Join a FREE Travel Info Session
This hour-long Zoom session will be hosted by Dr. David I. Bernstein, the October tour’s accompanying scholar. He looks forward to sharing information about the trip and answering your questions.
Please pre-register to receive the Zoom link for attendance.
Wednesday, March 26
Session Times by Location: 10:00am PT | 1:00 pm ET
Overview
Before World War II, Poland’s three million Jews was the world’s largest community (aside from the U.S.) and probably the most diverse and influential, with Hasidim, secular intellectuals, Yiddish writers, Zionists, and socialists.
Today, on the site of the Warsaw Ghetto sits a world-class museum devoted to the Jewish history that flourished in the country for a thousand years before the war. Jewish festivals attract crowds from across the globe. Multiple universities have even opened Judaic studies departments where graduate students have produced impressive publications documenting an astonishingly rich history. Jewish culture is being rediscovered, revitalized, and rebuilt in Poland.
Beginning in Warsaw, we’ll take a guided tour of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. We will visit remembrance memorial sites across the city, including the monument to the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, the memorial of Mila 18, and the Umschlagplatz where Jews were deported to Auschwitz and Treblinka.
We will travel to Lodz to learn about the prosperous Jewish textile industry and the role Jewish residents played in this thriving industrial city. We also stay in Lublin and visit important Jewish landmarks and sites, from the tragic to the revitalized. From there, we will travel to historically rich Kraków, once home to a flourishing Jewish presence. We’ll explore the district of Kazimierz with its many surviving synagogues, a pre-war Jewish cemetery, and the largest medieval market square in Europe. There will also be a moving tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, as well as opportunities to reflect and discuss our experiences.
Along the way, Jewish Heritage Travel scholar Lynne Feldman will provide lectures and on-site commentary, supporting our learning in this land that is so pivotal to Jewish history, to help us honor the tragedies that took place here, appreciate the vibrant Jewish life that existed in Poland throughout the centuries, and witness the renewed Jewish culture that has taken root.
Highlights
- 10 nights of deluxe accommodations in Warsaw, Łańcut, and Kraków
- Tours of the Jewish Historical Institute and POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw
- Visits to restored historic synagogues in Łańcut and Kraków
- Guided visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Auschwitz Jewish Center
- Exploration of several Holocaust memorial sites, including Majdanek and the Buczyna forest near Zbylitowska Góra
- A visit and meeting at the Kraków JCC, founded in 2008 with the aim of revitalizing Jewish life in Kraków
- Shabbat dinner and optional community prayers
Itinerary
Monday, June 1 | Warsaw
Evening: Our tour begins this evening with an orientation to meet and get to know one another, followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel. Before dessert, we will hear a presentation by the tour scholar to help prepare us for all we will experience during our time together.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Bristol, Warsaw
Tuesday, June 2 | Warsaw
Morning: Our day begins with a presentation by the tour scholar. Afterwards, we visit the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery, the largest Jewish cemetery in the world. Many Jewish luminaries have been buried here over the years, and the cemetery comprises more than 200,000 marked graves, as well as the mass grave of victims of the Warsaw Ghetto. We will also stop at Janusz Korczak & Stepha Wilichenska’s orphanage.
Afternoon: We break for lunch on your own near the Jewish Historical Institute, followed by a guided tour of the institute. Here we encounter the Emanuel Ringelblum Archive, a unique collection of documents, diaries, letters, and testimonies that were hidden by the Jewish historian Emanuel Ringelblum and his colleagues during World War II. This archive provides vivid and personal accounts of the life and struggles of Warsaw’s Jewish community.
The evening is free for you to enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Bristol Hotel
Wednesday, June 3 | Warsaw
Morning: Our education continues with a featured lecture by the tour scholar. We then depart the hotel for a poignant visit to Umschlagplatz, where the Jews were gathered for deportation to Treblinka. We proceed on foot a short distance to see remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto Wall and the monument to Mila 18, which was the headquarters of the Jewish Fighting Organization (Zydowska Organizacja Bojowa, ZOB). The address became symbolic of the courageous resistance mounted by the Jewish community against Nazi occupation.
