O fall the places I would expect to find a sumptuous adaptation of War and Peace being filmed, a former textiles factory on the industrial outskirts of Vilnius, Lithuania, is the last. In fact, only the cast buzzing in and out of their trailers in 19th-century garb convinces me that I am in the right place.
But inside, as I walk past endless workshops and on to the cavernous ex-factory floor – now storing everything from period furniture and cannons to fire-ravaged houses and full-size model horses – the building’s chief selling point becomes clear: it is enormous. Well suited, then, to a BBC production that is as gargantuan as its source material...
DAY 1 VILNIUS
Arrival in Vilnius. Private transfer to a hotel. Free afternoon to explore Vilnius yourself.
Accommodation in 4 star old town hotel, Vilnius.
DAY 2 VILNIUS
Visit the charming Pushkin Museum on the outskirts of Vilnius old town. The museum was used for filming 'War and Peace' and has an authentic sense of connection to the literary past. Day for sightseeing Vilnius city tour. Vilnius Old Town - one of the largest and most beautiful in Central and East Europe is included into UNESCO Heritage list. You will visit Gediminas castle, Vilnius university and a lot more.
Accommodation in 4 star old town hotel, Vilnius.
DAY 3 VILNIUS - TRAKAI - RUMSISKES - VILNIUS
Tour to Trakai (28 km from Vilnius) - a visit of the 15th century Trakai Insular Castle housing an exhibition on prehistoric findings and the 17- 18th century applied art, the way of life of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes, and the Karaites, brought to Lithuania from the Crimea. and the delightful outdoor ethnographic museum of 'Rumsiskes' - both were filming locations for 'War and Peace'.
Accommodation in 4 star old town hotel, Vilnius.
DAY 4 VILNIUS - MEZOTNES
Vilnius to Kernave and Mezotnes. Kernave the archaeological site where the 'Battle of Borodino' scene was filmed, also visit Kernave archaeological museum. You will then continue up to Mezotnes in Latvia, where you will stay for a night at the beautiful Mezotnes Pils, a renovated palace with comfortable 4* hotel rooms. Accommodation at the 4* Mezotnes Pils palace hotel.
DAY 5 MEZOTNES - RUNDALE PALACE - RIGA
Rundale Palace is one of Latvia's top sights to visit and it was also used for filming in the BBC 'War and Peace' adaptation. Here you can explor the impressive palace and gardens, then travel to Riga. Overnight in Europa Royale Riga hotel 4* .
Day 6 RIGA
Morning walking tour of the Old Town of Riga. Enjoy the beauty of the ancient Hanseatic city, while strolling through the cobble-stone, picturesque streets of the Old Town. In Old Riga you will see the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St.Peter, the old Guild Houses, the architectural ensemble Three Brothers, Old Riga Castle, and much more. Afternoon free to visit cosy restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops.
Overnight in Europa Royale Riga hotel 4* or similar
Day 7 RIGA
Breakfast. End of the tour. Departure.
Package price :990 EUR/ person (When accommodation in double occupancy room)
Package includes :
- Accommodation in 4* centrally located well selected hotels;
- 6 Buffet breakfasts
- Sightseeing as per itinerary ;
- Arrival and departure transfers;
- Car / coach and guides services
- Entrance fees ;
- Information package
*Flights are not included in this package.
OBJECTS:
1. Gediminas Tower – as dominant landmark of the Austrian Alps
In the series: Episode 1 - the medieval tower in the Alps of Austria where General Kutuzov and Andrey Bolkonsky discuss the prospects of Russian army against Napoleon Grand Armée after the surrender of Austrian allies, and the possibility to retreat till Russian and Austrian enforcements approach. “Only a fool would sacrifice good men for a bit of glory.”
2. Pushkin Museum in Markučiai – as a countryside estate in rural Russia
In the series: Episode 6 – country estate of Rostov family outside Moscow, Natasha Rostova looks after Andrey Bolkonsky very weak after injury in Borodino. Marya Bolkonskaja comes long way to see Andrei, who became even weaker after short improvement. Andrey asks Marya to give the small icon to his son Nikolay. Orthodox priest reads the last rites to Andrey with all Rostov family, Marya and Nikolushka at his bed end. Andrey passes away with Marya and Natasha at his bed sides. The Rostovs receive message about Petya’s death and have a moment of severe grief.
3. Ruins of Merkinė Estate – as rural Russia after the battle
In the series: Episode 6 – somewhere around Borodino battle location, French soldiers are retreating from Moscow, Pierre Bezuhov and his friend Platon with them, cross the courtyard of destroyed estate still smoking with fire.
4. Trakų Vokė Estate – as a mansion in Moscow
5. Trakai Island Castle – as a residence of tsar Alexander I
In the series: Episode 5 – audience hall of Tsar Alexander I where he hands to Boris Drubetskoj the letter to Napoleon with the obligation to take it and pass the demand to withdraw every one of his soldiers from Russian soil.
6. Kernavė landscape – as battle-fields of Austria and Russia
7. Open Air Museum of Lithuanian Ethnic Culture in Rumšiškės – as rural Russia
8. Rundale Mansion in Latvia – as the most fashionable ball house in Saint Petersburg
Lithuanian State Department of Tourism
