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From $8,450
OVERVIEW
In collaboration with Jewish Heritage Travel we are excited to offer tours of Argentina & Uruguay in 2027.
We begin our travels in the cosmopolitan coastal city of Montevideo, Uruguay. The smallest country in South America, Uruguay has an active Jewish community of around 10,000 people. Here we discover its Jewish culture, explore its oldest city, and feast on the world-renowned traditional Uruguayan barbecues.
We will approach Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, by sea, taking the buquebus (ferry) from Uruguay. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Buenos Aires also boasts the largest Jewish community in Latin America. Formed from Spanish and Portuguese Jews in the early sixteenth century, waves of European immigrants in the mid-1800s and later Russia and other Eastern European countries, the community also maintains a significant Sephardic presence, many of Syrian descent.
With expert scholars and guides, we will discover the international oasis that is Buenos Aires, often dubbed “the Paris of South America.” We will explore Jewish neighborhoods; visit synagogues, museums, and notable historical and cultural locations; and immerse ourselves in an array of vibrant neighborhoods.
As no visit to Argentina would be complete without a visit to the spectacular Iguazu Falls, we will spend two days there, exploring both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Recently voted one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Iguazu boasts more than 275 falls and is so impressive that upon visiting it, Eleanor Roosevelt is said to have remarked, “Poor Niagara!”
Our accompanying scholar, Ariel Goldstein, a native of Uruguay, will provide enlightening lectures and insights throughout our travels
Departures
Duration
Highlights
Notes
Activity Level
Tailor Made
Itinerary
Program Cost: $8,450* includes:
10 nights’ accommodations at modern hotels.
Full breakfast daily; 4 lunches; 5 dinners.
All group transportation via deluxe air-conditioned coach.
All lectures, guided tours, museums and site entrance fees.
*Per person, double occupancy; single supplement: $2,250. Fees not included: gratuities: $275; visa for Brazil: $85; museum membership for nonmembers.
Travel notes for February Departure:
Travel notes for March Departure:
Travel notes for November Departure:
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.
Ariel Goldstein was born in Uruguay, studied Latin American history in Montevideo and tourism at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. CEO of Tiyul-Jewish Journeys, he has led more than 50 tours throughout Israel, Europe, Persian Gulf, Latin America, China, India, Africa, and the US. Ariel speaks Spanish, English, Hebrew, and Portuguese and is the author of From Moses to Moisesville (2024).
Lisa Hepps holds a master’s degree from Hebrew University and has spent most of her career in the educational travel space. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, she spent 15 years working in trip development, operations and leadership for the alumni travel program of Stanford University. Prior to that, she served for six years as director of development and operations for the educational tour operators, High Country Passage and World Leaders Travel. Before working in the U.S., Lisa lived and worked as a guide and educator in Israel and Europe for eight years.
Arrive in Montevideo and make your way to our hotel in time for a 4:00 PM opening orientation and presentation by our tour scholar.
Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Costanero MGallery
We begin today with a visit to the main Jewish institution of Montevideo, La Kehila, where we meet with the Director of the Culture Department to learn about the history, activities, and role that La Kehila plays in the Jewish community of the city.
Afterward, we explore two of Montevideo’s most important sites: Plaza Independencia and Plaza Matriz. The iconic Plaza Independencia is dedicated to the independence of Uruguay, commemorating the struggle for freedom from Spanish colonial rule and the
establishment of the country as a republic and marks the divide between the old and new parts of the city. The Plaza Matriz is the oldest square in Montevideo, located in the heart of Ciudad Vieja, the Old Town. The site of the Iglesia Matriz, the city’s main church and a key symbol of its colonial past, the square is surrounded by several buildings that showcase Montevideo’s colonial architecture.
For lunch, we experience a typical parrillada (barbecue-style meal) at the Mercado del Puerto, one of the most iconic landmarks of Montevideo, bustling with activity and local culture and a culinary destination famous for its steakhouses and grilled meats.
After, we visit the Sephardic synagogue, which opened its doors in 1956 with the name Beth Israel and was inspired by the Spanish/Portuguese Synagogue of New York. The Sephardic community has been present in Montevideo since the first decades of the 20th century.
We then spend time at Montevideo’s Holocaust Memorial, which overlooks the Rio de la Plata (River Plate in English). Made mostly of pink granite, the location and design create an invitation and opportunity to remember and reflect. The site also includes several inscribed steles, including one signed by Elie Wiesel.
This evening is free for you to enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Costanero MGallery
After breakfast, we leave Montevideo by motorcoach to Colonia, a UNESCO World Heritage city. The oldest city of Uruguay, Colonia is characterized by its narrow stone streets and its Portuguese colonial architecture with tiled roofs. Discover the little stone streets, old edification, the fort, the port, and charming small stores and restaurants. We visit the downtown of Colonia and continue onto the Rambla, bordering the old city to the “Plaza de Toros” and the “Hipodromo.”
