religious site but a symbol of national identity, where people have come to express their devotion, hope, and resistance, especially during times of oppression. Walking among the crosses, you’ll feel the deep spiritual atmosphere and the weight of history that this sacred place embodies. After this reflective and inspiring visit, continue your journey to the magnificent Pakruojis Manor, the largest surviving manor estate in the Baltics. Set in a picturesque landscape, Pakruojis Manor is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and design, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Lithuanian nobility. As you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by the manor’s stunning ensemble of buildings, including the grand main house, charming outbuildings, and meticulously maintained gardens. Explore the manor’s richly decorated interiors, where history comes alive through period furniture, artwork, and artifacts. Your final destination is Kernavė, Lithuania’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Often referred to as the "Troy of Lithuania," Kernavė is an archaeological treasure trove that offers a fascinating glimpse into the early history of the region. The site is famous for its complex of five hill forts, which were once part of a fortified settlement that thrived during the medieval period. As you explore Kernavė, you’ll walk in the footsteps of ancient Lithuanians, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Neris River valley. The archaeological site includes remnants of wooden structures, burial mounds, and other artifacts that reveal the life and culture of the early inhabitants. Learn about the significance of Kernavė in Lithuanian history, including its role as a center of political power and its eventual decline after the attacks by the Teutonic Knights. The visitor center offers additional insights through exhibits and displays that bring the past to life, including reconstructions of medieval tools, clothing, and everyday objects. The tour concludes with a leisurely drive back to Vilnius, giving you time to reflect on the diverse and enriching experiences of the day.