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Day tour From Vilnius to Belarus border a frozen corner of Europe
Vilnius
Explore a forgotten corner of Europe on a day tour from Vilnius to the Belarus border. Discover castles, nature landmarks, and historic sites.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Vilnius Old Town - Begin with a hotel pick-up and head to Medininkai Castle, located near the Lithuanian-Belarusian border.
- Medininkai Castle - Situated 32 km from Vilnius city center, Medininkai Castle dates back to the late 13th or early 14th centuries. It is the largest castle in Lithuania by area and was constructed during the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, making it one of the earliest enclosure castles in the country.
- Turgeliai - Enjoy scenic views while driving through open terrains. Make a brief stop in Turgeliai to admire a beautiful church. The town’s name originates from its history of large farmers’ markets.
- Paulavos Republic - The Republic of Paulava (Pavlov) is a unique historical phenomenon in Lithuania. This autonomous republic existed in the 18th century during the era of serfdom in Merkinė, near Vilnius, in the present-day Šalčininkai district. It had its own constitution, coat of arms, president, peasants’ parliament, currency, treasury, mutual assistance fund, militia, and school. Today, only fragments of the manor house, stables, and other buildings remain, but in the late 18th century, it was the site of the most radical and progressive peasant reform in the Republic of the Two Nations.
- Širvių atraminis punktas - Enter the Sirviai isthmus checkpoint, a narrow strip of land only 4 kilometers wide, surrounded by the Belarus border. Travelers may be required to show documents at the entrance.
- Dieveniškių Regioninio Parko Lankytojų Centras - After visiting the Republic of Paulava, drive to the “Dieveniskes Loop.” There is a small checkpoint to enter Stalin’s pipe, a narrow strip of land only 4 km wide. After a brief stop, you will reach the appendix of Lithuania.
- Rimašiai - Visit 13 single-street ethnographic villages, such as Lastaučikai, Poškonys, Grybiškės, and Rimašiai, formed by the Valakas land reform of the 16th and 17th centuries. Although they have preserved their structure, most buildings in these villages were constructed in the late 19th or early 20th century.
- Grybiškės - See the impressive 1,000-year-old Grybiškės and Stakai oak trees, with trunks nearly five meters in circumference, cousins of the famous Stelmužė oak. The Grybiškės pine, a 100-year-old tree, is protected by the state.
- Norviliskes Castle - Visit the stunning 16th-century Norviliskes Castle, located near the Belarus border.
- Vilnius - Return to Vilnius.
- Bėčionių piliakalnis - Visit Bėčionys hillfort on the right bank of the River Gauja and enjoy the wonderful view of the surrounding area from the top of the hillfort.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Local snacks
- Bottled water
- English speaking guide
What's Not Included
- Lunch
Additional Information
In 1939, when Kremlin officials were delineating the borders of the Vilnius region to be returned to Lithuania, Stalin’s pipe was placed on the map. Too frightened to move it, they simply drew the border around the pipe. We offer a delightful day tour from Vilnius to the isthmus encircled by the Belarus border. This unique Lithuanian region, frozen in time, boasts beautiful nature, castles, hills, ancient churches, natural landmarks, and a border-secured zone. Join us for a day adventure to this forgotten corner of Europe.
Location
Vilnius Old Town
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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