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OVERVIEW
Italy is a country known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Explore the Jewish heritage scattered across these beautiful landscapes of Italy and delve into a captivating blend of Italian splendour and Jewish heritage.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition as you embark on a Jewish Heritage tour of Italy. Walk in the footsteps of generations past as you explore synagogues, Jewish quarters, and other significant landmarks in Rome, Venice, and Florence. Unearth captivating stories and gain a deeper understanding of the Jewish legacy that has shaped the cultural landscape. Experience the fusion of cultures through culinary delights that reflect the vibrant history of the Jewish community in Italy. And discover the iconic attractions of Rome, Venice, and Florence through expert-led tours while marveling at architectural wonders and exploring world-renowned museums. In the Eternal City of Rome, walk along narrow streets lined of the Jewish Ghetto. Venture to the city of Venice, known for its picturesque canals and stunning architecture. In the enchanting city of Florence, embark on Jewish heritage tours that uncover the rich history and cultural contributions of the Jewish community. Italy offers a rich tapestry of experiences which showcase the struggles, triumphs, and cultural achievements of the Jewish people in this part of the world.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
This morning we will visit the Mamertine Prison, in the ancient basement of the church of San Pietro and learn about the prisoners who served time there followed by a unique journey into the history of the Roman Empire at the Colosseum- walking along the ancient passageways that remained secret up to recently, past complex lift systems, tunnels and trap doors.
After lunch we will continue to Palatine Hill is where it all began, the very spot where Ancient Rome was founded and then onto the Roman Forum – the most spectacular archaeological site in Rome. Take a journey into the past – strolling around the Roman Forum is like walking along the very streets that Ancient Romans called home.
Our last stop before heading back to the hotel for some time to refresh is to the Arch of Titus – the symbol of our exile and destruction – yet we are still here. The menorah depicted on the arch is the model for the menorah used as the emblem of the state of Israel.
Refresh back at the hotel.
Dinner and Night Tour of Rome – Experience Rome on a unique night tour that includes the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain as well as enjoying dinner in a traditional Roman restaurant near Piazza Navona.
OVERNIGHT: Rome
Breakfast at the hotel
Roman Jews have been living in Trastevere for 22 centuries, giving birth to the only Jewish community alive and present continuously in the same place since before the Diaspora. Participate in a walking tour of Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere District. Discover the rich history of the Jewish community, in Rome, dating back over two thousand years while exploring the narrow streets, learn about the unique customs and traditions of the Jewish community, as well as their contributions to the city’s culture and history. Visit the Jewish Museum and its amazing collection and the Tempio Maggiore Synagogue. We’ll also stop at the Kosher Bakery, Boccione, where the same family has been running the business for the last 300 years and taste the famous Pizza Giudia and the Ginetto (Cheesecake) with chocolate or with cherries.
Take part in an authentic pasta making workshop followed by lunch.
Refresh back at the hotel and get ready for Shabbat.
Depart for Shabbat services at the Great Synagogue of Rome followed by Shabbat dinner with members of the Jewish community.
OVERNIGHT: Rome
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit the smallest country in the world, Vatican City. Scratch beneath the surface to explore the Jewish symbolism, in the Vatican museums, Michelangelo’s ‘secret codes’ in the Sistine Chapel and St Peters Basilica from an historical Jewish perspective.
Lunch on own followed by an afternoon of leisure
OVERNIGHT: Rome
Breakfast at the hotel
Take a Tuscany tour from Rome and see the best of the captivating Val d’Orcia region, near Siena. With a local guide at your side, discover countryside where historic hill towns perch on sun-drenched hills and Tuscan farms dot the landscape. Visit the wine towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, and enjoy free time to explore Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wine tasting and lunch at a farm is included.
After lunch, travel to Venice where you will check into your hotel followed by dinner.
Overnight: Venice
Breakfast at the hotel
We begin our tour of the Jewish Ghetto in the Cannaregio district, a fascinating residential area in the city’s northern part. Walk past artisan workshops, galleries, shops, and delis. Next, we will cross the bridge into Campo del Ghetto Nuovo (New Ghetto Square) and visit the Jewish Museum. Right before lunch in the Jewish quarter visit the Levantine Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogues.
After lunch take a ferry over to Lido Island and explore the Jewish cemetery.
Refresh back at the hotel before your ride on a gondola followed by an authentic Italian dinner on the canal.
