Pop-up Užupis Independence Party in Vilnius
Vilnius, Lithuania
From USD 44.25
Office phone number: +370 616 20002 or +370 616 20007
Pop-up Užupis Independence Party in Vilnius
Vilnius, Lithuania
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Become an honourary citizen of Užupis for a day! This independent republic in Vilnius has its own government, its own currency, and its own constitution — and throws one heck of a party on April 1. That‘s because it‘s the republic‘s Independence Day, and you‘re invited to join the celebration with a Užupis local (who just happens to also be the republic‘s minister of tourism) as your guide on this one-day-only pop-up tour!
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Highlights
- Celebrate the anniversary of the Republic of Užupis with a local resident (and member of parliament!) as your guide
- Cross the cheeriest border in the world and get a Užupis visa in your passport
- Watch the parade (or join it!) and check out concerts starring local talent
- Visit boutique shops and taste the best of Užupis cuisine
- Chat with Užupis citizens and find out why they want to be part of this independent community
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
Vilnius Cathedral Belfry.
View on Google Maps
- Starting time: 12.00 PM
- Ending point:
Užupio str. 10.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, some drinks and snacks, a good mood.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks (you may wish to buy beer, mead, wine, or kvass), souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Welcome to the Republic of Užupis! This unique neighborhood in Vilnius Old Town is a fully functioning independent republic, established on April 1, 1997 (yes, on Fool’s Day), and inhabited by artists, writers, filmmakers, scientists, civil activists, teachers, and other citizens committed to cultural and social movements in Lithuania. The district is often compared to Monmartre in Paris or Kristiania in Copenhagen, but of course, Užupis has plenty of its own features that makes it totally distinct! (Some fun facts: its constitution has been translated into more than 50 languages, and honourary citizens include the Dalai Lama, former President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus, and renowned artist Jonas Mekas.)
In honour of this year’s Independence Day of the Republic of Užupis, we’re celebrating with an exclusive one-day pop-up tour that brings travellers into the heart of the community. You’ll get to join the Independence Day festivities, meet with members of the Užupis government, sample snacks that are unique to the neighbourhood, and learn what this community is really all about.
First up, we’ll lead you through customs — the easiest, fastest, and happiest border crossing you’ll ever experience! Don’t forget your passport to obtain your visa for the day.
Then, we’ll meander around the district, visiting backyards, popping into shops and cafés, and catching the best views of Vilnius city, all with the assistance of a local who lives right in Užupis! In fact, your local host will be none other than the republic’s minister of tourism, and he’ll give you an intimate introduction to what the area is all about, the history of how it was formed, and who lives here and why.
If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even get to take a selfie with the prime minister and shake hands with the president! You’ll also learn about the Constitution of the Republic and get a hard copy for you to keep.
As we explore, you’ll get to visit boutique shops and taste the best of Užupis cuisine — local and global, sweet and sour. You’ll also get to join the celebratory parade — watch or walk with the procession and talk to citizens of this awesome republic. We’ll also pop by a free concert featuring local stars. Learn some Užupis tunes and sing along!
By the end of the day, you’ll be an honourary citizen of this weird, wacky, and wonderful little republic!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, some drinks and snacks, a good mood.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks (you may wish to buy beer, mead, wine, or kvass), souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: Please contact Vilnius Urban Adventures to confirm your tour 24 hours prior to departure.
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +370 616 20002 or +370 616 20007
Email address: info@vilniusurbanadventures.com
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