This exploratory trip is limited to 7 guests. Join Kathy Dragon on a custom designed program which offers the highlights of culture and walking in Lithuania (where we take part in the famous Living Archeology Days), Lativia and Estonia plus a 3 night, 4 day pre tour in St. Petersburg and overnight train to Vilnius, Lithuania.

St. Petersburg Pre Tour:   2 - 5 July 2005
(3 nights/4 days), Emphasis on extended Walking tours.

2 July, Sat: In the afternoon meet the group at the airport, transfer to htl St. Petersburg. Panoramic city tour and visit to Peter & Paul fortress (feat. Palace Square Winter palace / Cathedral / Temple of Spilled Blood / Square of Arts/ Smolny Convent / Nevsky Avenue / Summer Garden / Field of Mars / Senate Square / Bronze Horseman- without  visit to cathedral ).  Dinner.

3 July, Sun: Breakfast at hotel. Half day tour to Peterhoff, Russian tzar summer palace. Lunch. Optional: Russian Ballet/Opera performance. Dinner. Transfer to the evening performance (tickets – extra pay). Transfer to hotel. Transport included: transfer to half day tour, transfer from performance to hotel.

4 July, Mon: Breakfast at hotel. Visit to Hermitage – 4 hrs. Lunch. Dinner. Optional: Circus performance (extra pay). Transfer to Circus and back to hotel.

5 July, Tue: Breakfast at hotel. At leisure. Lunch. Afternoon boat tour Along Neva river and channels of St. Petersburg 1,5 h. Dinner. Evening transfer to the railway station. Departure for Vilnius. Overnigt in train.   

Tour includes: accommodation 3 overnights in 3* htl St. Petersburg renovated rooms. Full Board (3 Lunchs & 4 Dinners), English speaking guide and minibus transport 4 days, entry fees to museums, train tickets St. Petersburg- Vilnius.

Vilnius-Riga-Tallinn  6-17 July   (11 nights/12 days)

Lithuanians were the only Baltic tribe who managed to establish their state in the Middle ages - Grand Lithuanian Dukedom. In the 15th c.it extended its borders from the Baltic sea to the Black sea to the south, and was the largest commonwealth in Europe (up till union with Poland in 1569).

At the same time it was the last country in Europe to adopt Christianity. For two hundred years Lithuania resisted invasion of powerful Teutonic and Livonian Orders. Oficially the country was baptized in 1387, and the Western part – Zemaitija in 1410 only.

 It is possible to take a look at the remnants of the pagan altars in the vaults of the Vilnius Cathedral (13-18th c.), which was built on the site of the former pagan temple. Nowadays in Lithuania there exist the community of predecessors of the Old Baltic Faith, who still maintain the ancient rituals of worshipping the fire and nature along with performance of old folk songs. They were organizers of the international convention of pagans held in Vilnius.

The Middle Ages witnessed Zemaitija being given several times to the Germanic Order by the Grand Lithuanian Dukes, but Zemaitija population never gave up. Native people, always well-known for their determination and pride, still speak their own dialect. The number of surviving old faith and Christian holy places puts Zemaitija ahead of other sections of Lithuania.

1 Day, 6 July: Arrival Vilnius. Meet at the railway station. Accommodation in Vilnius for 3 overnights. Sightseeing Vilnius (UNESCO World Heritage) by coach & walking in Vilnius Castle Preserve (total - 5 h).

Sightseeing starts at the Cathedral Square, cradle of the town in Middle Ages. The three castles built in the same place witness Vilnius to be the site of enormous importance in the period of invasion of Teutonic Order knights. The green hills, the river Vilnia and the Neris contribute to a special charm of the town. The walking routes, well-trodden by Vilnius citizens, follow the river Vilnia curves in Sereikiskiu Park, from where looking up, one can see a row of hills: Three Crosses, Gediminas, Table and Bekesh. Climbing and walking in this preserve area reveals to an eye the remnants of the Upper Castle and the intricate history of the country, at the same time presenting perfect panoramic views of the old Vilnius. The former site of the wooden Curved Castle, burnt down by crusaders, has been marked by the white monument of Three Crosses. The Lower Castle or the Rulers Palace, situated at the foot of the hill, behind the Cathedral, is currently under reconstruction and will be completed in the year 2009.

2 Day, 7 July : KGB museum and walking in Pavilniu regional park, reaching popular  Belmont  restaurant for Lunch (5 h). Trip in the afternoon  to the Europe Centre, 26 km out of Vilnius (2 h). Optional: Europe Park.

