The Hill of Crosses near Siauliai is the most popular day trip from Kaunas — a pilgrimage site where thousands of crosses have been planted on a small hill since the 19th century. It is about two hours north by car or bus. Closer to hand, the town of Trakai with its island castle is roughly 90 minutes east via Vilnius. Vilnius itself is an easy day trip at just 100 km.