ITINERARY: 4 DAYS LITHUANIAN JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN VILNIUS
- Arrival in Vilnius
Vilnius, often called the “Jerusalem of Lithuania”, was once one of the most important centers of Jewish life in Europe. Its rich spiritual, cultural, and intellectual heritage shaped generations of Jewish thinkers and communities.
- Meet English speaking guide at airport and transfer to hotel;
- Overnight
DAY 2: VILNIUS CITY TOUR & THE VILNA GAON MUSEUM OF JEWISH HISTORY
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Vilnius Old Town visit
Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe. Its cobblestone streets wind through a maze of historic buildings, churches, and squares, reflecting centuries of architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque. Dominated by the iconic Gediminas Tower, the Old Town offers panoramic views of the cityscape. Visitors can explore prominent landmarks such as the Cathedral Square, St. Anne’s Church, and the Presidential Palace. With its charming atmosphere and rich history, Vilnius Old Town is a captivating destination for tourists and locals alike.
- Samuel Bak Museum, Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History
The Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History is one of the most important institutions preserving Jewish heritage in Lithuania. Named after the legendary scholar Vilna Gaon, the museum explores the rich history of Jewish life in the region from its flourishing cultural and religious traditions to its tragic destruction during the Holocaust. Through a network of exhibitions and sites across the city, visitors can discover authentic artifacts, personal stories, and historical documents that bring the past to life. With its comprehensive and insightful approach, the museum offers a profound understanding of the Jewish experience in Lithuania and its lasting legacy.
- Overnight
DAY 3: VILNIUS – LOST SHTETL MUSEUM – KAUNAS
- Breakfast at the hotel;
- Depart for Lost Shtetl Museum
The Lost Shtetl Museum offers a powerful and immersive journey into the everyday life of Jewish shtetls in Lithuania before World War II. Located in the historic Šeduva region, the museum brings to life the traditions, culture, and close-knit communities that once flourished across the countryside. Through modern exhibitions, multimedia storytelling, and personal narratives, visitors gain a deeper understanding of a vanished world, making it one of the most unique and emotionally engaging Jewish heritage experiences in the Baltics.
- Visit Ohel Jakov Synagogue in Kaunas
The Ohel Jakob Synagogue is the only functioning synagogue in Kaunas and an important center of Jewish religious life in the city. Built in the late 19th century, it reflects the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the once-thriving Jewish community in Kaunas. The synagogue has witnessed significant historical events and remains a symbol of continuity and resilience. Today, it serves both as a place of worship and a reminder of the enduring Jewish heritage in Lithuania.
- Visit Ninth Forth Museum
The Ninth Fort Museum is an important historical and memorial site connected to the events of World War II and the Holocaust. Originally part of a defensive fortress, it later became a place of imprisonment and трагic loss, including for many Jews from Kaunas and across Europe. Today, the museum and memorial complex present exhibitions on 20th-century history, offering visitors a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past and the impact of these events on the region.
- Overnight in Kaunas
DAY 4: DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Vilnius
- Depending on your flight times, transfer to the airport for your flight