OVERNIGHT: Venice
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart for St. Mark’s Square (also called Piazza San Marco) is the main public square in Venice. St. Marks’ Basilica and the Campanile sit at the eastern end of the square. The remainder of the square is lined with arcades, which were once the homes and offices of the officers during the days of the republic of Venice. Now, the arcades are home to shops and restaurants and the famous Torre dell’Orologio (the Clock Tower) dating back to the 15th century.
St. Mark’s Basilica dates to the 9th century AD. Over the course of eight centuries, mosaics were added to the interior of the cathedral, as well as treasures from the Crusades. The Pala d’Oro is a Byzantine alter piece that is covered in gold and studded with almost 2,000 gems.
We will then visit The Doges’ Palace – a palace built in Venetian Gothic styles. For centuries, this building served as the residence for the Doge, the seat of the government, and a palace of justice. Now, it is a museum.
Right before lunch we will take a ride up the elevator to the top of the Campanile for a beautiful view of Venice.
After lunch we will take a ferry over to the Island of Murano where you will discover the centuries-old art of glassblowing. Tour the Glass Factory and watch a master craftsman shape molten glass. Afterward, browse the showroom to see the finished works and the opportunity to take home a piece of original Murano glass.
Dinner on own
OVERNIGHT: Venice
Breakfast at hotel
Travel from Venice to Padua – one of the great centers of medieval Judaism, with a celebrated rabbinical academy where students from all over Europe came to study. Students were also attracted to Padua by its very old medical school, the only one to accept Jews as students.
Visit the former Jewish quarter situated in the narrow streets near the Piazza delle Erbe, the former ghetto has kept much of its original appearance. Next stop at the Jewish Heritage Museum of Padua and the Italian synagogue erected in 1548 and has remained the ultimate testimony to Jewish life in Padua.
After lunch we will depart for Florence.
Upon arrival in Florence, we will check into our hotel followed by dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Florence
Breakfast at hotel
Take a walking tour of the area of the Duomo di Firenze and get a bird’s eye view of Florence from Giotto’s Bell Tower. Next stop is the San Lorenzo Market – made up of two markets, an outdoor market and an indoor market located inside of the Mercato Centrale building – where you can do a little shopping.
A visit to the Synagogue and The Jewish Museum of Florence and stopping for lunch at one of the kosher restaurants in Florence.
After lunch we will go to the Galleria dell’Accademia – best known for Michelangelo’s statue of David and also containing other works of art by Michelangelo and paintings by other Florentine artists.
Next is Piazza della Repubblica – one of the main squares in Florence and then onto Piazza della Signoria is the large, open square that sits in front of Palazzo Vecchio. On the square, see the Loggia dei Lanzi (open air sculpture gallery), a replica of the statue of David, and the Neptune Fountain.
Refresh back at the hotel for an evening at leisure.
OVERNIGHT: Florence
Breakfast at hotel
Spend part to the morning at the Uffizi Gallery – one of the largest art museums in the world that contains thousands of Renaissance works of art, donated to Florence by the Medici family. On display are works of art by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Cimabue, Michelangelo, Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, and many more.
After the Uffizi, we will walk through the Vasari Corridor – an elevated, enclosed walkway that connects Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti. It was constructed in 1565 to allow the Grand Duke to walk from his palace to Palazzo Vecchio. The walkway passes through the Uffizi Gallery, past the church of Santa Felicita, and over the Ponte Vecchio. Ponte Vecchio – means “old bridge,” is a medieval stone bridge that spans the Arno River.
After lunch, we will visit the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens before taking the train back to Rome. (Depending upon what time of year the mission is taking place)
Refresh back at the hotel to prepare for Shabbat.
Shabbat services at the Great Synagogue of Rome followed by Shabbat dinner in the ‘Ghetto’ with community members.
OVERNIGHT: Rome
Breakfast at hotel
Optional Tours to:
– Pompeii
– Amalfi Coast
– Positano
Havdalah followed by your farewell dinner in Rome.
OVERNIGHT: Rome
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA.
Accommodation
Facing the magical Grand Canal, the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal is the ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday in Venice. The pastel colors, Venetian plaster-work and wall-lamps in Murano glass, the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal will enchant you with its refined elegance. All the 145 rooms are furnished in the Venetian style of the 1700s. equipped with every modern comfort.
Perfectly connected with the S. Maria Novella Train Station and strategically located near the Stazione Leopolda convention centre and the new Opera Theatre, the 4-star hotel Starhotels Michelangelo in Florence blends classic style and contemporary elegance.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
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