Low rises, meadows and small lakes shape the country north of Suwałki. Farms sit behind lines of trees, and the road alternates between open ground and short stretches of woodland before crossing into Lithuania. Kalvarija and Marijampolė break up the next part of the journey. Beyond them, the fields grow larger and the landscape gradually levels out, with longer intervals between villages. At around 132 kilometres, this is one of the tour’s longer stages. Buildings become more frequent on the approach to Kaunas, followed by the crossing of the Nemunas into the old town. The route passes the red-brick castle, whose round tower stands close to the meeting of the Nemunas and Neris. Riverbanks and old streets give the day a distinct finish after the open farmland.
