Lithuania Self DRIVE tour in 5 days

After arriving in Lithuania, your first stop will be Palanga – our biggest summer resort on the Baltic sea coast that was popular already in the 19th century among our nobles who were enjoying their time here. In Palanga Amber Museum you will have time to admire the museum’s extensive botanical gardens at the restored 19th-century Tiškevičiai Palace. Since the Baltic Sea coast has been a source of Eurasian amber trade since prehistoric times, there is an impressive collection of 28,000 pieces on display containing inclusions of insects, spiders, or plants.

After a short drive you will visit another gem of Lithuania’s seaside - a unique moraine ridge called the Dutchman’s cap. This 24.4 m high dune is constantly destroyed by waves and descends to the seashore at an altitude of 16-18 m. The dune is believed to be named "Dutchman’s cap" because of its resemblance to a Dutchman’s cap when viewed from the sea. The cliff overlooks the sea with steep shores and rocky beaches. From here you will enjoy a leisurely walk in a Litorina trail, where you will learn about the geological structure of the seaside, unique trees growing there and the history of the location.

The day continues with a drive to Klaipeda, where you will check in to the hotel and will have some free to settle in. In the afternoon, a local guide will show you around Klaipeda – our port city. Discover the town where German roots meet Lithuanian traditions and walk through the compact, cobblestoned Old Town to learn about its history and past as once upon a time this was a large and prosperous commercial sea port.

In the evening you will have a chance to taste traditional Lithuanian beer in an optional Brewery visit. In Svyturys brewery you will have a great opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions and process of beer production. A group of passionate brewers introduce visitors to the new styles and flavors of beers of Lithuania. Here you can find the modern craft beer line, gastrobar, shop, beer museum and degustation hall - all under the same roof.

Overnight in Klaipeda.

In the morning you will head towards the ferry port on the way to Curonian spit. Just 5 min away on the ferry and you will be moved to a totally different world - full of nature magic and cosy settlements along the route. The main sites of the 50 km Curonian Spit peninsula are Juodkrante, Hill of Witches, Cormorant colony, Grey dunes and Nida.

Juodkrante is famous for the Amber Bay - a place where amber mine was operating in the 19th century and where the famous Juodkrante amber treasure was discovered with the ancient figurines dating back to the Neolithic age. The copy of this treasure you will later see at the Amber gallery in Nida.

1 km south of Juodkrante you will pass one of the largest in Europe great cormorant and grey heron colony where an unusual setting with an apocalyptic movie-like scene is waiting for you. In fact a recent award winning documentary “Acid Forest” was filmed in this place and tells the story about this dying forest with leafless trees overtaken by thousands of ancient black birds ruining the area with their acid-fortified feces.

The other stop on the way to Nida is Pervalka Grey dunes (paid entrance, 2-5 EUR) - a white sand desert that tells a story of the settlements long gone under the moving sand. Also, do not miss Vecekrugas dune, the highest dune of Lithuanian part of the Curonian spit. You will be gifted with 360 degrees views of the vast majestic beauty.

While in Nida, you can visit a Nobel prize winning author Thomas Mann memorial museum and find out about the life and work of this famous writer.

All along the way to Nida you will be following the Baltic sea coast, so if it feels tempting, you may even have a dip in the cool Baltic Sea waves.

In the evening return to Klaipeda.

Overnight in Klaipeda.

On this day you will visit another side of the Curronian lagoon, so prepare for breathtaking views through your car’s window. Do not miss a chance to visit small, but unique villages in this region.

First stop is Dreverna with it’s harbour and viewtower where you can see sand dunes of Curronian spit from another angle. Another stop - Vente horn, where you will visit Vente Ornithology station.

For lunch, we suggest a unique place near Vente – Sturmu Svyturys. Do not be surprised by the fact that you will not find a traditional menu in here - that is what is so special about this place! Every day, fishermen sail into the lagoon and that dictates what customers will enjoy on that day.The daily catch is laid out on the ice and you can choose which fish to prepare in front of your own eyes.

Minija – another small yet unique place in Lithuania. It is a village where country houses are located on both sides of the river Minija. It is the only street village in Lithuania where the street is replaced by a river, but there is no bridge over the river next to it. So be prepared for a piece of Venice in Lithuania!

On this day you will also visit a fascinating 3 km long walking trail in the Aukstumala bog (if the weather conditions allow). In the late afternoon you will reach the final stops for this day - Rusne, the biggest island of Lithuania, and Uostadvaris.

For the perfect end of the day, enjoy nature spending the night in Kintai in the unique hotel on the water. There is no better place to feel the spirit of the region and enjoy nature than here!

After breakfast you will start your journey throughout Lithuania while getting to know a few cities of Lithuania. Enjoy short visits to Sveksna, Rietavas and Plunge.

The day continues with a drive to Plateliai, where you can have a walk along it’s lake Plateliai with its seven islands and continue to a Seire nature trail which will be a true delight for travelers who appreciate the natural environment and are longing for the peace of the forest. Walking on this trail you will touch untreated nature and see true forest life. Take a breath of fresh air and caress the stems of plants swaying in the wind.

Another stop - Cold War museum (a Cold War Soviet missile base) which is a must visit while staying in the area. Built in the 1960s in secret from the Lithuanian people, the base had enough firepower to flatten most of Europe, and may have played a role in the Cuban missile crisis. There’s a small exhibition on the history of the Cold War in the Baltic countries, and on the construction and role of the base, as well as some Soviet detritus in the gift shop.

Zemaitija national park is known as the most mystical national park in Lithuania. The park territory is covered with fir forests which are populated by a huge number of protected plant and animal species; remains of ice-age plants were also found here. Not only the birds inscribed on the Red List of Lithuania breed in the park but also the birds protected in Europe, such as the hazel grouse, corncrake and whooper swan which produce a sound similar to a trumpet.

In the evening on the way to Pakruojis, you will visit the Hill of Crosses - one of the most holy sites of Catholic Lithuania. The exact number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put it at about 100.000. Some say it’s the most spiritually touching place to be in all Lithuania. Experience it yourself.

Overnight in Pakruojis manor, where you will be able to feel like a true courtier.

In the morning you will have a guided tour in Pakruojis manor - the largest manor in Lithuania. You will be able to get familiar with its history, life and people. Come and take part in impressive programs, learn lots of interesting matters and facts, and explore the manor with completely renovated premises still breathing history, as well as manor park, inviting you to frolic.

When traveling in the northern part of Lithuania, it is necessary to visit the town of Birzai, where you will find the longest pedestrian bridge in Lithuania over lake Sirvena leading to the magnificent Renaissance - Baroque style Birzai Castle. It is also worth spending time visiting the Sela Museum in the castle and learning all about the history and culture of the Birzai region.

Birzai is also famous for its karstic landslides, so on the way back to Latvia, do not forget to stop at Karves Ola - the most famous and largest sinkhole in Lithuania - and 32 meters Kirkilai viewtower where you will be able to see the terrain of karst ditch in Kirkilai landscape.

After that you will be near the border so you can reach your home easily. But this is not a goodbye, only see you later!