Ireland and England tour

Jewish Ireland and England tour

Fascinating cultural heritage interweaves with soul-expanding scenery as you travel to our cousins on the other side of the Atlantic. First, Ireland – the “Emerald Isle” of folktales, legends, music, four-leafed-clovers – and the friendliest people in Europe. Enjoy the lush landscape of this magical land, source of some of the world’s best poets, writers, and whiskies! Then, on to Olde England, where you will travel back to Elizabethan times with a visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon, and even further back to the Medieval era, with a look at mythical, fairy-tale-like Oxford. And who can resist swinging London – with its charming mix of elegance and coziness – not to mention the best and most abundant theater in the world? All this – and you won’t have to open a dictionary on this Jewish Ireland and England tour!

Day 01 Sunday Departure USA

Departure on your flight from the USA to Dublin, Ireland.

Day 02 Monday Arrival to Dublin

Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and introduced to the beautiful capital of Ireland. This poetic, literary city is characterized by its gracious Georgian townhouses, soaring St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and historic Trinity College, whose library boasts the famous, beautifully illuminated, 9th century Book of Kells. Return to your elegant hotel to rest and prepare for your Welcome Dinner. Hotel.

Day 03 Tuesday Dublin

Breakfast. Today, you will enter the world of Jewish Dublin. Did you know that one of Dublin’s most beloved mayors (Ben Briscoe) was Jewish? Or that Chaim Herzog, former President of the State of Israel, was born and bred in what was known as Dublin’s “little Jerusalem?” Visit the Irish Jewish Museum for insight into this proud part of Ireland’s history (memorably portrayed in James Joyce’s masterpiece, Ulysses), as well as one of Dublin’s many synagogues. The Jewish Community Center will then welcome you for Lunch and an informative talk about Jewish life, past and present. Later, visit the James Joyce Center, followed by a walking tour through “Bloomsday” – retracing the steps in a day spent by the Jewish hero of Ulysses, Leopold Bloom. Return to the hotel to enjoy its pretty gardens and pond – or perhaps try a pint of frothy Guinness stout? Hotel.

Day 04 Wednesday Dublin – Killarney

Breakfast. Prepare yourself for a breathtaking journey into the lush countryside of Ireland. Drive from Dublin to gorgeous county Kerry, famed worldwide as the very heart of Ireland. You will experience a magical vista of deep forests and glittering, cool waters, and learn why this country is lovingly called “The Emerald Isle.” Dinner at the hotel, surrounded by vistas of mountains and lakes. Hotel.

Day 05 Thursday Killarney

Breakfast. Today, enjoy a visit to Blarney Castle where you might earn the “gift of Blarney” – verbal persuasiveness (or “gift of the gab”) – by kissing the famous Blarney Stone (not so easy). You will also explore the rugged countryside around the “Ring of Kerry,” traveling through some of the world’s best scenery. The Ring of Kerry, 100 miles long, has it all – moors and mountains, beaches and coves. Hotel.

Day 06 Friday Killarney – Cork – Stratford-Upon-Avon

Breakfast. Today you will be traveling to county Cork, whose center, the city of Cork, is representing the Cork Jewish heritage. Visit the Synagogue, century-old cemetery, and JCC, where you will enjoy an informative talk. After Lunch, transfer to the airport for a short flight to London’s Heathrow. Welcome to England! Upon arrival, we leave the Jewish England behind for a while as we travel through the quaint English countryside to Stratford Upon Avon – birthplace of William Shakespeare. Here is a true literary and historic mecca. The thatched roofs and half-timbered homes take you about four and a half centuries back in time. Rest of the day at leisure to immerse yourself in the flavor of Tudor England. Hotel.

Day 07 Saturday Stratford

Breakfast. Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t admire Shakespeare? Today, you will enjoy a tour which will take you to many sites featured in the life of the “Bard of Avon.” In this atmospheric place on the Avon River, see landmarks in Shakespeare’s life, and learn how people of his day lived (one clue: not too many baths). Afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring Stratford, where every corner yields memories, history, and perspectives into one of the most fascinating ages in British history. Dinner. Hotel.

Day 08 Sunday Stratford – Oxford – London

Breakfast. Traveling further back in time, today takes you through the sweet, Cotswold countryside to medieval Oxford. Home to one of the world’s most venerable universities, this Gothic town sweeps you back to a world of cobblestones, courtyards, royal gardens and deer parks, where bells toll in the mists, and swans sail majestically down the Isis River. Now, bid farewell to this dream-like city, and head to London – ever a leader in world culture. London has it all – class, verve, history, and constant innovation. You will enjoy classic sights such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, as well as the ever-changing face of London, with its theatres, skyscrapers, and bustling marketplaces (including beloved Covent Garden). Afternoon at leisure – maybe a pot of tea and a plate of scones? Hotel.

Day 9 Monday London

Breakfast. Today is devoted to Jewish London. You will pay a visit to the famous Bevis Marks Synagogue, as well as to the Jewish Museum, gaining insight into the strong Jewish culture that exists here. Indeed, many of London’s most prominent playwrights, journalists, entrepreneurs and thinkers are both British and “Yiddish.” Afternoon at leisure – maybe a visit to Harrods? Dinner. Hotel.

Day 10 Tuesday London – USA

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your journey back to America, filled with memories of the Empire, and traditions from which our New World arose.