In 1989 (during M. Gorbachiov’s visit in Vilnius), the French National Geographic Institute announced that the geographical centre of Europe was just to the north of the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. After re-estimation of the boundaries of the European continent the references of the geographical centre of  Europe were defined as following: 54°, 54’ latitude and 25°, 19’ longitude.  

A reserve for the European Geographical Centre covers Girija Lake, Bernotai mound and a pagan burial ground called alkakalnis, as well as surrounding woods and fields. It is presumed that during the period of 1-5th. centuries a defensive castle stood on Bernotai mound.

A special certificate is issued to prove your visit to the Geographical Centre of Europe.       

 Europe Park. Founded in 1991, this is a place to enjoy wonderful scenery and artistic impressions. In an open area of 55 hectares there are currently displayed modern statues, performed in different ways, contemporary shapes and materials, inspired by fascinating ideas of more than 90 artists from various countries. The amazing composition Info Tree has been recorded at the World Guiness Book’2001. It is composed of old TV sets and reflects the labyrinth of Soviet propaganda.

3 Day, 8 July:. Breakfast at hotel Transfer to Vilnius via Klaipeda and Lithuianian Open Air Country Life Museum. walking 4 h.

A Ferry takes to Klaipeda harbour. Sightseeing of old town of Klaipeda/ Memel, provisional capital of Prussia in 1807: traces of German culture, former residence of King Friedrich Wilhelm III.

4 Day, 9 July: Full day trip to trip to Kernave (UNESCO World Heritage), the Lithuanian Pompeii (40 km), walking 3 h.

Kernave is the only place in Lithuania boasting five mounds situated close to each other. kernave is known for its Archeological and Historical Reserve – Museum, embracing 196 hectares of land. It sits on the beuatiful Pajautos Valley on the bank of the Neris, where the old paleolithic settlements were found. Numerous archeological findings date as far back as 4-12th centuries, and are exhibited at the museum.

These lands in the 13th century, when the first grand duke, Mindaugas, ruled the country, were the centre of the Lithuanian state’s consolidation. On the state holiday, Coronation Day of King Mindaugas, here the Days of Living Archeology begin; they always arouse a great interest. It is a cheerful journey into the past. On the night of St. John, while waiting for the dawn, campfires are lit, maidens let their crowns of flowers float down the river, young people search for the unique mysterious fern, which blooms only on this, the shortest night of the year… 

 Accommodation in Trakai, Stone Inn Residence on the bank of the lake for 2 overnights. 

5 Day, 10 July: Walking in Trakai National Historical Park, visit to medieval Trakai Castle.

• Trakai National Historical Park, medieval capital of Grand Lithuanian Dukedom (28 km). Walking 3 h.

The castles of Trakai are the best known works of defensive architecture in Lithuania. The old town of Trakai, which includes the Island and the Peninsula Castles, surrounded by lakes, is one of the most impressive and most picturesque locations in Europe. Here still reside small national minority of Karaites, who were brought from the Crimea by the Grand Lithuanian Duke Vytautas.

Siauliai recalls the first mention of this location in 1236 pertaining to the total defeat of Livonian Order in the battle of Saulen. To observe its 750th anniversary, the city created an ornamental Sunlock Square which has the new Siauliai symbol erected on a high column – the bronze marksman (saulys). The most noteworthy facet about Siauliai district is the Hill of Crosses. The tilting crosses, small and large, erected as far back as 1831, when the participants of anticzarist uprising were burried here, turned the place into symbol of spiritual resistance in soviet times. The Hill of Crosses was honoured by a cross from Pope John Paul II, who visited Lithuania in 1993.

The cross-carving, having old traditions in Lithuania, was proclaimed the UNESCO World Heritage.

7 Day, 12 July: Sightseeing Riga (UNESCO WH). Trip to Gauja National Park, Sigulda.

Guided sightseeing in the medieval Hanseatic Town on the banks of Daugava River. During the tour you will see many remarkable Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. Riga’s focal point is the Freedom Monument. The walking tour begins at the St Peter’s Church (13 century) and continues to the Small and Big Guild Houses and the Swedish Gate. The Riga Castle was once the residence of the Master of the powerful Livonian Order. On the walking tour you will also see the Dome Cathedral, the Powder Tower and the houses of the rich merchants Mencendorfa and Reitera.

