Need help touring Vilnius
 

We will be in Vilnius in July and plan to tour ourselves. Does the city conduct any tours like other Euoropean cities? Any recommendations on Tour companies? Private Tours?

Hi; You may find something when you download Vilnius form this site. www.inyourpocket.com Richard P.S.My grandmother was born in Vilnius in 1865.

Wow, I'm impressed. Thanks, Iris1745

Vilnius is quite compact and touring on your own is easy. You can pick up some not readily available abroad English language guide books when you arrive. Here's a link to my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-and-rome.cfm

Depending on how much time you have you might want to take an easy trip to the old castle of Trakai, Kaunas, or Rumsiskes. Enjoy Lithuania and let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you, Marija. This is great help

Yaar - Yes, Vilnius is compact and easy to get around on foot.
I would highly recommend getting a copy of the Bradt City Guide entitled Vilnius with Kaunas (it's a small, lightweight book and easy to carry around). We used this extensively last year on our trip. A couple 'don't miss' sites are Vilnius Cathedral/Clock Tower, and the haunting KGB museum. If you decide to visit the KGB museum, note that the entrance is on a side street, not on Gedimino Ave (the museum faces Lukiskiu Square). Uzupis is an up-and-coming area being revitalized that's worth a walk through.

We made a day trip to Trakai-the drawbridge facing the castle is stunning. You can take either the bus or train (the stations are next to each other in Vilnius); we opted for the bus - it was about a 30-40 minute trip, depending on traffic. It's another 15 minute or so walk from the bus station to the castle and there was supposed to be a local bus running between these 2 places, but we never saw one. There are several places to eat in Trakai - we found a small place directly opposite the castle and had wonderful views of it and the drawbridge as we enjoyed our lunch.

We didn't rent a car and when we arrived at the airport, took the newly opened (at the time of our trip last May, the line had only been opened for a few months) rail line directly to the train station in Vilnius. It took less than 10 minutes and was less than $2/each. U-tube has footage of the rail line believe it or not! Our hotel, The Conti, was less than a 10-minute walk from the train station.

Vilnius, in my opinion, is an undiscovered travel destination that will surprise you in a good way! ENJOY!

Thank you, Debs. Appreciate your help

I agree with the others that Vilnius is quite manageable and walkable--and the inyourpocket.com site is wonderful! I really enjoyed Vilnius, but didn't have enough time there. Here's my trip report: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-july-2006.cfm