Baltic Jewish Heritage Tour

Today we begin the exciting exploration tour of the Baltic States with their rich Jewish Heritage. Arrival to Vilnius. Private transfer to the hotel upon arrival. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Vilnius (D)

In the morning you can visit synagogue service or walk around the beautiful street of Vilnius Old Town. Later today we will take you on an Old Town tour. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, was a well-known Jewish center in Europe. Jews started to settle in Vilnius in the 14th century, and by the 18th century, it became the world center of Talmudic teachings and learning, rightfully gaining the name of the Jerusalem of the North. During our tour, we will visit Gaon Jewish State Museum and learn about Jewish traditions, life, and art in Lithuania and Shoah. We will also visit Vilnius University and learn about Yiddish Institute.We will drive by Vilnius Choral Synagogue, Gediminas Castle Tower and Cathedral Square, Gothic corner and Medieval Jewish quarter with its narrow streets and small cozy courtyards, Gaon and Jewish streets, the site of now destroyed Great Vilna Synagogue, a place were Gaon of Vilna lived. Nearby is a Jewish Ghetto with a gruesome history, where 40,000 Jews were encamped in 1941-1943, Judenrat building on the Rudninku street. Overnight in Vilnius (B)

Morning departure to the ancient capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania – Trakai. En route stop at Ponar Forest and Memorial to pay respect to the thousands of Jews, shot in the early days of the war – but (as proved by your visit) never forgotten. Learn about escape tunnel, which location was recently discovered.  Later continue to Trakai, famous for the medieval insular castle and heritage of karaites ethnic minority. Get to know how it is related to Judaism. Return to Vilnius. Visit Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum and Samuel Bakk art museum.  You will learn about Jewish life, art and Shoah. Drive to Vilna Gaon’s grave in the Vilna cemetery (many come here to ask for a blessing). Overnight in 4* Vilnia hotel or similar (B)

Morning departure to Kaunas. En route stop at unique wooden synagogue of Ziezmariai.  Arrival to Kaunas - second largest city of the country and the capital of Lithuania between the World Wars. During the sightseeing tour of Kaunas Old Town, you will pass by castle ruins, the Town Hall Square, Cathedral and Perkunas House. Visit former Kaunas Jewish ghetto, Kaunas Choral Synagogue, striking for its black and golden colors, as well as its Children's Memorial. Learn about great things Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara has done to save around 6000 jewish people when Holokaust started. Overnight in 4* Europa Royale hotel or similar (B)

Morning visit the Ninth Fort Museum, a former death site of thousands of Jewish nationals during the World War II. Continue towards Riga (Latvia). En route stops in Kedainiai and Rundale Palace. Kedainiai is a citadel of Radzivil family, one of the most powerful nobility in late middle age Lithuania and also a town where the Vilna Gaon lived and worked and where 3 synagogues have remained. Before leaving Lithuania don‘t miss Pakruojis town. Pass by impressive manor and the oldest wooden synagogue in Lithuania, dating 1801. Now it is renovated and belongs to the library. Later trip to Rundale palace in Latvia, created by legendary architect B. Rastrelli, with Baroque rose garden. Afternoon arrival in Riga, the capital of Latvia. Accommodation in 4* Europa Royale hotel or similar (B)

Get acquainted with charming Old town of Riga, while strolling through the cobble-stone, picturesque streets. Visit the chic "Art Nouveau" district, where many prominent Jewish Latvians, among them the philosopher Sir Isaiah Berlin, once lived. Riga has one of the world's most impressive collections of authentic Art Nouveau architecture, and uniquely offers streets whose buildings are preserved almost entirely in this early 20th Century style. In the museum “Jews in Latvia” you will learn about life of Jews in this part of the world. Pass by the site of Jewish Ghetto and visit the only remaining Synagogue, which today serves as the central meeting place for the Jews of Latvia. Standing since the beginning of the 20th century, the synagogue was most likely spared from burning due to its fortunate location in the Old Town, where fires could be devastating to the surrounding buildings. Riga ghtetto and Latvian Holokaust museum. Later continue to Salaspils just outside Riga. You will hear about Nazi camp, established in 1941. During it's operation, roughly 2000 lives were taken here. Although the original camp buildings were destroyed after WWII, Salaspils was turned  into a memorial park, which reflects the history of the place. Overnight in 4* Europa Royale hotel or similar. (B)

Drive alongside the Riga Bay to Estonia’s capital city - Tallinn. Pass by part of Gauja National park and stop at Medieval Turaida castle. Another short stop at Estonia’s resort town – Parnu. Late afternoon arrival to Tallinn.  Accommodation in 4* L'ermitage hotel or similar.  (B)

This morning, enjoy a tour of the charming city of Tallinn, rated as one of Europe's best-kept secrets by several travel and placed on UNESCO's list of  World Heritage sites. Drive to the Old Town on top of the hill, to find breathtaking views of the tiled roofs and colorful houses below. Stroll the beautifully preserved Medieval streets and become a part of Tallinn's thousands year-old history.  Walk past the impressive Alexander Nevski Cathedral to the Town Hall Square. Visit Tallinn‘s synagogue and learn about Estonian Jewish community life. Free afternoon to enjoy cafes, bars and get beautiful souvenirs. Overnight in 4* L'ermitage hotel or similar (B)

End of the tour. Private transfer to the airport.(B)