We have a group lunch in Colonia and then take a buquebus (ferry) to Buenos Aires.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Buenos Aires Marriott Hotel
This morning features a presentation by our scholar on the “discovery” of the Americas, the conquistadors, and the Spanish kingdom in America, covering the period from 1492-1898.
Afterwards, we start our tour of Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan city that reveals its immigrant heritage at every step. We start at Plaza de Mayo, the original site of the Plaza de Armas and the location of the city’s second and definite foundation of 1581. This is the historical and political heart of Buenos Aires, surrounded by emblematic buildings: the Piramide de Mayo, the Casa Rosada (presidential palace), the colonial Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. We head out into the city to visit the icon of Buenos Aires, the obelisk on Avenida 9 de Julio (July 9 Avenue) erected in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first foundation of the city.
After lunch on your own, we start the afternoon off with a visit to El Ateneo, often described as the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Housed in an historic building that was originally a theatre. It was transformed into a bookstore in 2000. The theater’s original elements including the stage, balconies and ornate decorations are still intact.
This evening, we celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat at Amijai synagogue, followed by dinner with local community members.v
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Buenos Aires Marriott Hotel
Today is a leisurely day to spend as you would like, continuing to explore Buenos Aires, doing some shopping, or perhaps taking advantage of the hotel spa. You may choose to visit the Fortabat Art Museum, which houses works by Marc Chagall, Salvador Dalí, and others or the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, with works by renowned artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Tango is one of Argentina’s most important contributions to the arts, and tonight we head out on the town for dinner and an authentic tango show at El Querandi, one of the most renowned tango venues. The decor, with its elegant chandeliers, wood paneling, and vintage touches, creates an intimate and classic atmosphere and the menu offers a wide range of Argentine specialties.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
This morning is highlighted by a lecture from our scholar on Argentina’s modern history, from 1976 to 2025, including the Dirty War (a period of state terrorism that occurred between 1976 and 1983), the Falklands War, and the return to democracy. Today, Argentina’s commitment to human rights and democratic principles remains central to its identity.
Next we discover the colorful port neighborhood of La Boca, a historical center for Jewish immigration in the 19th century, primarily Ashkenazi Jews, coming from areas of Eastern Europe, particularly from what is now Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. In La Boca, Jews formed tight-knit communities and created synagogues, schools, and social organizations. Today, La Boca is famous for its vibrant street art and tango culture, with a pedestrian street where you find brightly painted buildings, tango dancers, and local shops. While the Jewish presence in La Boca is much smaller, there are still some synagogues and Jewish cultural sites that remain active.
We proceed to St. Telmo Fair, a famous flea market on Sundays.
After, we walk through the visually striking Recoleta Cemetery. Although a Catholic cemetery, there Jewish families buried here.The name Recoleta is derived from the Order of Monjes Recoletos Descalzos (Barefoot Monks from Recoleta) who in the early seventeenth century built a convent, a church and a small graveyard. The cemetery is laid out like a small city with ornate sculptures, mausoleums, and memorials, and is the final resting place of many notable Argentinians, including Eva Peron whose grave we will visit. We walk to see Evita’s Monument nearby which stands as a tribute to her legacy.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Buenos Aires Marriott Hotel
Today, we embark on a day-long guided tour of Jewish Buenos Aires. We visit several synagogues, including the elegant Gran Templo paso in the historically Jewish neighborhood of Once and the majestic Byzntine-style Templo Libertad, both founded in the early 1930’s, making them the oldest synagogues in Argentina. Templo libertad has been declared a national landmark and is the largest temple in Buenos Aires. At lunchtime, we break for a quick bite on your own at one of the restaurants nearby.
Our tour also takes us to the new home of AMIA (Israelite Mutual Association of Argentina), one of the longest-standing institutions in the country and dedicated to encouraging Jewish culture in Argentina, preserving its traditions, and promoting community development. The original AMIA building was destroyed in 1994 in a terrorist attack in which 85 people died. We also stop at Israel Embassy Square, which suffered a brutal terrorist attack in 1992. The square was built in the place where the embassy once stood.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Buenos Aires Marriott Hotel
We depart Buenos Aires, taking an early flight to Iguazú Falls. After we arrive and check in, we’ll have lunch before discovering the Argentine side of the falls.
The waterfalls are located in the Iguazú National Park and are one of the first protected areas in the Americas. The park and falls were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. The waterfalls have 275 jumps of water that fall from an average height of 70 meters (about 230 feet).
