5 days in Lithuania: touring Vilnius & beyond
Welcome to Lithuania! This 5-day trip to the capital Vilnius brings you to the tranquility of Baltic nature and the beauty of this medieval city. You'll discover the highlights of Vilnius and also find more gems of Lithuania, like Trakai. You'll visit this handsome fortification, the standout landmark of the region, built in the latter half of the 14th century in Gothic style. You'll see Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania. You'll also visit the Hill of Crosses, one of the holiest Catholic sites in the country and experience the lifestyle of local people by taking part in cultural experiences, including a cookery class.
Services
Included:
- 4 x nights in centrally located hotels with breakfast
- English-speaking tour leader throughout the programme
- Private transport as per programme
- Walking tours in Vilnius, Trakai, Kaunas and Siauliai
- Cepelinai culinary masterclass and traditional Lithuanian dinner
- Entrance to Vilnius University historical complex, Trakai Castle, Aleksotas Funicular and Pakruojis Manor
Excluded:
- Drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Extra meals
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Airlines/local taxes
- Bank transfer fees
- Tips
Optional:
- Upgrade your room to Superior Class (EUR 200 per room)
Itinerary at a Glance
Vilnius
Welcome to Lithuania!
Vilnius - Trakai
A medieval journey
Kaunas - Kernave
A day of heritage
Siauliai - Hill Of Crosses - Pakruojis Manor
Step back in time
Vilnius Airport
Farewell Lithuania!
Detailed Itinerary
Vilnius
Day 1: Welcome to Lithuania!
Kickstart your Lithuanian adventure in the charismatic capital, Vilnius! Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the capital, so you can check in to your hotel. Then it's time to discover the city. Perched on the banks of the Neris River, Vilnius boasts a heritage dating back to the 14th century. It's a city where cultures intertwine, drawing people from Poland to Eurasia. Many came for the prestigious Vilnius University, founded in the 16th century, which stood as a beacon of learning in Europe.
As you explore the city, you'll step through layers of history. From Napoleon to Hitler, with a stint under Russian rule post-WWII, until its triumphant secession from the Soviet Union in 1990, Vilnius' story is both tumultuous and triumphant. Explore its rich tapestry with us.
Vilnius - Trakai
Day 2: A medieval journey
After breakfast, you'll step into Lithuania's history on a guided tour through Vilnius. Admire the grand Cathedral Square, housing Lithuania's premier Catholic church, consecrated in 1783.
Our journey unfolds to take in the Gediminas Tower, St Anne’s Church, the enchanting Gate of Dawn and other landmarks that paint a vivid picture of history. We end the walk at Vilnius University, the Baltic's oldest academic institution.
In the afternoon, we venture to Trakai, the medieval capital nestled on Lake Galvė, both a town of 5,000 and a national park. Trakai Castle, a red brick and stone Gothic-style marvel from the late 14th century, reigns here.
Participate in a hands-on Lithuanian cooking class, where you’ll learn to make cepelinas, a hearty potato pie with fillings like meat or cottage cheese. Savour it in a traditional Lithuanian dinner, a delicious end to your day.
Kaunas - Kernave
Day 3: A day of heritage
This morning, your driver will collect you after breakfast, to embark on a captivating journey west from Vilnius to Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city.
En route, discover Kernavė, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 13th century, once the medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Explore an ancient human settlement's ruins dating back to 9000 BCE.
Arriving in Kaunas, we explore the Old Town on a guided walking tour. Immerse yourself in history at landmarks like Town Hall Square and the 15th-century Gothic marvel, the House of Perkunas. Your day concludes with the finest city panorama: ascend Aleksotas Hill by foot or the Aleksotas Funicular.
Afterwards, we head back to Vilnius, where the rest of the night is yours to relax or explore the capital further.
Siauliai - Hill Of Crosses - Pakruojis Manor
Day 4: Step back in time
This morning we set off to Šiauliai, Lithuania's fourth-largest city.
Begin with a stop at the Hill of Crosses, a sacred Catholic site adorned with over 100,000 crosses, crucifixes and statues of the Virgin Mary. Since 1830, pilgrims have contributed these symbols, making it a testament to Lithuania's history and resilience against Russian forces.
Continue your journey to Pakruojis Manor, one of the Baltic States' grandest and most stunning estates. Step back in time to the 19th century, exploring lavish interiors, beautiful gardens, beer breweries, distilleries – you can even consult a fortune teller.
As the day unfolds, pass through Aukstaitija National Park, Lithuania's oldest, celebrated for its serene lakes and rolling hills. Arrive back in Vilnius in the late afternoon for an evening in the city.
Vilnius Airport
Day 5: Farewell Lithuania!
Today it's time to say farewell to Lithuania. Your driver will arrive after breakfast to take you back to the airport for your onward flight and journey home.
