Location: Kaunas
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What to do and see in Kaunas, Kaunas County: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours
Kaunas (/ˈkaʊnəs/; Lithuanian: [ˈkɐʊˑnɐs] ( listen); also see other names) is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the centre of a county in Trakai Municipality of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. In the Russian Empire, it was the capital of the Kaunas Governorate from 1843 to 1915. It served as temporary capital of Lithuania during the interwar period, while the traditional capital of Vilnius was part of Poland between 1920 and 1939. During that period Kaunas has been nicknamed the Little Paris because of rich cultural and academic life, fashion, construction of countless Art Deco, Lithuanian National Romanticism architectural style buildings as well as popular furniture, interior design of the time and widespread café culture. The city interwar architecture is regarded as one of the finest examples of the European Art Deco and received the European Heritage Label, it also resulted in naming Kaunas the first city in Central and Eastern Europe as a UNESCO City of Design. In 2022, Kaunas will be the European Capital of Culture, together with the Luxembourgish city of Esch-sur-Alzette.
Restaurants in Kaunas
1. Ninth Fort and Rumsiskes from Kaunas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Learn more about Lithuanian culture and traditions on a small-group, guided tour from Kaunas. Visit the Ninth fort and look into the history behind the fortified walls. Head to Rumsiskes and wander around the heritage of Lithuanian rural life in a vast collection of authentic resurrected buildings. • Day trip from Kaunas to Ninth Fort and Rumsiskes. • Explore one of the largest ethnographic museums in Europe. • Visit Ninth fort. • Includes the services of a guide. • Small-group tour limited to 8 people for a more personalized experience
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
2. Riga–Vilnius One Way Sightseeing Tour Bus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Take a trip from Riga to Vilnius and on the way learn about the history and people of two countries. Our knowledgeable local guides take a small group, maximum of 8 people, for a fun filled 12 hour road trip through Latvia and Lithuania.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By jadecB9905CT
My partner and I took the Riga to Tallinn tour and the journey was not only very comfortable but also so much fun and full of information. Sten, our guide was so knowledgeable and funny and we had great conversations all the way! This was probably the best guided tour we took in the area so we recommend it highly.
3. Vilnius-Riga Sightseeing Tour Bus
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 9 reviews
Take a trip from Vilnius to Riga and on the way learn about the history and people of two countries. Our knowledgeable local guides take a small group, maximum of 8 people, for a fun filled 12 hour road trip through Lithuania and Latvia. Get a glimpse of Lithuanian life outside of Vilnius. You’ll visit Kaunas, the second biggest city in Lithuania, with beautiful churches and picturesque Old Town. We’ll discover the Hill of Crosses that is a famous pilgrimage destination and a site of resistance against Soviet occupation. After crossing the Latvian border you’ll be amazed by the Rundāle Palace that is considered the grandest stately home in the Baltics and a true gem of Baroque architecture and of South-Latvian countryside. Before reaching Riga we’ll visit the monumental Salaspils Memorial Ensemble to victims of Fascism to learn about the II World War in the Baltic countries.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Fuel surcharge
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By 873adelaided
Andres was a wonderful guide and knew a lot about Estonian nature, history and culture to share with us. We saw some beautiful nature sights (the Jägala waterfall was fantastic!) and ate a delicious lunch at a traditional Estonian tavern. You should definitely book this tour to see a variety of fun sights outside of Tallinn!!
4. Private Open-Air Folk Life Museum of Rumsiskes Tour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Situated 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the northwest of Vilnius and 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Kaunas is the Rumsiskes, an Open-Air Museum of Lithuanian Folk life, located on a 40-acre park.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Hotel pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Vilnius
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By Williams_Id
I was lucky to be the only person taking this trip on that day. My Guide Jurata was very friendly, and insightful. We spent time at the Kaunas Rumsiskes, where we visited various old Lithuanian settlements. We also toured the Pazaislis monastry as well as Kaunas Old town and castle. She took time to present the cultural and historical background behind the settlements. That did help in appreciating Lithuanian history as well as Lithuanian society historically and in contemporary times. Personally, it was one of the most insightful tour I have ever experienced. For me it was an amazing experience.
5. Private Kaunas and Pazaislis Monastery Tour
Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania and lies within 100 kilometers of Vilnius. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Nemunas and Neris. Kaunas is charming not only for its historical buildings, green parks, but it is well known for its museums, counted over twenty with all their branches.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by car for 1-2 pax, Transport by air-conditioned minivan for 3+ pax, Hotel pick-up and drop-off from hotels in central Vilnius
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By Williams_Id
I was lucky to be the only person taking this trip on that day. My Guide Jurata was very friendly, and insightful. We spent time at the Kaunas Rumsiskes, where we visited various old Lithuanian settlements. We also toured the Pazaislis monastry as well as Kaunas Old town and castle. She took time to present the cultural and historical background behind the settlements. That did help in appreciating Lithuanian history as well as Lithuanian society historically and in contemporary times. Personally, it was one of the most insightful tour I have ever experienced. For me it was an amazing experience.
