Vilnius city and surroundings

The tour starts from the centrally located hotel or other pick-up point. Firstly, you will visit famous spots in Vilnius’ old town: the Town Hall, old Vilnius University and Presidential Palace, magnificient Cathedral Square, Gediminas Avenue, gothic St Anne’s Church and Bernardine’s Church. Afterwards go to the bohemian area – another “republic” of Lithuania – Užupis. The “Republic” was founded in 1997 when inhabitants of the district Uzupis decided to become independent. Although it has a fun approach to most things, the republic has surprisingly many elements that you will find in “real” nations: flag, constitution, national day, military, currency, president..

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul – baroque masterpiece of the 17th century. The Church is located in Antakalnis district and is famous for its unique interior where it can be seen compositions of 2 000 stucco figures by Giovanni Pietro Perti and Giovanno Maria Galli. St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church has been recognised as one of the most beautiful Catholic Church in the world.

The Puckoriai exposure is a unique geological monument which is in the Pavilniai Regional Park. It is the highest exposure in Lithuania, formed during ice-age. It is 65 metres high and 260 metres wide. The Puckoriai exposure has a beautiful view: Belmontas Adventure Park, river Vilnelė, Puckoriai Dam, Water mill, and other beautiful monuments of nature.
Later visiting the Exile Memorial – a collapsed cross, old locomotive and two cattle wagons similar to those used for deportations remind the events. It was the last station in Lithuania before the Soviets deported thousands of people to Siberia. The train station, at the center of the borough, holds dark memories, as the Soviet regime deported about 300 000 Lithuanian people, including many children and old people (about 10% of total population) to Siberia. Many of them died en–route or soon after reaching their cold destinations.

In 1867 a younger son of the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin bought Markučiai Manor. It was two storey wooden summer house. Grigorij Pushkin’s wife Varvara’s last wish was for the Manor to become a museum. Fulfilling this wish in 1940 Markučiai manor became the museum of Alexander Pushkin. The exposition introduces visitors to the poet’s life and work. In Pushkin’s corner in one of the rooms, there are a few of poet’s personal items – two armchairs and a card table. After that drive back to old town and the end of the tour.