Lithuania tour highlights
Lithuania is as naturally beautiful as it is traditional and spiritual. This is a place where amber sparkles on the beaches and woodlands shield mythical statues. In the cities you’ll find cobble-stoned charm and wood-carved buildings.
We have a choice of tours in Lithuania, whether you’d prefer to dedicate your trip to cycling around the beautiful Baltic States or discover the region and its cultural capitals in depth. Our tours offer a wide range of immersive experiences across Lithuania and the Baltic countries, but some of the top highlights include:
Vilnius
Lithuania’s capital city, Vilnius, is blessed with an Old Town so authentic it doesn’t appear to have changed – its Baroque and Gothic churches are so well preserved. On a warm midsummer evening the city takes on an ethereal golden glow, its cobblestone streets lit with the endless sun. The city makes the perfect introduction to the Baltic States and its delicious cuisine; many visitors to the north are surprised by the quality and provenance of the food here, which is mainly locally sourced or even foraged. Before exploring Vilnius, take the time to try the city’s hearty soups, casseroles and beers – perhaps chased down with herbal liquor. You’ll need your strength for a walking tour of Vilnius on our Baltic Capital Cities tour: the pebbled streets are long and winding and will take you between fancy churches to the Jesuits-founded university, the main shopping area and on our December departure, the Christmas market, which is centre around the Cathedral Square. A trip to the former KGB HQ sheds light on the country’s Soviet rule.
Curonian Spit National Park
Search for birdlife amongst twisted-tree forests and walk along the golden sand dunes of Curonian Spit National Park on our Baltic Republics Tour. At over 98 km long, this slender stretch of sand separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea with its southern half lying within Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast. Alternatively you could cycle alongside Curonian Lagoon on our Cycling the Baltic States tour, or walk through the dunes and pine forest on the Lithuania walking trip. Head into the emerald-green forests to visit a mythical wooden sculpture on the ‘Hill of Witches’ and look out for roaming moose, wild boar and various bird species within the enchanted woodland. Learn about how local communities adapt to the ever-evolving landscape as the dunes erode and drift with the changing weather patterns, and search for a nugget of amber as you meander along the wild and windswept golden-sand beaches.
Trakai Castle
Set upon an island in the beautiful topaz-blue waters of Lake Galvė, Trakai Castle is the former base of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The turreted red-brick castle looks like something out of a fairytale and dates back to the 14th century. Join our Baltic Capital Cities Tour and go back in time as you walk across the wooden bridges that lead to the castle’s gated archway. Pass through to the vast inner courtyard to discover a bygone medieval era and take some time to look around the castle’s extensive museum exhibits. Learn about the tremendous significance of Trakai to Lithuania’s history, and view ancient possessions of the people who used to live here including old coins, watches, medals, furniture, glassworks and armour.
Solo travel in Lithuania
All of our trips to Lithuania are suitable for solo travellers and depending on the tour around half of our customers travel solo. You certainly won't be the only person travelling on your own, and you’ll also have the opportunity to meet like-minded travellers to share in your experiences.
Best time to go to Lithuania
Lithuania’s main season runs from late April through to early October. In the height of summer, bright sunshine and clear sunny skies are plentiful, but be sure to take some layers and a jacket as the weather can be variable at any time of year. The locals always make the most of this short burst of good weather with sociable alfresco dining and the Summer solstice is celebrated with enthusiasm and pagan rituals.
Visit in the Springtime to see the alpine forests, cobalt-blue lakes and vast countryside bloom into life after a long, harsh winter. Or head to Lithuania in Autumn to see a spectacular display of burnt orange leaves flowing through the valleys.
Although a trip in winter will be bitterly cold, you’ll be treated to winter wonderland scenes of snow-dusted forests, glistening frozen lakes and medieval turrets draped in festive fairy lights.