self drive tours Archives

Are you planning to travel in Lithuania? When you join a group tour, everything is organized for you, but you have little flexibility. Solo travel offers lots of freedom, but planning can get exhausting. How about a self-drive guide, which has the benefits of both types? We already covered the features and advantages of self-drive tours and how to travel safely. In this article, we will discuss the best self-guided tours in Lithuania.

Why choosing a self-drive tour is a great way to travel in Lithuania

Although Lithuania does not have such an exotic landscape as Iceland, where self-drive tours are popular, it is by no means less beautiful! Lithuanian nature is mild but very green. During a self-drive tour, you will cross streams, drive through lush woods and by wild and grain fields. Or you might travel in winter when everything is covered by snow. You will be able to visit wooden churches and buildings, museums and monuments, and many other locations that will make you feel like you have traveled to the past.

Let’s look at some of the best self-drive tours around to travel in Lithuania that you can book on XRental. When you book these routes, you will receive a detailed Google maps track and a PDF with descriptions of all tourist attractions on the way.

Lakes and Forests: Pailgis-Labanoras-Kulionys (for all cars, 105 km)

This route is good for all kinds of cars as there will be no dirt roads. The route length is 105 km, and there are 24 objects to visit. It takes place in Labanoras Regional Park, the largest regional park in Lithuania. According to Visit Lithuania , around 80% of the territory is covered by woods and 13% by lakes. There are also wetlands, and many rare species of birds live here. And in the village of Labanoras, you will be able to see traditional buildings from many years ago.

The route is best for the people who like deep forests and want to get away from the civilization a little. If you travel at the end of summer or early autumn, you can try looking for some mushrooms because this region is known for having lots! They are also a big part of the local cuisine. Just try not to pick up death cups because they are poisonous.

Explore Dzūkija: Trakai-Merkinė (for all cars, 134 km)

The track is a bit similar to the Pailgis-Labanoras one, being just as woody. It explores Dzūkija, one of the four Lithuania regions, known for its woods, mushrooms, and berries. First, you travel from Trakai, with its beautiful castle in the middle of the lake, across Dzūkija, and finally get to Merkinė, a town at the confluence of three rivers. The route is 134 km long, fine for all types of cars, and has 28 objects to visit on the way.

Dieveniškės appendix: Norviliškės (for all cars, 93 km)

The distance for cars is 93 km. There is also a 9-14 km distance on a bike and 2 km on foot. The Norviliškės route explores the Dieveniškės appendix, a small part of Lithuania surrounded by Belarus. Here, you will see customs offices on the borders. There is also a beautiful Norviliškės manor you can visit, where many activities, even a music festival, are organized. Check out the video of the trip below:

Travel the seaside in Lithuania: Rusnė-Klaipėda (for SUVs, 115 km)

The track leads along the Curonian lagoon from Klaipeda, the third-largest Lithuanian city, to Rusnė, located on the largest island in Lithuania in the Nemunas delta. The length of the track is 115 km: you can easily make it in a day.

This tour is intended for SUVs as it has some dirt roads that might be difficult for smaller cars. Of course, a jeep could serve even better! There are 22 objects of interest you can visit, including amazing natural sights and cultural treasures. Choose this route if you like nature, especially seaside sites, birds, and animals (Rusnė is a popular fishing and birdwatching spot), and want a relatively short but worthwhile trip.

Latvia-Lithuania border: Mažeikiai-Biržai (for SUVs, 317 km)

This 317 km long route is a bit longer and harder. It is also for SUVs. Some roads are asphalt, but the dirt roads might not be manageable for a smaller car. There will also be 3-5 km tracks to go on foot.

The route starts at Mažeikiai, the eighth-largest city in Lithuania, and ends at Biržai, which has many beer breweries and a beautiful Biržai Castle Manor. There are 32 objects to visit along the way, including Žagarė, famous for its cherries, cherry festival, history, and Joniškis, with its museums and nature trails.

Some other routes that might interest you

Druskininkai-Lazdijai. 90 km for all types of cars, 10 objects to visit. This track explores the southeast of Dzūkija. There is a Mizarai crater on this track, although it’s under the surface of the Earth.

Lazdijai-Kybartai. There is a route for all cars, with a 140 km distance and 24 objects to visit. And one for SUVs with 27 tourist attractions. On this route, you get to see the border with Kaliningrad, as well as many nature attractions.

Ukmergės žiedas. 190 km distance for all cars, 30 objects to visit. This tour goes around the Ukmergė city. See an abandoned Lokinė manor, old churches, and more. Check out the video here.

Biržai-Stelmužė. 173 km distance for SUVs, 25 objects to visit. Visit the northernmost point in Lithuania and the oldest Lithuanian oak in Stelmužė, wooden churches, monuments, and more.

But perhaps you want something more exotic than to travel in Lithuania? Check out our article about desert safari experiences!

What is a self-guided tour?

Going on a self-guided tour means that you will have a provided itinerary but will travel by yourself. Some self-drive tours might also include such amenities as accommodation or vehicles. The itineraries are made by locals that travel the route themselves and take notes. Then they share this knowledge with you. For example, they might create the track on Google maps. Then, when you book the tour, you will be sent the map.

Self-drive tours can be very various. Some only include clean, paved roads. Others might seem like off‑roading since there might be many dirt roads. They might feel like a safari drive. When you choose a tour, the organizers will state what kind of roads there are and what type of car you need. Some tours with good roads are fine for all vehicles. Others might have dirt roads, which require better cars to get through them successfully, such as SUVs and 4×4 vehicles.

Advantages of a self-drive tour

Cost-effectiveness. The usual group tours are expensive: you pay for the transport, for the guide, for the services, etc. While you have to take into account the cost of fuel during self-drive tours, they are still much cheaper.

Flexibility. When you are traveling with an organized tour, you have to keep to a strict schedule. On the other hand, when you are the one driving, there are no deadlines. If you want to get up earlier or later, you can. If you wish to stay longer for lunch, you can. Bad weather on the day you planned to set off? No worries: you can put off the trip for another day.

Freedom and independence. It’s similar to flexibility: you can also decide which way to go or what objects to visit. And while you are not traveling completely independently because you have the route planned for you, you will still get that feeling of independence. You are traveling by yourself, after all!

Sense of achievement. Although you have an itinerary, you will still be navigating and traveling by yourself. And once you complete the tour, you can be proud of your accomplishment!

Chance to explore the local culture. Self-guided tours allow you to visit not only famous sights but also little gems off the beaten track. Moreover, you will have opportunities to interact with locals on a self-drive tour: you will not be surrounded by fellow tourists like on group tours.

Tips when choosing a tour

Self-drive tours are not unsafe, but you should still be careful. There will not be a guide to help you beside you as you will be navigating by yourself. So take all precautions. Here are some tips for a safe self-drive tour.

Make sure your car will manage. Some self-guided tours might include unpaved dirt roads, which might be too difficult to handle for a small vehicle. Also, when planning to go on such routes, ensure you know who to call or contact if you get stuck or need help.

Check your insurance. Accidents are rare if you drive safely, but they happen. So make sure you have insurance on this trip: call your agent if needed. Some agencies organizing these tours might also offer insurance.

Rest before the trip. If you choose a specific self-drive tour, you might have to travel to a particular location to start. Try not to make a big trip before the start: better spend the night somewhere close. Self-guidedtours can be tough. Tiredness will not only make them less enjoyable but also dangerous.

Are you excited to book a self-drive tour? Check out our article on the best self-guided tours in Lithuania or book one!

Travel in Lithuania With Self-Drive Tours. Best Tours on Offer