Jewish Vilnius

Step back in time to get acquainted with a community that earned Vilnius the title "Jerusalem of Lithuania" and the times that changed the face of Vilnius forever. Walk around the former Jewish quarter, Small & Big Ghettos during WWII looking for traces of the past. Find out where the famous Jewish scholar Vilna Gaon lived and much more from the Jewish history of Vilnius.

Bike tour for the first-comers to Vilnius featuring must-see classics in combination with newly trending spots. It is meant to introduce you to the city and make it feel as home. The tour will wind along charming Old Town streets, pause at the iconic landmarks, stop at the enchanting viewing points. It will take turns to spot unique details and sweet corners. It will combine the history of Medieval glory, dramas of 20th century occupations and freedom fights, and the most recent growth of vibrant city. Distance: 8 km. easy ride Cycling surface: 70 % sidewalks and low traffic streets, 30 % proper cycle paths (for smoother and story telling ride, it is strongly recommended relying on a guide).

NB! If you have any allergies or food intolerances, especially nut or acorn allergies, please let us know during registration or email us. Embark on a culinary adventure in Vilnius, where centuries-old food traditions continue as the contemporary flavors. Let’s explore the rich tapestry of the Lithuanian menu: influenced by various nations, historical nuances and the Baltic lifestyle, our culinary delights extend much further than potato or meat dishes. You will indulge with Lithuanian nibbles & beverages, which for the most part are still loved by the locals. *Bear in mind, that the tour is done in one/two bite tastings, thus the aim of the tour is to introduce you with the diverse flavors of our cuisine, so that after the tour your tummy is prepared for the heavier dinner 🙂

This private tour is to give You a general understanding of Vilnius Old Town history and culture. Tick the must-see boxes for Old Town as well as the artistic Uzupis district. You will start your walk at the Cathedral square – in the original place where the city of Vilnius was founded. You will learn that in its long 700 year old history Vilnius has a lot to tell. Through centuries it transformed from rural pagan town to a fully modern city of Northern Europe. Proceed into the old town and will visit the narrowest street of Vilnius, Presidential Palace, Vilnius university, and its surroundings. You will leave the city through the only remaining gate, Gates of Dawn, of the former defensive wall, You will then stroll to admire a fascinating Vilnius panorama from the hill of Barbacan.

Bike tour for the first-comers to Vilnius featuring must-see classics in combination with newly trending spots. It is meant to introduce you to the city and make it feel as home. The tour will wind along charming Old Town streets, pause at the iconic landmarks, stop at the enchanting viewing points. It will take turns to spot unique details and sweet corners. It will combine the history of Medieval glory, dramas of 20th century occupations and freedom fights, and the most recent growth of vibrant city. Distance: 14 km. Cycling surface: 70 % sidewalks and low traffic streets, 30 % proper cycle paths (for smoother and story telling ride, it is strongly recommended relying on a guide).

Our private Jewish Vilnius tours invite you to experience what was once the "Jerusalem of Lithuania”! Walk the old streets of Vilnius, where Lithuanian Jewish history can be traced back to the 14th century.

Step back in time and explore Vilnius through a different lens on our Soviet Vilnius Bike Tour. This 3-hour guided tour takes you beyond the Old Town, deep into the city’s Soviet past, visiting key landmarks and learning about life during the Soviet occupation. Hear fascinating stories from our professional local guides, see stunning Soviet-era architecture, and discover hidden gems that many visitors miss. This tour is perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone curious about Vilnius' Soviet-era legacy. With lots of cycling involved, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and gear up for a unique and educational adventure. Total distance 14 km Duration: 3 hours

Combine cultural and nature attractions during a private full-day tour. Explore Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum, with an exposition on the ethnographic regions of Lithuania; visit the historical sites of Kaunas, and wonderful 17th-century Pazaislis Monastery.

I invite you to join a half-day Jewish heritage tour in Vilnius. In the 19th century, Vilnius was known as the 'Jerusalem of the North,' where Yiddish culture flourished. We will explore the Old Town, tracing the rich Jewish history where the Great Synagogue stood and the Vilnius Gaon lived. I will share stories and highlight places linked to other famous Lithuanian Jewish figures. We will walk through the area that was the Jewish ghetto during the Holocaust, visiting locations where the Jewish government (Judenrat), theater, and library once operated. Additionally, we will visit the only functioning synagogue in Vilnius, one of about 100 that existed before the war. This tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the vibrant Jewish life that once thrived in Vilnius and reflect on its lasting impact on the city's cultural landscape.

Unveil the secrets of Vilnius, it’s hidden gems and history on the Secrets of old Vilnius Walking Tour. You’ll learn about the history of its people, the founder, the Jewish Community that once thrived here, and well dig deep in the folklore, legends and stories of its past. You’ll be guided through the ancient squares, the small Jewish Quarter, the University gates, the narrow streets and presidential grounds, to name a few of the spots. This tour was created by a local who knows the history of the area. It's professionally narrated and infused with music to st the theme. The walking tour app guides you step by step pointing out what to see, the historic sites and hidden gems and sharing it's history.

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.

