Dzūkija, also known as Dainava, is one of Lithuania’s most unique ethnic regions. Today’s Dzūkija is a very beautiful part of the Lithuanian landscape. Its territory is home to the country’s largest Dainava Forest, the Nemunas, the Neris and the Merkys rivers. During the trip, we invite you to discover not only the natural beauty of the region, but also its culinary, national and architectural heritage!
In the morning, you will leave for Raižiai. You will start your journey with a visit to Raižiai, a village inhabited by Tatars since ancient times. Here, a local guide, a real Tatar, will tell you about the history of the community, Islamic traditions and customs, and you will visit the Tatar house of worship – the mosque. Hot tea and coffee and a tasting of Tartar cake* will be served in the recently built Muslim community house next to the Raižiai Mosque.
Later, you will head to Merkinė. You will climb the Merkinė mound, on which a Lithuanian defensive castle once stood in the 14th century. The Merkys Mound offers a magnificent panorama of the confluence of the Merkys and the Nemunas rivers, which has become a symbol of the Dainava region. Just a few kilometres from Merkinė is the village of Česukai, where you will visit the Merkinė pyramid, a cross and the dome complex.
The road then continues to Liškiava. You will have a guided tour of Liškiava’s 17th century architectural ensemble* and visit the Church of the Holy Trinity, see the remains of 18th century Dominican monks preserved in the basement of the church, and the 17th-20th century liturgical heritage exhibition.
The trip will culminate with a visit to the Alita beverage factory*. During the tour, you will learn how sparkling wines and spirits are born. When visiting production shops, we will have a unique opportunity to see the different production processes and hear stories about the origin, history and production technologies of the beverages. During the drinks tasting, we will discover the gourmet world of beverages and understand the subtleties of taste and aroma. You return home in the evening filled with excitement.
The cost is EUR 27.00 per person. The price includes:
• Bus trip;
• Tour guide services;
• Arranging travel documents;
• Excursion programme.
Not included in the tour price:
• Personal expenses;
• Excursion in Raižiai and tasting of Tatar cake – EUR 8;
• Exhibition of the Liškiava ensemble – 3 EUR. Local guide service per person EUR 10.00;
• Alita drinks tasting prices https://www.alita.lt/pazintine-programa/registracija/.
Note. The organiser reserves the right to make minor changes to the tour programme and its course due to unplanned temporary restoration works, weather conditions and other reasonable obstacles. The tour guide does not give tours at paid sites.