Private Vilnius: Trakai the Local Way
Vilnius, Lithuania
Office phone number: +370 616 20002 or +370 616 20007
Private Vilnius: Trakai the Local Way
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.
-
Tour snapshot
Did you know that Lithuania was the biggest country in Europe in the 14th century? Join us for a day-trip to Trakai, one of the prettiest towns in Lithuania (and former capital) to find out all you need to know about Lithuanian history and culture. We’ll explore the town’s impressive castle by foot and by boat, admire pagan art at the Hill of Angels and enjoy a traditional lunch at a family owned café.
-
Highlights
- Explore the picturesque town of Trakai with a local guide by your side
- Learn about the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, hear legends about Trakai Castle(s) and Lithuania’s affluent past
- Enjoy a boat ride around the island and the castle and admire pristine nature and medieval atmosphere
- Get a tasty introduction to the local cuisine with lunch at one of our favourite spots in town and a pastry workshop, too!
- Enjoy some time to yourself in the afternoon; you could go for a swim, visit the castle museum or shop for souvenirs — the choice is yours!
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- This tour helps preserve the local cultural heritage of the Karaite community, not just because you explore sites of cultural significance, but because you visit an off-the-beaten-track restaurant run by a real Karaite woman and active local community member. She built this restaurant over the years on the land of her grandmother, partially returned by the state after the declaration of Lithuania's independence in 1991.
- By trying traditional dishes and drinks you are getting insight into local cuisine and culture and helping a small, sustainable family business to preserve authentic traditions.
-
Schedule details
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meeting point:
Entrance to Vilnius Coach Station. Stoties str. 22
View on Google Maps
- Starting time: 10.00 AM
- Ending point:
Vilnius Town Hall
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation, boat tickets, traditional Karaite food tasting, glass of beer and good mood.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, ticket to the castle museum, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
After meeting up with your new local friend from Urban Adventures in Vilnius, we’ll travel the local way — by bus or train — to one of Lithuania’s top tourist destinations, the beautiful town of Trakai. Our journey will take about 40 minutes.
Upon arrival at the bridge to Trakai castle, we’ll stroll towards it, admiring the historic views all around us. Then we’ll board the boat for 30 minutes and take a relaxing sail around the castle. We will approach the snow-white Užutrakis Manor where your guide will be happy to take some holiday snaps for you.
Next, we will head to a local café, run by a true Karaite. Under the expert supervision of our host, we will have a go at making a traditional Karait dish, kybyn. As we wait for it to bake, we’ll enjoy a pint of beer and some local snacks.
After the lunch, we will leave you to explore the town at your own pace for about one hour. If the weather’s nice you may want to go for a paddle or you could do a spot of shopping (amber jewellery can be a bargain here).
We’ll hop back on the bus or train in the late afternoon to take you back to Vilnius. Before you go, don’t forget to ask your local guide for more tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay in Lithuania.
-
Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation, boat tickets, traditional Karaite food tasting, glass of beer and good mood.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, ticket to the castle museum, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Remember to grab your swimming suit and a towel, and bring an umbrella and/or raincoat if the forecast shows rain.
Closure of sites: If any of the spots we normally visit are closed, we will find an alternate but equally awesome place to take you to.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
-
Dietary Notes
This tour can accommodate dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance of your dietary needs. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@vilniusurbanadventures.com .
-
Local contact
Office phone number: +370 616 20002 or +370 616 20007
Email address: info@vilniusurbanadventures.com
BACK TO TOP