We meet at the Tiki Inn for a short briefing on the plans for the rest of the trip before we head down to the lake for an evening acclimatisation swim. This is followed by drinks and dinner at the Tiki Inn.

Our first swim starts from directly in front of our accommodation. We swim the 1km distance across Lake Lūšiai to Prieplauka on the lake’s northern shore. From here, it’s a scenic walk through the forest to Lake Dringis where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we start our next swim - a 4km traverse of the entire lake. Once we reach the opposite shore of Lake Dringis our minibus returns us to the Tiki Inn in time for a beautiful Lithuanian sunset over the water and dinner too.

After breakfast, we are taken by minibus to the eastern shore of Lake Baluošas. From here, we island-hop across some of the lake’s seven islands, until we reach the small hamlet of Vaidžiuškes on the lake’s southern shore. The grass banks which sweep down to the lake’s shore are an excellent place to unwind from the swim. After a break, it’s a short but rewarding hike to the village of Ginučiai where we explore the delights of the village, including a water mill that’s a 19th century technical monument. From Ginučiai we then head back towards Lake Linkmenas. After swimming across this lake, we get out of the water and get changed before hiking up Ladakalnis Hill to enjoy the panoramic views across the National Park. After this, we are transported back to the Tiki Inn where we enjoy another evening meal, followed by the opportunity to have a traditional Lithuanian sauna.

Our last day features a swim across the lakes of Asalnai and Lūšiai. The scenery across these lakes and their shores is a striking sight on our longest swim of the trip, which takes us all the way back to the Tiki Inn. After the swim, there is time for a well-earned lunch together before the trip ends.

We have given this trip Moderate grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*The shorelines of most of these lakes are very grassy and reedy. It is advisable to only enter and exit the lakes at the designated entry and exit points in order to avoid these more difficult areas. It should also be noted that there are no shoreline tracks for non-swimmers to follow the group.

Swimming Conditions

These lakes are some of the world's cleanest freshwater lakes, however, water quality can be an issue due to water run-off from the fields. Blue-green algae and Weil’s disease are two possible contaminants. If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should go to your GP immediately and tell them you have been lake swimming.

Walking Conditions

Most walks take place on recognised paths and tracks, however, there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible. The itinerary may vary depending on weather, as may the lakes’ temperatures. Therefore, you may need a wetsuit for some swims, but not others.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat support on this trip includes a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) and two canoe boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and Safety Support Crew. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats and provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

There are several ways to travel to Paluse, however, the most common route is to fly into Vilnius Airport and book a transfer service via our accommodation partners at the Tiki Inn. It is also possible to travel to the Tiki Inn via public transport.

Alternatively, you can also fly into Kaunas Airport followed by a road transfer to your accommodation, however, please note the transfer time is longer when using this option.

While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel bookings as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Flights to Vilnius

To search for available flights into Vilnius Airport, we suggest that you use Skyscanner.

Public Transport From Vilnius Airport To Paluse

The cheapest option of travelling from the airport to the Tiki inn is to take a train to Ignalina via Vilnius and connect with the complimentary transfer to the Tiki Inn.

Please note that if you do choose this option, you should also contact Matthew at the Tiki Inn and let him know your expected arrival time into Ignalina so that a transfer from the station to the Tiki Inn can be arranged for you. You can contact Matthew to let him know your arrival time via email at matas@tikiinn.com.

As you come out of arrivals from the airport, the train station is approximately 400m to the right of the bus stops in front of you. Take the elevator down to the tracks and hop on the train to Vilnius. This takes around eight minutes and costs approximately €1. Tickets can be purchased on the train, however please make sure you have some change with you. Train timetables can be viewed at www.traukiniobilietas.lt. Alternatively, you can take bus number 1 which runs to Vilnius station from directly outside the airport terminal and costs approximately €1. A timetable and map of this bus route can be found at Lit Rail - Vilnius Station.

