To Russia and beyond – with Belarus and Ukraine
A visit to the Ukraine and Belarus takes you right into heart of authentic Eastern Europe. Take the road less traveled and wander back in time to exotic cities like Minsk and Kiev, or the shtetls of Novogrudok and Mir. Centuries of scholarship and deeply spiritual Jewish practices took place in this part of the world, and the vibrancy of the Yiddish-speaking communities, as well as the Chassidism that emerged from within them, can be felt in the very air. So travel back in time to the world of Sholom Aleichem  – then move on to modern, vibrant Moscow. There, you will stand in Red Square amidst the onion domes, see Czars’ magnificent robes and other Imperial treasures, and enjoy the utter vibrancy of modern Muscovian Jewry – 100,000 strong, and boasting a brand-new, dynamic JCC.

Day 01 Wednesday Departure from USA
Depart on your flights to Kiev, Ukraine.

Day  02 Thursday Arrival to Kiev
Welcome to the capital of  Ukraine. Upon arrival at Kiev’s Borispol Airport, enjoy a short orientation tour of the city en route to your centrally located hotel. Time to rest and refresh before your Welcome Dinner. SAS Radisson Hotel.

Day 03 Friday Kiev
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will explore Jewish Kiev, with a visit to Congregation Hatikvah, the Podol Synagogue, and the Great Kiev Community Center. You will also pay respects at the Babi Yar Memorial, site of the Nazi massacre of Kiev Jewry, and movingly commemorated by world-renowned Russian poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko, who identified with the sufferings of the Jewish people. In the evening, enjoy Shabbat Dinner with members of the Jewish community of Kiev. SAS Radisson Hotel.

Day 04 Saturday Kiev
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, relax or join services. Lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour in Kiev. You will see the Brodsky Shul, the largest in Kiev (where you may attend Shabbat services), and the monument to the great Yiddish writer, Sholom Aleichem – author of “Fiddler on the Roof” as well as many other bittersweet tales of Ukrainian shtetl life. A stroll along Khreschatik Sreet takes you to Independence Square, celebrating the reemergence of the Ukraine from years of Soviet repression. SAS Radisson Hotel.

Day 05 Sunday Kiev – Minsk
Breakfast at the hotel. Later, depart for the airport and board the short flight to Minsk. Upon arrival continue of an orientation tour of Minsk, the fascinating, historic capital and largest city in Belarus; the large black statues so characteristic of Soviet rule can still be seen here. Alongside Russians, Poles and Belarusians, Jews once comprised over half of the population of Minsk, and their warm Yiddish souls – and rich language - brought vitality and humor to this part of the world. Check into your hotel in the heart of the city. Dinner. Hotel Minsk.

Day 06  Monday Minsk
Breakfast at the hotel. Around 10,000 Jews currently make their home in Minsk. Today, you will visit the Minsk Main Synagogue and Yeshiva, which has survived the ages. You will also visit the “Yama” monument “against fascisim” (as it was known during Soviet rule), honoring the memory of 800,000 martyred Jews. Next, see Pravednikov Lane, an entire street dedicated to the memory of those who courageously saved Jews during World War II.  A visit will also be paid to the touching Jewish Cemetery of Minsk. Later, have an informative Dinner with members of the Jewish community. Hotel Minsk.

Day 07 Tuesday Minsk – Mir – Novogrudok – Minsk – Moscow
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for an excursion to Mir, a major Jewish heritage site. The former Mir – or “Mirer” – Yeshiva, still talked about by scholars, is here (though no longer functioning as a yeshiva), as well as a Holocaust Memorial. You will also see the adjacent Mir Castle, one of the biggest in Eastern Europe. Lunch is served during the tour. Afterwards, continue to Novogrudok, of equal Jewish significance, and gain further insight into our scholarly culture with a tour of the main Jewish sites. Return to Minsk where Dinner is served. Later this evening, transfer to the railway station where you board the overnight train to Moscow. First Class sleeper compartments on board the train.

Day 08 Wednesday Arrive in Moscow
Welcome to Russia!  Upon arrival at Moscow’s Byelorussian Railway Station, you will be met by your guide and transferred to a restaurant for Breakfast. Afterwards, enjoy an exciting and informative tour of this complex city, including the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow State University and the magnificent vista over the Vorobiev Hills.  Later, be introduced to Jewish Moscow including a visit to Poklonnaya Gora Holocaust Museum and Memorial Synagogue. In the afternoon, arrive at the Red Square the onion-domed splendor of the Cathedral of St. Basil. Begin a tour of the Kremlin area, whose foundation in the 12th century heralded the birth of the great city of Moscow. Next, visit the adjacent Armory, a venerable museum of Russia’s Imperial treasures. These include ancient state regalia, including the Czar’s coronation robes, as well as a vast array of ceremonial weapons and glorious carriages once ridden by nobility. Check in at the hotel. In the evening you might choose to see the Bolshoi Ballet or enjoy a home hosted dinner in a Moscow home. (These optional programs should be booked prior to the tour). SAS Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel.

Day 09 Thursday  Moscow
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a visit to the Tretyakov Art Gallery, the national treasury of Russian fine art, which, among many other treasures, contains a unique exhibition of 20th century art – including Kandinsky and Chagall. Later, enjoy free time to stroll along Arbat Street, full of chic boutiques and elegant cafes before returning to the hotel. In the evening, Farewell Dinner is served at a local restaurant. SAS Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel.

Day 11 Friday Moscow – USA
Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Russia as you transfer to the Moscow International Airport for your flights home.