Jewish Heritage Tour to Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Prague and Vienna

jewish-heritage-tour-to-warsaw-krakow-budapest-prague-and-vienna-map
Special Tour 10 night
Warsaw, Poland Central Europe, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic

A perfect introduction to the sophistication of and culture of these fascinating cities.
Warsaw, a city that never ceases to amaze its visitors where elements of Eastern and Western culture are interwoven.

Krakow, one of the oldest cities in Poland is highly acclaimed for its incredible architectural monuments.

Budapest, a huge metropolis that treasures the old yet embraces the new.

Prague, the historical capital of Bohemia proper is a magical city of bridges, gold tipped towers and church domes.

And finally Vienna, the former home of the Habsburgs, the waltz, sachertorte  and a true imperial capital.

Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Prague & Viena

MONDAY, DAY 1
ARRIVE WARSAW  D

Arrive in Warsaw, the capital of Poland.

Meet your transfer driver at the airport arrival hall after customs. Look for the sign with your name on it. Transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Warsaw on your own. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner together.

TUESDAY, DAY 2
WARSAW  B

Today the story of Warsaw’s once thriving Jewish Community unfolds. This morning drive to the former Jewish Ghetto. Walk along Memory Lane to see the Warsaw Ghetto Heroes monument and the marble plaque commemorating Mila 18. Stop at Umschlag Platz – the rail station where Jews were transported to Treblinka. Visit the Old Cemetery which dates back to 1806. Also visit the Nozyk Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Institute. After this emotional experience continue on a walking tour to the charming old town and lively Market Square with its delightful outdoor cafes and displays of local crafts. View the reconstructed Barbican and enjoy an inside visit to the magnificent Royal Castle.

WEDNESDAY, DAY 3
WARSAW-KRAKOW  B/L

Depart Warsaw this morning on a pilgrimage to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Visit Block 27 dedicated to the martyred ‘kedoshim.’ The fortified walls, the barbed wire, the platforms, the barracks, the gallows, the gas chambers and the cremation ovens all bear witness to the conditions within which Hitler’s genocide took place in the former concentration and extermination camp. A box lunch will be provided. Arrive in Krakow in the early evening and check into your hotel.

THURSDAY, DAY 4
KRAKOW  B/L

Morning drive to visit the magnificent Royal Castle and the Coronation Cathedral perched high atop Wawel Hill. Continue to Kazimierz, the former Jewish section, where the original buildings still remain intact. Visit the ancient Remuh Synagogue where Jews still worship today and the nearby Old Cemetery. Stop at the recently restored 14th century Alt Synagogue which houses the Museum of Jewish History and Culture. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before entrance to Oskar Schindler’s former factory, now a museum.

Drive via other sights highlighted in the movie Schindler’s List such as the Podgorze former Ghetto area, the Ghetto Heroes’ Square, the Ghetto Wall and Under the Eagle Pharmacy. The tour ends in the Old Town area. Spend the rest of the day on your own at Market Square with its Renaissance-style Cloth Hall – the arcades lead to numerous shops. Enjoy free time for shopping. Return to the hotel on your own.

FRIDAY, DAY 5
KRAKOW-BUDAPEST  B/L/D

Leaving Krakow cross the Slovak border and drive through the scenic countryside of Slovakia dotted with charming villages and farms. Enjoy a box lunch before arriving into Budapest, the sophisticated capital of Hungary. Check into your hotel. Later, meet your guide for a walk to attend evening services at the impressive Dohany Street Synagogue built in 1859 which has been beautifully restored. Following services continue walking with your guide to enjoy a wonderful Shabbat dinner at a deluxe restaurant in the Kempinski Hotel.

SATURDAY, DAY 6
BUDAPEST  B

This morning, you will enjoy an orientation walking tour of the majestic capital of Hungary. Discover the “Belvaros” one of the oldest districts of the city and the heart of Budapest with ever expanding pedestrian zones, shopping streets, fountains and parks. Afternoon at leisure. Stop in the local shops for some souvenirs. Relax in any of the numerous Budapest Spas. Don’t miss the famous Gerbeaud Café located on Pest’s pedestrian-only Vorosmarty Square, a few minute’s walk from the Chain Bridge. This most classy, historical and traditional coffee house was established in 1858 during the high times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

SUNDAY, DAY 7
BUDAPEST  B

Morning walking tour to the Jewish Museum with its wealth of artifacts and documents relating to Jewish life in Hungary. Stop at the unique ‘Weeping Willow’ Holocaust Memorial dedicated to the 500,000 Jews who perished during the Nazi reign of terror. Inside visit to the magnificent Dohany Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe and second largest worldwide. It is a genuine landmark of the architectural landscape of the capital of Hungary. During your afternoon bus tour, you will explore Buda and Pest in this elegant city with its wealth of historic monuments linked by eight graceful bridges. Drive via Heroes’ Square, the Castle District and Fishermen’s Bastion with its glorious view of the Danube.