Gauja National Park. Guided full-day excursion by bus and walking tour in Gauja National Park “The Switzerland of Vidzeme”-is the poetic name for this area. Cesis, Sigulda and Ligatne belong to its main attractions. The variety of the landscape surprises: Golden and red colored rocks, dark green thicket of forests and a century old oak-trees. The tour includes a visit to Sigulda Castle, Turaida Bishop’s Castle, built in the 13th century as the residence of the Bishop of Riga, and a visit to Gutman’s cave (18,8 m deep and 12 m wide) - a monument of nature.

8 Day, 13 July: Transfer to Saaremaa Island in Estonia via Parnu. Accommodation for 2 overnights in Saaremaa, Kuressaare township. 

9 Day, 14 July: Saaremaa Island: Kuressaare Episcopal Castle and Vilsandi nature preserve

Excursion to Kuressaare Episcopal Castle

The most important sight in Kuressaare is the episcopal (bishop's) castle. Among the medieval castles in the Baltic countries this is the one that has survived best. The castle was built of chiselled dolomite blocks in the late 14th century. The basic plan of the building is a square with sides 43 metres.

Departure for a full day excursion to West Saaremaa to the Vilsandi nature preserve is located off the western coast of Saaremaa and consists of nearly a hundred islands and islets, along with the surrounding sea. The administrative center is located on the largest island, Vilsandi. A captain of the Vilsandi lighthouse started providing protection for sea birds in 1906. In 1910, his bird sanctuary was placed under government protection, and the area became a nature preserve.
Today, the preserve provides protection not only for sea birds, but also for all the landscape, plants and animals present in the islands. Approximately a hundred species of birds nest there. Before WW II, Vilsandi had 33 farms, with a population of around 200 people. Today, the population numbers around 30 individuals. To date, several wooden windmills have been rebuilt. Of interest to geologists, the islands of Vilsandi and Vaika consist of 400 million year old dolomite outcrops.

Lunch and cooking class at Loona Manor. Guided walking tour through Vilsandi nature preserve; 4 h walking. Departure to dinner at Sõrve Farm House

10 Day, 15 July: Transfer to Tallinn

City sightseeing of Tallinn Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage), 3 h walking

Accommodation out of town at Palmse Manor for 2 overnights.

11 Day, 16 July: Lahemaa National Park.

Breakfast at hotel. Departure from hotel for a full day excursion to East Estonia.On the way out of Tallinn visit to the Song Festival Grounds, where the national song festivals are held. Walking in Viru muskeg, 1 h walking

Driving through Lahemaa National Park – an important part of Estonia’s cultural heritage with its wild life and unique scenery situated on the coast of the Gulf Finland. Most of the park is virgin forest and bog. Lunch at the traditional Estonian tavern Altja kõrts, Estonian cuisine.

 In the afternoon we walk in and around fishing village Altja, 2, 5 h walking

The small fishing village Altja with rural architecture and net sheds at the stony coast is a real pearl in Lahemaa National Park. Departure to Palmse Manor on the way passing Sagadi Manor. Palmse manor is one of the most beautiful manor ensembles in northern Estonia. Beautiful surrounding for walking!

12 Day, 17 July: Trip to Toila Oru Park, visit Russian Orthodox Cloister in Kuremae Breakfast at hotel. Departure to Rakvere (25 km) – visit at Wesenberg Castle

The impressing order castle of Wesenberg (Estonian: Rakvere) was build by the Danes in the Middle age. Today it is one of the biggest remaining fortresses in the Baltic’s.

Lunch at Valge Hobu Trahter (White Horse inn). On the territory of former manorial estate near Jõhvi town.Hiking in Toila-Oru Park. Different walking-routes. Beautiful nature and beach.   3 h walking.Departure to Kuremäe, 1 h walking

Estonia’s only cloister, the nunnery was established in 1892. The buildings are in the Russian style. The most outstanding structure is its gate with seven bells; the largest weighs a whopping 2,5 tons. Murals on the gate tell the story of the Virgin Mary’s dramatic appearance at the oak nearby. The icon, which found in the oak, afterwards is contained within the main church. Walking on the territory of the cloister.

. Transfer to Tallinn airport. Departure.

Tour includes: accommodation at 4*-3* hotels, Full board, English speaking guide escort and minibus transportation 12 days, local guides along itinerary, ferry tickets to/ from Saaremaa, entry fees to museums, city taxes.