Where is Vilnius? Take a map of Europe, draw a line between Paris and Moscow, mark the halfway point and you have found Vilnius. Napoleon and his army received a warm welcome in Vilnius on their way to conquer Russia but their reception on their way back in defeat was less friendly. The city has endured a variety of occupations but it has retained its unique character. The Old Town has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is much to see in the city itself but only a 30 minutes drive away is the old Lithuanian capital of Trakai. Trakai is now a small quiet lake-side town with a fairy tale medieval castle. The castle is used every summer for outdoor performances of opera by the Lithuanian National Opera. The city’s history has been as turbulent as the nation’s. Over many centuries it has been repeatedly plundered during wars and suffered numerous occupations. However the Lithuanians, unlike their Baltic neighbours have also been on the other side of the coin. In 1386 Lithuania’s King Jogaila married the Crown Princess of Poland, thus forging a four hundred-year bond between the states. The empire at its largest point stretched from the Baltic Sea, almost to the Black Sea! The Lithuanians are regarded as the most daring of the Baltic State countries and it was in fact their risky and sometimes-bloody demonstrations that helped them win back their independence from the Soviets in 1991.

Vilnius is a compact city and an easy stroll can take in the Bell Tower, the Cathedral and the National Museum. Just behind the National Museum is the hill on which the famous Gediminas Tower is perched. You could climb the hill or take the funicular railway in order to see the Tower with its display of armour, swords, coins and archaeology from the 13th century and then stand outside to see the views of the city and plan your next excursion. Among many places of interest are the city’s many ancient churches, the Artillery Bastion, the KGB Museum, the 16th century Vilnius University and the Presidential Palace. Beyond Vilnius is the former capital of Lithuania, Trakai.

On New Year’s Day 2009 Vilnius took over from Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture and the city’s artistic life has blossomed. For the first time the city produced an International Opera Festival in the summer and many other projects are taking place throughout and after 2009. The exciting and innovative events include Baroque Dialogues, a Film Marathon, Urban Stories and Art in Unusual Places.

We offer packages including return flights, airport transfers, three hotel nights (or more) with breakfast and opera synopses. The ticket prices for opera, ballets and concerts are shown on the programme and are all best category ones.

We are always happy to arrange holidays to suit individual requirements, extra nights, concert tickets, etc. Aer Lingus offer direct flights from London Gatwick.

Tariff

Hotel Detail

	SAS Radisson Astorija ***** Is one of the chain’s finest hotels. The classical building is situated in the heart of Vilnius’ gorgeous Old Town and is only a few steps from Vilnius’ Opera House. There are 120 rooms in the hotel each equipped with a/c, Sat TV, telephone, mini-bar & hair dryer. There are non-smoking rooms and anti-allergy rooms available too. Altogether a wonderful luxury hotel that will combine the possibility of being pampered with a great location for sight-seeing.
	Hotel Narutis **** A superb hotel located in one of the best parts of Vilnius’ charming Old Town. The hotel combines beautifully old world charm and tradition with modern comforts and facilities. The glass elevator in the centre of the hotel leads to five floors and is a lovely feature of the hotel, as is the unique cellar restaurant, which offers excellent personally cooked breakfasts. The rooms have Sat TV, telephone, mini-bar, hair dryer and a/c. There are also non-smoking and anti-allergy rooms available. Altogether an excellent four-star hotel, which offers great character and an ideal location for exploring Vilnius. The walking distance to the Opera House is 10-15 minutes.
	Hotel City Gate *** A lovely privately owned three star hotel located only feet away from Dawn’s Gate, the famous pilgrimage point and historical entrance to Vilnius’ wonderful Old Town. The rooms are clean, quaint and comfortable and are equipped with Sat TV, telephone and mini-bar. Altogether the hotel offers excellent value, personal service and a superb location for exploring the sights of Vilnius.

City Tours CITY TOUR WITH AN ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE A City Tour of Vilnius will take you to all of the city’s main attractions including Dawn’s Gate, St. Anne’s Church, Peter and Paul’s Church, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral Square, the KGB museum, the lovely Amber Museum and more. The tours start from the Belfry Cathedral at 10.00am and 15.00hrs daily and last 2.5 hours. The guides are extremely experienced and passionate about their national heritage and offer a great source of information for those interested in learning more about Lithuanian history and every day life. Price £21 per person.

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