📍 Lithuania

LITHUANIA DISCOVERY: BAROQUE SPIRES, SACRED HILLS AND DUNES

Baroque spires piercing gray skies, crosses covering sacred hills, shifting dunes along the Baltic. Lithuania, layers of faith and beauty.

≈ 4
Days
358
Km
4
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander through Vilnius and its baroque old town set on cobblestones, then take the road to Šiauliai and its striking Hill of Crosses. Explore Kaunas and its interwar architecture, before ending at Nida on the Curonian Spit, between shifting dunes and cold Baltic light.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Vilnius

baroque old town cobblestone courtyards unfold

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3 photos
Day 1
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Discover

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Jour 1: Explore Vilnius Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has preserved its remarkable medieval layout despite centuries of conflict and destruction. This atmospheric Old Town showcases an impressive architectural tapestry blending Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and classical styles across its winding cobblestone streets. The concentration of historic buildings within such a compact area makes Vilnius one of the best-preserved medieval urban centers in Eastern Europe.
2
Jour 1: Marvel at the stunning St. Anne's Church, a Gothic masterpiece of red brick architecture that has stood for over 500 years. Adjacent stands the St. Francis of Assisi (Bernardine) Church, creating an impressive ecclesiastical ensemble. Legend holds that Napoleon was so enchanted by St. Anne's beauty that he wished to carry it back to Paris in the palm of his hand.
3
Jour 1: Pass through the Gate of Dawn, the only surviving gate of the original city wall and home to a revered icon of the Virgin Mary that draws pilgrims from across the Catholic world. This 16th-century gate once formed part of the city's defensive fortifications and now stands as both a religious shrine and architectural landmark. The chapel above the gate houses the miraculous painting venerated for centuries.
4
Jour 1: Wander along Pilies Street, the main artery of Vilnius Old Town connecting the Cathedral to the Gate of Dawn through the historic heart of the city. This vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare is lined with baroque buildings housing cafés, galleries, and shops selling amber and Lithuanian crafts. Street musicians and outdoor art exhibitions bring this ancient route to life throughout the year.
+5 Places visited
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Activities

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Jour 1: Join a walking or cycling tour with local guides to uncover hidden stories and fascinating history beyond the main tourist sites. Expert guides reveal the layers of Vilnius history, from medieval grand dukes to Soviet occupation and the singing revolution that led to independence. These tours provide invaluable context that transforms a simple sightseeing walk into a deeper understanding of Lithuanian culture and resilience.
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Jour 2: Rent a rowing boat or kayak to explore the stunning lake landscape surrounding Trakai Castle from the water. The area encompasses over 30 lakes connected by channels, creating a unique aquatic environment perfect for peaceful paddling. Gliding across Lake Galvė offers the most spectacular perspectives of the castle rising from its island setting.
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Jour 2: Soar above Trakai in a hot air balloon for an unforgettable aerial perspective of the castle, lakes, and surrounding forests. From above, the full beauty of this lake district reveals itself as a patchwork of water, islands, and forests stretching to the horizon. This magical experience provides photographs and memories that last a lifetime.
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Next stop
Distance: 28 km
Travel time: 35min
2
Day

Kaunas

interwar architecture art deco boulevards shine

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Day 2
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Discover

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Discover Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city set dramatically at the confluence of the nation's two mightiest rivers, the Nemunas and Neris. This historic city dating back to the 14th century served as Lithuania's temporary capital during the interwar period when Vilnius was under Polish control. Recently designated as a European Capital of Culture, Kaunas has undergone a remarkable renaissance that continues to transform its cultural landscape.
2
Explore Kaunas Old Town, a compact historic quarter where medieval streets open onto charming squares lined with Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The Town Hall Square, dominated by the elegant white 'Swan' Town Hall, has served as the city's heart for centuries. Surrounding streets reveal hidden churches, merchants' houses, and courtyards that whisper stories of the city's prosperous trading past.
3
Visit Kaunas Castle, one of the earliest stone fortifications in Lithuania, built in the mid-14th century to defend against the Teutonic Knights. Though partially ruined, the surviving tower and walls powerfully evoke the medieval conflicts that shaped Lithuanian history. The castle's strategic position at the river confluence underscores its military importance in defending the realm.
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Activities

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Stroll along Laisvės Alėja (Liberty Avenue), one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe stretching 1.6 kilometers through the heart of modern Kaunas. This elegant tree-lined boulevard connects the Old Town with the New Town, passing historic buildings, shops, and vibrant cafés. The avenue pulses with local life, offering an authentic glimpse into contemporary Lithuanian urban culture.
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Next stop
Distance: 150 km
Travel time: 1h50
3
Day

Siauliai

hill of crosses devotion wind whispers

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Day 3
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Discover

