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Custom tour packagesKaunas
Kaunas' population is about two thirds that of Vilnius. It's often referred to as a city of museums, and you'll certainly find a great number and variety of them. Kaunas has played a significant role in the history of Lithuania. It was the capital of the First Republic of Lithuania from 1920 to 1939, after Russian Bolsheviks, then Polish soldiers, occupied Vilnius. Prior to WWII, around a quarter of the population of Kaunas was Jewish. These days, Kaunas features a mixture of architectural styles. The charming Old Town, plus inter-war functionalism, Soviet-era buildings, and more modern developments provide diversity. The city buzzes in summer with pavement cafes, terraces, and beer gardens.
Lithuania's lively second city. Kaunas might just top your list.
The place to start your exploration of Kaunas is definitely Town Hall Square. It's at one end of Vilnius Street, the Old Town's main artery. Nearby are the ruins of the Gothic 14th century Kaunas Castle, which was partially restored in 2010. Just past the castle is the confluence of the two largest rivers in Lithuania, the Nemunas and the Neris (the latter also flows through Vilnius). From here, the Nemunas continues to the Baltic Sea. A stroll along cafe and restaurant-lined Vilnius street takes you to New Town. While in Kaunas don't forget to take at least one of the two funicular railways to get a panoramic view. We suggest spending at least one night in Kaunas if your schedule allows. Spend one or two more if you plan on concentrating on Lithuania. UNESCO buffs shouldn’t miss Rumsiskes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find wooden architecture from around pre-industrial Lithuania, covering an area the size of Monaco, or four times the Vatican City.
Popular itineraries featuring Kaunas
Spend some time in Kaunas on a tour that takes in other cities in Lithuania and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Kaunas and other destinations throughout Lithuania and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
Things to do in Kaunas
Start your exploration of Kaunas at the Town Hall, outside the architecturally eclectic swan-like Old Town Hall. From there you can visit the partially reconstructed ruins of the 14th century Gothic Kaunas Castle, then head back to the square to walk along Vilnius Street, pausing for a snack or a coffee in one of the many cafes and eateries that line this artery of the Old Town. Before you reach the New Town area, you'll come across the Historical Presidential Palace. Beyond is the New Town area, where you'll find functionalist and Soviet-era buildings, and the city's main commercial district. If you'd prefer not to walk, we can offer a private driving tour, alongside our walking tours.
To get a better view of the city there are two funicular railways you can take that scale the hills on the opposite side of rivers. Often referred to as a city of museums, Kaunas has something for most interest areas, whether you're interested in aviation, sports, medicine or folk music instruments and plenty more besides. UNESCO buffs shouldn’t miss Rumsiskes, a world heritage list site, where you’ll find a village of wooden dwellings representing the whole country. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider adding later.
Jewish Kaunas Private Day Tour from Vilnius
Kaunas Private Adventure with TastingWhere to stay in Kaunas
Kaunas's compact city center has several hotels but from our experience these are the best in their respective price categories. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.
Central Modern Hotel
With its simple, classic style this hotel won't win any design awards but the great location & friendly staff make it a good value choice
Stylish Design Hotel
Large Modern Hotel
Nice and comfortable hotel in the newest part of the city, walking distance to the Old Town. This is a traditional big hotel chain with amenties to meet everyones needs. Although it's a bit further from the Old Town, it's in a nice area with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Follow the newly restored pedestrian boulevard to reach the old town while windowshopping or enjoying some food and drinks along the way.
Where can you go from Kaunas?
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JayWay Travel arranged our wonderful trip to Poland, Lithuania and Paris. Their drivers were always on time in a spotless car. Their guides were very knowledgeable and helpful and informative. We couldn’t have been in better hands and will happily use them for future trips. We highly recommend JayWay Travels.
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