I have a theory: if the name of a country ends in ‘ia’, it’s worth a visit. From Algeria to Armenia, Bulgaria to Bolivia, and Slovenia to Syria, all evoke a sense of adventure and the prospect of a steep cultural learning curve.

Now, Lithuania might not spring readily to mind when thinking of a short break destination. But whether it’s sampling the local moonshine or coming face-to-face with the devil, I soon find Lithuania ticks all the right boxes.

The country’s second city, Kaunas, is where I start my trip and a very interesting, compact and walkable place it turns out to be – with the added advantage that it’s Lithuania’s largest producer of alcoholic spirits. Kaunas started making vodka in 1906 in a factory built at the personal decree of Nicholas II of Russia, and has been manufacturing it almost without a break to this day.

For the not-unreasonable sum of about £15, you get a tour of the distillery, a visit to the museum, and a tasting class with 10 different drinks varying in strength and age. Purely in the spirit of journalistic research, I feel that I have to go along and take part in the tasting class.

During the talk, the difference between the spirits and the reactions to the aging process are explained. Basically, at a certain age the spirit gains a fiery temperament that changes with the temperature, and eventually mellows. The selection of vodkas and local specialities – some with a few herbs mixed in – all taste pretty similar, but ‘the older the spirit, the smoother the taste’ seems to be the rule.

After an hour of nosing and tasting, it’s time to move on. I head to 55° Restaurant (Laisves aleja, 79) for lunch. This intriguing cellar eatery gets its name from the alcohol content of the country’s traditional moonshine, samane. Here, I learn about the making (and drinking) of the moonshine, which commands more of my attention than lunch itself. There seems to be a pattern emerging …

It’s soon time to check out one of the city’s stranger attractions – the world’s only devil museum. Housed in what looks like an unimposing government building, it comprises a collection of devils from around the world, and visitors are encouraged to bring along their own creations to put on display. The curator looks at my wife, but decides that she would not fit in the display cabinet.

Departing Kaunas, I head by coach to the capital of Vilnius, and if ever there was a city of two halves, this is it. The best way to view the city is from the top of Gediminas Castle. It’s certainly worth the climb of 78 steps – although it seems more – to get panoramic views of castle turrets spiking out of forest greenery on one side, and high-rise glass buildings on the other.

Of everything I see in Vilnius, the independent republic of Uzupis definitely demands a visit. With its own president, constitution and Independence Day (which falls on April Fool’s Day), Uzupis is a district of Vilnius Old Town and home to many artists, local celebs, and even religious prophets. It’s often compared to Montmartre in Paris, with its citizens, their lifestyle and beliefs all contributing to the unfettled feel of the district, which seems like a cross between a Sixties hippy commune and a refugee camp.

In Uzupis, numerous art and socially responsible activities take place year-round, including the release of live fish into the Vilnia river, or voluntarily helping to clean up the neighbourhood. However, the actual contents of the shops and stalls – hand-woven rugs, paintings, odd-shaped ceramic jugs and colourful plastic cups on bits of string – leave little to be desired.

Another highlight of my trip in Vilnius is a visit to the KGB, or Genocide, Museum. Here, I see the old KGB prison that was established in the basement of the building in the autumn of 1940, after Lithuania‘s occupation by the Soviet Union. Most frightening is that at street level, life and business continued as usual, but beneath the surface the misery, deprivation, torture and executions took place.

It’s a sobering and humbling few hours which, set against the devils, hippies and moonshine, shows the sheer breadth of experiences on offer in Lithuania.

For more information see lithuaniatourism.co.uk
More on the KGB museum at genocid.lt/muziejus

Click below for food, drink and hotel recommendations >>>

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Where to eat

Budget: Viva Blynai in Kaunas does a filling and cheap line in pancakes and dumplings (pictured below). (Laisves aleja, 53).

Midrange: In Vilnius, Bistro 18 in the Old Town features friendly staff on hand to serve dishes from a mixed menu of international favourites, with the occasional twist. (bistro18.lt).

Luxury: Berneliu Uzeiga, in Vilnius Old Town, dates back to the 18th century (pictured above). The restaurant is well known for its authentic Lithuanian cuisine, and affords great views of the city by day. There are also branches in Kaunas. (berneliuuzeiga.eu). 

Where to drink

Budget: The unfortunate name of laidback bar B.O in Kaunas is actually short for ‘Blue Orange’. The students tend to while away the wee hours of the weekend here. (Muitines gatve, 9 Old Town, tel. 37 206 542).

Midrange: Manu Kavine in Vilnius has something for everybody: an extensive tea list; a wide selection of beer and stouts on tap, including Guinness; and a well- priced menu with delights including German sausages. The owner even throws in complimentary internet access on two computers. (Bokšto gatve, 7 Old Town).

Luxury: Ex-it is at the forefront of the club scene in Kaunas. This modern,glossy venue brings the party until the early hours of the morning. (Maironio 19, Kaunas).

Where to sleep

Budget: Probably the cheapest hotel room in Kaunas, from about £16, Hotel Babilon is situated in quiet district Zaliakalnis, 15 minutes by foot to the city centre. Expect large rooms and nice staff. (Raseiniu str. 25, Kaunas, Lithuania 3000).

Midrange: A few minutes walk from the main square, from about £40, Amberton Cozy (pictured above) in Kaunas makes for a comfortable mid-range stay. (ambertonhotels.com/en).

Luxury: Try Santaka, from about £62, just one minute from the main square in Vilnius and very close to all of the tourist attractions and bars. The atrium design and cellar restaurant gives it a modern feel. (santakahotel.eu)

GETTING THERE: Return flights from London to Vilnius cost from £70 with Ryanair (ryanair.com). Also try Wizzair for similar prices (wizzair.com).