Tonight enjoy a boat cruise on the Danube River; see Budapest’s most beautiful monuments aglow at night.

MONDAY, DAY 8
BUDAPEST-PRAGUE  B

Depart on your short morning flight to Prague. Arrive in golden Prague, resting on the banks of the Vltava River, the main artery of the Bohemian waterways. Meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Time to rest, relax and unpack before your sightseeing program. Your afternoon panoramic city tour includes views of the State Opera, Wenceslas Square, the National Museum and Charles Bridge. Continue to Prague Castle and walk across the castle courtyards to see St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue by bus across the Vltava River to be dropped off at the Old Town, where you will continue on a walking tour of this pedestrian area. See the Old Town Hall and the amazing astronomical clock. Evening at leisure.

TUESDAY, DAY 9
PRAGUE  B

Morning guided Jewish interest walking tour features a visit to the Jewish Museum complex, home of the Precious Legacy including the 13th century Alt-Neu Synagogue and the Pinkas, Klaus and Maisel synagogues. Then walk to the Jewish Cemetery, which dates back to the 15th century. Continue to the 16th century Jewish Town Hall with its distinctive tower and clock with Hebrew letters. Afternoon at leisure.

WEDNESDAY, DAY 10
PRAGUE  B/D

Full day at leisure to enjoy this beautiful city or depart this morning on an optional (not included in the price) pilgrimage to Terezin former ‘model’ concentration camp. Visit the Museum and the Jewish Cemetery with its impressive Menorah Sculpture surrounded by symbolic, nameless graves. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Evening farewell dinner.

THURSDAY,
PRAGUE/DEPARTURE  B

Morning transfer to the airport for departure.
HOTEL
CITY     NIGHTS       GOLD PLAN                   SILVER PLAN

Warsaw       2           Bristol (DLX)                      Polonia Palace (FC)

Krakow       2           Radisson Blu (DLX)           Kossak (FC)

Budapest    3           Kempinkski (DLX)             Astoria (FC)

Prague       3           Intercontinental (DLX)       Grand Majestic Plaza (FC)

(FC)  First Class Hotels   (DLX) Deluxe Hotels

 

WARSAW-KRAKOW-BUDAPEST-PRAGUE 10 NIGHTS

With less than 6 participants we use standard motor coach tour schedules.

Prices include: arrival transfers in Budapest and departure transfers from Vienna; also flight Budapest to Prague including taxes of $34 US per person person and fuel surcharges of $20 US per person subject to change; and first class train from Prague to Vienna.

LAND TOUR INCLUDES

Transfer – Arrival transfer Warsaw and departure transfer Prague

Domestic Air – One way economy class between Budapest and Prague with Czech Airlines including applicable taxes of $34.00 US per person and fuel surcharge of $20.00   US per person

Transportation – Warsaw/Krakow/Budapest by bus

Sightseeing – For less than 6 participants standard motorcoach tour schedules, the conveyance used for sightseeing will be dependent upon the number of participants ACCOMMODATION – 10 nights accommodation based on double occupancy in hotel category selected with private facilities

Single Supplement – A limited number of single rooms available on payment of supplement indicated

Meals – 10 buffet breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners as specified – MEALS ARE NOT KOSHER

Sightseeing – As indicated with professional English speaking guide in each city

Entrance Fees – As per itinerary

Hotel Tax & Service Charges – On accommodation and meals included in the tour price

LAND TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE

Airfare – To Warsaw and back from Prague not included.

Departure Taxes, Fuel Surcharges and Airport Improvement Fees – Not included.

Porterage – At airport or hotels

Meals and Beverages – Those not mentioned.

Optional Tours – Not included.

Insurance– Not included though strongly recommended.

Gratuities – For items of a purely personal nature such as laundry and valet service.

Tipping  – To guide, driver and hotel staff

E. & O.E.

3 NIGHT EXTENSION TO VIENNA

THURSDAY, DAY 11
PRAGUE-VIENNA  B

Morning transfer to the Railway Station for ride to Vienna. Enjoy the scenic countryside before arriving in Vienna; transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day to explore this amazing city on your own. If you wish, you can visit the Stadttempel for prayers on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Reservation and passport are required to enter the Synagogue

FRIDAY, DAY 12
VIENNA  B

During your morning private walking tour you will learn about the Jewish life and heritage in Vienna from past to present. You will see the monuments of the first district such as the Memorial against War and Fascism at Albertinaplatz; you will visit the Jewish Museum of Vienna at Palais Eskeles: besides its rich collection of Judaica, the Museum also chronicles the story of Viennese Jewry and its impact on the development of this city. Names like Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler, Arnold Schoenberg, Martin Buber, and Stefan Zweig will forever be associated with the cultural prominence of Vienna. You will then walk thru the narrow streets to visit the Judenplatz Museum and the Judenplatz.

