Vilnius, Lithuania’s charming capital, is a fantastic base for exploring beyond the city streets. Its strategic location makes it easy to visit stunning landmarks, historic towns, and natural parks in a single day. Whether you’re eager to see the spiritual Hill of Crosses, explore the medieval Trakai Island Castle, or learn about Lithuania’s Cold War past, Vilnius offers an array of full-day tours that cater to various interests. One of our favorites is the Full-Day Vilnius City Tour and Trakai Castle—it combines city highlights with fairy-tale scenery and UNESCO sites, giving you a well-rounded taste of Lithuania’s heritage. For a more spiritual experience, the Hill of Crosses full-day tour takes you to one of Lithuania’s most sacred sites, filled with thousands of crosses symbolizing resilience and faith.
Vilnius is especially well-suited for full-day tours because of its compact size and excellent infrastructure, which makes traveling between destinations straightforward and comfortable. Many tours include hotel pickup, guided commentary, and private transport, allowing you to relax and absorb the experience without fuss. From cultural excursions to nature escapes, the options are diverse and tailored for different interests—whether you want a deep dive into Lithuania’s history or a scenic drive through lush countryside.
Below, you’ll find a selection of the 12 best full-day tours in Vilnius, carefully chosen for their uniqueness, value, and memorable experiences. Each offers something special, so whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, there’s an adventure waiting.
1. The Hill of Crosses: Full-Day Tour from Vilnius
At number 1, the Hill of Crosses: Full-Day Tour from Vilnius is a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage. The tour visits one of Lithuania’s most iconic sites, where thousands of crosses cover a hillside, each representing personal stories of faith, hope, and resistance. The tour includes a stop at the MÅ«Å¡ios miško parkas, dedicated to partisans fighting Soviet occupation, adding depth to the experience. The guide shares fascinating stories about the origins of the site and Lithuanian cross-making traditions—making it more than just a photo opportunity.
Guests praise the tour for its meaningful atmosphere and engaging storytelling. One reviewer admired how the guide, Inga, combined history with personal stories, making the visit unforgettable. The tour’s combination of cultural symbolism and history makes it perfect for visitors interested in Lithuania’s resilience and religious heritage. The trip also includes a traditional Lithuanian meal, which adds value for those wanting a taste of local cuisine.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a profound look at Lithuania’s spiritual side, with meaningful stories and beautiful scenery. Ideal for those seeking a combination of history, culture, and reflection.
2. Vilnius, Trakai and Kernave Private Full-Day Tour
Next on our list is the Vilnius, Trakai and Kernave Private Full-Day Tour, perfect for history lovers who want an intimate, personalized experience. This private tour covers three significant sites in one day—Kernave with its UNESCO-protected hill-forts, the fairy-tale Island Castle of Trakai, and Vilnius’s Old Town. The flexibility of private transport means you can spend more time at places that intrigue you most, or skip those less interesting.
Guests highlight the knowledgeable guides, who ensure you see the most important highlights without feeling rushed. One reviewer noted that the guide, Cyrus, made sure they saw what they wanted regardless of weather—showing the flexibility and dedication of the service. The tour is ideal for travelers eager to enjoy Lithuanian history and culture, with plenty of photo opportunities and stories to deepen your understanding.
Bottom Line: This private tour is a fantastic way to see Lithuania’s most historic sites with personal attention, making it perfect for those who want a tailored, in-depth experience.
3. Full-Day The Hill of Crosses Tour from Vilnius
The third spot is the Full-Day The Hill of Crosses Tour from Vilnius. This comprehensive trip includes a visit to the Hill of Crosses, plus a stop at the Great Battle District—a key site commemorating Lithuania’s fight for independence. The tour begins with hotel pickup and includes transport to Ukmerge district, where history and spirituality collide in one of Lithuania’s most famous landmarks.
