For delegates from Japan
October 5, Wednesday
08:00 departure from hotel, drive to the famous resort town of Latvia - Jūrmala
09:00 – 11:00 Jurmala visit
Jurmala's beach, slightly over 24 km in length, is formed of fine white sand, brought here by the coastal stream over thousands of years. The beach is a great place for resting and health strengthening: the rustling waves have a calming effect, the fresh air rich in pine tree aroma and ionized by the sea has a beneficial and healing effect, walking barefoot on the soft, warm sea sand strengthens your body and cleans your mind.
http://www.visitjurmala.lv/en/
11:30 - 13:00 Kemeri National Park visit
Kemeri National Park is special for its great biological diversity, the unique Kemeri Bog, mineral waters and therapeutic mud found here. http://www.latvia.travel/en/sight/kemeri-national-park
Tour proceeds to Kuldiga
14:30 – 15:30 Lunch at restaurant “Terase” in Pure
17:00 – 19:00 Kuldiga visit
One of the most beautiful towns in Latvia - Kuldīga. The ancient architecture of stone and wooden buildings, the hills and the valleys of the town with narrow, romantic stone paved streets. The town maintains its charm throughout all four seasons of the year. Kuldīga is a town linked with Latvian history, culture and art. http://visit.kuldiga.lv/en/home/about-kuldiga
Tour proceeds West in Kurzeme
19:30 arrival at Skrunda Manor
Maintaining its historical elegance, the completely renovated Skrunda Manor offers its guests every modern convenience of the highest quality standards. The Hotel has 12 large and elegant apartments. Being here in the peaceful atmosphere of the Manor, you will forget the daily rush and will be able to have a relaxation or, alternatively enjoy active holidays. http://skrundasmuiza.lv/en/skrunda-manor-hotel
20:00 - 21:00 Dinner and overnight at Skrunda Manor restaurant
October 6, Thursday
Breakfast at Skrunda Manor restaurant
08:30-11:30 Departure from Kurzeme, Drive to Lithuania.
11:30-13:30 Visit to The Hill of crosses, lunch
The Hill of Crosses, Kryzių Kalnas, located 12 kilometers north of the small industrial city of Siauliai (pronounced shoo-lay) is the Lithuanian national pilgrimage center. Standing upon a small hill are many hundreds of thousands of crosses that represent Christian devotion and a memorial to Lithuanian national identity. The Hill of Crosses is an historical architectural monument, it is a unique composition of folk art. The Hill of crosses atract's people with it's peace, spirituality, authenticity and sacred nature. Beautifully carved out of wood or sculpted from metal, the crosses range from three meters tall to the countless tiny examples hanging profusely upon the larger crosses. On windy days breezes blowing through the forest of crosses and hanging rosaries produces a uniquely beautiful music.
13:30-16:00 Departure from the Hill of Crosses to Kaunas.
16:00-18:30 Arrival to Kaunas. Excursion in the Kaunas Old Town and to the places related to Ch. Sugihara.
Kaunas is Lithuania’s second largest city (population 325 000) resting at the confluence of country’s two largest rivers, Neris and Nemunas. Kaunas medieval old town is smaller but more intact than that of Vilnius as it suffered less of the Soviet post-war destruction. It is dominated by the churches at the Rotušės (City Hall) square and a wide Vilniaus street as well as by the restored Kaunas castle near the confluence. Excursion to the places related to Ch. Sugihara in Kaunas. Lithuania has a very special human link with Japan. We established diplomatic relationship with Japan in December 1922, almost 100 years ago. After being appointed as a vice-consul to Lithuania in 1939 Ch. Sugihara working days and nights issued more than 6000 transit visas for jewish refugees thus saving their lives and lives of their families. He is considered the Hero in Lithuania.
19:00 Dinner in the restaurant in Kaunas Old Town
Overnight in Kaunas
October 7, Friday
8:00-9:15 Breakfast and check out from the hotel
9:30-10:45 Departure from Kaunas to Trakai
10:45-13:30 Visiting Trakai. Lunch at the Karaime Restaurant tasting Karaime specialties in Trakai.
The old town of Trakai – which is extremely popular with the residents of Lithuania and foreign guests – is situated west of Vilnius between the hills, forests and lakes. The shores of the peninsula on which it is located are washed by the waters of Lakes Galvė, Totoriškių and Bernardinų (Lukos). This town, famous for its picturesque landscape and the legendary Trakai Castle, was a cradle of the Lithuanian statehood, an important military and political centre, headquarters of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes, and the capital of Lithuania. Today, Trakai attracts visitors to a wonderful place offering refuge from a hectic city life, with walks around the beautiful area or yacht trips on one of the numerous lakes. Trakai is also known for the Karaimes (a people speaking the Turkic language), who have lived there since the 14th century and have preserved their traditions. The kenesa – a Karaime sanctuary – and houses of Karaimes have survived in Trakai, and the national dishes (the most popular is kybyn – a small pasty stuffed with minced meat) of this ethnic group can be tasted at the Karaime Restaurant.
13:30-14:30 Departure from Trakai to Vilnius
15:30-19:00 Walking excursion in the Vilnius Old town, visiting the most attractive tourism objects.
Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, is a bewitchingly beautiful city that seduces travelers with its enchanting Old World charm. The attractive Baroque cityscape hides the wonderfully eclectic soul of the capital, where a bohemian spirit reigns over courtyard bars, curious museums, quaint cafes and cobbled streets that lead to surprising sights, like a statue of psychedelic composer Frank Zappa. Eccentric and soulful, Vilnius is a true treat. The brightest gem in the city is the Old Town, one of the largest in Europe. Cathedral Square is the heart of the district, dominated by the Vilnius Cathedral and its remarkable bell tower.
19:30 Dinner at the modern restaurant of the Lithuanian chef
Overnight in Vilnius
October 8, Saturday
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant
Transfer to Vilnius airport
