Two-week self-drive through Lithuania

Vilnius

Day 1: Arrival into Vilnius

Welcome to Vilnius! The Lithuanian capital offers an eye-pleasing display of bright Baroque houses, and an Old Town that's part of UNESCO's World Heritage list. Tumbledown buildings hug shoulders with designer boutiques and high-end handicraft shops, while cosy cafes and restaurants offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional Lithuanian fare - from cepelinai (filled potato dumplings) to cold beet soup. Upon your arrival here, make your way to your accommodation to rest after your travels.

Vilnius - Trakai - Vilnius

Day 2: Explore Trakai's moated castle

With Vilnius as your base for a second night, today you'll pick up your rental car and set out to explore Trakai. Located near the capital, this picturesque city has been surrounded by lakes, forests, and two castles since ancient times; it in fact dates back to the times of the Lithuanian Grand Dukes, and was once the capital of Lithuania. Nowadays, it's famous for its imposing Gothic moated castle, which can be reached via two wooden bridges.

Vilnius - Kernave - Vilnius

Day 3: The archaeological wonders of Kernave

After breakfast, you'll spend the day getting to know Kernave, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site where the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was established in the 13th century. From the five hillforts of Kernave, take in views of one of the most beautiful landscapes in Lithuania, that inspired the country's rulers centuries ago. After a day of outdoor exploring, return to Vilnius for an overnight stay.

Vilnius - Druskininkai

Day 4: Sprawling vistas in Merkine

After breakfast, you'll leave Vilnius behind and make tracks for Druskininkai, stopping en-route in Merkine. From atop its 26m-high tower, enjoy sprawling views of the valley of the Nemunas, the largest river in Lithuania, and the forests of Dzukija National Park – to the delight of outdoor-lovers, this region of Lithuania is the most wooded. The tower itself is a unique architectural feature, with several observation decks allowing you to observe the landscape from different heights and perspectives.

Druskininkai

Day 5: At leisure in health resort, Druskininkai

Enjoy a full day in Druskininkai, an excellent spot for those who want a health-focused and restorative break - after all, the city is surrounded by healing springs and absolutely stunning nature, thanks to which it has become an official healthcare resort and the fastest-growing recreation destination in the country. Breathe in the pure air, drink mineral water straight from the natural springs, bathe in therapeutic peat and more in this ultra-serene slice of the world.

Druskininkai - Kaunas

Day 6: Welcome to colourful Kaunas

After breakfast, today you'll pay a visit to the second-largest city in Lithuania – colourful, modern, and ever-changing Kaunas. A small and compact place, it is nonetheless full of original architectural sites and attracts visitors with its unique cultural heritage. Set out to explore the impressive remains of Kaunas Castle, followed by the Church of Vytautas the Great and its scenic setting on the right bank of the Nemunas river. Don't miss a trip to Kaunas Town Hall and its sizeable square, to people-watch as you relax. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay, and spend the rest of the time at leisure.

Kaunas

Day 7: Explore architectural marvels in Kaunas

From Kaunas, set out after breakfast to visit the Pazaislis Monastery. Surprising as it may sound, this landmark is quite possibly the most romantic place in Lithuania. A genuine Baroque diamond from the 17th century, it was built by the affluent, influential and religious Pacas family. Many concerts and music festivals take place here, and the sound of music beneath the church's arches reveals its architectural and spirtual beauty.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Kaunas' history through its architecture: Modernism formed in the early 1930s here, when Kaunas became Lithuania’s temporary capital following the incorporation of Vilnius into Poland. The city's rapid growth in the late 1920s and early 1930s led to the construction of numerous buildings in line with this architectural style.

Kaunas - Klaipeda

Day 8: Explore Kaunas' architectural heritage

After breakfast, leave Kaunas behind for the port city of Klaipeda. En-route, you'll take the scenic Panemune road which will enchant you with its romantic surroundings, dotted here and there with castles and other historic landmarks.

Once part of Germany and still known to many as Memel, Klaipeda is now a showcase of architectural influences from this period; with its half-timbered houses, the soulful old town is in fact reminiscent of old German cities. Elsewhere, spend some time visiting the heart of the city - Theatre Square, home to the Simon Dach Fountain and Ännchen von Tharau statue.

Klaipeda - The Curonian Spit - Klaipeda

Day 9: Picturesque peninsula day trip

After breakfast, embark on a wonderful day trip to the Curonian Spit, a narrow peninsula that's part of the UNESCO World Heritage List for being one of the most unique landscapes in Europe. Here you'll find the Hill of Witches, a stone sculpture park, one of the largest cormorant colonies in Europe, and the fascinating Dead Dunes valley. Enjoy some sightseeing in Nida, a village of picturesque wooden fishermen's houses on the peninsula, and hike through pine forests and dunes to your heart's content. You'll then return to Klaipeda to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Klaipeda - Palanga - Klaipeda

Day 10: The coastal romance of Palanga

Today you'll visit the resort of Palanga, famous for its white-sand beaches and pleasant dunes. Enjoy some time on the seafront and take a walk in one of the most beautiful parks in Northern Europe – Birute Park. Brilliantly designed with artfully-arranged pathways and flowerbeds, it certainly makes for a memorable stroll. It's here that you'll find and visit the famous Palanga Amber Museum, featuring fine artworks and located in a neo-Renaissance-style mansion built back in 1897.

Klaipeda - Hill Of Crosses - Biržai

Day 11: Explore the charms of Birzai

Today, leave Klaipeda behind after breakfast. On the way to the city of Birzai, your next destination, you will visit the otherworldly Hill of Crosses. Visitors of all ethnicities and religions have been adding their crosses to this site since the 19th century, and it is now a sacred space filled with history and wonder.

The region of Birzai itself stands out with its abundance of unique natural draws, diverse architectural structures, and educational activities. While you're here, cross the longest wooden pedestrian bridge in Lithuania, visit an impressive castle and manor house, and don't miss the Cow Cave - an impressively large sinkhole.

Biržai

Day 12: A day of historic marvels

After breakfast, visit Birzai Castle - an eye-catching Dutch-style fortress with bastions built by the family of Duke Radvila, and used to defend Lithuania’s northern borders in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it houses a public library and museum, where amongst other things, you can learn about ancient brewing traditions.

Don't miss a chance to also dive into the local heritage by visiting an authentic Aukstaitija homestead, which includes a two-sided residential house, a working forge, an ancient granary, stables, an ancient swing well, a cellar and a bath house; here is where nationally-acclaimed authentic Birzi beer is brewed.

Biržai - Anykščiai - Vilnius

Day 13: A magical day in the treetops of Anyksciai

On your way back to Vilnius, today you'll stop in the pine-filled woods of Anyksciai Regional Park to walk the treetop path - a unique architectural feature and one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Lithuania. After all, where else would you have the opportunity to walk amongst treetops at a height of more than 20m? An unforgettable journey awaits on this path that rises steadily and culminates with views across the valley of the Holy River - which you'll get to take in from atop a 34m-high observation tower.

Back in Vilnius, return your rental car and check into your hotel to relax. Be sure to make the most of your last few hours in Lithuania - fill them with history, culture, flavours and fun!

Vilnius

Day 14: Farewell, Lithuania!

After a final night's rest in Vilnius, enjoy breakfast and make your way back to the airport for your return flight home.