The tour is praised for its detailed storytelling and the opportunity to explore the cross-covered hillside for about an hour. Visitors learn about the symbolism of crosses and Lithuanian resistance, making it a powerful experience. Reviewers often mention the guide Inga, who excels at sharing stories and making the site meaningful. The tour also includes a visit to a local restaurant for traditional Lithuanian food, elevating the culture.
Bottom Line: Offering a well-rounded experience with cultural and historical insights, this tour is perfect for first-timers interested in Lithuania’s spiritual symbols and national resilience.
4. Kaunas, Rumsiskes & Pazaislis Monastery: Full-Day Tour
Number 4, the Kaunas, Rumsiskes & Pazaislis Monastery tour, combines Lithuania’s diverse culture with natural beauty. It starts at the Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum, where you can see traditional Lithuanian houses from different regions—an ethnographic treasure. Then, the trip continues to Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, where you explore its historical sites and enjoy a guided walk.
The highlight for many is the Pazaislis Monastery, considered one of the finest Baroque monuments in Northern Europe. The guide, Bruno, enriches the experience with stories about the monasteries’ art and architecture. Guests appreciate the balance of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making this a full-spectrum Lithuanian day trip.
Reviewers emphasize the knowledgeable guides and the ability to see both city and countryside in one day. The trip is suitable for those interested in architecture, history, and Lithuanian rural life.
Bottom Line: A great option for travelers wanting a mix of cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, with expert guiding and a relaxed pace.
5. Dzukija National Park and Grutas Park: Full-Day Tour
At number 5, the Dzukija National Park and Grutas Park tour combines natural beauty and a glimpse into Lithuania’s complex political past. Starting from Vilnius, you visit the Pyramid of Merkine, the Cepkeliai Marsh, and the Soviet sculptures at Grutas Park—a fascinating collection of Soviet-era statues that evoke Lithuania’s resistance to oppression.
The tour includes a walk through Liskiava Monastery and visits to local museums, offering a full day of exploration. Reviewers mention their guide’s friendliness and the chance to see rural Lithuania’s stunning lakes and forests. The trip is perfect for those who enjoy nature and want an authentic look at Lithuanian history outside the cities.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a balanced mix of natural scenery and political history, ideal for curious travelers wanting a comprehensive experience.
6. Full-Day Vilnius City Tour and Trakai Castle from Vilnius
Number 6 is the Full-Day Vilnius City Tour and Trakai Castle, which covers the highlights of Lithuania’s capital and its most famous castle. The tour starts with a guided walk through Vilnius Old Town, visiting landmarks like St. Anne’s Church, Cathedral Square, and the Gate of Dawn. Afterward, the group heads to Trakai, where the Island Castle stands on Lake Galvė.
The guide, Adam, is praised for his engaging storytelling and ability to tailor the experience. The tour includes visiting the Paneriai Memorial Museum, a poignant reminder of Lithuania’s more recent past. Guests love the seamless combination of city and countryside during this 6-hour outing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-time visitors wanting a complete introduction to Vilnius and Trakai, with insightful commentary and convenient logistics.
7. Kaunas Rumsiskes and Pazaislis Monastery Full Day Tour from Vilnius
This private tour emphasizes culture and nature, taking visitors from Vilnius to Kaunas, Rumsiskes, and Pazaislis Monastery. It focuses on Lithuania’s ethnographic regions, showcasing traditional houses at Rumsiskes, and the art of the Pazaislis Monastery. The guide, Yuzote, shares stories about Lithuania’s religious and cultural history, making the trip both informative and engaging.
Guests mention the ease of round-trip transportation, which allows for relaxed sightseeing without the hassle of navigating solo. It’s suitable for those interested in deep culture and historical sites.
Bottom Line: An excellent, all-in-one tour for those wanting a comprehensive look at Lithuanian traditions, history, and religious architecture.
8. Full-Day Tour to Aukstaitija National Park from Vilnius
Number 8 introduces you to Aukstaitija National Park, Lithuania’s oldest national park. The tour visits the Geographical Center of Europe, the Museum of Ancient Beekeeping, and Labanoras Regional Park. The guide highlights the region’s lakes, forests, and traditional villages, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the personalized experience. The trip includes stops at the Labanoras observation tower and the Ginuciai hillfort, providing stunning views and cultural insights. It’s perfect for travelers interested in outdoor activities and rural scenery.
