7-Day Road Trip from Riga to Poland: Medieval Castles, WW2 Landmarks & The Wolf's Lair

Day 1: Drive & Explore Vilnius

Riga, Latvia to Vilnius, Lithuania on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Departure from Riga

Start early morning drive from Riga heading south towards Kaunas, Lithuania.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

11:00am

Kaunas Old Town Walk

A scenic stroll around Kaunas Old Town featuring medieval architecture before continuing to Vilnius.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Forto Dvaras, Vilnius

Enjoy traditional Lithuanian cuisine in a medieval-inspired setting in Vilnius Old Town. Open 11am-11pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:45pm

Vilnius Old Town & Gediminas Tower

Explore the medieval streets of Vilnius Old Town and climb Gediminas Tower for panoramic views.
EUR5, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Check into a centrally located hotel in Vilnius and relax.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lokys Restaurant

Indulge in medieval-style Lithuanian dishes in one of the oldest taverns in Vilnius. Open till 10pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 2: Lithuania to Northeastern Poland

Vilnius, Lithuania to Suwałki, Poland on August 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with breakfast at your hotel to fuel the day’s trip.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Drive Vilnius to Marijampolė

Drive southwest towards Marijampolė with a brief stop to stretch and visit local sights.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Senoji Trobelė, Marijampolė

Enjoy Lithuanian rural dishes in a rustic setting, offering hearty meals. Open 11am-8pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Suwałki, Poland

Cross the border and continue to Suwałki, a gateway to northeastern Poland’s medieval and natural sights.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Wigry Monastery

Explore this historic 17th-century monastery located near Suwałki, known for its baroque architecture and peaceful surroundings.
PLN10, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Restauracja Trops

Settle into your accommodation in Suwałki followed by dinner featuring Polish and regional dishes. Open until 9pm.
PLN40, 1.5h

Day 3: Białystok Medieval Exploration

Suwałki to Białystok, Poland on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a fresh breakfast before heading to Białystok.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Drive to Białystok

A scenic 1.5-hour drive south to Białystok, the largest city in northeastern Poland.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Branicki Palace

Tour the 18th-century Branicki Palace, often called the 'Versailles of Podlasie,' with beautiful baroque gardens.
PLN20, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restauracja Aruana

Enjoy a mix of Polish and European cuisine in a refined setting near the palace. Open 12pm-10pm.
PLN35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Podlasie Museum & WW2 Exhibits

Explore exhibitions highlighting regional history including WWII impacts on the area.
PLN15, 1.5h

4:30pm

Walk Białystok Old Town

Leisurely explore the medieval streets of Białystok's old town, notable for its historic architecture.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restauracja Stary Rynek

Polish traditional dishes with a great ambiance in the heart of Białystok. Open until 10pm.
PLN40, 1.5h

Day 4: Wolf's Lair Visit & Olsztyn

Białystok to Olsztyn, Poland on August 27, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Early start to prepare for The Wolf's Lair tour.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Drive to The Wolf's Lair (Gierłoż)

Drive approximately 3 hours west to the WWII German headquarters used by Hitler, located near Kętrzyn.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Tour The Wolf's Lair

Explore the WWII military complex ruins with guided explanations of its historical significance. Open 9am-6pm. Book tickets in advance.
PLN30, 2h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Olsztyn

Short drive (~1h) to Olsztyn, home to medieval castle ruins and warm local culture.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Olsztyn Castle

Tour the 14th-century Teutonic castle and nearby museum, open 10am-5pm.
PLN12, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in & Dinner at Restauracja Polska Róża

Traditional Polish cuisine in a cozy environment in Olsztyn center. Open until 9pm.
PLN40, 1.5h

Day 5: Malbork Castle

Olsztyn to Malbork, Poland on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the impressive medieval Malbork Castle.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Drive to Malbork

A scenic 2-hour drive northwest to Malbork, site of Europe’s largest brick castle.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

11:15am

Tour Malbork Castle

Explore the spectacular Teutonic fortress, a medieval architectural masterpiece open 9am-6pm.
PLN35, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Castle Restaurant

Dine on local and medieval-inspired dishes within the castle’s restaurant.
PLN40, 1h0m

3:45pm

Stroll Malbork Town

Walk through Malbork’s charming old town and riverfront.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in & Relax

Evening at leisure in Malbork.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rzeka Restaurant

Enjoy fresh Polish cuisine in a cozy setting by the Nogat river. Open till 10pm.
PLN45, 1.5h

Day 6: Gdańsk Medieval & WW2

Malbork to Gdańsk, Poland on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast before heading to Gdańsk, a city rich with medieval charm and WWII history.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Drive to Gdańsk

About a 1-hour drive to Gdańsk on the Baltic coast.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

10:15am

Visit Gdańsk Old Town & Main Town Hall

Walk the beautifully restored Medieval Old Town, visiting the Main Town Hall for panoramic views. Open 10am-4pm.
PLN15, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pierogarnia Mandu

Savor traditional Polish pierogi near the riverside. Open 12pm-10pm.
PLN30, 1h0m

1:45pm

WWII Museum in Gdańsk

Engage deeply with WWII history at one of Poland's finest museums, open 10am-6pm.
PLN25, 2h0m

4:00pm

Amber Museum and Q&A with locals

Discover historical amber craftsmanship and its role in medieval society.
PLN10, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gdański Bowke

Taste fresh seafood and Polish fare in a medieval-themed riverside tavern.
PLN45, 1.5h

Day 7: Return via Warsaw

Gdańsk to Riga via Warsaw (Poland to Latvia) on August 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Check-out

Prepare for a full day of return driving with a simple breakfast.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive to Warsaw

Begin the long drive south to Warsaw for a final cultural visit before heading back to Riga. Approx 3.5 hours drive.
CURRENCY0, 3h30m

11:15am

Visit Warsaw Uprising Museum

Explore crucial WWII resistance history at the Warsaw Uprising Museum, open 10am-6pm.
PLN20, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Zapiecek

Enjoy traditional Polish dumplings and hearty cuisine in historic Old Town Warsaw. Open 12pm-9pm.
PLN35, 1h0m

2:45pm

Start drive back to Riga

Depart Warsaw for the approximately 7-hour drive back to Riga, Latvia.
CURRENCY0, 7h0m