The tour will operate with a minimum of 6 travelers.
Price Includes
Not Included:
DAY 1 Tuesday Arrival to Prague
Arrive on your flight at Prague Airport.
After baggage claim and customs, meet our local tour manager who will bring you to your private coach. During your transfer to the hotel, an orientation tour of Prague will give you a firsthand impression of this beautiful city that you will see in the coming days. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. You can have a short break to freshen up.
Welcome dinner at your hotel and overnight in Prague. (Dinner)
DAY 2 Wednesday
Prague
After breakfast meet your local expert guide for your Jewish Tour in Prague, one of the oldest and most prominent Jewish centers in Central Europe. Despite natural disasters, pogroms and expulsion, the continuity of the local Jewish settlement and religious life has never been disrupted throughout the 1000-year history of the Prague Jewish community. The “Golden Age” of the Jewish Town in Prague occurred at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Prague became one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe. A great number of outstanding rabbis, scholars and philosophers lived in the city. The most famous is Rabbi Judah Loew known as the Maharal of Prague. His burial place is at the Old Jewish cemetery. The last peak of Jewish culture in Prague dates to the turn of the 19th and 20th century. Many writers, poets and artists enriched. Czech, German, and Hebrew literature and culture.
With our local expert guide, we will start our visit in the Maisel Synagogue and here you will get acquainted with the history of Czech Jews which began in the 10th century. We will walk through the unique Old Jewish cemetery and the Ceremonial Hall, visit the Pinkas Synagogue which was turned into the Holocaust Memorial and find out customs and traditions of local Ashkenazi
Jews in the Klaus Synagogue. Then we look at the historical Jewish Town Hall and admire the beautiful Spanish Synagogue built in the Moorish style. These sights form the Jewish Museum. Apart from the museum you can also visit the oldest active synagogue in Europe called the Old-New Synagogue built 700 years ago and currently used by the local Orthodox community. Independent lunch.
During the afternoon we will continue our visit to the historical center of Prague where you will discover the city’s exciting history and fascinating architecture. Depart on a panoramic city tour which will give you the opportunity to see all the main historical monuments of the “Golden City”. Pass by Vysehrad Fortress, the Vltava River Quay, Charles Square, The National Museum, Wenceslas Square which was the site of the demonstrations that lead to the overthrow of the Communists, former Federal
Parliament now Radio Europe, the State Opera, Charles Bridge, the Lesser Town, Hradčany and Loreto Square. On a ninety-minute guided walk we visit Prague’s most famous sights which include Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and Golden Lane. Then we drive across the Vltava River to the Jewish Quarter known as Josefov. From here we stroll to the heart of Old Prague. The Gothic towers of the Church of Our Lady-before Tyn are dominant over the Old Town Square. The church where astronomer Tycho Brahe is buried was a center of the 15th century Protestant movement in Bohemia. In front of the church stands the 1915 monument to reform preacher Jan Hus. Franz Kafka, famous for his novels lived in an adjacent building and could look through his window into the interior of Tyn church. We can´t miss the Astronomical clock known as “Orloj” on the site of the Town Hall where every hour between 9 AM and 11 PM, the twelve Apostles appear. We will try to time a visit there to coincide with the changing of the hour. As the minute hand on the giant clock passes 12, a short play of 12 Apostles is mechanically performed. The performance ends with a cock´s crow. Overnight Prague (Breakfast)
DAY 3 Thursday
Prague – Bar – Bat Mitzvah Day
Today is dedicated to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Before your special trip to Europe, we can put you in touch with the Jewish
community, if you don’t already have your contact, so you can organize everything with the Rabbi prior to your arrival. After your contact we will organize the ceremony so that you enjoy the day with your entire family.
There are several options to consider.
*The ceremony can be held at: Old New Synagogue, the synagogue of Rabbi Judah Loew, the oldest still serving synagogue in Europe and probably also all around the world.
*Next option can be the Spanish Synagogue, one of the most beautiful synagogues in Europe. This Prague synagogue is also sometimes used as a celebration place.
*You can also use Jerusalemska Synagogue called Jubilee synagogue. It is very nice synagogue, but is not in the Jewish quarter. The location is close to Vaclav Square about 15 minutes’ walk to Jewish Prague.
