Paris is crowded. Venice is expensive. And London… well, it’s just not quite exotic enough.
If you are craving a European mini-break that has plenty of charm but is under-the-radar enough to avoid the tourist throng, then how about Kaunas in Lithuania?
With its leafy avenues, pavement cafés and Medieval castle, this city on two rivers has its fair share of delights.
‘But what about the nosh?’ we hear you cry. Well, how do potato pancakes with sour cream, layered buttercream cake and honey mead all sound to you? Yeah, thought so.
If a trip to Kaunas piques your fancy, then have a nosy at this Big Deal on a three night stay in a comfy Ibis hotel with return flights from Edinburgh.
Experience Lithuania
Found at the intersection of two rivers, Kaunas is a tranquil spot for strolling down avenues by day and throwing yourself into the lively bar scene by night.
This Big Deal on a three night stay is very flexible as you can plan your trip for spring, summer or autumn. Needless to say, Kaunas looks pretty in all of those seasons.
The offer includes three nights in the Ibis Kaunas Centre hotel with return flights from Edinburgh International airport. Prices are based on two people sharing a standard twin or double room.
Spring, summer or autumn escape
You have a choice of the following 2019 travel dates:
4th, 18th May
1st, 8th June
14th, 21st, 28th September
5th, 12th, 19th October
Outward flights leave Edinburgh at 17:15, arriving into Kaunas at 22:00. Return flights leave Kaunas at 12:10, arriving into Edinburgh at 13:00. Please note that times can change.
Central hotel
Ibis Kaunas Centre is a modern hotel not far from the main train station, bus station and Old Town area. The popular pedestrian street, Laisvės Avenue, is also close by.
Every guest room is air-conditioned and decorated in an elegant style with a warm, welcoming colour scheme. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, desk and wardrobe, with showers and hairdryers in the bathroom.
An international breakfast is available each morning, including hot dishes. A snack menu is also available in the bar 24 hours a day.
The hotel offers car rental and an airport shuttle service, making it easy to get around.
Cultured city
Based in South-Central Lithuania, Kaunas was formerly a Medieval fortress and at one point, Lithuania’s capital, meaning it’s peppered with history. It is also due to be the European Capital of Culture for 2022, so you can expect plenty of arty attractions.
The Old Town area is particularly fascinating and includes the 14th century Kaunas Castle, which has a riverside beach behind it. In fact, this is a city of two rivers, for it is at the intersection of the Neris and Nemunas.
Kaunas is definitely a cyclist’s city, so you may want to hire a bike and whizz down the leafy avenues, stopping off for a hearty slice of cake in a coffee shop (supposedly there’s a blackberry latte at e/way café that’s just begging to be tried – you heard it here first).
Other highlights include a baroque monastery, historic fort and the ornate Kaunas Cathedral Basilica. For a unique experience, head to Kaunas Underground Museum of the Blind and feel your way around the exhibits with the help of a rope.
Happy guests
These TripAdvisor reviewers loved their stay at Ibis Kaunas Centre hotel. We have edited their feedback for length:
‘The best Ibis ever!... what an absolute surprise. Everything was just great. From check-in to check-out, the Ibis Kitchen too. All staff were so helpful and professional. The room was ready and clean at our arrival. lots of goodies were provided…’
‘Best place for short city visit. Hotel located in very centre of the city near bus, railway station, downtown. We were surprised by the excellent taste and the delicious food served at the restaurant during dinner. I highly recommend having dinner there! In addition, prices are very reasonable.’
‘Good… it’s nice, reception guys were very nice and friendly, service was nice, staff very friendly and helpful thanks, room was clean and pretty, I really enjoyed my time and I recommend.’
Go somewhere new
If you are craving something different from the usual tourist-centric European destinations, then Kaunas would make a fab choice.
It’s green, it’s peaceful, it’s arty and you can tuck into some of that indulgent Lithuanian cuisine while you’re at it. What’s not to like?
So why not grab this Big Deal and give yourself a mini-break with a difference to look forward to this spring, summer or autumn?