LITHUANIA: DISCOVER ONE OF EUROPE'S BEST-KEPT SECRETS
Where Ancient Castles Meet Modern Startups
July 20-26, 2026 | 12 Travelers | 7 Days/6 Nights
While tourists crowd into Western Europe’s well-worn paths, Lithuania remains one of the continent’s most exciting discoveries — a country where medieval castles rise from misty lakes, baroque churches rival Rome’s finest, and a thriving tech ecosystem is earning comparisons to Silicon Valley.
This is a land where you can float over a UNESCO World Heritage capital in a hot air balloon, drive a Soviet tank through the forest, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants in a 17th-century building — all in the same week.
Lithuania surprises everyone who visits. The capital, Vilnius, boasts the largest baroque Old Town in Northern Europe, yet permits hot air balloon flights directly overhead — something only a handful of capitals allow.
Medieval Grand Dukes once ruled an empire stretching from Baltic to Black Sea, and their palaces, towers, and crypts tell stories of power, intrigue, and unexpected alliances. The forests and lakes seem endless, offering a tranquility that feels increasingly rare in modern Europe.
But Lithuania isn’t just about the past. Vilnius has earned recognition as a rising tech hub, with a thriving startup ecosystem and progressive digital infrastructure that makes Estonia’s e-residency program look ordinary.
The restaurant scene punches well above its weight, with multiple Michelin-starred establishments transforming local ingredients into world-class cuisine. And the people — resilient, fiercely independent — welcome visitors with genuine hospitality rather than tourist-industry polish.
This carefully crafted journey takes you deep into Lithuania’s many layers.
You’ll wake up in a room overlooking Cathedral Square, descend into royal crypts, take a boat cruise on river Neris, and drive a tank.
You’ll sit down with the entrepreneurs and innovators building Lithuania’s reputation as Eastern Europe’s rising tech hub, gaining insights into investment opportunities and digital innovation.
You’ll spend two nights in Kaunas—Lithuania’s second city and interwar capital—exploring Art Deco architecture, WWII history at IX Fort, and taste mead the way Baltic tribes drank it a millennium ago.
You’ll visit Trakai’s fairy-tale island castle and taste traditional Karaim pastries.
From the cobblestoned streets of Vilnius to the island castle at Trakai, from the sobering cells of a KGB prison to palaces and crypts, this is Lithuania as few ever experience it — intimate, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.
Please note that the itinerary below is subject to change. Depending on the weather each day, we may need to make minor adjustments to outdoor activities.
Preliminary Itinerary
DAY 1: MONDAY, JULY 20
Welcome to Lithuania: Cathedral Views & Your First Evening
Your Lithuanian adventure begins at Grand Hotel Vilnius — a five-star property occupying the most coveted address in the Baltic states. Your Cathedral View room overlooks the stunning baroque Cathedral Square and Gediminas Tower, placing you literally at the heart of UNESCO-listed Old Town.
We suggest arriving no later than lunchtime on July 20 so you can make the most of the afternoon ahead.
After checking in, the group sets off in the early afternoon for Gediminas Castle and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Perched on a hilltop above the city, the castle is the enduring symbol of Vilnius — and of Lithuania itself.
The Palace below it tells the story of the Grand Duchy at its most powerful, when this small nation held sway over a territory stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea.
In the late afternoon, we will board a catamaran cruise along the Neris River — a leisurely hour on the water that frames the Old Town from a perspective few visitors get to see.
With some time back at the hotel to freshen up, the day closes with the welcome dinner at Ertlio Namas. One of Vilnius’s most storied and atmospheric restaurants, set within a historic Old Town building dating back centuries, the kitchen draws on Lithuanian culinary heritage as far back as the 16th century.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio by Hilton
DAY 2: TUESDAY, JULY 21
Floating Above Vilnius — Hot Air Balloon, Medieval Streets, and More
The day begins with a proper breakfast before heading out for a morning walking tour through the heart of Vilnius.
With an expert guide, you’ll wind through the cobblestoned streets of the Old Town, discover the bohemian Užupis district — a neighborhood that famously declared itself an independent republic, complete with its own constitution — and explore Paupys, one of the city’s most interesting urban renewal stories.