After the ceremony we will accompany you to King Solomon Kosher restaurant for your special Bar-Bat Mitzvah lunch. This is a nice, luxurious and fancy Kosher restaurant about a 2 minute walk from the Old-New Synagogue. The food in this restaurant is very good, and many people who do not always eat Kosher cuisine come to the restaurant to taste the daily dishes on their menu. The Sephardic Jews may experience a little bit of confusion with the Ashkenazi taste of food. But we can say that it is the best Kosher restaurant in Jewish Prague! (Breakfast & Bar Mitzvah Lunch)
The rest of the day will be dedicated to relaxation and to letting the entire family enjoy the wonderful memory of this beautiful day.
DAY 4 Friday Day at Leisure Prague (Optional tour to Terezin)
Visit the Concentration Camp Terezin. Our private driver (English-speaking) will pick you up at the hotel and after a drive of about 1 hour we will arrive at Terezin established at the end of the 18th century by Joseph II as a fortress to protect the borders of the Bohemian Kingdom. It became a notorious concentration camp run by the Nazis during WW II. More than 35,000 Jews perished in the camp’s ghetto. After our arrival in Terezin we will meet our local guide and start our visit the town of Terezin which is on the list of municipal heritage. We will walk through the fortifications including underground corridors. We will visit the city centre with The Ghetto Museum and The Small Fortress with its cemetery outside of the centre. The Ghetto Museum contains the Magdeburg Barracks followed by the Ghetto Mortuary, the Columbarium and the Crematorium with the Jewish Cemetery. More than 9,000 ghetto victims are buried in the Jewish Cemetery. In addition to the Jewish cemetery there is a prison cemetery from WWI. The Small Fortress which consists of the Administrative Court with the reception office, the guard and the prison commander’s office, the courtyard with cellars, solitary confinement, nursing home, bathroom, sanatorium, sick bay etc., is the part of the monument. The II. court where prisoners worked in the workshops during the occupation, III. court which was allocated to women and IV. courtyard where cells were in which at the end of the war where up to 3,000 people imprisoned. In the outside of the Small Fortress there is an execution site.
At the end of the visit, you will have time for lunch on your own in one of the local restaurants. Early afternoon we return to your hotel in Prague.
If you wish you can join the Old New Synagogue Shabbat services. Mincha starts at Candle lighting time (or when this time is after 8:00pm then Mincha starts at 8:00pm).
Shabbat Shacharit starts at 9:00am and after Shabbat Shacharit there is a small Kiddush and then Shabbat lunch. You can choose one of Prague’s Kosher restaurants for your Shabbat meals, but the best Shabbat food and atmosphere is only at the beautiful Chabad Center where it is celebrated with a special atmosphere along with the wonderful singing of Shabbat songs. We will reserve a place for you on the Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch in time as space fills up fast. This is the best place to meet people from the local Jewish community and from around the world. Enjoy the tastiest Shabbat foods, a full four course feast, with unlimited soft drinks and wine. This is a great place to enjoy a Shabbat Prague experience!
(Breakfast)
DAY 5 Saturday
(Shabbat) | Prague
The Prague Jewish Quarter is in the historic center of Prague so you can enjoy a nice walking tour during your free Shabbat time – you can explore the Jewish city, go to Prague Old Town Square, have a walk in Prague Old Town or even to go to Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. After you come back from your walk you can go for Shabbat Mincha and then to have Seuda Shlihit at Prague Jewish community – it is simple Seuda which is free for Shabbat Mincha participants.
(Breakfast)
DAY 6 Sunday
Prague – Trebic – Vienna
This morning we leave for Vienna. Along the way, we will stop at the Jewish Town of Třebíč, where we go in search of the treasures of the Jewish Quarter. Our expert local guide will accompany us to visit this beautiful town which will give us wonderful views and at the same time will reveal stories and anecdotes that will make us appreciate this place even more. Two synagogues, an ancient cemetery and the fragile beauty of the narrow lanes with their unique atmosphere. This is the Třebíč Ghetto.
The Jewish Quarter here is one of the best preserved and the largest in Europe. Thanks to its cultural and historical importance, the collection of houses in the former ghetto together with the Jewish Cemetery and Basilica of St. Procopius, have been included in the UNESCO World and Natural Heritage list, the first independent Jewish monument to be honored in this manner outside of the state of Israel. The Třebíč Castle. The castle is the result of the reconstruction of the former Benedictine monastery in the 17th century. After our visit you will have free time to have lunch in one of the many restaurants in the historic center or drink a good coffee with a wonderful slice of cake. Once you have regained your strength, we continue our trip to Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, check-into the hotel. Overnight Vienna (Breakfast)
DAY 7 Monday
Vienna
Today our expert local guide will take us to visit the main places of Jewish history in Vienna. The Jews have been living in Vienna for hundreds of years. The impact of Austrian Jews on the arts, philosophy, commerce and science helped create this country’s rich cultural heritage. On this tour you will see and you will have a description of the places of Jewish importance as well as the fascinating individuals who contributed to Viennese society.
