Jewish Heritage in Vilnius - Private Walking Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Welcome to complete and personal introduction to Jerusalem of the North
Did you know:
• That Vilnius is also known as a hometown of the Gaon of Vilna - the foremost leader of Jewry of the past few centuries?
• That in Vilnius bears used to eat chocolate?
• That Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and Marc Chagall were honorary members of the board in YIVO - Institute for Jewish Research established in Vilnius in 1925?
• That well-traveled Litvaks from all over the world praising local bagels as one of the best in the world?
• That many world-famous artists and writers were born/resided in Vilnius – from Samuel Bak, Jacques Lipchitz, Chaim Soutine, Marc Chagall, Chaim Grade to name a few?
Welcome to relive their and our life stories! As it is a private tour you will get personal attention from a local expert guide.
Expect to get much more than from a regular join-in tour, get unbiased advice, and make a new friend.
Available options
Jewish Heritage in Vilnius - Private Walking Tour
What's included
Coffee and/or Tea
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your local guide=new friend by Vilnius Cathedral and get introduced to the Abraham and discover intriguing story of his sword and hear first bright secrets of Judaism.
Greet horned Moses and other Jews, Litvaks and other citizens of Vilnius.
2
Walk on Vilnius main avenue to see bears eating chocolate, to find out why they are doing so and keep searching more Jewish signs and imprints which will be echoing in every step of the tour.
3
Stop 3
Stop by the Presidential Palace to hear an incredible story of Sir Moses Haim Montefiore, the Sheriff of London and his adventures in Vilnius.
4
We will advance to the Jewish Quarter in Vilnius Old Town, to listen to the walls that remember and talk about Jewish traditions and daily life in the past.
5
Strolling along beautiful streets of Vilnius Old Town, with each building holding and telling its own story through your local guide's lips, we will stop at the place where Great Synagogue of Vilna used to stand, listen about its extraordinary history.
Further we will advance towards Jewish Cultural and Information Center to discover more artifacts of daily life and unveil terrifying secret.
6
Slightly shaken we’ll step out to get fresh air and meet Zemach Shabad – city’s beloved legendary doctor, reminiscence of famous doctor Doolittle, who worked in various medical fields, charity, social activities and journalism and become a hero of Vilnius town dwellers.
7
If we will get lucky (there will be no religious celebrations or closed events on the day of our tour) we will enter Vilnius Choral Synagogue. See the old machinery for making Matzo - special unleavened bread which is part of Jewish cuisine and hear the stories and superstitions, and why it was not destroyed during WWII.
8
Walking on the border of Old and New Towns and listening of today’s life of Jewish and other communities in Lithuania, you will get all advises of other important Jewish sites to visit around Vilnius.
We will finish our tour for the light lunch at one of the most beloved bagel shops in Vilna to celebrate LIFE - L’Chaim!
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
About Vilnius
Vilnius is the charming capital of Lithuania, known for its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its rich history blending various cultures. The city offers a unique mix of baroque architecture, vibrant arts scene, and lively café culture, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Vilnius Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town is the heart of Vilnius, filled with cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and colorful buildings.
Historical/Architecture
Half day to full day
Free to explore
Gediminas Castle Tower
A symbol of Vilnius, this castle tower offers panoramic views of the city and is a key historical landmark.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€5
Užupis Republic
A bohemian district with its own constitution and flag, Užupis is known for its artistic community and unique charm.
Cultural/Artistic
1-2 hours
Free
Vilnius Cathedral
The main cathedral of Vilnius, located in the heart of the Old Town, is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture.
Religious/Architecture
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (€5 for the crypts and bell tower)
Vilnius University
One of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, Vilnius University is known for its beautiful courtyards and historic buildings.
Historical/Educational
1-2 hours
€3 for a guided tour
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cepelinai
Large dumplings filled with minced meat, curd cheese, or mushrooms, typically served with sour cream.
Main Course
Vegetarian options available (cheese or mushroom filling)
Šaltibarščiai
A cold beetroot soup made with kefir, cucumbers, and dill, perfect for summer.
Soup
Vegetarian
Kibinai
Lithuanian pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, originating from the Lithuanian Karaites.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Šakotis
A traditional Lithuanian tree cake made from a batter of flour, eggs, and sugar, baked on a spit.
Dessert
Contains gluten and eggs
Popular Activities
Hiking in the nearby forests and parks
Cycling along the EuroVelo routes
Spa and wellness treatments
Strolling through the Old Town and parks
Visiting museums and art galleries
Attending local festivals and events
Boat rides on the Vilnia River and nearby lakes
Skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and most popular time to visit, with long daylight hours and plenty of festivals and outdoor activities.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Lithuanian
- Widely spoken: English, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET), GMT+3 (EEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vilnius is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging.
- • Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers to avoid drink spiking.
Getting there
By air
- Vilnius Airport • 6 km from city center
By train
Vilnius Railway Station
By bus
Vilnius Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Vilnius. The system is efficient and covers most of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, Taxify
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Senamiestis)
Užupis
Žvėrynas
Naujamiestis
Day trips
Trakai Island Castle
26 km from Vilnius • Half day to full day
A stunning medieval castle located on an island in Lake Galvė, offering a glimpse into Lithuania's rich history and beautiful surroundings.
Kaunas
93 km from Vilnius • Full day
The second-largest city in Lithuania, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful architecture.
Hill of Crosses
12 km from Šiauliai (140 km from Vilnius) • Full day
A unique and moving site featuring thousands of crosses, a symbol of Lithuanian faith and resistance.
Festivals
Vilnius International Film Festival • March
Street Music Day • June
Vilnius Christmas Market • December
Pro tips
- Visit the Užupis Republic for a unique and quirky experience, and read the Užupis Constitution for a taste of the district's independent spirit.
- Take a guided tour of the Old Town to learn about Vilnius' rich history and hidden gems.
- Try traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai, šaltibarščiai, and kibinai for an authentic culinary experience.
- Explore the local craft beer scene by visiting breweries and beer bars, such as Pilies Vartai and Alaus ir Kava.
- Visit the Hill of Crosses for a deeply spiritual and culturally significant experience, best done with a guided tour for context.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
