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OVERVIEW
Embark on a captivating Jewish heritage tour through the picturesque landscapes of Croatia, where centuries of Jewish history intertwine with stunning natural beauty. This immersive journey will take you to the vibrant cities of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, as well as the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, providing a comprehensive exploration of Croatia’s Jewish heritage and its diverse cultural tapestry.
Your adventure begins in the charming capital city of Zagreb, where you’ll discover the Jewish history that permeates its streets. Take a tour of the city with a focus on Jewish history. Visit the Zagreb Synagogue and other famous Jewish landmarks.
Continuing your journey, you’ll venture into the pristine beauty of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lose yourself in a wonderland of cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and lush forests.
Next, you’ll arrive in the coastal city of Split, where ancient history and modern charm converge. Explore Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses remnants of Roman architecture. Delve into the Jewish history of Split through a guided tour with an expert on Jewish history.
Your journey concludes in the magnificent city of Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Step into the rich tapestry of Jewish history as you visit the Dubrovnik Synagogue, one of the oldest Sephardic synagogues still in use. Engage with the local Jewish community and uncover the stories of their ancestors who found refuge and made significant contributions to Dubrovnik’s cultural heritage.
Throughout your tour, you’ll savor the flavors of Croatian cuisine, known for its fresh seafood, hearty stews, and delicious pastries. Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals, as they share their cultural traditions and stories, creating an authentic and memorable experience.
This Jewish heritage tour to Croatia offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural exploration. From the vibrant cities of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik to the tranquil serenity of Plitvice Lakes National Park, each stop will deepen your understanding of the Jewish heritage that has shaped Croatia’s diverse tapestry. Prepare to be inspired by the story of the Jewish community and the remarkable fusion of cultures that make Croatia a truly enchanting destination.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Upon arrival to Zagreb airport you will be met by your chauffeur for a private transfer to a centrally located hotel.
Settle in and enjoy some time at leisure.
In the evening a welcome dinner will be served in a local restaurant
Breakfast at hotel
Welcome reception at the Zagreb’s synagogue which was built at the turn of the twentieth century and was destroyed in 1941 along with another thirty other active synagogues. Today, a far more modest synagogue stands and serves as the Jewish community center. In addition to a collection of religious artifacts, the synagogue also houses one of the largest Jewish libraries in the region of the Balkans.
Take a walking tour of the city beginning at Zagreb’s famous Zrinjevac Park. From there we will hit Bogovićeva street, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and make a quick stop at the Dolac Market – Zagreb’s oldest green market before heading to lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch we will have a tour of Tunnel Grič – a WW2 tunnel under Grič Hill. We will then take a short (!) ride on the Funicular railway where we will visit the historic medieval Upper Town and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the city.
Refresh back at the hotel or take a stroll on Tkalčićeva street and stop for a cocktail before dinner.
Overnight: Zagreb
Breakfast at hotel
Take a ride on the underground train as you explore the Postojna cave – on the world’s only double track underground railway. The Postojna cave is filled with magnificent cave formations shaped by tiny droplets over tons of years. See the diverse fauna and the Murano glass chandeliers.
Onto Ljubljana where our first stop will be lunch followed by an opportunity to explore a variety of architectural styles, rich history and quirky bridge with dragons and take another funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle from where you can soak up the beautiful panorama of the Slovenia capital.
We will then move onto visiting Bled, with a tour of the impressive medieval castle that dates to the 11th century. Next, we will take a ride in the traditional Pletna boat to Bled Island where you will have some time to explore on your own. It is recommended that you try the famous cream.
Refresh back at hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Zagreb
Breakfast at hotel
Depart for Split stopping at Rastoke and the Plitvice National Park.
Enjoy a coffee in Rastoke – a watermill village situated where the blue-green water of river Slunjčica flows into the Korana River. Then onto the Plitvice Lakes National Park and take an unforgettable walk and experience amazing landscape that will take your breath away. Then take a train and boat ride inside the park including the highlight of the park “Veliki Slap” (Big Waterfall) 255-foot-tall waterfall. At the end we will have an opportunity to taste authentic dishes of the area at lunch in a local restaurant.
After we will continue to our final stop -Split.
Check into your hotel followed by dinner.
Overnight: Spilt
Breakfast at hotel
Explore the Old Town of Split with all the delightful little secrets of this gorgeous Mediterranean city starting with Jewish ghetto, the synagogue, and a meeting with a member of the community who will tell us about some of the prominent members of the Jewish community who played a significant role in the development of Split.
Lunch and wine tasting at the Putalj Winery where you will be hosted by Nicolina and Tea.
We will spend our afternoon with a visit to the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace in the heart of Old Town and travel back to the ancient Roman Empire. Discover menorahs carvings in the basements of the palace that testify to the Jewish people being present in Split since the early centuries.
After some time for shopping, refresh back at hotel followed by dinner.
Overnight: Split
Breakfast at hotel
Early departure for our catamaran to Dubrovnik stopping on the way at one or two islands.
Check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Breakfast at the hotel
We will start our day by uncovering Jewish life, past and present, in Dubrovnik – stories of Jewish coral hunters, cases from Dubrovnik Republic Court of Law, anecdotes from everyday life in the Ghetto and truly amazing story of a ‘secret’ Ghetto within the walls of the Old City.Hear about the life and history of Croatian Jewish communities and the way those communities see their present and future life.
Follow in the footsteps of where the popular HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ was filmed in Dubrovnik visiting top landmarks including the Onofrio Fountain, Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik West Harbour, Old Town, Kolorina and Pile Gate. On the way we will stop for authentic tastings at a variety of food establishments.
Refresh at the hotel and prepare for Shabbat.
Participate in Shabbat services at the Grand synagogue followed by Shabbat dinner with members of the Jewish community.
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Breakfast at the hotel
Day at leisure. Optional Tours might include:
• Day trip to Montenegro
• Cooking class and wine tasting in the countryside.
• Elaphite Island
Havdalah and Farewell dinner
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer for your flight back to the USA.
Accommodation
Located in the historical part of the city of Zagreb, Sheraton Zagreb is a premium hotel offering a touch of history as well as modern business areas equipped with 13 conference rooms which are available to be reorganized for any event or a meeting. Most of the corporate offices are situated in the close quarters of the hotel. Let our experienced staff help you organize your events, meetings or just make your stay more memorable and enjoyable at our hotel with spa. We also provide many great restaurants, including Fontana Restaurant, King Tomislav Restaurant and the Piano Bar. We are looking forward to your stay! Bring your furry friends along, as our hotel is pet friendly.
Hotel Santa Lucia has been an essential part of Split’s history and cultural heritage. A beautiful, newly renovated pearl, located on the main city square opened its doors to the dear guests in April this year. With 35 luxuriously decorated rooms equipped with the best fabrics, amenities and technical equipment represents the great asset to the historic center of Split.
With its prestigious location just steps from the UNESCO Old City of Dubrovnik, Hotel Excelsior is ready to showcase its refurbished grandeur as one of the most lavish hotels on the Adriatic. A historic villa built in 1913 and taking full advantage of gorgeous west-facing views of the glorious Old Town, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik enjoys the most enviable location of any hotel in the city – just a five-minute walk from the medieval fortress walls.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
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