Central Europe 7 days

7 days Central Europe Jewish Tours to Budapest, Vienna & Prague

A Taste of Central Europe

Central Europe is a delight for Jewish travelers. Budapest, Vienna, and Prague rank indisputably as three of Central Europe’s most culturally glorious cities. This tour is historically and visually rich, with ample time to enjoy art, architecture, music and food in every locale. From the fascinating and authentic city that created Kafka, to the sensuous, rich feel of Hungary and the old-world sophistication, music and coffeehouse culture of Vienna, you will feel spoiled with sensuous delights in every destination. For those with limited time, this tour captures the essence of Central Europe, with a Jewish flavor.

EXPLORE OUR 11 DAY JEWISH TOURS TO CENTRAL EUROPE

Day 01 Monday Arrival in Budapest

Transfer to the hotel in the heart of the grand city that houses the largest Jewish Community in Central Europe. Get a first introduction to this majestic place during an orientation tour of Buda, including views from the Castle Hill, where emperors of the Austro-Hungarian Empire once ruled one of Europe’s most powerful entities. Pass the Royal Palace and the ornate St. Matthias Church, entering Fisherman’s Bastion and the Citadel for spectacular views of some of Budapest’s famous buildings (including the Parliament Building). En route back to Pest, visit the Medieval Jewish Prayer House, a 14th century synagogue that was recently rededicated. Stop at the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial, commemorating the heroic Swedish diplomat who rescued thousands of Jews. Check-in at your luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. Remainder of the day at leisure. Aria Hotel.

Day 02 Tuesday Budapest

This morning, discover the Jewish sites of Budapest. Visit the birthplace of Theodore Herzl, the Jewish Museum, and the lavish Dohany Synagogue, where Liszt used to play the organ. Continue to the Weeping Willow Memorial Tree, dedicated to the 600,000 Hungarian Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Next, walk in the former Jewish area, still filled with several Synagogues (Including Kazincy and Rumbach) and small shtiebls. Later, drive pass the impressive Opera House and Parliament, en route to the moving “Shoes by the Danube” Memorial. In the afternoon, visit Szentendre, a quiet and colorful Baroque town, that since the past century has attracted artists from all over Central Europe. A special treat here is a visit to the Szanto Synagogue, believed to be the smallest synagogue in the world. Return to Budapest in the late afternoon. Aria Hotel. (B)

Day 03 Wednesday Budapest – Vienna

Departing Budapest, drive through Hungary’s countryside towards the Austrian border – symbolically dividing Eastern and Western Europe. Continue to Vienna, famed for its world-class music, art, and blend of baroque and contemporary architecture. Visit the imposing Schonbrunn Palace and its surrounding Gardens. Schonbrunn, Summer Residence of the Hapsburg Dynasty, is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, drive along the Ringstrasse, one of the most beautiful boulevards in the world, pass the State Opera, Museum of Applied Arts, and stop at the Hofburg Palace. Continue via the City Hall and  Musikverein to your hotel in the heart of the city. Grand Hotel. (B)

Day 04 Thursday Vienna – Prague

The Jewish tour of Vienna begins at the controversial Monument Against War and Fascism. Continue to the official Holocaust Memorial at Judenplatz, in the center of Vienna Old Town. This vast square features a touching Holocaust Memorial; several Jewish organizations have returned to the surrounding buildings. Along narrow quaint streets, see Vienna’s landmark, St. Stephen’s, before arriving at the Wiesenthal Center, dedicated to the research and documentation of all aspects of antisemitism. Next, visit the Stadttempel, Vienna’s main synagogue, and the Morzinplatz, former home to the Gestapo headquarters. Names like Freud, Mahler, Schoenberg, Buber, and Zweig will forever be associated with Vienna’s prominence. In the afternoon, transfer to Prague, and check-in at the hotel, situated in the very center of town, as well as within the Jewish Historic Quarter, home to such Jewish literary luminaries as Franz Kafka. Remainder of day at leisure. Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel / Grand Mark Hotel. (B)

Day 05 Friday Prague

Today features a full day Jewish tour. Begin in the uniquely-preserved Jewish Quarter, which survived due to the Nazi’s intention of making Prague a museum of the “Vanished Jewish Race.” This area is actually an unmissable sight for tourists of all religions. Stroll the streets and visit the Maisel, Spanish, Pinkas, and Klaus Synagogues, and the oldest existing synagogue still offering services, the Old-New (“Alt-Neu”) Synagogue. Prague’s Jewish Museum uses these synagogues as exhibits, boasting one of the world’s greatest Judaica collections. Visit the 15^th century cemetery, burial place for many of Prague’s famous Jews, including the legendary Rabbi Loew. Next, depart for Terezin (Theresienstadt). This former fortress was transformed to a notorious “model” concentration camp. Tour the barracks, the Ghetto Museum, which contains art and poetry created by imprisoned Jewish children; later, visit the Magdeburg Barracks. Return to Prague in the late afternoon. Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel / Grand Mark Hotel. (B)

Day 06 Saturday Prague

Enjoy a full day at leisure, or join an optional tour. First, visit the Saint Cyril and Methodius, Cathedral, where the brave heroes hid after having assassinated Reinhard Heydrich in 1942, eventually committing suicide after fierce battle with German troops. Then, cross the historic Charles Bridge, and walk via the Lesser Town to Prague Castle, situated on top of Hradcany Hill on the West Bank of the Vlatala River. Visit the imposing Castle, now the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic, as well as several government offices. See the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral before returning to Old Town. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the colorful streets of Prague. Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel / Grand Mark Hotel. (B)

Day 07 Sunday Prague – USA

Transfer to the Prague Airport for your flights back to the USA. (B)