Kaunas is a city at once magnificently historical and entirely lived in; hailed for its cascades of public monuments, museums showcasing everything from Lithuanian devils to historical artefacts, orthodox churches and lively café culture all at the same time.
Begin your visit with a walking tour down the tree-lined Laisves Avenue, Kaunas’ most famous street that culminates at its Old Town. At the very heart of the city, let your Kaunas tour guide introduce you to a compact blend of charming medieval buildings, looming fortresses, winding web of cobbled streets and a formidable twentieth century citadel engulfed by a wealth of lively student-led beer bars and cafes touting Balkan brews and gritty coffees alike. Take your time absorbing the essence of this city from the crumbling St. Gertrude Church of the centre to the great Kaunas Castle, before crossing over Vytautas' Bridge to the old Aleksotas district, where green hills encompass the city, peppered with old relics of the Soviet military machine that ruled here for so long, from fighter planes to helicopters.
Later on, settle down in a hearty Lithuanian milk bar for a generous dose of Balkan cepelinai potato balls, smoked skilandis pig and frothy ale to boot.