We will give you a chance to have an inimitable experience of Jewish heritage in Vienna, through a pleasant walk in the historic center. We will start from the Ring Boulevard with Palais Ephrussi. The history of this family was described in detail in the book “The Hare with Amber Eyes” by Edmund de Waal. Then we will continue to Judenplatz where one of Vienna’s oldest synagogues once stood. Today you can see its ruins in the Jewish Museum. We will make a stop at The City Temple – still one of the midpoints of Vienna’s Jewish community and the only one of 94 Jewish synagogues and temples which survived the November pogroms of 1938 without being demolished. Admire the beautiful interior of the city temple and learn about Jewish history in Vienna. We continue to the Morzinplatz Memorial site for the victims of National Socialism and Gestapo.
The second part of our tour will take you to Leopoldstadt – the second municipal District of Vienna. Due to its high percentage of Jewish inhabitants Leopoldstadt gained the nickname “Matzo Island”. Part of Leopoldstadt was named “Im Werd” and a large part of the Jewish community was living there. Many significant synagogues were situated there, including Leopoldstaedter Tempel – the largest synagogue in Vienna and a model for numerous famous European synagogues. Today many residents of Vienna’s small Jewish population live here again and there are even some shops and bakeries selling kosher food here. Independent lunch.
During the afternoon we will visit the Jewish Museum. At its main site in an old palais close to St. Stephan’s Cathedral the Jewish Museum Vienna shows exhibitions about Austrian Jewish history, religion and tradition. In the permanent exhibition in Dorotheergasse, “Our City! Jewish Vienna Then to Now” you can discover the history of Jewish Vienna from its beginnings to the present day. “Our city!” begins on the ground floor. Museum Judenplatz has the foundations of the medieval synagogue, as well as a computer-animated reconstruction of this Viennese synagogue and a virtual tour of the medieval Jewish quarter to help visitors to get a better idea of the house of prayer and the living conditions of the Jews at the time.
At the end of the visit, we will offer a very nice experience where travelers can get an insight into the unknown world of the famous Viennese Horse-drawn carriages (“Fiakerei” in German).
Who are the Fiakers? Where did they come from? And most importantly, where do they go in the evening after work?
Get to the bottom of these secrets, and many more by visiting the original Viennese Fiaker horse stable. You’ll have the opportunity to look behind the scenes at the traditional two team Fiakers (the original horse-drawn taxi!). Explore the unique Fiaker Horse Center in Vienna’s 11th district of Simmering. An exclusive barn tour will give your insight into what’s going on in our traditional Viennese Fiaker family business. Then, we will take a ride in an original Viennese Fiaker – the ubiquitous passenger transport of the 18th century – to the city. During the carriage ride you’ll pass through the up-coming St. Marx district heading to the city center along the famous Ringstraße so you will have the opportunity to see the city from a special seat as the people at the beginning of the last century. You’ll be dropped off at Michaelerplatz in the city center – a perfect place to continue your exploration of Vienna’s top sights.
(Breakfast)
DAY 8 Tuesday
Vienna
After breakfast meet your local expert guide for a visit to the most significant historical sights of Vienna. You will see Ringstrasse, known for such magnificent buildings as the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. Also see the Hofburg, the famous residence of Empress Elizabeth, affectionately known as ‘Sisi’ to the Austrians as well as a host of other fine architectural examples including the Parliament, City Hall, the Burgtheater, the University and the Votive Church. The Highlight of this tour will be a visit to the showrooms of Schonbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Hapsburg family and Maria Theresa, mother of Marie Antoinette who later became Queen to Louis XVI. On the way back to the State Opera you will pass by the Belvedere Palace, the former summer residence of Prince Eugen. Independent lunch. This afternoon we will enjoy a nice visit to one of the most fun and historical amusement park in the world, The Prater. A guided adventure tour with a look behind the scenes at traditional and modern attractions. Set reality aside for a few hours, let us accompany you to the third oldest amusement park in the world and plunge into a world of fun and excitement! This is not a visit just for the children, but for all their family because the history of this park is so full of anecdotes and history that always manages to involve all generations. Together with our specialized guide, we are pleased to invite you to the only public tour taking place in the beloved Prater. Today, the Viennese Prater with its 250-year historical background, its legends and anecdotes and its delightful mixture of lovingly preserved and “modern” rides is known far beyond the borders and has become one of the most popular destinations in Austria. On this walk through the Viennese Wurstel Prater you will hear many stories and anecdotes of the Prater, ride on the Liliputbahn and visit the coach house, ride on the Old Vienna Hochschaubahn and get an exclusive look behind the scenes! At the end of the tour, take a quick slide off the top of Tobogan, where we see who is the fastest among you.
