Intensive Low-Budget Fall Trip: Vilnius, Trakai, Kaunas, and Riga by Public Transport (Museum-Free)

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Day 1: Arrive Vilnius Evening

Vilnius, Lithuania on October 25, 2025

3:30pm

Arrival in Vilnius and Transfer to Accommodation

Arrive and settle into accommodation, located near Vilnius Old Town to ease evening exploration.
Varies, 1h0m

4:30pm

Light Snack & Grocery Shopping

Visit Hales Market or a local supermarket to buy fresh bread, vegetables, and fruit for cheap meals during the trip.
EUR5, 0h30m

5:00pm

Walk Vilnius Old Town (Short Evening Walk)

Enjoy a relaxed stroll through Cathedral Square, Pilies Street, and surroundings before sunset (approx. 5:30pm).
0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner - Self Prepared

Prepare dinner from groceries in accommodation to save money and rest after travel.
EUR5, 1h0m

Day 2: Trakai Day Trip

Trakai, Lithuania on October 26, 2025

7:30am

Bus to Trakai

Take a morning bus from Vilnius bus station to Trakai (30-40 mins).
EUR3 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast Picnic at GalvÄ— Lake

Have a picnic breakfast by the lake with groceries from Vilnius.
EUR4, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Trakai Island Castle (Outdoor Grounds)

Explore the castle exterior and lakeside surroundings (entrance requires ticket but enjoying views outside and nearby nature is free).
0, 1h30m

10:30am

Walk Around Town and Karaim Village

Discover the small town charm and Karaim cultural sites outdoors, avoiding museum entries.
0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic

Enjoy sandwiches or snacks outdoors by the lake or in local parks.
EUR5, 1h0m

1:00pm

Bus Back to Vilnius

Return to Vilnius in the early afternoon.
EUR3 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk Užupis Neighborhood

Discover the artistic, open-air Užupis district featuring sculptures, murals, and quaint streets.
0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Three Crosses Hill

Walk or hike up Three Crosses Hill to enjoy city vistas before dusk.
0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Accommodation

Prepare and enjoy dinner with groceries.
EUR5, 1h0m

Day 3: Kaunas Transfer and Outdoor Exploring

Kaunas, Lithuania on October 27, 2025

7:30am

Bus/Train Vilnius to Kaunas

Travel to Kaunas in the morning by bus or train (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
EUR5 per person, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast Picnic at Market

Grab fresh bakery items from Kaunas Central Market for a budget breakfast picnic.
EUR4, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Kaunas Old Town Outdoors

Visit Town Hall Square, Rotušės aikštė, and enjoy street art and architecture on foot.
0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic at Riverside Park

Have lunch at Nemunas River Riverside Park with packed food.
EUR5, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kaunas Castle Exterior

Walk around Kaunas Castle grounds and riverside areas, appreciating views and architecture outdoors.
0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll LaisvÄ—s AlÄ—ja

Enjoy the longest pedestrian street, window shopping and soaking in the local vibe without entering paid venues.
0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Aleksotas Hill for Sunset

Take the Aleksotas funicular or walk up to enjoy panoramic views at sunset.
EUR1 per person for funicular, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Accommodation

Prepare dinner with groceries.
EUR5, 1h0m

Day 4: Riga Day Trip (Outdoor Highlights)

Riga, Latvia on October 28, 2025

6:30am

Bus Kaunas to Riga

Start early and take the 4-hour bus from Kaunas to Riga (tickets approx. EUR12).
EUR12 per person, 4h0m

10:30am

Breakfast Grab from Central Market

Buy fresh bread and veggies at Riga Central Market for an affordable breakfast on the go.
EUR5, 0h30m

11:00am

Explore Riga Old Town on Foot

Wander freely around Old Town, visiting House of Blackheads, St. Peter's Church exterior, and Town Hall Square.
0, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch Picnic in Bastejkalna Park

Enjoy a packed lunch in this lovely park near the Old Town.
EUR5, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk Riga Art Nouveau District

Visit outdoor architectural highlights on Alberta Street, famous for Art Nouveau buildings.
0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk Along Daugava River Promenade

Take a leisurely riverside walk admiring Riga’s fall scenery.
0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Bus Riga to Kaunas

Return bus to Kaunas, arriving around 9pm. Use snacks from earlier for dinner.
EUR12 per person, 4h0m

Day 5: Relax and Outdoors in Kaunas

Kaunas, Lithuania on October 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Prepare a simple breakfast from groceries to recover from Riga trip.
EUR4, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Pažaislis Monastery Grounds

Take a bus or taxi to the monastery and stroll the peaceful grounds and gardens, which are free and open all day.
0, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk along Nemunas Riverbank

Enjoy a refreshing walk along the river nearby Pažaislis.
0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic outdoors

Have a quiet picnic lunch with groceries in a nearby park or riverbank.
EUR5, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Kaunas Botanical Garden

Visit the botanical garden (closed on Mondays, check on Tuesday) enjoying autumn flora, entry around EUR1.50.
EUR1.5 per person, 2h0m

3:30pm

Relax in City Parks or Cafes (Snacks from Groceries)

Spend afternoon in Kaunas parks or enjoy coffee/snacks purchased at supermarkets to keep budget low.
EUR3, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Accommodation

Prepare and enjoy dinner from groceries.
EUR5, 1h0m

Day 6: Return to Vilnius and Outdoor City Enjoyment

Vilnius, Lithuania on October 30, 2025

8:00am

Bus Kaunas to Vilnius

Travel back to Vilnius in the morning by bus (approx. 2 hours).
EUR5 per person, 2h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Kalvariju Market

Buy fresh products for breakfast and snacks for the day.
EUR4, 1h0m

11:00am

Outdoor Walk: Kalnai Park and Surroundings

Spend the late morning exploring Kalnai Park's forested paths and viewpoints overlooking Vilnius.
0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic

Eat packed lunch outdoors near the park or at Bernardine Garden.
EUR5, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit TV Tower Grounds and Park

Explore the park surrounding Vilnius TV Tower; if interested, skip the paid observation deck to save costs.
0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk Užupis & Nearby Streets

Enjoy a final walking tour through Užupis district and nearby streets, soaking in the relaxed artistic vibe.
0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Accommodation

Prepare a budget-friendly dinner with groceries and rest.
EUR5, 1h0m

Day 7: Departure Day

Vilnius, Lithuania on October 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Pack

Simple breakfast from groceries and packing for departure.
EUR3, 1h0m

9:00am

Leisurely Morning Walk

Short walk near accommodation for fresh air and a calm farewell to Vilnius.
0, 1h0m

10:00am

Departure

Head to airport or next destination by public transport as per travel plans.
Varies, Varies
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