Last year, as many as 400 people tried the initiative, making it clear that avanTourism has the potential to become a trend. Both travelers and “Kaunas IN” partners were looking forward to the return of the project.
Kaunas knows how to surprise. Not just with the world’s only ‘Devils’ Museum’ or a smiling sundial, but also with ideas that ignite curiosity in the hearts of even the most experienced travelers. So, forget carefully planned itineraries – as World Tourism Day (September 27th) approaches, Kaunas is once again seeking adventure-thirsty avanTourists.
“We often come up with ideas for which we have to invent new terms. That’s how last year we added ‘avanTourist’ to the Kaunas dictionary – a person unafraid to choose a ‘cat in a bag,’ experiment, and step outside their comfort zone,” says Agnė Kriaučiūnienė, head of the tourism and marketing department at the “Kaunas IN” agency.
How to Participate?
To become an avanTourist, you need to complete four steps. First, register between September 9th and September 19th. For those who manage to fill out the form, a personal adventure will arrive in their email inboxes on the morning of September 26th. All that will be left is to embark on the adventure and not forget to share your impressions. The experience is completely free, and everyone who successfully tries their assigned prize will also receive an avanTourist badge of honor.
“I would gladly try the opportunity to view Kaunas from above or spend a night surrounded by nature myself – but I can’t choose, can I?” Agnė Kriaučiūnienė laughs when asked if she has an avanTourist streak. Indeed, participants are assigned offers by lottery. This means that instead of a dream vacation, you might have to dive into a laser tag battle, test your courage in an escape room, or even meet exotic animals. That is precisely where the uniqueness of this project lies.
Last year, as many as 400 people tried the initiative, making it clear that avanTourism has the potential to become a trend. Both travelers and “Kaunas IN” partners, including new names, were looking forward to the return of the project.
What Awaits the New Batch of avanTourists?
Those who answer the call can expect a wide variety of adventures. Perhaps it will be an early morning at Kaunas Fortress, inviting you to feel the spirit of past centuries at dawn? Or maybe a night tour of secret places just before the bats begin their winter sleep?
The list of offers also includes virtual reality experiences inspired by M. K. Čiurlionis’s work, special tours behind the scenes of sports history, or a romantic evening stroll in a poet’s garden after dark. There’s even a chance to “try on” clown makeup.
Gourmands can expect a full palette of flavors: from a legendary shashlik restaurant to modern gastronomic experiments. AvanTourists will discover Italian tastes in Kaunas, enjoy vitamins in a glass, or specially created city cocktails. Hotels will offer stays with breakfast, and dessert shops – unexpected flavors.
By the way, on International Tourism Day, “Kaunas IN” will also invite those who didn’t manage or dare to become avanTourists to celebrate. On September 27th, Kaunastic gifts will await at the tourism information centers at Laisvės al. 36 and Rotušės a. 15.
AvanTourism Ambassadors
This year, avanTourists can look forward to entertainment and surprises prepared by: Military Heritage Museum “Atomic Bunker,” Lithuanian Sports Museum, “Radisson Hotel Kaunas,” Dessert Shop “Saldu,” “Trip Guru,” Lithuanian Zoo, Green Smoothie and Juice Bar “Gaivigaiva,” Public Institution “Zoopark.lt,” “Višta Puode restaurant,” UAB “Vanduo Marse,” “Poco Italian.” “Angelų takais,” UAB “Cinamon Operations Lithuania,” UAB “Algiro Hotel,” “Hexa Cinema,” “Mamma Pizza,” “Mamma Kitchen Stories,” Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum, UAB “Senjorai,” Kaunas Cinema Center “Romuva,” National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum, Kaunas City Museum, UAB “Kauno viešbutis,” Restaurant “55,” UAB “Miesto sodas,” Restaurant PYO, Cafe “Dailė,” Family and Friends Restaurant “Žaliukė,” Lithuanian Aviation Museum, “Stay in Kaunas,” Entertainment Space “Ka-ringas,” Escape Rooms DP60, Cafe “Vice sushi&pizza,” “Baltijos cirkas.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an avanTourist? How do I know if it’s for me?
This is a person ready for the unknown: to step out of their comfort zone, to surrender to adventure in the morning, afternoon, or even at night, to participate alone or with a group. Curiosity and openness are essential.
Until when can I register?
Registration closes on September 19th.
When will I find out about my adventure?
On the morning of September 26th, selected avanTourists will receive an email from turizmas@kaunasin.lt.
How many participants do you accept?
This year we can accept around 500 avanTourists.
Can I change/transfer the experience?
No. Experiences cannot be combined, exchanged, or transferred.
What if I can no longer participate?
Be sure to write to us.
When do I need to be free?
Plan your time from September 27th to October 5th (in exceptional cases, a little later).
Why is it valuable to share your impressions of the adventure with us?
You will not only help us improve this initiative next year and thank the partners who provided it, but by sending your photos and a short impression from the activities to turizmas@kaunasin.lt, which we could share on social networks, you can win additional prizes.
What is the “avanTourist Badge of Honor”?
After the adventure, stop by the Tourism Information Center (Laisvės al. 36) and show proof of your completed adventure (e.g., a photo on your phone) to receive a badge.
I already received an avanTourist badge last year.
You will be able to choose another from our assortment of representational badges.
Can I participate with friends?
If the experience provides for it, yes. The badge is collected only by the selected avanTourist who submitted the form.
I participated last year – will I have priority?
Priority will be given to:
those who successfully participated or informed us in time about non-participation.
those who have not yet participated;
