Signature experience — Vilnius
Hill of Crosses
Duration
Full day
Price
From €890
Mercedes
Dedicated vehicle & chauffeur
In April 1900, officials counted barely 150 crosses on this sandy rise; despite Soviet clearances in 1961 and 1973, the tally has grown to tens of thousands. Just 12 km from Šiauliai, the Hill of Crosses layers carved oak, ironwork, and rosaries—some Polish 19th‑century pieces still stand beside Latvian plaques. John Paul II’s 1993 visit sealed its revival. From Vilnius, the A2 then A9 lead you northwest through pine forests, former collective farms, and long, flat fields that mirror the Baltic sky.
Your driver collects you at the hotel and keeps the Mercedes at your disposal all day. Northbound, break for coffee in Panevėžys; architecture fans can add a brief detour to the Kruonis pumped‑storage plant, or visit the Šiauliai Bicycle Museum before the hill. On site, you walk while your driver waits; on the way back, sample šaltibarščiai at Jonas Jonauskas as he handles the route. With a dedicated chauffeur in Vilnius, you keep a flexible plan—even adding Pakruojis Manor, 35 km away, if time allows.
Your itinerary
- I
08:00 — Pick‑up at your Vilnius hotel and depart via A2 toward Panevėžys (135 km, about 1h45).
- II
10:00 — Coffee stop in Panevėžys, then continue on A9 to Šiauliai (75 km, 1h).
- III
11:30 — Arrive at the Hill of Crosses; unhurried visit and quiet time (1h30–2h).
- IV
14:30 — Local lunch in Šiauliai, optional stop at Pakruojis Manor, then return to Vilnius; arrive around 18:30.
What’s included
- ✓ Dedicated French‑speaking driver
- ✓ Mercedes E‑Class or V‑Class
- ✓ Hotel pick‑up
- ✓ Waiting time on site
Your chauffeur’s tip
From April to October, aim to arrive before 11:00 to miss tour buses and catch side light for photos; bring a few 50‑cent coins for candles at the small kiosk.
Book this experience
Confirmed within 30 minutes · Fixed price quoted in advance