Trails, wheels & waterways of Lithuania

Vilnius

Day 1: Welcome to Lithuania!

Welcome to Vilnius! Magnificent Baroque churches, winding streets, and one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe are just a few of the characteristics of this wonderful Lithuanian destination, which is also a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage site.

Upon your arrival into the capital, make your way to the hotel for check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure, finding your bearings and exploring key sights.

Vilnius

Day 2: Experience Vilnius on two wheels

Tuck into breakfast at your hotel, and enjoy a tour of the city by bike. Vilnius stretches between hills, and with this mode of transport you can easily explore the old town and other intriguing areas beyond. Spend the evening at leisure, ticking sights and wonderful foodie experiences off your must-do list, before an overnight stay back at the hotel.

Trakai

Day 3: Your self-drive adventure begins

After breakfast, pick up your rental car to begin your self-drive journey around the most beautiful places in Lithuania.

Start off by making tracks for the nearby city of Trakai, where lakes, forests and two ancient castles await your visit. This fascinating place dates back to the times of the Grand Dukes, and was once the capital of Lithuania. Nowadays it's full of activities for history- and outdoor-lovers: you can ride a bike around the lakes, take a boat ride across serene waters, or enjoy a walk along scenic trails. Check into your hotel here for an overnight stay.

Trakai - Kernave - Anykščiai

Day 4: A stay amidst nature in Anyksciai

After breakfast, pack up and drive north of Lithuania towards the coast. You'll make a stop at the UNESCO-listed Kernave archaeological site, where the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was established in the 13th century. From atop its five hillforts, soak up views of one of the most beautiful landscapes in Lithuania, which inspired the country's rulers centuries ago.

Continue on to Anyksciai, a small and cosy town steeped in nature. The local Treetop Walking Path is a must-visit, offering spectacular views of the surrounding pinewood forest. Check into your hotel here for an overnight stay, and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

Anykščiai - Pakruojis

Day 5: Explore the grounds of Pakruojis Manor

Continue your journey to Pakruojis Manor, the largest manor in Lithuania. Take a stroll through its park, explore intriguing structures, and cross the only dolomite-arched bridge in all of Lithuania. The ensemble of Pakruojis Manor's homestead differs stylistically from other Lithuanian manors. Here you will find an ornate two-storey palace at the heart of the estate grounds, and landscaped gardens inspired by English traditions. Take your time to visit at your own pace, before checking into your hotel in Pakruojis for an overnight stay.

Pakruojis - Jurgaiciai - Klaipeda

Day 6: Journey to the port city of Klaipeda

After breakfast, continue your drive towards the seaside. En-route you'll stop at the Hill of Crosses, a sacred site where people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds have been adding crosses to the ground from the 19th century.

It's then on to Klaipeda, a coastal port city that was once part of Germany. Still known to many as Memel, it showcases strong architectural influences from this period, particularly in its half-timbered houses built by the Germans. Enjoy an excursion into the Old Town, and check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Klaipeda - The Curonian Spit

Day 7: The wonders of the Curonian Spit

After breakfast, leave Klaipeda behind for a drive to the Curonian Spit, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List for being one of the most unique landscapes in Europe. Sprawled across a narrow peninsula, the national park's main features include the Hill of Witches, a stone sculpture park, one of the largest cormorant colonies in Europe, and the Dead Dunes valley.

Spend some time sightseeing in Nida, a local village lined with wooden fishermen's houses. Visit the Amber Gallery Museum and hike to your heart's content through pine forests and dunes, before settling down in Nida for an overnight stay.

The Curonian Spit

Day 8: Explore pine forests by bike

The Curonian Spit is a great place for active recreation. A day trip through its pine forests by bike will delight active explorers; enjoy wonderful views and the fresh coastal breeze, and explore cosy fishing villages along the way. You could stop for lunch at a local restaurant on the shore of the Curonian Lagoon, and in the evening, take a boat ride along the same lagoon to witness the incredible sunset. Overnight in Nida.

The Curonian Spit - Vilnius

Day 9: A final day of exploring in Vilnius

Bid farewell to Lithuania's coastline today: after breakfast, you'll pack up and drive back to the capital, where you'll return your rental car. On your last full day in this extraordinary country, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the thrills of Vilnius - whether you're a history-buff, a foodie or a culure vulture, be sure to make the most of your last hours here.

Vilnius

Day 10: Goodbye, Lithuania

Your trip has sadly come to an end: after breakfast, make your way back to the airport for your return flight home, filled with memories of your unforgettable active escape.