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Experience the Hill of Crosses, one of the most extraordinary and spiritually powerful sites in the world, where hundreds of thousands of crosses cover a small hill in the Lithuanian countryside. This remarkable place began in the early 19th century when people placed crosses to commemorate loved ones who died in uprisings against the Russian Tsar. Despite repeated Soviet attempts to destroy it-removing crosses, closing roads, even trying to flood the area-the faithful continued placing crosses under cover of darkness, transforming the hill into an enduring symbol of resistance and faith.
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Witness the incredible density and variety of crosses in all shapes and sizes, from tiny crucifixes to elaborate wooden sculptures several meters tall. The site became an important pilgrimage destination after Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here in 1993, further cementing its significance in Catholic tradition. Walking among the countless crosses, rosaries, and religious statues creates an overwhelming sensory and spiritual experience unlike any other place on earth.
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Activities

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Take time to absorb the profound atmosphere of this unique sacred site, where faith and history intertwine in the most tangible way imaginable. Many visitors choose to add their own cross to the collection, continuing a tradition that spans over two centuries. The Hill of Crosses stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Lithuanian people and their unwavering commitment to religious freedom.
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Next stop
Distance: 180 km
Travel time: 2h20
4
Day

Nida

curonian spit shifting dunes baltic shore

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Day 4
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Discover

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Explore the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's most unique natural phenomena-a narrow sand-dune peninsula stretching 98 kilometers between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. This remarkable landform, ranging from just 400 meters to 4 kilometers in width, supports only a handful of villages surrounded by endless forests and dramatic shifting dunes. The Curonian Spit feels like a place where time has stood still, offering landscapes found nowhere else on the continent.
2
Climb Parnidis Dune near Nida, one of the most impressive sand formations on the Curonian Spit rising up to 52 meters above sea level. The panoramic views from the summit encompass the vast lagoon, the Baltic Sea, and the forested dunes stretching toward the Russian border. A striking sundial sculpture marks the highest point, creating an iconic landmark against the ever-shifting sands.
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Discover the Grey Dunes (also called Dead Dunes or Agilos Dune) in the Naglių Nature Reserve, haunting sand formations that once buried entire villages beneath their advancing masses. Following intensive logging in the 17th and 18th centuries, these dunes began migrating inland, swallowing settlements in their path. Today, continuous stabilization efforts preserve this ever-evolving landscape, where the power of nature remains dramatically visible.
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Activities

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Walk through the pristine pine forests that anchor the dunes and provide habitat for diverse wildlife on this fragile peninsula. The contrast between dense woodland and open sand creates a surreal environment that shifts with the seasons and the winds. These forests represent centuries of careful management to prevent the dunes from consuming the entire spit.
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Explore the charming fishing village of Nida, the largest settlement on the Lithuanian portion of the Curonian Spit, with its traditional wooden houses and colorful weathervanes. This picturesque village has attracted artists and writers for over a century, including Thomas Mann who built a summer home here. The peaceful atmosphere and unique light quality continue to inspire visitors from around the world.

🗺️ Itinerary map

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Peak season offers the warmest weather (18-25°C), longest daylight hours, and best conditions for outdoor activities, festivals, and beach visits along the Baltic coast. Tourist crowds are highest during July and August, resulting in increased accommodation prices and advance booking requirements for popular destinations. The famous White Nights phenomenon provides nearly 19 hours of daylight in June, perfect for extensive sightseeing and cultural activities. This period sees numerous outdoor festivals, concerts, and cultural events throughout the country.

Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures (8-18°C) and blooming landscapes make this an excellent time for city exploration and countryside visits with fewer crowds and moderate accommodation prices. The weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain, but the emerging greenery and comfortable temperatures create ideal conditions for walking tours and outdoor activities. Many attractions reopen after winter closures, while restaurants extend outdoor seating as temperatures warm.

Autumn (September-October): Cool temperatures (10-16°C) and stunning fall foliage create spectacular scenery for photography and outdoor activities, while tourist crowds diminish significantly after summer. This season offers excellent value with lower accommodation prices and authentic local experiences as daily life returns to normal post-tourist season. Weather remains generally stable in September but becomes increasingly unpredictable in October with more frequent rain.

Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures (-5 to 3°C) transform Lithuania into a winter wonderland with potential snow, Christmas markets, and cozy indoor cultural activities. This low season offers the best accommodation deals and intimate experiences with local culture, though daylight hours are severely limited (as few as 6 hours in December). Winter activities include ice skating, traditional saunas, and exploring Lithuania's rich indoor cultural attractions without summer crowds.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 3 and 5 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Lithuania?

Baltic gem with medieval heritage, beautiful forests, and authentic European culture. Experience Vilnius charm, traditional crafts, and Baltic Sea coastline. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and historical significance. Lithuania provides authentic Baltic experiences with cultural richness and natural wonders.