FESTIVALS AND CONCERTS DISCOVERING LITHUANIA

4 capitals of Lithuania with Lithuanian

Schoolchildren’s Song Festival

TOUR DESTINATION

Vilnius

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Schoolchildren’s Song festivals are held in Lithuania every four year. During recent years attracting over twenty thousand participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators.

The festival consists of Song Day, Dance Day, and Day of Ensembles.

Also many different events are taking place during Festival dates that will make your visit to Lithuania even more attractive and colourful.

With the company of a dedicated guide and driver  you will enjoy different events and will get in touch with history and lithuanian traditions.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Participation in Song Day, Dance Day, and Day of Ensembles.
• Transfers to events.
• 5 nights in centrally located hotel.
• Dinner at traditional Lithuanian restaurant and tasting of traditional Karaim cuisine.
• Entrances to the churches, museums.
• Visits: Vilnius old town, Trakai Historical National Park, Kernave Archaeological Site.
• Possibility to attend fairs and buy authentic souvenirs directly from craftsman.
• Day trips from Vilnius.

1 DAY: July 4th

Arrival to Vilnius.

2 DAY: July 5th

Panoramic tour of Vilnius city entering the church of St. Peter and Paul – known as one of the 16 most beautiful churches in the world with more than 2000 stucco sculptures with different faces.

The Cathedral of St. Stanislav and St. Vladislav – the center of Lithuanian speaking Catholics, the Gothic corner with the church of St.Francis and Bernardine and its 15th century frescoes on the walls telling history of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anne church –  built in late Gothic style known as flamboyant Gothic which exterior seems like reaching the sky.

The Gates of the Dawn and its  painting of the blessed Virgin Marry where many pilgrims meet in hope of receiving Mary’s help and protection.

Time for lunch and free afternoon or optional visit to Grand Duke Palace or Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights.

Dinner at traditional Lithuanian restaurant.

3 DAY: July 6th

After breakfast we will departure to Trakai  Historical National Park for a half of the day ( distance is 28 km from Vilnius).

Less then hour drive and you will be surrounded by natural lakes. There are 32 lakes in Trakai Historical National Park. A professional guide not only will take you to beautiful Trakai Island Castle where once huge territory of  Grand Duchy of Lithuania expanding from Baltic sea to the Black sea was governed from but also you will learn about one of the smallest Turkish groups living in Lithuania since 15th century – karaimes who preserve their tradition even consisting of only 200 people in the territory of Lithuania but also has its traditional dishes which you will enjoy trying.

After relaxing time at lakes area you will be transferred to Kernave – one of the first capitals of Lithuania, famous not only for natural hill forth included into UNESCO list, it’s deep archaeological traditions but also because of celebration of Coronation of first Lithuanian King Mindaugas which received his crown in 1253 on 6th of July. If you want to experience how united Lithuanian nation is in singing national anthem then this day is the best time to visit Lithuania. July 6th is also recognized as National Holidays.

Just less then hour drive and you will be back to Vilnius.

Time to relax before in the evening you will transferred to the Opening ceremony of festival and participation at Song Day.

4 DAY: July 7th

After breakfast you will be transferred to Kaunas second biggest city of Lithuania and  its capital between first and second world wars.

Kaunas old town is the heart of the country with magnificent history and its churches on the banks of the rivers. Walk through the town hall square, visiting the cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, the house of Thunder, the only church with the name of the founder – Vytautas the Great.

Visit to Čiurlionis National museum of Art. Čiurlionis was the most famous composer and artist of 19 century which shaped Lithuanian music and art traditions.

After lunch  leaving Kaunas and departure to Vilnius.

Time to enjoy the fair and authentic crafts and to buy your authentic souvenirs. Free time or attending concert of Choral music at St. Catherine’s Church.

5 DAY: July 8th

Free day and participation at  Dance Day “Mano žemė” (My land), Siemens Arena.

6 DAY: July 9th

Transfer to the airport.