The tour also takes in the University Tower, with its sweeping views over the rooftops, and St. Anne’s Church, the Gothic masterpiece Napoleon reportedly wanted to carry back to Paris “in the palm of his hand.”
Lunch follows at Bernelių Užeiga on Pilies Street — medieval cellars, game meats, and traditional Lithuanian dishes that transport you back centuries.
The afternoon continues the walking tour, giving the city time to reveal itself at a slower pace before you head back to the hotel for a rest and to freshen up.
As the sun begins its descent, the group gathers for snacks and drinks along Pilies Street — one of Old Town’s most atmospheric stretches — before a short drive to the take-off spot for the day’s centerpiece: a hot air balloon flight over Vilnius at sunset.
There are only a handful of capital cities in the world where this is possible, and seen from above at golden hour, Vilnius is extraordinary — red-tiled roofs, church spires, the Cathedral Square, the river bending through the trees.
The flight runs well into the evening, and by the time you’re back at the hotel, the city will feel like yours.
For those not ready to call it a night, optional late drinks and snacks round out the evening.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio by Hilton
DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
From Medieval Glory of Trakai to Historic Crypts and Michelin Dining
Today, after a leisurely breakfast, you will take a half day trip to Trakai, a small town just about a 30-minute drive from Vilnius.
Here, you’ll visit the iconic medieval island castle — once the residence of Grand Duke Vytautas — set on the serene waters of Lake Galvė. The restored fortress and its surrounding landscape of forests and lakes offer one of Lithuania’s most picturesque scenes.
Lunch follows at Senoji Kibininė, where you’ll discover the traditions of the Karaim people — a small Turkic community brought to Lithuania in the 14th century. Their signature kibinai pastries and centuries-old stories provide a unique window into Lithuania’s multicultural heritage.
Back at the hotel in the mid-afternoon, you’ll have time to rest before an optional visit to the Cathedral crypts and royal mausoleum — underground chambers, dimly lit and ancient, holding the remains of Grand Dukes, queens, and nobles of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Those who prefer a quieter afternoon are welcome to skip this one.
The evening is the culinary highlight of the trip. A short walk from the hotel brings you to Džiaugsmas — a restaurant that has earned its place among Europe’s most exciting dining destinations, holding a Michelin star for the third consecutive year in 2026. The kitchen works at the intersection of modern Nordic and Lithuanian sensibilities, drawing on foraged ingredients, fermentation, and a deep respect for the seasons to create dishes that feel both rooted and quietly radical.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio by Hilton
DAY 4: THURSDAY, JULY 23
KGB Museum and Your Journey to Kaunas, Lithuania’s Interwar Capital
The morning begins early, with a quick trip after breakfast to one of Vilnius’s most sobering and significant sites: the KGB Museum, also known as the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights.
Housed in the actual building that served as KGB headquarters during the Soviet occupation, it contains the original detention cells, interrogation rooms, and execution chamber used against Lithuanian citizens.
It is not an easy visit — but it is an important one, and it reframes much of what you’ve seen and heard over the previous days.
We will then return to the hotel to pack up and check out before hitting the road.
The drive west to Kaunas — Lithuania’s second city and its interwar capital — takes just over an hour.
Lunch in Kaunas is at Momo Grill, one of the city’s most acclaimed addresses, before checking in to the Radisson Kaunas for the next two nights.
In the afternoon, you may choose to discover more of Kaunas on foot during a guided walking tour, or take some time to unwind at the hotel before drinks and dinner.
Dinner is at Piano Piano — a Kaunas favorite known for its warm atmosphere and confident, ingredient-led cooking. The evening closes with drinks at Knygnešys, a bar with real character that makes for a fitting nightcap in this underrated city.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Radisson Hotel Kaunas
DAY 5: FRIDAY, JULY 24
Kaunas: WWII History, Kaunas at Leasure, and Culinary Brilliance
After breakfast, you will explore IX Fort, part of Kaunas’s historic fortress complex, now a museum and memorial dedicated to the turbulent 20th century. It’s a place of reflection — somber but deeply meaningful, offering insight into Lithuania’s path toward independence.
