Italy - a Jewish Tour
for information about our 2010 tour, please click here
Art, food, and sunshine make Italy the Country of Celebration. "La Bella Italia" has it all, and though many of you already have seen the splendors of this country, you will find our trip delicious in every way. We have packed the very best for you in Venice, Florence and Rome -- not only the legendary sights, but also the living Jewish soul of these places. All of our featured hotels are truly Deluxe and well-situated for basking in the glow of this country. Let the irresistible charm of Italy wash over you! Hotel a San Giovanni Rotondo Hotel immagine si trova vicino l'ospedale e il convento di Padre Pio a San Giovanni Rotondo.
For our 2009 departures, please check our featured Tours or click here
For locally hosted packages including Venice, Florence, Rome and Italy, please check under Custom travel or click here
Day 01 Monday Departure from the USA
Departure on your connecting flight to Venice.
Day 02 Tuesday Arrival to Venice
Arrival in Venice airport. Upon arrival, transfer to Venice Island to the luxurious Danieli Hotel. This hotel rates as one of Venice's most famous, and is situated just next to the famed Piazza San Marco. Time to rest and unwind. In the evening, celebrate with a Welcome Dinner. Danieli Hotel.
Day 03 Wednesday Venice
Breakfast. Today, enjoy the unique flavor of Venice as you sight-see this legendary city. Begin at Piazza San Marco with a visit to the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs (with artwork by Tintorreto, Veronese and Bosch), and the San Marco Basilica. Continue, via Venice's characteristically narrow streets and alleys, to the Rialto Bridge, which spans across the Grand Canal of Venice Island. Return to Piazza San Marco with time at leisure. Later, depart from the hotel by boat to the Ghetto Vecchio (Europe's first official Ghetto). Upon arrival, Lunch will be served at the Chabad Restaurant, Gam-Gam. After lunch, visit the Ghetto, including visits to the Synagogues and Museum, before returning by boat to the hotel. Evening at leisure. Danieli
Hotel.
Day 04 Thursday Venice
Breakfast. Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the magic of Venice. The dreamy charms of this floating city are apparent on every winding street, and water-taxis, called vaporettos, make touring even more spectacular. Danieli Hotel.
Day 05 Friday Venice - Ferrara - Florence
Breakfast. Depart the Danieli Hotel by boat and allow the magic of Venice to unfold as you sail towards the Piazza Roma, where your luxury coach awaits. Drive south towards the town of Ferrara, where Jewish communities have been active since early medieval times. Later, continue to Florence, entering this glorious city, filled with the finest Renaissance art the world has ever witnessed, in the afternoon. Upon arrival, check-in at the luxurious Helvetia and Bristol Hotel. Dinner. Helvetia & Bristol Hotel.
Day 06 Saturday Florence
Breakfast. Morning at leisure to unwind or join services at the Florence Synagogue. Later, be inspired by the beauty of Florence as you walk the charming streets and great squares. Your tour will take you to the famous Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Delle Signoria, and includes a visit to the Uffizi Gallery - Italy's most impressive art museum, with its rich collection of drawings, sculptures and paintings by Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and many more. Helvetia & Bristol Hotel.
Day 07 Sunday Florence - Pisa - Florence
Breakfast. Begin your day with a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia), home of Michelangelo's statue of David. Later, continue to the extraordinary Synagogue whose dome punctuates the skyline of the city. Visit the attached Jewish Museum with its fine collections. After Lunch, choose to spend the afternoon at leisure, or join an excursion to the town associated with Galileo - Pisa. Witness the Leaning Tower, and visit the old Jewish Cemetery. Return to Florence in the afternoon. Helvetia & Bristol Hotel.
Day 08 Monday Florence - Tuscany - Poggibonsi
Breakfast. Depart for a full-day touring the charming countryside of Tuscany, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent wine, and fabulous food. Here is the heart of Italy. Drive towards the hills of Siena for a visit to the picturesque town where Jews settled more than 800 years ago. After a visit to Siena and its fascinating Synagogue, continue along typical Tuscan roads to San Gimignano, known as the "Town of Towers." With its narrow streets and picturesque houses, San Gimignano will leave a lasting impression of the richness of Tuscan and Italian culture. Cap the day with a visit to one of Chianti's famous wineries. Continue to Poggibonsi and rest at the charming Villa San Lucchese. In the evening, enjoy Dinner at the hotel. Villa San Lucchese.
Day 09 Tuesday Poggibonsi - Rome
Breakfast. Travel south into hilly Tuscany as you proceed towards Italy's ancient capital: Rome. En route, visit the remote town of Pitigliano, where Jews settled in the 16th century as anti-Jewish sentiment became stronger in the Papal States. Pitigliano became known as "Little Jerusalem" as the Jewish community grew increasingly prosperous throughout the following centuries. Visit the former Ghetto, Synagogue and Museum, followed by a traditional Tuscan Country Lunch. Afterwards, continue to Rome. Upon arrival to Rome, visit monuments of an ancient world. Enter the impressive Colosseum, with its legacy of horrors and bravery as slaves fought for their lives to the roars of spectators cheering and booing. Continue to the ruins of the Roman Forum, an international center which was filled with great palaces and all the pomp that we relate to names like Caesar, Nero and Cicero. Later, drive into the heart of Rome - and soon find yourself in the romantic setting of the glorious Trevi Fountain, beloved spot for many great films made in "Roma." Check-in at the centrally located and luxurious Hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Bernini Bristol Hotel.
Day 10 Wednesday Rome
Breakfast. This morning, visit the Vatican area, including Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square), which can hold nearly half a million people, and lavishly gilded St. Peter's Basilica. Tour the Vatican Museum with its priceless art collections, from the Sistine Chapel (featuring its splendid ceilings and vaults by the multi-faceted Michelangelo), to Greco-Roman Antiquities, the Raphael Rooms, and a collection of modern religious art. Later, be introduced to Jewish Rome, where Jewish life can be traced back to the Second Century. Next, visit the Great Synagogue in Rome and its Jewish Museum. Continue for a walking tour in the stylish Trastevere area, where the Roman Jewish Ghetto used to be. Remainder of day at leisure. Bernini Bristol Hotel.
Day 11 Thursday Rome
Breakfast. A full day at leisure to enjoy the lively streets of Rome, blending with the crowds at the fabled Spanish Steps - only a short walk from the hotel. Sample the fashion district with its world-famous stores, or visit further sights in Rome, where every street may yield surprises. Tonight, celebrate with a Farewell Dinner. Bernini Bristol Hotel.
Day 12 Friday Rome - USA
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to America. Arriverderci, Italia!
