Highlights
- Visit the ruins of the Trakai Peninsula Castle
- Attend a BC Žalgiris basketball game in Kaunas
- Tour the Biržai region and its beer-themed Museum Sėla
- Enjoy brewery tours and tastings in Vilnius and Kaunas
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Trakai Peninsula Castle Tour and Craft Beer Sampling in Vilnius | Vilnius |
| Day 2 | Tour Kaunas and Attend a Basketball Game | Vilnius |
| Day 3 | Tour the Biržai Region | Vilnius |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Trakai Peninsula Castle tour and craft beer sampling in Vilnius
Welcome to Lithuania! In the morning, enjoy breakfast, and then you’ll embark on a drive to Trakai Peninsula Castle, the medieval capital of Lithuania. You’ll enter the well-preserved castle, which is located on an island in Lake Galve. The structure, which was built from 1362 to 1382, was destroyed in the 17th century. The peninsula is home to old, wooden cottages with views of the castle all around.
After that, you’ll explore the Trakai Historical National Park, which was designed in 1992, and is the only historic national park in Europe.
Late in the afternoon, you’ll return to Vilnius and visit the local Craft & Draft Pub to taste craft beer from around the country and enjoy an authentic meal. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 2: Tour Kaunas and attend a basketball game
In the morning, you’ll tour Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania, to explore Old Town and the elegant white Baroque Town Hall. Kaunas is one of Lithuania’s most charming and cultural cities and is located between the Nemunas and Neris rivers.
Then, you’ll pay a visit to the Genys Brewing Co., an independent craft brewery in Kaunas. You’ll tour the brewhouse, where different styles of high-quality beers are brewed, and then enjoy a tasting.
Following the brew tour, you’ll attend a basketball game in Kaunas. BC Žalgiris is one of the oldest teams in the EuroLeague. The team is the most decorated Lithuanian basketball club of all time and has 20 Lithuanian championships, five Soviet championships, and one European championship. The team has reached the Lithuanian league finals every season in league history.
Following the game, you’ll return to Vilnius and enjoy the rest of the evening on your own time.
Day 3: Tour the Biržai region
Today, you’ll tour the Biržai region, which is famous for its brewers and excellent beer. In the past, beer making was practiced in nearly every home—each family with their own unique recipes—and passed on from father to son for generations. Today, several Biržai breweries continue the production of traditional recipes.
The people of Biržai have a strong appreciation for beer; after the town was destroyed by the Swedish in 1704, the rebuilding of the brewery preceded the town hall and the fortress. Laws were enacted, which required standards of high qualities for beer making, which are still followed in the present day.
Begin the “Beer Way” excursion at the Museum Sėla. The Sėla is located in the 17th century bastion fortress built by Duke Radvila. Here, in one hall, you will view all the different types of equipment used to make beer. A museum guide will teach you all about the local brewing techniques. The Siaudela folklore group will sing Biržai region songs about beer, while playing panpipes, blowing horns and dancing with you. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Biržai beer, along with homemade bread and cheese, and you will learn to sing the Biržai beer hymn.
Late in the afternoon, you’ll return to Vilnius, and prepare for your departure in the evening or the next morning.
Map