For lunch, we will visit Avilys Brewery, a cozy restaurant set in vaulted cellars, where you’ll sample traditional dishes alongside a tasting of Lithuanian brews, including their mead beer. Each variety tells a story of local craftsmanship and heritage.
The afternoon is yours. Rest, wander, explore at your own pace — Kaunas rewards unhurried walking, and there is no shortage of cafés, bookshops, and quiet streets to discover on your own terms.
As evening falls, you will have dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant Dia, where contemporary European cuisine meets Lithuanian creativity.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Radisson Hotel Kaunas
DAY 6: SATURDAY, JULY 25
Art Deco Museum, Return to The Capital City, More Culinary Adventures
The morning begins with a private tour of the Art Deco Museum — a fitting farewell to Kaunas, the city that wore modernism like a second skin during its years as provisional capital. The collection and the architecture around it tell the story of a brief, confident era when Lithuania looked west and built boldly. It is one of the more underappreciated gems in the Baltics, and having it to yourselves makes it all the better.
After checking out at noon, we will make a short drive to Noreikiškės for something entirely different — and arguably the most personal moment of the whole week.
You’ll be welcomed at the family home of your host Viktorija for a traditional šašlykai — the beloved Baltic and Eastern European tradition of slow-grilled marinated meats, good company, cold drinks, and no particular hurry.
This is not a restaurant experience. It is the kind of afternoon that reminds you why food and hospitality are, at their core, about people.
The drive back to Vilnius takes just over an hour, arriving in the late afternoon. You’ll check in to Hotel Pacai — a 17th-century baroque palace remodeled into a heritage boutique hotel, where period features and historic charm infuse every space — with a little time to freshen up and settle in before the evening.
Dinner is at Kristoforas, set in an elegant Old Town building, where creative local flavors meet contemporary technique — a refined close to a week of exceptional eating.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Pacai, Vilnius
DAY 7: SUNDAY, JULY 27
Farewell to Lithuania: Driving a Tank and Until We Meet Again
The week closes with one last breakfast at Hotel Pacai before a morning that offers two very different ways to say goodbye to Lithuania.
For those who want to go out with a bang — quite literally — the group has organized a private military experience on the outskirts of Vilnius. Professional instructors will guide you through firing an AK-47, a Glock 17 pistol, and a pump-action shotgun.
But the main event is climbing into the driver’s seat of a British FV432 tracked armored personnel carrier and navigating it through a rugged off-road course. It is simultaneously ridiculous, exhilarating, and oddly satisfying — and an unexpectedly memorable final morning in the Baltics.
For those who prefer a quieter send-off, there is time for one last walk through the Old Town, a final coffee on Cathedral Square, or simply a few unhurried moments with the city before the journey home.
After returning to the hotel to collect luggage and check out, departures continue throughout the day.
The week feels like it passed in a moment — hot air balloons at sunset, medieval castles rising from lake waters, baroque monasteries, a family barbecue in the countryside, and evenings filled with stories and remarkable food.
Your Accommodations
Occupying the most prestigious address in the Baltic states — directly on Cathedral Square — this five-star property (formerly Grand Hotel Kempinski, rebranded by Hilton in 2024) offers Cathedral View rooms where you wake up to one of Europe’s most beautiful baroque squares. The hotel features restaurants and bars, an indoor heated pool, a luxury spa, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic Old Town views. You’re a two-minute walk from the cathedral, the perfect position for your late-night crypt tour. This is location and luxury combined.
Located in the heart of Kaunas, Radisson Hotel offers consistent suite accommodations perfect for your group of 12. The property features spacious suites with separate living areas, a full-service spa, fine dining restaurant, and modern amenities while maintaining proximity to Kaunas Old Town and Laisvės Alėja. The hotel’s professional service standards and uniform room categories ensure every group member enjoys the same level of comfort and luxury. Its central location provides easy access to the Art Deco district, museums, and restaurants while offering the reliability and consistency expected from a luxury hotel group.
Your final night brings you to this extraordinary conversion of a 17th-century baroque palace. Each room tells a story through preserved architectural details, period touches, and contemporary luxury. The hotel’s spa, Restaurant Pacai, and intimate scale create a boutique experience that contrasts beautifully with the Grand Hotel’s contemporary grandeur. Located just five minutes’ walk from Cathedral Square, it’s the perfect bookend to your Lithuanian journey — sleeping in a palace where nobles once plotted and celebrated.