You will have a chance to walk around the former ghetto, which was full of culture. It even had an orchestra! You will be able to see the only synagogue left in the area and perhaps will try some of the best bagels in town! You will be able to listen to a Vilnius Local sharing their thoughts and knowledge about this part of the city. Before World War II Vilnius was called Jerusalem of the North. Jews accounted for more than a third of the residents of Vilnius. Unfortunately, all that changed during the war. Lithuanian children were trying to help but some saving jews and quite some Lithuanians did participate in the holocaust.

Ready to discover more about Jewish heritage in Vilnius? This tour is dedicated to Jewish culture and its treasures. Once upon a time, Vilnius was called Jerusalem of the North – it is because many famous Judaism scholars, rabbis, and artists lived and worked in Vilnius. Litvak museum of Vilnius shows a huge variety of Jewish culture and arts in various fields, as well as about science and religion. Lithuanian Jews, called Litvaks, had a well-developed community that contributed to the cultural development of the region. On this tour, you will hear stories not only about historical Jews that called Vilnius their home, but also about how World War II has affected their lives. Paneriai Memorial Park is the main witness of Jewish tragedy. There are several old Jewish cemeteries in Vilnius, one of them, the largest, is located on Olandu street. Old mystical tombstones with Jewish writing on it, always let to dive into the past and experience the old daily lives of the Jews.

Visit the place where one of the most beautiful historical woman of Lithuania is buried Go to the crypt of one of the most powerful and well-known Lithuanian leaders See peculiarities of house cellars in the Old Town Have video projections will transfer you to a particular period Experience a three-dimensional hologram – an allusion to a valuable and lost reliquary. You will visit 4 sites chosen by the guide: basement of the cathedral, St. Cross (Bonifrati Church), Amber galleries wineries, J & M Šlapeliai House-Museum cellars, St. John Street Gallery wineries and a Jewish Culture and Information Center • During this tour, you will burn ~ 382 kcal

Vilnius was born from the dream of Great duke Gediminas. It became the capital city and the main residence of all rulers of Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The manor of the Great Duke was located here. Vilnius was the place where life was in full swing, the place where music played and swords clashed, even messengers from all foreign countries stayed in here. During this tour you will be told about how Gediminas cleverly took care of the well- being of the capital, what innovations were brought by the queen Bona. Why Vladislav Vasa’s heart remained in Vilnius forever, what was the contribution of Steponas Batoras in Vilnius education, and why “Kaziukas Fair” rocks the city every year.

Take this interesting tour in the former KGB prison with professional English and Norwegian speaking guide. During the tour you will be able to visit: the former KGB prison, executions chamber, modern exhibitions about resistance movement and deportations and more. Guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour, but you can stay after the tour in the museum to take a look at the pictures and exhibition about deportations, KGB, resistance movement in Lithuania. Entrance ticket to the museum is not included in tour price (6EUR per person).

Once called ”The Jerusalem of the North”, Vilnius is the kind of a city that likes to show its scars: former ghettos, Holocaust dedicated Museums, torture chambers. But Vilnius is more than that: it also has one of the most authentic Old Towns in the World, as well as a 40% coverage by green spaces. Join our private walking tour to better understand Vilnius and our guide will make this city find a special place in your hearts.

Join us on an excursion through Vilnius Old Town, the Castle grounds, Užupis—the city’s bohemian district, and an amber gallery. You’ll discover hidden courtyards and secret spots, while hearing fascinating stories along the way. Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe, featuring 25 churches, two castles, medieval streets, a 16th-century university campus, the Gate of Dawn, and the former Jewish quarters that became ghettos during WWII. We’ll also visit Užupis, an artists' district that declared itself a 'free state' on April 1st, 1997, now celebrated annually as Užupis Independence Day. Here, you’ll explore its galleries, quirky sculptures, and the unique Užupis constitution. Optional: We can stop to enjoy Lithuanian beer or try local dishes (additional cost). All entrances are free during this tour.

During the last years, we have visited hundreds of new places, saw thousands of old wooden houses, spoke to many different people, ate apples from their gardens, and were invited in for some home made cake with a cup of tea. It is a place and an opportunity for You to discover authentic places and to see small villages, to touch old houses and, who knows, maybe Your ancestors lived in one of them many years ago. Shtetl Tours is a unique dive into the past. Our mission is to help You to come as close to the past.

This is a unique tour with a litvak Ema Segal. Ema was born and raised in Vilnius in the 80s. This insider look is a 3,5-hour walking tour around the two Vilnius ghettos. We will follow the traces of Jewish life in the old Jewish Quarter where the Great Synagogue was built in 1633 and the house where great Gaon of Vilnius used to live and study. You will hear a story about the manifesto and the fight of Jewish partisans. We shall also walk into the Choral synagogue, and explore a very old mazzes-making machine there. I will show you a few buildings where Jewish printing houses, fliur mills, money exchanges, jewelry shops used to be. This tour will give you a good feeling what life was like in Vilnius before WWII and what role the Jewish population had in this city and beyond. I will also share my personal experience of growing up Jewish in the post-Soviet Lithuania. This private tour is suited for 4-5 people group. Which allows for an intimate two-way communication.