(Breakfast)
DAY 9 Wednesday
Vienna – Budapest
After breakfast we will leave for beautiful Budapest on a private minivan or Minibus. On arrival in Budapest, you will have free time to eat before taking our guided tour. We start the tour with the Chain Bridge, passing the Parliament and take the Margaret Bridge to drive over to the Buda side. We stop in the Castle District and during a short walk will show you the main attractions of the area. We walk to Matthias Church and to the Fishermen’s Bastion (from where you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views). Next, we drive to Gellért Hill (Citadel) and show you the most spectacular view of Budapest. We then take you over the Elisabeth Bridge to Pest and show you the famous Central Market Hall and the largest Synagogue of Europe, after which we drive to the City Park. Pass by Europe’s largest thermal spa, the Budapest Zoo, and the Amusement Park, then stop at the Heroes’ Square (with statues of the most famous Hungarian kings and dukes).
We then take Andrássy Avenue to downtown Pest, passing the Opera House and St Stephen’s Basilica.
During the tour we offer a brief overview of the last 1000 years of Hungarian history. The Tour ends in the city centre.
Afterwards check-into the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 10 Thursday
Budapest
This morning we will meet our tour local expert guide for a special visit to the Jewish Heritage Tour in Budapest. First your guide talks about the most important chapters of the Hungarian Jewry’s history. As the highlight of the tour, we visit the Dohány Street Synagogue (interior visit), which is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. You also get a local guided tour in the Jewish Museum, where you get acquainted with the Hungarian Jewish heritage trough a unique collection of art pieces from Hungary and Eastern Europe and the rich tradition of Judaism, its holidays and everyday life. A separate room commemorates the Hungarian Holocaust. Beside these we visit the Martyrs’ Cemetery, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park with the iron Tree of Life with its 6,000 leaves honoring the 600,000 victims of the Holocaust. Afterwards we stop at the Heroes’ Temple (outside visit).
After the tour it is possible to visit the Jewish Quarter Exhibition in the Goldmark Hall and the Family Research Center. After a break we continue our walk through the Jewish Quarter on the streets of the former Ghetto which hosts synagogues, monuments, kosher restaurants and Kosher shops. While your guide tells you important facts and local stories of this area, you also learn get basic information about Budapest. During our journey we visit the Memorial Park dedicated to Carl Lutz who is also known as Hungary’s Schindler” then we pass by the famous Gozsdu Passage. The third station of the Synagogue Triangle is the Kazinczy Street Synagogue (interior visit) which is one of the largest operating Orthodox synagogues in Europe built in art-nouveau style. At the end of the tour, enjoy a Kosher cake in the Jewish Quarter. Independent lunch.
During the afternoon free time for last shopping or relax. This evening we will board a delightful cruise on the Danube accompanied by pleasant music and sit at the table of our restaurant for our farewell dinner. Evening cruise with a 4-course dinner, live piano music and a singer. This cruise on a new
catamaran with live piano music with two pianists.
3- course dinner (5 choices of main dish, the other dishes are fixed) and a glass of champagne.
We can assure you that this cruise is an unforgettable musical, culinary and cultural experience. During the excursion two talented pianists will bring you an evening of wonderful entertainment. The musicians will play well-known Hungarian and international pieces. During the second half of the cruise you’ll experience a special type of piano” duel” called” piano battle”. The” piano battle” is a unique and very entertaining form of concert. A gifted singer will help you understand the story behind the” duel”. During this exclusive cruise while admiring the brilliantly lit night views of Budapest, you will also enjoy a delectable 4-course dinner prepared by the onboard chef.
(Breakfast & Cruise dinner)
DAY 11 Friday
Budapest – Return back home.
Buffet breakfast will be served in your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
(Breakfast)
For information and bookings please contact Janice Snider 905-771-7800 ext. 729.