Useful Information
Weather and Clothing
Late July in Lithuania brings pleasant summer weather, with average daytime temperatures in Vilnius and Kaunas ranging from 68-77°F (20-25°C). Evenings can be cooler, dropping to around 55-60°F (13-16°C), so you’ll want to bring layers.
Summer in the Baltics can be unpredictable—while we hope for sunny days, brief rain showers are always possible. The weather is generally mild and comfortable for walking tours and outdoor activities.
What to Pack:
- Smart casual/formal attire for Michelin-starred restaurants (Džiaugsmas, Dia, Nineteen18, Monte Pacis). Men may want to bring dress pants and collared shirts or blazers; women should pack dresses or elegant separates. While Lithuanian fine dining is not overly formal, these establishments maintain high standards.
- Comfortable walking shoes with good support—you’ll be exploring cobblestoned Old Towns in both Vilnius and Kaunas, climbing church towers, and touring castle grounds.
- Layering pieces including a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings, especially for the sunrise hot air balloon flight and evening strolls through Old Town.
- A lightweight rain jacket and an umbrella—summer showers can appear quickly.
- Athletic/comfortable clothing for the tank driving and shooting experience (Thursday, July 23). You’ll be climbing into military vehicles and spending time outdoors, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dusty or dirty. Closed-toe shoes there will be required.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sunhat, and sunscreen for outdoor activities and boat cruise.
- Casual daywear for sightseeing, museums, and more relaxed restaurant meals.
Lithuania’s summer days are long—sunrise around 5 AM and sunset after 9:30 PM—giving you plenty of daylight to explore!
Electrical Outlets
Lithuania uses the European standard Type C and Type F electrical outlets (the two round-pin plugs), with a voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. If you’re traveling from the United States, Canada, or other countries that use different plug types, you’ll need a travel adapter to charge your devices. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, camera chargers) are dual voltage and will work fine with just an adapter, but check your device specifications to be sure.
Includes
Accommodations:
- 3 nights at Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton (King Deluxe with Balcony/Cathedral Views)
- 2 nights at Radisson Hotel Kaunas (Junior Suite)
- 1 night at Hotel Pacai (Deluxe Rooms)
Experiences:
- Hot air balloon flight over Vilnius at sunset
- Vilnius Old Town walking tour with expert guide
- Tower of Gediminas Castle, Palace of the Grand Dukes, and KGB Museu,
- Tank driving and shooting experience (AK-47, pistol, shotgun)
- Cathedral crypts tour
- Trakai Island Castle tour
- IX Fort Museum, private Art Deco Museum tour
- Lithuanian beer tasting at Avilys Brewery
- Optional: Boat Tour on Neris River (Day 1 early arrivals)
- Multiple afternoon activity options for last afternoon in Vilnius (museums, views, shopping)
Dining:
- All meals with drinks, including high end and Michelin rated restaurants:
- Kristoforas
- Džiaugsmas
- Ertlio Namas
- Momo Grill
- Dia
- Piano Piano
- Beer tasting at Avilys
- Lunches at Bernelių Užeiga, Senoji Kibininė, Avilys
Transportation and Other:
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Private transportation throughout
- All tips and taxes
Excludes
- International airfare to/from Lithuania
- Hotel spa treatments and massages
- Any additional snacks or beverages outside of included meals
- Room service
- Any activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional cultural experiences outside the planned program
- Any pre- and post- trip extensions
Cancellation Policy
We are so excited to see the interest in this trip, and worked hard to negotiate the best price on all of these high-end experiences, exclusively for our members.
Please note that due to the nature of the trip and the size of the group, we can only allow cancellations if we can find a replacement for your spot.
Please remember to check your calendar first… Cancellations/refunds will only be issued if a replacement is found.
Price
The trip is scheduled for July 20-26, 2026.
The cost for single travelers is $6,695, while couples can join us for $10,995.
Viktorija will be accompanying you on this trip.
Please also note that spots are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
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