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5-day Poland: Echoes of Resilience, A Journey Through Warsaw & Lublin’s Jewish History

Suitable for Family, Group, Senior

OVERVIEW

Embark on a poignant journey through the heart of Poland with this meticulously crafted itinerary, designed to illuminate the rich tapestry of Warsaw and Lublin’s Jewish History. This tour, a comprehensive Warsaw Jewish Tour, delves into the profound narratives of resilience and remembrance, tracing the footsteps of those who lived through the harrowing era of the Holocaust. From the somber grounds of Majdanek to the revitalized Jewish community of Warsaw, this experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past, explore historical landmarks, and witness the remarkable resurgence of Jewish life in Poland.

Highlights*

Warsaw Zoo & The Zookeeper’s Wife: Explore the site of heroic wartime rescues, blending history with a compelling personal story.
POLIN Museum & Warsaw Ghetto Sites: Deep dive into 800 years of Polish Jewish history and the somber reality of the Holocaust through key memorials and museums.
Majdanek & Lublin Jewish History: Witness the stark reality of a Nazi extermination camp and trace the vibrant, then tragic, history of Lublin’s Jewish community, including the underground trail.
Warsaw Jewish Cemetery & Ghetto Remnants: Pay respects at a massive cemetery and walk through surviving remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto, connecting with the city’s past.
JCC Visit & Ringelblum Archive: Witness the modern resurgence of Jewish life in Warsaw and explore a hidden archive of wartime testimonies and records, followed by a Polish Vodka tasting.

*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size

Day by Day Suggested Program

Day 1, Arriving in Warsaw

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You will meet your driver in the arrival halls at Warsaw airport who will transfer you to your hotel.
Check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure, perhaps preparing for your upcoming exploration of the rich Jewish heritage of Poland.
Overnight: Warsaw

Day 2, Warsaw Jewish Museums

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Breakfast at hotel
8:30am Depart hotel
9:00am Visit the Warsaw Zoo, where Jan and Antonina Żabiński heroically rescued hundreds of Polish Jews from the Germans by hiding them within the zoo’s grounds. Enjoy an exclusive tour of the villa featured in the movie “The Zookeeper’s Wife.” This begins the start of your Warsaw Jewish Tour.
11:00am Umschlagplatz – a term used during the Holocaust to denote the holding areas adjacent to railway stations where Jews from ghettos were assembled for deportation to Nazi death camps – and Mila 18, the headquarters “bunker” of the Jewish resistance group in the Warsaw Ghetto. Continue to Rappaport Memorial, a key stop on the Warsaw Jewish Tour.
12:30pm Lunch at the café in the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews followed by a guided tour of the museum documenting 800 years of Polish Jewish history, providing essential context for your Warsaw Jewish Tour.
5:00pm Refresh back at the hotel
Overnight: Warsaw

Day 3, Lublin Jewish Tour & Majdanek

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Breakfast at hotel
8:00am Depart for Majdanek
10:00am Majdanek was a Nazi concentration and extermination camp built on the outskirts of the city of Lublin during World War II. It was among the largest concentration camps and most intact since the retreating Germans did not have time to destroy the facility.
1:00pm Lunch with Polish Delicacies
Enjoy a specially curated meal at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Polish dishes like pierogi, barszcz, and cabbage rolls, prepared with a modern twist.
2:15pm Tracing the Footsteps of the Jews of Lublin
Begin your journey at Grodzka Gate, a symbolic location often referred to as the “Gate to Jewish Memory”, Chewra Nosim Synagogue – the only preserved pre-war Jewish temple, and the former Yeshiva of the Sages of Lublin, diving deep into the Lublin Jewish History.
3:30pm Underground Trail Tour
Embark on a guided exploration of Lublin’s Underground Trail, a fascinating network of tunnels and cellars that unveil layers of the city’s history. Learn about the Jewish community’s vibrant contributions and the tragic events of the Holocaust as you navigate these historic passageways, gaining a first hand look at the Jewish history of Lublin Poland.
4:30pm Depart back to Warsaw for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Warsaw

Day 4, Warsaw Jewish Tour

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Breakfast at hotel
8:00am Depart Hotel
8:30am Jewish Cemetery stopping at the Footbridge Memorial on the way. The cemetery was established in 1806 and occupies 83 acres of land and contains over 250,000 marked graves, as well as mass graves of victims of the Warsaw Ghetto. This is a vital part of the Warsaw Jewish Tour.
10:30am Grzybowski Square and Próżna Street – one of very few areas in Warsaw that survived the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto, Waliców street – once the ghetto border, Chłodna Street – monument commemorating the footbridge once connecting parts of the Warsaw ghetto and the courts on former Leszno Street – the point of contact between the ghetto and the so-called Aryan side, allowing meetings of friends and families, smuggling and escapes. More important sites on the Warsaw Jewish Tour.
11:30 am Noyzk Synagogue – the only surviving prewar synagogue in Warsaw was built in 1898 and was restored after World War II.
1:30pm Lunch and a visit to the JCC in Warsaw offers a unique opportunity for young leaders to witness the remarkable resilience of the Jewish community. In a city where the tragedy of the Holocaust nearly extinguished Jewish life, the JCC of Warsaw stands strong as a reemerging spark of the legacy of Warsaw Jewry.
3:30am The Ringelblum Archive a hidden treasure trove of Jewish history, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of the Warsaw Ghetto. You will have the chance to explore personal diaries, photographs, and historical records, connecting with the resilience and courage of those who defied adversity.
5:30pm Polish Vodka Tasting – Join the mixologist at Bar of the Baczewski restaurant – known for its warm ambiance and rich heritage, this iconic spot offers an exceptional opportunity to sample a curated selection of Polish vodkas, each with unique flavors and history.
Overnight: Warsaw

Day 5, Departure

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Depart for your flight back to the USA or the Pendolino train to Krakow.

Accommodation

Bristol Warsaw

Situated on the celebrated Royal Route, next to the Presidential Palace and just a short stroll from the Old Town, Royal Castle, National Theater and Opera House. Hotel Bristol has served as a city landmark and distinguished destination since 1901. A captivating union of history and modernity, the Art Nouveau masterpiece enchants with exceptional interiors. The iconic Café Bristol, Marconi Restaurant, two bars and the enchanting rooftop offer singular epicurean indulgence while our Bristol spa combines a scenic relaxation area, indoor pool, gym, sauna, and a steam room. Our luxury hotel rooms and suites blend classical style and modern finesse. Unrivaled stay experience with outstanding views, timeless decorations and unsurpassed comfort. The Paderewski Suite is an exquisite gem in Bristol’s crown, boasting pure beauty and luxury. Original antiques from the beginning of the 20th century recall the historic spirit of the place. Our 5-star hotel is pet friendly and welcomes trained pets for a fee.

*Star rating standards vary from country to country.

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5-day Poland: Echoes of Resilience, A Journey Through Warsaw & Lublin’s Jewish History

Day by Day Suggested Program

Bristol Warsaw

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