Afternoon: We continue our walk to the impressive Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, where you have lunch on your own at the museum’s cafeteria. We then tour the museum, which tells the story of a thousand years of Jewish life and culture in Poland. (Please note: For those who want to spend more time at the museum and explore exhibits of personal interest on their own, taxis are available to return to the hotel.)
The evening is free for you to enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Bristol Hotel
Thursday, June 4 | Warsaw – Lublin – Łańcut
Morning: We depart Warsaw this morning for Lublin. Upon arrival, we tour the Grodzka Gate Museum and cultural center, which plays a robust role in preserving, celebrating, and educating on Jewish life and history in Lublin. We then go to the Yeshiva Chachmei Lublin. This former yeshiva played a central role in Jewish religious life in the city. Founded in 1930, it was one of the largest and most prestigious yeshivas in Europe before being destroyed during the Nazi occupation. The building has been partially reconstructed and now serves as a cultural and educational center.
Lunch is on your own with free time to explore Lublin’s beautiful Old Town, with cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and a host of restaurants, cafés, and eateries.
Afternoon: Together, we visit Majdanek, a former Nazi concentration and extermination camp located on the outskirts of Lublin and one of the best-preserved Holocaust sites in Europe.
Afterwards, we continue on to Łańcut, where we check in and gather for a group dinner at the hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Sokół Wellness and Spa Hotel
Friday, June 5 | Łańcut – Kraków
Morning: We start the day with a visit to the Łańcut Synagogue, one of the best-preserved synagogues in Poland, originally built in 1761 and a remarkable example of 18th-century Baroque synagogue architecture. After the war, the building underwent several renovations and since 1981, it has functioned as a Judaica museum.
Outside of Łańcut, we stop at the village of Markowa, which is best known for the tragic and heroic story of the Ulma family, Polish Christians who were executed by the Nazis in 1944 for sheltering eight Jews. In addition to exhibits and artifacts, the Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II includes a memorial wall listing over 1,000 known Polish rescuers of Jews.
Afternoon: We travel on to Kraków and check in to our hotel, with some free time to rest or explore.
In the evening, we share a Shabbat dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Kraków
Saturday, June 6 | Kraków
Morning: You are free this morning, with the option to join the tour scholar for local Shabbat morning services.
Afternoon: We begin at the Galicia Jewish Museum, a prominent museum founded in 2004 and dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture, and heritage of the Jewish community in the region of Galicia, which historically covered parts of present-day Poland and Ukraine.
Afterwards, we visit Kazimierz, the once-vibrant Jewish neighborhood, for a walking tour of its synagogues. This includes the Remuh (built in 1553), Isaac (founded in 1644), High (built in 1556), and Tempel (founded in 1862).
We then return to the hotel, and enjoy dinner and an evening on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Kraków
Sunday, June 7 | Kraków – Oświęcim (Auschwitz) – Kraków
We spend today at Auschwitz-Birkenau, located 45 miles from Kraków. We begin with a guided tour of Birkenau, also known as Auschwitz II. It was the largest of the more than 40 camps and sub-camps that made up the Auschwitz complex. We next visit the Auschwitz Jewish Center, a short distance up the road, where we have lunch together and tour the center, which was opened in 2000 so that people could gather, learn, and remember the victims of the Holocaust. We then experience a guided tour of Auschwitz I, the first camp site, which today hosts exhibitions.
We return to our hotel, where you have free time for dinner and to process your experience at Auschwitz alone or with others.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Kraków
Monday, June 8 | Kraków
Morning: Today we drive to the city of Tarnów, where we visit the Old Town, a charming historical area known for its beautiful architecture, and meet the people working to preserve its Jewish history and cemetery.
Lunch is on your own at the Rynek, with free time to explore this delightful part of Tarnov.
Afternoon: On our way back to Kraków, we stop at the Buczyna forest outside of Zbylitowska Góra The site of mass executions between 1942 and 1943, today it serves as a solemn memorial site, with monuments commemorating the victims. A place of reflection and remembrance, we take a final moment here at the end of our tour to honor those who lost their lives during this dark chapter of history.
