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Brick Gothic (German: Backsteingotik, Polish: Gotyk ceglany) is a specific style of Gothic architecture common in Northern Europe, especially in Northern Germany and the regions around the Baltic Sea, which do not have natural stone resources. The buildings are essentially built using bricks. Brick Gothic buildings are found in Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, and Sweden. As the use of baked red brick in Northern Europe dates from the 12th century, the oldest such buildings are classified as the Brick Romanesque. In the 16th century, Brick Gothic was superseded by Brick Renaissance architecture.

Brick Gothic is characterised by the lack of figural architectural sculpture, widespread in other styles of Gothic architecture; and by its creative subdivision and structuring of walls, using built ornaments and the color contrast between red bricks, glazed bricks and white lime plaster. Many of the old town centers dominated by Brick Gothic, as well as some individual structures, have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Itinerary

Arrival to Vilnius. Private transfer to the hotel in Vilnius Old Town. Free evening.

Overnight at the hotel „Congress Avenue“ 4* or

similar.

The day to explore Vilnius architecture. The tour will be focused on traditional and contemporary Vilnius buildings. Vilnius is known for its Old Town of beautiful architecture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Its Jewish influence until the 20th century has led to it being described as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania” and Napoleon named it “the Jerusalem of the North” as he was passing through in 1812.

Overnight at the hotel „Congress Avenue“ 4* or similar.

Morning departure to Lithuania’s pearl – Curonian Spit along the most picturesque road of Lithuania you will visit Raudone and Panemune castles. The main town in Curonian Spit – Nida. This is a small old fishermen village famous for its majestic seashore sand dunes, Thomas Mann's summerhouse, neo-gothic church and old ethnographic cemetery.

Overnight at the hotel „Nerija“ 3* or similar.

The day to get acquainted to the architecture of Curonian Spit.

Cultural elements including the remains of postal tracks, trade

villages from the 10th and 11th centuries, traditional fishermen villages and other archaeological heritage covered by sand; the spatial-planned structure and architecture of ancient fishermen villages turned into resort settlements (ancient wooden fishermen houses, professionally designed buildings of the 19th century, including lighthouses, piers, churches, schools, villas); and elements of marine cultural heritage.

Overnight at the hotel „Nerija“ 3* or similar.

Morning departure to Riga – the capital of Latvia. En route stop

in the holy site of Catholic Pilgrimage – The Hill of Crosses. This

is an expression of a spontaneous religiousness of people, and is

a symbol not of grief and death but of Faith, Love and Sacrifice.

Later drive to baroque Rundale Palace created by legendary architect B. Rastrelli, with Baroque rose garden.

Overnight at the hotel „Europa Royal Riga“ 4* or similar.

The day to explore Riga architecture. Riga is world famous for its

incredible Art Nouveau architecture. Put the medieval churches

and Old Town to one side and have a look at what was happening

at the beginning of the 20th century. Riga was at its peak, rich

merchants were showing off their power and wealth and the city

was expanding at an alarming rate. The result was a phenomenal

building boom that coincided with a growth of the Art Nouveau

style across the world. The tour will be focused on traditional and contemporary Riga buildings.

Overnight at the hotel „Europa Royal Riga“ 4* or similar.

Morning departure to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. En route stop in one of the most beautiful cities in Latvia - Sigulda, located in the picturesque Gauja Valley dotted with caves and castles. Visit Turaida museum reserve with Turaida castle.

Overnight at the hotel „Vana Wiru“ 4* or similar.

The day to explore Tallinn architecture.

Tallinn is a city that remains connected with its history, with many neighborhoods providing excellent insights to the various periods in the past. To see the recent developments and trends of the 21st century, take a stroll through the Rotermann Quarter or discover Tallinn's new public gathering spot -

Freedom Square - or visit the nation's premier art museum in

Kadriorg.

Tallinn's visitors have the opportunity to take a guided tour to

explore Tallinn's modern and traditional architecture. Visit museum of Estonian architecture.

Overnight at the hotel „Vana Wiru“ 4* or similar.

Private transfer to the airport. Departure.

Notes