A heritage tour of Eastern Europe can be the trip of a lifetime. There’s a wealth of Jewish culture and history to explore, as well as beautiful cities and stunning nature reserves. Countries like Poland, the Czech Republic and the Baltic States can be a real adventure! When you’re planning a customized tour, the best time to visit Eastern Europe is early May. Read on to see why May’s warm spring days are perfect for exploring Jewish sites taking in walking tours of Europe’s finest cities.
Spring in Eastern Europe
March, April & May
A big part of any Jewish heritage tour of Eastern Europe is the pleasure of walking through the old Jewish neighborhoods and exploring old synagogues, historical sites and cultural treasures. The first weeks of May are usually the perfect time to get out and about and really soak up the atmosphere of Eastern European cities (and the amazing countryside).
Our experience is that there is often a “weather window” of pleasant sunny days between the March and April rains and the June and July heat. Nature is fully awake after the winter and flowers and buds are beginning to bloom. Early May is still the off-season and you’ll miss the teeming crowds that arrive with the summer months. Your travel company will usually be able to get you a better deal on flights and hotels too. May Day celebrations can be a lot of fun in Eastern Europe and are definitely worth experiencing.
Also, spring is Easter time. Though more crowded during holidays, Easter markets and springtime festivals are a must-visit in Eastern Europe. Even if you don’t come during Easter festivities, there are innumerable famous sights, food, architecture, history, and art for you to explore. Go to Warsaw for its memorable springtime festivities, its gardens, museums, concerts, and the Jewish Motifs International Film Festival.
Stop by Budapest’s Vajdahunyad Castle Easter Fair and Exhibition, the Budapest Spring Wine and Jazz Festival, or the gorgeous Cherry Blossom Festival. If you visit Russia in spring, you’ll be there for the Cosmonautics Day, many traditional celebrations on (Orthodox) Easter, and the White Nights Festival. Prague’s famous Easter market in the Old Town’s Square is another must-see, and you’ll probably like the popular festivals, such as the Prague Spring International Music Festival, the Czech Beer Festival, or the Prague Food Festival.
Visiting Eastern Europe at Different Seasons
If you’re planning to visit Eastern Europe during the summer, fall or winter, there can be definite advantages. A lot will depend on your individual preferences, but if you love the sun, hot Eastern European summers can be delightful. Winters in Eastern Europe can be brutally cold, but a December trip has its own rewards. Even if you’re Jewish, the wonderful atmosphere of Christmas in Prague is a magical experience. One thing to bear in mind is that spring and autumn can be very wet. Organized walking tours rapidly lose their charm in the cold rain and are definitely not the best time to visit Eastern Europe!
The other main advantages of flying off season – late September through to April – are that airline and hotel prices may be cheaper and there will be fewer tourists at the main sites. If this is a consideration, talk to your travel company, they can often suggest specific weeks that will match your needs. Depending on the Jewish lunar calendar, you may be able to combine a fall or spring trip with the high holidays and celebrate Rosh Hashanah or Pesach in an historical European synagogue.
Summer in Eastern Europe
June, July & August
Summer in Eastern Europe is hot, sunny, and crowded, while the evenings are very pleasant. This means great weather for swimming, sightseeing, exploring the city, eating outside, enjoying festivals, and other outdoor activities. It’s best to plan your trip well in advance to get the best deals and avoid long lines for attractions. Summer-time Prague gives you the Museum Night, the Prague Folklore Days, the Festival of Italian operas, and much more.
Budapest also offers a myriad of outdoor festivals, such as the Summer Festival on Margaret Island and the Sziget Festival. Organ music, classical concerts, jazz concerts, and tango dance await you in Warsaw’s historic setting. Go to Łazienki Park for beautiful classical music by Fryderyk Chopin. For even more summer fun, enjoy Russia Day and the Moscow International Film Festival, and don’t miss Ivan Kupala, which celebrates the summer solstice.
Autumn in Eastern Europe
September, October & November
Fall is a fantastic time to travel to Eastern Europe – the scenery is colorful and gorgeous, the days are warm, but not too hot, the nights are chilly, the mornings refreshing, there are fewer people around, and the prices are lower. If you’re visiting Prague, you might want to take day trips to nearby attractions or strolls in the evenings, especially on Castle Hill, for some brilliant views. If you’re in Kraków, visit the Wawel Castle, shop at the Cloth Hall, and definitely go to the lively main square in the Old Town, which hosts many concerts and events.
Fall days in Budapest are gorgeous as well. Enjoy a hot, tasty bowl of goulash in a cozy restaurant, sample wine in a bar, and have a nice cup of cappuccino in a historic café. Warsaw’s historic center is absolutely lovely, with its gardens, ancient sites, and attractions covered in autumn hues. You can enjoy a Jazz concert and Jewish cultural events as well. Russia’s Sparrow Hills, the Novodevichy Convent, and Red Square are even more awe-inspiring when bathed in fall colors.
Winter in Eastern Europe
December, January & February
Winter in Eastern Europe can be a real delight. If you don’t mind the cold (which is actually less extreme than many parts of the US) you’ll be able to witness some fairytale scenes of snow covered castles and palaces, as well as the warmth of luxury hotels, firesides and gourmet dinners in some of the region’s best kosher restaurants. A visit to an historical synagogue in Berlin or Prague, or a stroll through the old Jewish quarter of Krakow can be wonderfully atmospheric on a snowy twilight evening!
Although Christmas isn’t really relevant for most Jewish travelers, it can still be a pleasure to wander Europe’s traditional Christmas markets, taste the local wines and spirits, and other delicacies, and soak up the magical atmosphere. The markets offer a great insight into local traditions and culture and there are excellent opportunities to buy souvenirs and gifts.
Eastern Europe in winter can be an exciting experience, and flights can definitely be cheaper, but it’s important to work with a professional tour guide and create a tailored itinerary. Gil Travel can help you to plan a trip that will please all the family and provide a wonderful winter break!
