WALKING TOUR DZUKIJA NATIONAL PARK

Dzukija National park is the largest protected area in Lithuania. It is a land of dry pinewoods, seif dunes, crystal-clear deep-valley rivulets and rivers. Ethno-cultural villages deserve special attention. Four of them – Dubininkas, Lynežeris, Musteika ir Zervynos – have been declared architectural monuments. People of Dzukija are considered to be lighthearted and kind. Come & experience their hospitality!

 

Day 1 Arrival to Vilnius. Private transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Free time to explore Vilnius. Overnight.

 

Optional:

 

• Private 3 h. Vilnius city tour with English speaking guide. The tour will introduce you to the rich history of Lithuanian capital and reveal the charm of the city‘s heart. Variety of architectural styles, cozy alleys and yards, each hiding a legend behind will make you fall in love with Vilnius. Price includes : English speaking guide, entrance tickets: Gediminas castle & funicular. Price: 45 EUR/ person.

 

• Beer degustation & lunch. Have a short tour in Lithuanian beer restaurant – brewery, try 5 different kinds of beer, hot dish from a selected menu & traditional Lithuanian beer snacks. Price: 45 EUR/ person

 

• Amber Spa. The exclusive amber massage center  „Nidos kopos“ offers massages and other treatments cherishing beauty, health and inner harmony. The procedures use only the Baltic amber valued throughout the world for being free of heavy metals, with amber acid and amber oil. We invite you to choose a gift for your body and soul from the list: http://nidoskopos.lt/paslaugos

 

Day 2 Morning trip to Dzukija National park with en route stop in Trakai. Trakai - the capital of Grand Duchy of Lithuania – Trakai. Visit the 15th century Insular Trakai Castle, housing an exhibition on prehistoric findings and applied art of 17-18th century. Learn about karaites- ethnic minority, brought to Lithuania from the Crimean Peninsular. Have a lunch at karaite‘s restaurant and try traditional food and liqueur.

 

Later proceed to the Zervynos. Short stop at - one of the most beautiful ethnographic villages of Lithuania, famous for it‘s structure and architecture. In the end of XIX century archeologists have found 24 camps from Stone and Bronze ages. The findings witness that the settlement was inhabited from the earliest ages. 

Afternoon arrival to Marcinkonys. Accommodation at ethnographic homestead.

 

Optional: 2 h in Lithuanian sauna. Price 35 EUR/ person.

 

Day 3 ZACKAGIRIS walking path (10,5 km) & Cepkeliai educational path (1, 5 km)

 

Breakfast at the homestead. Walking through Zackagiris walking path (10,5 km). Enjoy beautiful nature and fresh air. Here you will see Gruda river loops, beaver homes on Dziackagiris rivulet, discover trees with hollows, which used to be used for beekeeping and will be able to learn about endangered plants. Return to Marcinkonys.

 

Later on you will have a chance to see Cepkeliai educational path (1,5 km). 5 km from the Village of Marcinkonys, on the border, is an educational path in the marsh and area surrounding the marshland. On this path, visitors see the Čepkeliai Marsh, pine-covered dunes and get acquainted with marshes and forest flora. Here is an opportunity to glance, albeit briefly, at one of our most valuable, natural objects-the Čepkeliai Marsh. From the viewing tower, the landscape of large forest covered islands, scattered plots of marshland shrouded in smoke and a wooden path (catered for the disabled), leads to a scenic viewing area. Return to Marcinkonys for overnight.

 

Day 4 Marcinkonys –  Darzeliai - Bukanauskas Marshes– Kapiniskiai – Margionys

( 20 km)

 

Morning departure from Marcinkonys to Skroblus sightseeing path. It starts after Darzelis forest. While walking this path, you will see Bukauskas marshes and lake, typical to this part of Lithuania as well as one of the most impressive rivers of Lithuania – Skroblus. Here you will pass few villages: Kapiniskiai & Margionys.

 

Optional:  Buchwheat bread (local speciality) baking & dinner in Kapiniskiai. The culinary heritage of Dzukija is famous not only for cepelinai or potato pancakes, but also for buckwheat. The most popular dish – buckwheat bread. Here you will have a chance to learn how to make it and try to do it yourself. Lunch. Price: 50 EUR/ person.

 

Overnight in a homestead in Margionys.

 

Day 5 Margionys – Musteika – Bee Hollow Scenic Sightseeing Path ( 20 km). Transfer to Vilnius by car.

 

Breakfast at the homestead. Moring departure to Musteika village, where Ancient Beekeeping museum is established. 5 km from the village a bee hollow scenic sightseeing path is established. A walk along this path is a great opportunity to get acquainted with pine trees that have bee hollows in them, which reminds the visitor of one of the oldest professions in this region. Also, it is worth seeing the small sand dunes and mosaic of small marshes in the Musteika area. An excursion on this path will also provide useful information about the history of beekeeping, and to appreciate the toil of the profession in this region.

Car pick up. Return to Vilnius for overnight.

 

Day 6 Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to the airport. Departure.