Bottom Line: An enriching day for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic landscapes and unique cultural sites in Lithuania’s northeastern wilderness.
9. Full-Day Private Cold War Museum Tour from Vilnius
The Cold War Museum tour is an exclusive, private experience. It takes you to a secret military base, where your guide shares detailed anecdotes about Lithuania’s Cold War history. This tour is all about understanding the tense geopolitics of the Cold War era through the lens of Lithuania’s strategic position.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to ask questions about Lithuania’s military past. The tour lasts approximately 9.5 hours and is perfect for history buffs or those with an interest in military history. It does not include admission, but the guide provides insightful commentary during the visit.
Bottom Line: An exclusive, in-depth look at Lithuania’s Cold War history, best suited for travelers with a keen interest in military and political history.
10. Full Day Around Lithuania: Jewish Finding Family Roots Trip
For those with Lithuanian Jewish heritage, this customized family roots tour is invaluable. It takes you to villages and shtetls around Vilnius or Kaunas where ancestors once lived. With an English-speaking guide, the journey is tailored to your family history, and conversations with locals may reveal long-lost connections.
Reviewers emphasize the personal touch and the ability to explore ancestral sites in comfort. It’s ideal for genealogists and those wanting a meaningful, personalized experience. The tour is full-day, with private transport and unlimited mileage, making it flexible and intimate.
Bottom Line: Perfect for genealogists or anyone seeking a meaningful connection to Lithuania’s Jewish communities.
11. Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Crosses and Rundale Palace in Latvia from Vilnius
Number 11 offers a cross-border adventure combining Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses with Latvia’s stunning Rundale Palace. This private tour provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You start at the Hill of Crosses, then drive to the Rundale Palace, a baroque masterpiece.
Guests appreciate the opportunity to see two countries in one day without feeling rushed. The tour’s quiet pace and private transport make it suitable for photo enthusiasts and those eager to see more of the Baltics’ architecture and landscapes.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to see two iconic sites in one day, ideal for travelers who want a flexible, personalized experience.
12. Vilnius to Aukstaitija National Park: Full-Day Tour
Finally, the Vilnius to Aukstaitija National Park tour emphasizes natural beauty and cultural sites. The itinerary includes the Geographical Center of Europe, Museum of Ancient Beekeeping, and Ladakalnis, offering lakes, forests, and traditional villages.
Guests highlight the knowledgeable guide and the ability to enjoy nature without renting a car. It’s suitable for those who want an active, scenic day in Lithuania’s northeastern landscapes, with stops at lakes and hillforts.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for outdoor lovers interested in Lithuania’s scenic and rural regions.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Vilnius
When selecting your perfect day trip, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If history is your focus, tours like Vilnius, Trakai and Kernave or the Cold War Museum will satisfy. For scenic landscapes and nature, the Aukstaitija National Park or Dzukija National Park trips are ideal. For culture, the Kaunas, Rumsiskes & Pazaislis Monastery tour offers authentic sights of Lithuanian life.
Think about your preferred pace and whether you want a private or group experience. Private tours (e.g., the private trips listed here) tend to be more flexible and personal, while group tours often offer better prices.
Booking early is wise, especially in summer peak months, to ensure availability and snag the best guides.
Final thoughts
Vilnius’s full-day tours cover a broad spectrum—from spiritual sites like the Hill of Crosses, medieval castles in Trakai, to architectural gems in Kaunas. Whether you prefer history, culture, or nature, guided excursions make exploring Lithuania’s rich landscape easier and more enjoyable. For a memorable visit, pick an experience that matches your interests and pace—just remember to book ahead to secure your spot.
Whatever you choose, these tours help you see Lithuania’s many sides—so pack your curiosity and get ready for a rewarding day beyond Vilnius’s city limits.