• Vilnius Old Town - Vilnius is renowned for the architecture of its Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city played a pivotal role in the formation of the Lithuanian nation and served as the heart of Lithuania during the 15th century when it was the largest country in Europe.

As a result of this rich history, Vilnius boasts a strong royal heritage, proudly reflecting the grandeur of that era. Religion has also been integral to Lithuania’s history, resulting in a multitude of sacred buildings scattered throughout Vilnius.

This tour focuses on the essence of Vilnius, providing a glimpse into its royal and sacred legacy. Upon completing the tour, we recommend exploring the Southern Part of Vilnius to further immerse yourself in the city’s essence. This complementary experience will offer a comprehensive understanding of Vilnius’s character and charm.

• Monument to Grand Duke Gediminas - Grand Duke Gediminas (1275-1341) stands out as one of early Lithuania’s most prominent rulers, credited with founding both Vilnius and Trakai and establishing Lithuania as a political entity with a vast territory. Notably, his letters first recorded the name “Vilnius” in 1323, marking the city’s symbolic founding year. In 1996, artists Vytautas Kašuba and Mindaugas Šnipas crafted a monument to honor Gediminas’s enduring legacy.

• Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, National Museum - The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania once served as the political, diplomatic, and cultural hub of the Lithuanian State. Originally erected in the 15th century, it showcases a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Early Baroque architectural elements. Following Lithuania’s liberation from the Soviet Union, the palace underwent restoration and transformation into a museum.

• Vilnius Cathedral - This is the primary Roman Catholic Cathedral in Lithuania, where the coronations of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania once occurred. Originally constructed in 1251 by Grand Duke Mindaugas atop a former pagan temple site, Vilnius Cathedral has undergone significant transformations over the centuries. During the Soviet era, it served as an art gallery before being returned to the Catholic Church on October 22, 1988.

• Bell Tower of Vilnius Cathedral - Alongside the Basilica, the Bell Tower stands as an iconic symbol of Vilnius. Originally part of the 13th-century defensive wall, it became the 57-meter-high belfry of the Cathedral in the 16th century. Ascending the Bell Tower offers a breathtaking panorama of the city and exhibitions featuring bells, the historic clock, and images of the belfry’s reconstructions.

• Presidential Palace - The Presidential Palace serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of Lithuania. Originally built in the 14th century as the residence for the Bishop of Vilnius, it has undergone numerous renovations and hosted notable figures such as Tsar Alexander I and Emperor Napoleon. Since 1997, it has been the official workplace of the President of Lithuania, with a flag bearing the President’s coat of arms raised when the President is in Vilnius.

• Vilnius University (Vilniaus Universitetas) - Vilnius University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the Baltic states and one of the earliest universities in Central Europe, founded in the 16th century amid the Protestant Reformation. Its campuses showcase Gothic, Baroque, and Classical architectural styles, with the oldest building housing faculties of history, philology, and philosophy, along with the Main Library. Today, it comprises 12 faculties and approximately 23,000 students, with a history of distinguished figures such as Nobel Prize laureate Czesław Miłosz and Poland’s national poet Adam Mickiewicz.

• St. John the Baptist and St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Church - One of Vilnius University’s most iconic features is the Church of St. Johns, dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, along with its towering bell tower. Constructed over a span of 40 years in the early 15th century Gothic style, it later came under the administration of the Jesuit Order and became part of the university complex in the late 16th century. Throughout its history, the Church of St. Johns has hosted royal receptions, student demonstrations, and theatrical performances, and during the Soviet era, it served as a warehouse before becoming the Vilnius University Museum. Today, it remains a place of worship and received a visit from Pope John Paul II in 1993. The church’s bell tower, soaring to a height of 68 meters, ranks among the tallest structures in the Old Town of Vilnius.

• Literatų gatvė - In the late 19th century, this street was christened “Literatai” as a tribute to Adam Mickiewicz, who once called this place home. Adam Bernard Mickiewicz (1798-1855) was not just a poet but also a polymath, embracing roles as a dramatist, translator, and political activist. Revered as a national poet in Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus, Mickiewicz’s legacy extends beyond borders, standing as a pivotal figure in Polish Romanticism. In 2008, a group of visionary artists sought to bring the street to life by adorning it with literary-inspired art, creating a gallery of literature on its walls with plates and small objects made from various materials, paying homage to literary luminaries.

• Bastion Hill - This section of the Vilnius Defensive Wall, known as the “barbican,” remains remarkably intact today. Constructed in the early 17th century by German engineer Friedrich Getkant, the Renaissance-style Bastion features underground gun ports and a 48-meter-long connecting tunnel, showcasing centuries of craftsmanship and defensive ingenuity. Despite enduring damage in conflicts with Moscow, it served as a military arsenal in World Wars I and II and offers exceptional panoramic views from its strategic hilltop location.

• Angel of Užupis - The Bronze Angel of Užupis holds a significant place in Vilnius’ bohemian enclave of Užupis. Installed in 2002, this sculpture by Romas Vilčiauskas serves as a guardian over the district, symbolizing vigilance and protection. Perched over a bridge on the Vilnelė River, the Bronze Angel’s expansive wings and serene countenance offer a sense of calm and reassurance to all who encounter it. It has become a beloved landmark and meeting spot for locals and visitors alike, central to community events and celebrations, and emblematic of Užupis’ distinct identity and ethos.

• Bernardine Garden - Bernardine Garden, restored to its 19th-century design by artist Vladislovas Štrausas, lies between Gediminas Hill, the Vilnelė River, and the Bernardine monastery. Established in 1469 by Lithuanian Grand Duke Kazimieras, it originally housed the Bernardine monks and later became the site of the Botanical Garden of Vilnius University in the 18th century. Today, the park features botanical and monastic exhibitions, restored historical elements, and a variety of exotic plant species, including ginkgo trees and Vilnius’ oldest oak trees.

• Gediminas Castle Tower - Legend has it that Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas discovered the site for Vilnius while hunting in Šventaragis Valley. Inspired by a prophetic dream of an iron wolf atop a hill, Gediminas was urged by his court magician to establish a city there, naming it Vilnius after the nearby river Vilnia. Gediminas’ Tower, the sole remaining part of the Upper Castle, was fortified with wooden structures by Gediminas and later completed in brick in 1409 under Grand Duke Vytautas. Today, the tower houses a museum exhibiting archaeological discoveries and models of Vilnius castles, along with armaments and iconographic materials from Old Vilnius. As an enduring symbol of Vilnius and Lithuania, Gediminas’ Tower has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history, appearing on the former national currency, the litas, and featuring prominently in Lithuanian patriotic literature and folk songs.

• National Museum of Lithuania - The National Museum of Lithuania, established in 1855 in Vilnius, is the country’s oldest and largest repository of historical and cultural heritage. Its extensive collection includes artifacts, documents, and artworks spanning Lithuania’s history from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring archaeological discoveries, medieval weapons, traditional folk art, and items from various historical periods, including a prominent exhibit dedicated to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and educational programs, making it a vital institution for cultural preservation and education, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Lithuania’s rich history and heritage.

• Audio guide in English
• Written guide in English

• Food and Drinks
• Gratuities