Spend your final day in elegant Vilnius, a city with a rich religious heritage. First on your list will be the intricately designed Vilnius Cathedral, famous for its imposing columned cloisters and a separate tower. You’ll then continue to Pilies Street, the oldest of its kind in the city, which is flanked by an impressive collection of 14th-century buildings. As you pass along Pilies Street, you can browse the charming nearby stores for authentic Lithuanian trinkets and treats.
The next stops on your tour today will be a collection of churches, St. Anne’s, St. Bernadine’s, and St. Michael, which provide stunning views of the city ahead of a brief stop at the 16th-century Gates of Dawn, part of the city’s original fortifications. You’ll then visit the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, a symbol of historic Russian influence in Lithuania, which houses the bodies of three martyred saints, Anthony, Ivan and Eustacius. Take a moment to appreciate the building’s vibrant interiors, and its equally colourful history, before reconvening in Vilnius’ town centre which remains a lively hub for Vilnian locals.
Lastly, you’ll call at Vilnius University, a leading research centre featuring 13 courtyards and lush botanical gardens. Round out today’s excursion with a stop at Trakai Castle, an island fortress on an island in the middle of Lake Galvé. Located just a short distance from Vilnius’ city centre, the castle held immense strategic importance throughout its history as both a military fortress and later a diplomatic residence for Lithuania’s reigning dukes. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Lithuania’s archaeological treasures and the region’s history with a tour of the castle’s museum and expansive grounds.
This evening, bring your final day in the Baltics to a close with time at leisure to spend under your steam.