6. Small Group Lithuania in 7 Days (Guaranteed departure)
We have prepared an agenda of local best hits to spend a week in Lithuania. Not superficial, but full of authentic and memorable details. You will meet our biggest cities and get a grip on history and culture. Go off the beaten track, meet locals and get authentic experiences like smoked fish in the picturesque Curonian region. HIGHLIGHTS • Cities of Vilnius and Kaunas • Authentic castles • Authentic food of Karaims and smoked fish from a fisherman • Picturesque villages of the Curonian lagoon • Curonian spit with its dunes and broad horizons • The biggest in a world Amber Museum • Bird ringing station • Hill of Crosses • Countryside architecture in Rumsiskes
Inclusions: 5 overnights at centrally located 3* hotels, 5 buffet breakfasts, 1 night in a countryside homestead with homemade breakfast, Transportation during the tour, Sightseeing with a local guide in English (or other language if prefered) to all sights mentioned, Breakfast
Exclusions: Plane ticket to and from Lithuania, Gratuities, Other food and drinks
Reviewed By Paul M
The trip was very well organised, fascinating tour around the nuclear power plant, and also seemed very safe. The guides, both inside and outside the plant were interesting and well informed,
7. Kaunas tour with transfer from Vilnius
During this tour we will visit provisional capital of Lithuania- Kaunas. Kaunas was the capital of Lithuania between two world wars. Now it is second largest city in Lithuania. It’s worth to explore old town, castles territory, modernism buildings and speak about prewar independent Lithuania and life of the people of that time. We will explore Kaunas old town with a castle, cozy streets, remains of the several churches, old president palace. Kaunas modernism is unique and becoming more and more famous. We will reach panoramic view of the city by old funicular. It’s possible to visit the Devils museum or Pazaislis monastery. I provide this tour from Vilnius with pickup and drop off to your hotel. If you stay in Kaunas, I can meet you at your hotel in Kaunas. Lunch and entrance tickets are not included in the price.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Fuel surcharge
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Vilija T
As a royal city, it was first mentioned in 1323, by Grand Duke Gediminas. Everyone who visits Vilnius, learns the legend about the Iron Wolf and Gediminas, the founder of the city. No wonder, the Gediminas Tower on the hill serves the emblem of Lithuania. Today the Old Town of Vilnius covers a large area. Its attractive lanes and enclosed backyards are easy to reach from the main Cathedral or Town Hall squares. The reconstructed Royal Palace in Cathedral Square recalls the local nobility and royal figures, and their simple human passions. The country's rulers stayed here - Grand Lithuanian Dukes and Polish Kings, the successors of Gediminas-Jagiellon house. Through relationship by marriage, they were connected to the outstanding royal families of Habsburg in Austria, Sforza in Milan, the Vasa dynasty in Sweden and others. Amazingly, a real love story took place here in the 16th century between king Sigismund August and the beautiful widow Barbara Radziwill (Barbora Radvilaite) from an influential Lithuanian noble family. The Queen Barbora nowadays was elected the most prominent woman of Lithuania of all times... Having passed the Church of St. Ann, a tiny masterpiece of Gothic style, you will reach the Republic of Uzupis, situated on the banks of the River Vilnia (Uzupis means "the place beyond the river"). This is Vilnius Montmartre, an area of artists and people with a sense of humour. You can find the key postulates of the Republic of Uzupis Constitution, displayed on the street wall, likewise: "Everyone has the right to be happy. Everyone has the right to be unique...", etc.
8. Kaunas Old Town tour
During Kaunas Old Town tour you will be introduced in rich history and culture of one of the oldest cities in Lithuania. Kaunas Old Town is full of magnificent different architectural styles buildings from XIV to XVIII ages. It is very cozy and calm place to relax and explore one of the most amazing places in whole Lithuania. Tour lasts 1,5 hour.
Inclusions: Guide services
Exclusions:
9. Kaunas Tour: Love Stories
On this 2 hours tour you discover Kaunas old town and get to know a romantic, cozy and mysterious city. Follow your guide and walk through Laisvės avenue, which has always been the most popular place for dating and visit the “White Swan”. You will also find out about the honeymoon and the love story of two young people – Aleksota and Kaunas. Your guide will reveal the secrets of Kaunas castle and old cloistral buildings, as well as Bona Sforza’s secrets and the recipe of Bernardinai fish pie. You also will try to solve mystery of the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas.
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions:
10. Small-Group Day Trip to Trakai, Rumsiskes & Kaunas from Vilnius
Short on time? Willing to see major attractions of Lithuania? Explore Trakai, Rumsiskes and Kaunas on this day-trip from Vilnius. Visit a unique medieval castle of Trakai. Enjoy beautiful views, stroll around the lake and learn more about pagan times of Lithuania. Next, stop by at a unique and one of the largest open-air ethnographic museums in Europe - Rumsiskes. Continue to Kaunas, a former capital of Lithuania. Walk around the Oldtown and discover the hidden germs of the city with your guide. It takes 1,5 hour to come back to Vilnius. • 10-hour guided trip from Vilnius to Trakai, Kaunas & Rumsiskes. • Small group (up to 8 people). • Includes a comfortable car and the services of a guide.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Lisa M
Lovely trip to the Museum, leave 2 plus hours to look around. The museum cost 3 euros per person and buses can be used to get there for 1 Euro. The Museum focuses on invasion of Lithuania both by German and Russian armies. It looks at the history of the fort and it’s use as an extermination camp in the Second World War.
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