Exeter Essential Baltics 2020 Itinerary at a glance: Day 1 Arrival into Vilnius Day 2 Vilnius Sightseeing Day 3 Vilnius to Klaipeda Day 4 Klaipeda Sightseeing Day 5 Klaipeda to Riga Day 6 Riga Sightseeing Day 7 Riga Sightseeing Day 8 Drive to Muhu Island Day 9 Relax on Muhu Island Day 10 Drive to Tallinn Day 11 Tallinn Sightseeing Day 12 Depart from Tallinn Why Exeter International? Our Knowledge & Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years. Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips. Authentic & Extraordinary Experiences Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual, and not something easily googled. We also know how important it is to remain authentic. Going beyond the obvious is becoming increasingly important to our guests, and we focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance both head and heart. We also recognize that the obvious sights are still popular, and we make every effort to skip lines whenever possible, therefore maximizing time in each destination. Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and offer smooth and effortless touring in each destination. Our planning is detailed, and we think of everything, including restaurant reservations. You will also have complete peace of mind on the ground with 24-hour local support. Quality Vehicles We use late-model luxury vehicles, often Mercedes, Audi, BMW, or Volkswagen, depending on the size of the vehicle you need. The only exception to this is in some Central Asian countries that use vehicles predominantly from Japan. DAY 1 Arrival in Vilnius Arrival to Vilnius airport where you will be met by your Exeter International driver and taken to your hotel in the historic center of the city. Your hotel is the finest in Vilnius, the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius. This new hotel is located in the heart of Vilnius’ Old Town and is walking distance to all the major sites. Vilnius Old Town boasts outstanding architectural diversity in one of the largest and best-preserved old towns in Europe. This UNESCO site is filled with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Narrow medieval streets, secluded courtyards, town castles and fortifications and an incredible number of churches reflect the city’s rich and vibrant history. Exeter Services Airport Transfer Hotel Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius DAY 2 Vilnius This morning, you will meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel for a walking overview tour. The best place to start your tour of the city is from the top of the Gediminas Tower – the only remaining part of the Upper Castle overlooking the red-tiled roofs and the church towers of the Old Town. The 14th century, three-story octagonal brick tower houses a small exhibit of archaeological findings and the history of the castle. Take a walk across Cathedral Square, the main downtown square, to the Vilnius Cathedral. This is where the coronations of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania once took place and many important historical figures are interred in the crypts and catacombs. Also here, you will see the Chapel of St. Casimir, where the remains of the Polish- Lithuanian prince Casimir and patron saint of both countries rest. Just behind the Cathedral, the Royal Palace has been under re-construction since 2002. The original 15th-century palace was damaged by fire in the 17th century and remained unused for over a century. In the late 18th century Lithuania was annexed by Russia and the derelict palace was dismantled and the bricks and stones were sold. A tour of the Old Town is not complete without a visit to the Vilnius University, founded in 1570 by Jesuits and one of the most important centers of the Counter-Reformation. The university complex has more than 10 courtyards. The observatory tower dates back to 1569 and the library contains nearly 5 million volumes, making it the richest collection of Lithuanian books and one of the best-known libraries in Eastern Europe. In the Old Town, you will see the Presidential Palace, which has been the official seat of Lithuania’s President since 1997. A flag displaying the coat of arms of the President is hoisted when the President is in the Palace and in Vilnius. You will continue your tour of Vilnius’ Old Town, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. On these cobble-stoned streets lie numerous historical buildings including the balcony of No. 26 Pilies Street where Lithuania’s independence was declared in 1918. You will see the Town Hall Square and the Gates of Dawn. It is well worth venturing into the side streets and courtyards for a glimpse of this 19th-century city. There are a number of antique shops and cafes tucked away down these quiet lanes. You may wish to make a visit in the Amber Gallery and Museum which explains the origins and history of this precious material and exhibits amber of various sizes, forms and color. Exhibitions of works of art from amber are constantly held at the museum’s gallery. Amber jewelry of modern and classical design is available for purchase as well. At the end of the day, you will head towards the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, which was opened in 1992 in the former KGB headquarters. The museum is the only one of its kind in the former Soviet republics. The execution chamber in the basement, where more than a thousand prisoners were killed between 1944 and the early 1960s, can also be visited. The Museum stirred a bit of controversy by renaming itself somewhat misleadingly a Museum of Genocide Victims (it does not include much about the Holocaust.) Exeter Services Vehicle & Driver (4 Hours); Guide (8 Hours) Hotel Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius DAY 3 Vilnius-Trakai- Klaipeda Meet your driver and guide this morning for your transfer to Klaipeda. On your way, stop at Trakai, about 20 miles west of the city. Trakai, the ancient capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, is situated amidst picturesque lakes, the largest of which – Galve - has over 20 islands. It is best known for its captivating 14th Century fairytale castle which was presumably one of the largest in Lithuania of those times and served as residence for a number of Lithuanian rulers before the insular castle was constructed a short distance away on an island of Lake Galve. The Castle Museum offers a view into Lithuania’s past, when Trakai ruled an empire from the Baltics to the Black Sea. The Tartars, once part of this empire’s royal bodyguards, still live in Trakai today. Trakai was also home to a large Karaite community. The origin of the Karaites is very interesting. Some scholars link them to the Khazars, Turkic people that converted to Judaism in the eighth century while others view them as descendants of the Karaite Jews who lived in Crimea. They were brought to Lithuania by Grand Duke Vytautas from the Crimea and served as his bodyguards. Today you may visit the Karaites' house of worship, called kenesa, and a museum of Karaite culture. Your guide will say farewell and you will continue your transfer towards Klaipeda, on the Baltic coast. If you wish, you might want to stop for lunch at the city of Kaunas, a center of Jewish culture. Upon arrival in Klaipeda, you will be transferred to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Exeter Services Transfer to Klaipeda; Guide in Trakai Hotel Michaelson DAY 4 Klaipeda Today, we recommend you to first visit the Neringa National Park at the Curonian Spit - a UNESCO listed 98 km long peninsula, which features dramatic white sand dunes and beautiful pine forests. First you will board a ferry crossing over the strait separating the spit from the mainland, and from there your driver and guide will take you south along this interesting natural area. Besides climbing dunes for beautiful views, you may wish to visit Hill of Witches and Amber Gallery in Juodkrante, or the Thomas Mann house in Nida, where the famous German writer used to vacation. The town of Nida is a charming coastal resort with colored houses and a very relaxed atmosphere, and Lithuanians will travel from all over the country to spend there some time during the summer. It is the perfect place to stroll and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, and if time allows, return to Klaipeda for an overview tour of the Old Town. You will see the Castle Museum and walk to the Drama Theatre Square with a famous sculpture of “Annchen von Tharau”. Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Hotel Michaelson DAY 5 Klaipeda-Rundale-Riga Today you will depart with your driver and guide for the journey to Riga.