The Width of Lithe Lithuania

With one of the oldest surviving Old Town neighborhoods in Europe, as well as a collection of classic architecture from Baroque to Gothic and everything in between, Vilnius is sure to astound you. Walking around the city and marveling at the sites is a pleasure in itself, but there’s much more to do here because Vilnius is also a vibrant cultural epicenter, with concerts and art exhibitions happening regularly. There are also numerous outdoor activities and day trips to enjoy while you stay in the city. It might surprise you, but hot air balloons are a popular pastime in and around Vilnius, and the city is one of the few in Europe that allows hot air balloons to float directly over the city, so you’re guaranteed a spectacular view whether you opt for a flight over the city or nearby Trakai. There’s also a rich Jewish heritage to explore here, including the former synagogue and the larger and smaller ghetto. We’d also recommend delving into the darker areas of the city’s past and exploring the communist era and the history of the KGB in Vilnius at the KGB Museum. Don’t miss Uzupis, a bohemian neighborhood of galleries, restaurants, and cafes that doubles as a tongue-in-cheek sovereign state, complete with its own charming constitution, three-boat navy, and flags (one per season).

Is an atmospheric port city that features a variety of beautiful architecture that attests to its history as a meeting place for various cultures. Here you’ll see evidence of historic influence from Prussia, and also countries farther east. The city wasn’t incorporated into Lithuania until 1945, so its past is as rich and varied as it is long. Klaipeda’s Old Town is particularly interesting, with picturesque Germanic architecture known as Fachwerk, or half-timbered. But it isn’t all past history here. Close to Old Town you’ll also find numerous bars, restaurants and cafes to enjoy, as well as a ferris wheel that will afford you lovely views over the Baltic and the urban landscape. You’ll definitely want to sample some of the local seafood. It doesn’t get any fresher! After exploring the city on foot, either on your own or with the help of a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll want to go farther afield. Hop aboard a ferry to the Curonian Spit, a sand dune spit that features incredible beaches. Here you can enjoy the natural landscape as well as get a taste of local history, as the Nobel-Prize-winning German writer Thomas Mann had his summer home here, which is now a venerable museum. Klaipeda is a unique destination with an atmospheric charm you’ll love exploring at your own pace.

Kaunas is often referred to as a city of museums, and it’s easy to see why. History really comes alive here, with monuments and museums scattered throughout the town. The city has played a central role in numerous episodes in Lithuanian history, from even before the time it was the capital of the First Republic of Lithuania between World War I and II. Before World War II, about a quarter of the city’s population was Jewish, so there’s also rich Jewish heritage to explore. That long and varied history has also brought an eclecticism to the local architecture, including the charming Old Town, the functionalist designs of New Town, Soviet-era buildings and more modern constructions. There’s so much to do in the city, from exploring the bustling streets and quaint cafes, to enjoying local gastronomy. We recommend a private tour with a local guide to see the sites and get your bearings. You’ll definitely want to ride one of the two funicular railways to get a picture-perfect view over the city. For a nice day trip you can take in Rumsiskes, a UNESCO-listed village where you’ll find historic wooden dwellings representing the entire country.