Medieval Jewish traditions and presence thrived here until 1421, when the City Temple was destroyed. Today, this vast open square is dominated by the touching new Holocaust Memorial; and several prominent Jewish organizations have returned to the surrounding buildings. Also see the Hoher Market and the Seitenstettengasse in the very heart of Vienna’s Old Town.
Pass by the Stadttempel, Vienna’s only surviving pre-war Synagogue, which today also houses the Community Offices and the Chief Rabbinate. The tour will end near the State Opera House. Time for lunch on your own.

Afternoon city tour will include a panoramic view of some of the major historical sights before a ride to visit the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, summer residence of the Hapsburgs, known as the “Versailles of Austria,” with its opulent and impressive interior. You’ll see the personal apartments of Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elizabeth, as well as the magnificent ceremonial rooms in the central part of the palace.

SATURDAY, DAY 13
VIENNA  B

Time at leisure to explore this wonderful city on your own. You may wish to visit the lovely Stadtpark to see the famous Johann Strauss Statue, explore the narrow streets and hidden courtyards in the first district, or visit the numerous interesting and historical museums. You can also visit the Hofburg (Imperial Palace) residence of the Hapsburgs for over 600 years and the official winter residence of the imperial family. You can shop to your heart’s content and don’t forget to experience Vienna’s coffee house tradition by stopping at the famous Sacher Café to taste one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties – the Sacher Torte! All of these are walking distance from your hotel.

Tonight, enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in the very place where Johann Strauss used to direct his orchestra from the position of first violin! (tickets to the nearby Kursalon included). This wonderful performance full of Viennese charm features music by the Strauss family plus some Mozart pieces – waltzes, polkas, arias and duets, as well as operettas and piano concerto melodies accompanied by excellent opera vocalists and enchanting ballet soloists – a most unforgettable evening.

SUNDAY, DAY 14
VIENNA/EN ROUTE  B

Transfer to the airport for return flight.

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (LL) Light Lunch (D) Dinner

The exact order of sightseeing each day is subject to change due to weather and operational conditions.

Meals on this tour are NOT KOSHER

                                          HOTELS

CITY         NIGHTS       GOLD PLAN                        SILVER PLAN

 

Warsaw      2               Bristol (DLX)                         Polonia Palace (FC)

Krakow       2               Radisson Blu (DLX)            Kossak (FC)

Budapest   3               Kempinkski (DLX)               Astoria (FC)

Prague       3               Intercontinental (DLX)         Grand Majestic Plaza(FC)

Vienna       3                Intercontinental (DLX)          Intercontinental

 

(FC)  First Class Hotels   (DLX) Deluxe Hotels

WARSAW-KRAKOW BUDAPEST-PRAGUE VIENNA 13 NIGHTS

With less than 6 participants we use standard motor coach tour schedules.

Prices include: arrival transfers in Budapest and departure transfers from Vienna; also flight Budapest to Prague including taxes of $34 US per person and fuel surcharges of $20 US per person subject to change; and first class train from Prague to Vienna.

LAND TOUR INCLUDES

Transfer – Arrival transfer Warsaw and departure transfer Prague

Domestic Air – One way economy class between Budapest and Prague with Czech Airlines including applicable taxes of $34.00 US per person and fuel surcharge of $20.00 US per person

Transportation – Warsaw/Krakow/Budapest by bus

Train – Economy class train between Prague and Vienna

Sightseeing – For less than 6 participants standard motor coach tour schedules, the conveyance used for sightseeing will be dependent upon the number of participants

Accomodation – 13 nights accommodation based on double occupancy in hotel category selected with private facilities

Single Supplement – A limited number of single rooms available on payment of supplement indicated

Meals – 13 buffet breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners as specified – MEALS ARE NOT KOSHER

Sightseeing – As indicated with professional English speaking guide in each city

Entrance Fees – As per itinerary

Hotel Tax & Service Charges – On accommodation and meals included in the tour price

 

NOT ICLUDED

Airfare – To Warsaw and back from Prague not included.

Departure Taxes, Fuel Surcharges and Airport Improvement Fees – Not included.

Porterage – At airport, railway station or hotels

Meals and Beverages – Those not mentioned.

Optional Tours – Not included.

Insurance – Not included though strongly recommended.

Gratuities – For items of a purely personal nature such as laundry and valet service.

Tipping  – To guide, driver and hotel staff

E. & O.E.

 Call Center: (905) 771-7800