Did I ever tell you about when I found a low cost for Lithuania?
Probably not, as it happened last week: p
And where I went this time?
In Vilnius and Trakai, two beautiful towns in Lithuania, as beautiful as cold.
From Italy, in just over two hours, they landed in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.
Since it was late, around 22:30 pm, initially I thought to take a taxi from the airport, but in the end I still managed to get into the city by public transport, spending only 1 euro :)
After I settled in my Ostellino (slightly off center, but very cheap), I rested and I planned a trip the next day: Trakai.
Trakai (or Traku), is a town that is just 30 km from Vilnius, accessible by train or by bus.
I opted for the second method, the bus, and with only 1.80 euro have arrived at their destination in less than an hour.
What to see in Trakai?
Simple, in Trakai you go to his castle, and lakes in the area.
The Trakai Castle is in fact one of the main attractions of Lithuania, and is the only castle in Europe to be built over the water (born of a whim of a noble).
The castle of Trakai in fact, stands on an island in the middle of a lake, in a very picturesque location.
In addition Trakai, there are several other lakes, and the town lends itself to walking.
The trip to Trakai only lasted half a day (having started at 8.30 am), so I could then devote myself to discover Vilnius.
The capital of Lithuania has obviously public transport (although in Vilnius there's still underground, but it is under construction), but if we can also be shot entirely on foot, as it is not very great.
But if you want to take public transportation, be aware that in Vilnius transport is very convenient and effective, and include bus, minibus or trolley bus (the tram on wheels).
Among the best attractions of Vilnius we have: the old town, Uzupis Angel, Sts. Johns' Church (Sv. Jonu Baznycia), the way Literatu gatvė 5, Stebuklas, Šv. Kazimiero bažnyčia, Bernardine Church (Bernardinu Baznycia), Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Vilnius TV Tower, Central Avenue, Gediminas Avenue, Užupio gatvė, Church of St. Theresa, Vilnius University, Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika) , Gates of Dawn (Ausros Vartai), Bernardinų sodas, Gediminas Tower, St. Anne's Church, Church of All Saints.
As you may have noticed, in Vilnius churches they abound, and they are all really nice, but a particular manzione goes to the beautiful Sts. Peter & Paul's Church (Sv. Apastalu Petro ir Povilo Baznycia), which has some truly spectacular interiors, and even a chandelier in the shape of the ship.
Vilnius can be seen from above, going up on several attractions.
I decided to try to climb the hill of 3 crosses (Trys Kryžiai), from which you can admire the view of the entire city.
The only drawback is that, in this period, the staircase is a tad steep and slippery with ice.
Although Vilnius a city full of attractions and really well taken care of, in half a day, if you are museum lovers, the visit virtually all (but one has to walk a lot).
The last half day in fact, having seen virtually all the major attractions (not counting those a bit 'too out of hand), I dedicated to tours random, discovering other small goodies, such as Frank Zappa Statue and the statue of a giant cat .
Finally, the railway station of Vilnius, which also coincides with the bus station, I took a bus to the airport, and I'm back in Italy (though attention to the controls at the airport, are really slow, if you arrive on the top you might missing the flight).
What about this trip / vacation?
Vilnius is a very beautiful city full of attractions.
By the way is also a bit 'cheaper than Italy (and there's the euro as their currency), so it would not hurt to live, if not for one small detail ... the cold!
In Vilnius in fact, literally freezes!
Snow and ice in Vilnius in fact, at this time there, as well as the little light. Factors which by the way I know that also adversely affect mood since, according to google, Vilnius, or rather, Lithuania is the second state in the world by number of suicides: o
However, if you go to Vilnius at this time, be careful when you walk. Because even if there are very quick to clear snow and clean the streets, it is a moment find themselves on icy roads and sloping, with great risk of slipping.
Well, it's all for this travelogue in Vilnius.
Lithuania, over and out.