Dinner is on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Kraków
Tuesday, June 9 | Kraków
Morning: Our last lecture by the tour scholar starts off our morning, rounding out our formal education. We then set off for a tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town Square in the heart of Kraków, with its royal past and vibrant merchant history. We visit the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and stroll along cobblestone streets, stopping at several iconic landmarks.
After lunch on our own, we gather to tour Wawel Castle, the seat of Polish monarchs until 1596, and visit the Wawel Cathedral and Dragon’s Cave.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Kraków
Wednesday, June 10 | Kraków – Tarnów Region – Kraków
Morning: We spend time this morning at the Remah Cemetery, one of the oldest and most historically significant Jewish cemeteries in Poland. It is named after Rabbi Moses Isserles (c. 1525–1572), known by the Hebrew acronym “Remah,” who was a renowned Talmudist and a central figure in Jewish scholarship. His tombstone is one of the few that remained intact during the Nazi occupation.
We then visit the poignant memorial at Ghetto Heroes Square, which features a haunting installation of 68 empty bronze chairs, symbolizing the absence left by the thousands of Jews who perished during the war. Each chair represents 1,000 victims. We end the morning with a stop by the Schindler Factory.
Afternoon: This afternoon, we have the enjoyable opportunity to stop by the Kraków JCC, founded in 2008 by the Lauder Foundation with the aim of revitalizing Jewish life in Kraków and providing a welcoming space for the local Jewish community. JCC Kraków is one of the main organizers of the annual Kraków Jewish Festival, which draws thousands of visitors from around the world. The festival celebrates Jewish music, food, culture, and history with concerts, performances, lectures, film screenings, and more.
We gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Kraków
Thursday, June 11 | Departure from Kraków
Individual departures to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
*Please Note: Daily schedule may be modified, subject to weather or unanticipated changes.
Gallery
Traveling with you…
Each of our scholars are outstanding experts in their fields and play an active role in helping us design our journeys as well as accompanying us as we travel.
Lynne Feldman
Lynne Feldman brings many years of experience and scholarly research to her work as a Holocaust education professional, coordinating with numerous museums and international organizations. She holds a master’s degree in Holocaust Studies from Haifa University and an undergraduate degree in history from the Open University of Israel, both of which she draws on to create meaningful educational experiences. Over the years, Lynne has accompanied many groups to significant cultural sites and she currently serves as the International Coordinator and Director of Scholarship for the Teach the Shoah Foundation.
Abby Ashkenazi
Abby Ashkenazi is a seasoned tour manager and accomplished facilitator in the world of Jewish education. A curious, history-loving traveler herself, as a guide, she collaborates closely with other travel professionals to create memorable experiences for tour participants. Abby is a graduate of Hebrew University in Jerusalem with degrees in Jewish History and African Studies and currently consults for the Consortium for Teaching Hebrew at Brandeis University. As the JCC Chicago Jewish Educator, Abby developed, designed and implemented Jewish-focused programming and travel. When not traveling, Abby splits her time between Chicago and Israel.
Accommodations
WARSAW: HOTEL BRISTOL
Situated on the famous Royal Route, in the heart of Warsaw, for over 100 years the 5-star Hotel Bristol has served as Warsaw’s most distinguished destination. With a majestic neo-Renaissance façade, romantic interiors, and Art Deco elegance, the Bristol is just steps away from Nowy Swiat—the most fashionable street in Warsaw. Recently renovated, the Bristol combines incomparable beauty and luxury with a prestigious blend of history and culture. The exquisite guest rooms reflect an engaging mix of comfort, discreet elegance, and state-of-the-art technology.
ŁAŃCUT: SOKÓŁ WELLNESS AND SPA HOTEL
This modern 4-star luxury hotel sits in the heart of Łańcut. Offering a blend of comfort and elegance, the Sokół Wellness and Spa Hotel features well-appointed rooms, an indoor pool, restaurant with local and international cuisine, fitness center, and comprehensive spa facility. In addition to WiFi, guests can expect air conditioning, electric kettles, refrigerators, and toiletries.
