Taste
Arrange a picnic on the lake
Just an hour from Vilnius by car, the town of Trakai is one of the most picturesque destinations in Lithuania. The town’s centrepiece is definitely its castle. Located on a small island in the middle of Lake Galvė, this red brick fortification is the only island castle in Europe, and is rightly famed for its fairytale beauty. Enjoy this spectacle from the lake on one of the many boats that are available for rent. A steam boat Skaistis and a sailing-boat Baltis also travel around the lake.
But to make this a truly special visit, why not pack a picnic. You could buy a small basket from one of the many crafts stores in Vilnius and gather together such local treats as black bread, cured meats or fish, curd cheese, or even apple cheese. Don’t forget to also try the local Trakai delicacy, kibinai, at one of the many restaurants in town that specialises in this meat stuffed pastry delight.
Go for a gastronomic trip along the beer route
If you and your team are lovers of beer, the Lithuanian beer route is where you should be headed. After you’ve enjoyed a fun drive to the country’s beer region, you’ll be welcomed to a demonstration and talk on the traditional methods used for local beer production. And all of this will take place in the surroundings of the 17th century castle. If that’s not enough, you’ll also be able to enjoy a fantastic meal and even some dancing. Why not raise your glasses and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience?
Duration: a day-long trip.
Group size: from 10 to 40 people.
٭ To enhance the experience, you can hire a beer sommelier to accompany you for the day. You can arrange transport personally, or book a bus.
Mediaeval feast
If you’re a fan of House of Dragons or Game of Thrones and fancy yourself as a lord, lady, king or queen, this is for you. And what better way to treat your team or business guests than by welcoming them to a mediaeval banquet in a real castle. This is not just any castle, but a fairytale redbrick jewel on an island in the middle of the lake. There will also be demonstrations of jousting, music and minstrels, all making for a uniquely memorable experience.
Duration: 2-4 hours.
Group size: from 20 to 120 people.
Discover a new kind of sweet treat – “šakotis”
Lithuania’s cuisine is full of strange and alluring concoctions – there’s pink soup, apple cheese and meat filled zeppelin dumplings. One of the most distinctive treats on offer is the šakotis, or “tree-cake.” You can discover the history of this unique skewer cooked sweet, and even have a go at making it. Not only that, you’ll also find out the secrets behind Lithuanian bread-making, and be introduced to how Lithuania’s variation of kvass, gira, a sweet non-alcoholic drink, is made.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Group size: from 10 to 30 people.
National cuisine tasting
From pancakes to pies to dumplings, the one thing that unites the staples of Lithuanian cuisine is potatoes. Why not treat your team and your guests to a truly Lithuanian tasting experience? Pancakes drizzled with curd sauce, kugelis, a thick and hearty potato pie that can come with a cream sauce, and the king of local cuisine, the mighty cepelinai, or zeppelins – in this tasting, you’ll have the chance to try these and more, alongside a selection of local beverages.
Duration: 1.5 hour(s).
Group size: 20 people.
Discover the secrets of Lithuanian cuisine
Potatoes may be the most common ingredient in our local cuisine but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to master tasty delights like cepelinai (the hearty potato dumplings we’re famous for). Under the supervision of a top local chef, you and your team can get to grips with how to prepare these and many more dishes. In two hours, you’ll be able to cook like a local, and serve up such amazing flavour combinations as the local pink cold beetroot soup, šaltibarščiai.
Duration: 2 hours.
Group size: maximum 15 people.
National evening
Over one magical evening, you and your friends and guests can really get to know Lithuania. Experience its customs and arts through demonstrations and talks, hear traditional music like the unique local form of polyphonic singing, the sutartinė, and even try out some of the dances. And all the while, you’ll be served up the best that the local cuisine has to offer. After this evening, you’ll want to stay and become a local!
Duration: 1-2 hour(s).
Group size: from 10 to 100 people.
Make chocolate
Do you have a sweet tooth? Learn about the ancient craft of chocolate-making and have a go at making some chocolate for yourself. You’ll be learning from proper chocolatiers, who’ll walk you through some of the history and secrets of this delectable profession. There will also be time for tasting, of course, as well as a lesson on chocolate making itself. Sounds delicious? It is.
Duration: up to 1.5 hours.
٭ Once you have learnt how to make chocolate, you can book a walking tour with one of the many guides available. This will give the perfect opportunity not only to get to know the city, but walk off the calories from all that chocolate.
Bake traditional Lithuanian rye bread
Learn to bake duonelė kasdieninė (our daily bread) in the authentic natural surroundings of an aukštaičiai (highlanders) homestead. Take a trip to this most scenic region and spend a day learning about the deep traditions that go into the preparation and baking of bread. You’ll even have the opportunity to bake a loaf for yourself.
Duration: this trip lasts a day.
٭ You can also add additional activities to your trip, such as a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage; it might also be advisable to book a professional guide for the day so you can make the most of this stunning region.
Develop a nose for the local wine
Lithuania is famous for its fine beers and its unique trauktinė (strong herbal vodka), but not everyone is as familiar with its ecologic and tasty wines. Pressed predominantly from local berries and fruit, the local wines offer a zesty and exciting way to experience the best of Lithuanian nature. You’ll witness how the berries and fruit are transformed through picking, pressing, fermentation and bottling. And, of course, there will be plenty of chances to taste the cream of local wines. And this all will take place while enjoying the spectacular Lithuanian natural surroundings!
Duration: this trip lasts a day.
٭ You can stay in a cosy countryside homestead with a sauna and book the services of a professional sommelier or guide (they will accompany you throughout the whole trip).
Find out the secrets of beer brewing
It goes without saying that Lithuania loves its beer. Here, you’ll find a beer culture where ambition, mastery and tradition combine to deliver beers of exquisite quality. On this beer tasting day, you’ll be able to try some of the best brews on offer from throughout the country, all lovingly handcrafted by true beer professionals. Artisanal and small batch brewers dominate, meaning that some of these beers will literally be one of a kind!
Duration: 1.5 hours.