Jewish Heritage of the Baltics

Arrival

Welcome to Vilnius, the vibrant and historic capital of Lithuania!
Upon arrival, you are met by your private driver, who transfers you to your hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to begin exploring the magnificent city center, dine in one of the local restaurants, or simply relax in the comfort of your room. 

Jewish Heritage Walking Tour 

In the morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and embark on the Vilnius Jewish Heritage Walking Tour. On this tour, you will learn about unforgettable Jewish heroes and leaders in Lithuania as you visit historic sites in Old Vilnius and the former Jewish Quarter. Vilnius once had over 100 synagogues and houses of worship, and you will remember the Jewish world that once existed.  The history of Lithuanian Jews dates back to the 14th century when the Litvaks settled in Vilna, now known as Vilnius. It became a world center of traditional religious learning, often called the Jerusalem of Lithuania. In 1989, the Lithuanian Jewish Cultural Society was reestablished. You will visit the only active synagogue in Vilnius, the Choral Synagogue, built in 1903 and restored in 2010.  As part of the old town walking tour, you will admire Gothic period churches and the Gates of Dawn. Your guide will share insights into the everyday life and traditions of this remarkable nation. The tour concludes at an agreed  location, where your guide can recommend options for further exploration on your own or suggest a relaxing break at a café in the Old Town. 

Trakai Castle & Paneriai Memorial Park

In the morning, you meet your guide in the hotel lobby and together head to the Paneriai Memorial Park, which commemorates the victims of the Vilnius Ghetto and WWII atrocities. Also known as Ponar or Ponary, this serene forested area was once a popular retreat for Vilnius residents, but during the Nazi occupation, it was transformed into a mass execution site.

Next, journey to Trakai to explore Lithuania’s most iconic landmark—Trakai Island Castle, majestically set on an island in Lake Galvė. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle was built during the reign of Grand Duke Vytautas the Great and served as a summer residence for Lithuania’s rulers.

Before returning to Vilnius, enjoy about an hour of free time to savor traditional Lithuanian cuisine and shop for local souvenirs (not included in the tour price).
Note: Available daily, except Mondays during the off-season.

Jewish Heritage Trip to Kaunas 

During this tour, you will explore the most significant sites related to Jewish life and heritage in Kaunas. The tour begins and ends at your hotel in Vilnius. On the way to Kaunas, you will stop in Žiežmariai, a small former Jewish shtetl, to visit its recently renovated synagogue. After a brief visit, the journey continues to Kaunas, where you will see key locations connected to Jewish history. Among the highlights are the Kaunas Synagogue, one of only two operating choral synagogues in Lithuania (entry by donation), and the Sugihara House-Museum, located in the former Japanese consulate, where admission is paid on-site by guests. You will also visit the old Jewish cemetery in Vilijampolė, which was destroyed by Soviet authorities after WWII, and the active Jewish cemetery in Aleksotas. The tour includes a stop in the area of the former Kaunas Ghetto in Vilijampolė, established by the Nazis during the occupation. It concludes with a visit to the Ninth Fort Museum, which presents powerful exhibitions on both Soviet-era repression and the Nazi genocide, with entrance tickets also paid on-site. The sequence of visits may be adjusted based on weather conditions and your preferences. 

Departure
After breakfast, you check out from your hotel and meet your driver for a transfer to Riga, with a memorable stop at one of the most iconic pilgrimage sites in the Baltics – the Hill of Crosses. Located near the city of Šiauliai in northern Lithuania, this extraordinary site features thousands of crosses of all sizes and styles placed by pilgrims over the centuries as a symbol of faith, hope, and resistance. After the visit, continue your comfortable journey onward to the vibrant capital of Latvia. 

Arrival

Upon arrival, you check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. You can explore the city on your own or choose one of our optional activities. 

Jewish Heritage City Tour 

In the morning, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, and together you will explore Riga's rich Jewish heritage by visiting key sites such as the Riga Synagogue, the Janis Lipke Memorial, and the Ghetto & Holocaust Museum. Your tour begins in the medieval old town, visiting historic landmarks like The House of the Blackheads, Town Square, and the Powder Tower. Enjoy a break for refreshments at a local café. See Riga's only functioning synagogue, a survivor of World War II, and learn about the local Jewish community's resilience. At the Riga Ghetto & Holocaust Museum, your guide will share poignant stories of Jewish heritage in Latvia. Cross the Daugava River to the Janis Lipke Memorial on Kipsala Island, admiring the scenic views and historic wooden houses. The memorial honors the bravery of Janis Lipke, who saved over 50 people during the war. Conclude your tour with a comfortable drive back to your hotel.
Please note: The order of visits in the tour itinerary is subject to change based on the opening hours of the synagogue, which may vary due to religious services and cannot be guaranteed on Jewish holidays. Entrance to the Ghetto & Holocaust Museum and the Janis Lipke Memorial requires a charitable donation. Additionally, please be aware that the Riga Synagogue and the Ghetto & Holocaust Museum are closed to visitors on Saturdays. 

Departure

Today in the morning you check out from the hotel and enjoy a scenic transfer to Tallinn with a 1-hour stop in the charming seaside town of Pärnu, often referred to as Estonia’s summer capital. As you journey north along the picturesque Baltic coastline, take a break in Pärnu to stretch your legs and explore its delightful blend of sandy beaches, quaint cafés, and historic architecture. This short stop offers a pleasant glimpse into local Estonian culture and the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil coastal atmosphere before continuing onward to Tallinn. 

Arrival

Upon arrival at your hotel in Tallinn, you check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. 

Jewish Heritage & Highlights of Tallinn Tour

Begin your journey with a guided visit to Tallinn's elegantly designed Synagogue, where a local expert provides an in-depth look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community in Estonia.

Continue with a captivating walking tour through the cobbled streets of Tallinn's UNESCO-listed Old Town. Explore Toompea Hill, home to Estonia’s Parliament and the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, before taking in sweeping panoramic views over the city’s red rooftops. Descend into the lower Old Town to experience the vibrant Town Hall Square, the Gothic-style Town Hall, and one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, operating since 1422.

The tour also includes a panoramic drive to see some of Tallinn’s most iconic landmarks: the baroque Kadriorg Palace and gardens, the Presidential Palace, the modern KUMU Art Museum, the Song Festival Grounds, and the ruins of St. Bridget’s Convent.

Enjoy a relaxing coffee break in the Old Town before concluding the tour with a return transfer to your hotel.
Please note: The order of visits in the tour itinerary is subject to change due to the opening hours of the Synagogue. From September to May, in-house guided tours at the Synagogue are available Monday to Friday, subject to availability. On Saturdays and Sundays, only an exterior photo stop is possible, as interior visits cannot be guaranteed.

Departure

This is the final day of your enriching journey through the Baltics. After breakfast, you check out from your hotel, and your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight home. We wish you a safe journey and look forward to assisting with your future travels!