Once you reach Vilnius, you will need to catch a train to continue onto Ignalina. From Vilnius station it takes roughly 1½ - 2 hours and will cost between €4 - €7. When you arrive in Ignalina, your complimentary transfer will meet you and take you to the Tiki Inn. A full itinerary of the journey can be found at Lit Rail.

Transfer From Vilnius Airport To Paluse

The Tiki Inn offers a transfer service from Vilnius Airport to Paluse which takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. The transfer can accommodate up to eight guests and costs €135. Please note that this transfer must be booked at least seven days in advance by contacting Matthew at the Tiki Inn to advise of your flight number and arrival time via email at matas@tikiinn.com.

Flights to Kaunas

To search for available flights into Kaunas Airport, we suggest that you use Skyscanner.

Public Transport From Kaunas Airport To Paluse

The cheapest option of travelling from the airport to the Tiki Inn is via Express Microbus to Vilnius, taking the connecting train to Ignalina and then join the complimentary transfer service to Tiki Inn.

**Please note that if you do choose this option, please contact Matthew at the Tiki Inn and let him know your expected arrival time into Ignalina so that a transfer from the station to the Tiki Inn can be arranged for you. You can contact Matthew to let him know your arrival time via email at matas@tikiinn.com.

The Express Microbus service goes from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius train station and costs approximately €10. The journey time is approximately 2½ hours and is a great way to see the Lithuanian countryside. For further information, please visit www.ollex.lt/en/express/Kaunas-airport/buy-a-ticket.

Once you reach Vilnius, you will need to catch a train to continue onto Ignalina. From Vilnius station it takes roughly 1½ - 2 hours and will cost between €4 - €7. When you arrive in Ignalina, your complimentary transfer will meet you and take you to the Tiki Inn. A full itinerary of the journey can be found on the Lit Rail website at Lit Rail.

Alternatively, a bus service runs twice a day from Kaunas Airport to Paluse. This service can take 3-3 ½ hours and costs approximately €12. The Tiki Inn is situated less than a 5 minute walk from the bus stop in Paluse. Tickets are not available online and must be purchased at the booking office. For timetables, please visit www.autobusubilietai.lt.

Transfer From Kaunas Airport to The Tiki Inn

The Tiki Inn offers a transfer from Kaunas Airport to Paluse which takes approximately 2-2 ½ hours. The transfer can accommodate up to eight guests and costs €150 for a transfer. Please note that this transfer must be booked at least seven days in advance by contacting Matthew at the Tiki Inn to advise of your flight number and arrival time via email at matas@tikiinn.com.

Nestled between trees on the banks of the Lake Lusiai, the Tiki Inn offers a unique accommodation experience. The guesthouse features a Hawaiian theme and is run by Matthew Olsen and his family, who are welcoming hosts and provide delicious, homemade meals which are included as part of your holiday. The 'community' rooms are used as twin-share accommodation with shared showers and bathrooms, while standard single, twin and double rooms with en suite bathrooms are also available and can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Extra Activities

As a SwimTrek guest (swimmers and non-swimmers alike), you will have access to a range of water sports equipment and other facilities to use during the course of your trip at no extra charge. This equipment includes stand-up paddle boards, bicycles, canoes and hammocks. The use of this equipment can be arranged directly with the Tiki Inn staff during your stay. It’s important to note that this is still a fantastic trip for non-swimmers and there is plenty to do in the quiet town of Paluse and the forested trails of the Aukštaitija National Park.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. There is also a €1 fee for the National Park which must be paid locally. The Local currency in Lithuania is the Euro (€). There are no cash machines near the Tiki Inn or at the nearest town of Paluse. There are cash machines in the town of Ignalina (3km from the Tiki Inn) but we advise you withdraw cash before you leave the airport.

Sustainable Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information please visit our Sustainable Travel page.

Passports and Visas

Lithuania is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Lithuania require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Lithuania. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information about travel insurance, please visit: www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to Lithuania, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu/.