KRAKOW: SHERATON GRAND KRAKOW
Located at the foot of The Royal Castle, on the banks of the Vistula River, Sheraton Grand Krakow is the perfect gateway to exploring the city’s best dining, cultural, and historic sites, including Krakow Cathedral, Main Market Square, and Kazimierz district. Our 232 elegant rooms and suites, with the comfort of the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds and a full in-room entertainment package, provide a comfortable space to rest and relax. All our guests have access to the wellness area with a pool, sauna, and gym open 24/7. Foodies can indulge themselves in an extraordinary Italian culinary journey at Anima Restaurant or experience breathtaking sunsets at our Rooftop Terrace.
Details
Program cost: $7,450* includes:
- 10 nights’ accommodations at deluxe hotels
- Full breakfast daily; one lunch; four dinners
- All group transportation via deluxe air-conditioned coach
*Per-person, double occupancy; single supplement: $1,950. Fees not included: gratuities: $275; museum membership for nonmembers.
Travel note: Plan to arrive in Warsaw on Monday, June 1 and depart from Kraków on Thursday, June 11.
Secure your place
Book Now: use the link below to reach our easy online booking form.
By phone: 845-256-0197 Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm EST.
Payment Reserve your space with a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 per person. Final balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
Membership Participation on these tours is a benefit for active members of our museum partners. During the registration process, you will be asked about your membership status with your affiliated museum. If you are not a current member, you will have a chance to activate your membership.
Participation Tour sizes are limited to 28 participants unless otherwise noted. Trips entail considerable walking including over uneven terrain. Participants need to be in good health, be able to keep up with the group, be able to experience group and cultural differences with grace. Please let us know if you have any physical conditions that may require special attention while on tour. For more information please see our FAQ page.
Cancellations All cancellations must be received by Jewish Heritage Travel in writing. Cancellations received 120 days or more prior to departure: full refund less nonrefundable deposits, per person; 119–90 days prior to departure: 50% refund per person after nonrefundable deposits. 89–0 days before departure: no refund.
Trip Cancellation Insurance Jewish Heritage Travel strongly urges all participants to purchase travel insurance for coverage of losses necessitated by having to cancel due to illness or accident. For your convenience, we are providing a link to Allianz Global Assistance, which many past participants have used. Please use code ACCAM/Agency ID# F026815 or feel free to use your own insurance agent. When purchasing insurance, please consider the plans carefully to familiarize yourself with what is covered. In this context, do take note that most insurance companies generally will waive exclusion for preexisting conditions only if your application is received by them within 14 days from the date of your program registration. If you have a preexisting medical condition and are interested in taking trip insurance, you should do so either with Allianz or through your own insurance agent within 14 days of registration.
Changes All rights are reserved by Jewish Heritage Travel to make scholar substitutions and/or to modify the itinerary (including hotels) as needed. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and conditions require the itinerary to be altered, Jewish Heritage Travel reserves the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group. Any extra expenses incurred in this situation are the responsibility of the participant.
Disclaimer of Responsibility By registering for this program, participant specifically waives any and all claims of action against Jewish Heritage Travel and our museum partners listed below and their respective staffs for damages, loss, injury, accident, or death incurred by any person in connection with this tour. Jewish Heritage Travel and our museum partners listed below and their respective staffs assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, or other conveyance that may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the passengers. Neither will the Jewish Heritage Travel and our museum partners listed below or their staffs be responsible for any injury, death, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purposes for which tickets, vouchers, or coupons are issued. Any personal activities arranged outside the Jewish Heritage Travel published tour itinerary are solely and wholly the responsibility of the individual traveller whether or not a representative of Jewish Heritage Travel has provided any guidance. No responsibility is accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, viruses, weather, strikes, wars, and other causes. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason whatsoever to alter the itinerary or arrangements, including hotels or scholars, such alterations may be made without penalty. All rights reserved to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at his/her own expense when such an action is determined by the tour staff to be in the best interest of the participant’s health and safety and that of the group in general. Prices subject to change. Cost in effect at time of registration will be honored.