On our visit, we take a train to the Devil’s Throat Station, followed by an easy 1,200-meter walk (about 3/4 mile) to the most spectacular views of the falls, called the Devil’s Throat. We also walk along the Upper Circuit of the falls, a 1.5 mile loop on an elevated footbridge. From this circuit, it is possible to see the upper parts of the waterfalls. (Please note: These walks have no stairs.)
Inspired by the enormous beauty, we return to our hotel, where we have dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Iguazú Grand Resort Spa and Casino
This morning, we cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge to Brazil and visit the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls, part of one of the largest nature reserves of Brazil.
Here, we walk along a half-mile elevated walkway over the gully of the River Iguazú and experience absolutely stunning views. We’ll have an amazing view of the Isla San Martin and some of the most important jumps of the Iguazú falls such as the Bossetti, the San Martina, and the Tres Mosqueteros. We also come to a magnificent viewpoint of the Devil’s Throat that we visited the day before. The beauty of this place is unparalleled, with the constant presence of rainbows highlighting its magic.
We’ll lunch together before ending our tour at the Floriano Jump, where you have the opportunity to take a panoramic elevator. (Please note: There are some stairs during
this walk. Participants who cannot walk the stairs can take the coach to the viewpoint and take the elevator down for an up-close view of Devil’s Throat.)
After an exhilarating day, we return to the hotel and you are free to enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel, either in the restaurant or in your room.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Iguazú Grand Resort Spa and Casino
Today, we fly back from Iguazu to Buenos Aires.
After lunch on your own, we visit the Museum of the Holocaust. The museum’s exhibitions include artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the Holocaust, as well as personal testimonies from survivors. One of the museum’s key focuses is the experience of Argentine Holocaust survivors.
This evening, we visit the popular waterfront district of Puerto Madero, with its impressive Puente de la Mujer, a uniquely designed pedestrian bridge, and renowned restaurant scene. After a stop to see the Anne Frank statue, we have a farewell dinner together at a well known restaurant in Puerto Madero.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Buenos Aires Marriott Hotel
We depart Buenos Aires on independent flights today.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please Note: Daily schedule may be modified subject to weather or unanticipated changes.
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 JHT 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.
Cancellations All cancellations must be received by Gil 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 Gil Travel 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 RoamRight, which many past participants have used. 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 Roamright or through your own insurance agent within 14 days of registration.
Changes All rights are reserved by Gil Travel and 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 Gil Travel or the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Jewish Heritage Travel office and their respective staffs for damages, loss, injury, accident, or death incurred by any person in connection with this tour. Gil Travel, The Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Jewish Heritage Travel office 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 Gil Travel, the Museum of Jewish Heritage or the Jewish Heritage Travel office 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. 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.
Are Kosher meals available?
While we do not offer Kosher food, we offer fish and/or vegetarian options at every meal included in the trip.
How many people will be on the trip?
On average about 24 people.
What is the age group?
55+
What is the makeup of the participants?
A good mix of singles and couples.
How fit do I need to be? How much walking is there?
You should be able to walk about two miles in a day, though not all at once. Please see the itinerary of the trip(s) you are interested in to get a sense of the schedule for each day. When there is free time, some choose to stay active, others to rest.
If you prefer more activity, many of the hotels we stay in have pools and fitness facilities, and some of our trips do offer the opportunity for more physical activity.
Are the trips accessible for people with canes, walkers, or wheelchairs?
People who use a cane to aid their walking have found our trips accessible. You still need to be able to walk about two miles in a day, though not all at once. Unfortunately, accessibility can be limited in the places we travel, making it too difficult for people in wheelchairs or walkers to participate in our trips.
Is the trip Shabbat Observant?
We normally have a Shabbat dinner together be it at a hotel or restaurant and sometimes at a synagogue. We do not have programming on Saturday other than perhaps a meeting with the scholar. In some destinations we offer walking tours on Saturday. You can refer to the itinerary of your chosen trip for specifics.
When does the program actually begin?
The Itinerary and Program Details section of the trip you are interested in will indicate when to plan to arrive and depart, as well as when the program begins and ends. Every trip includes a welcome session to get oriented and meet each other, the guides, and scholars and a farewell event to celebrate, reflect, and say good-bye to our fellow travelers.
Are airport transfers included?
Airport transfers are not included. Taxis, and often other transportation options, are available from all airports.
Are meals included?
The Itinerary of the trip you are interested in will indicate which meals are included on each day. For meals on your own, suggestions are available from the concierge at the hotels we are staying in. We encourage you to explore the diversity of local and international cuisines in the places we visit.
Are the trips only for Jewish people?
While the majority of our travelers are Jewish, our trips are for anyone interested in exploring the Jewish heritage of the destinations we take you to.
I’d like to explore my genealogy at one of the places you are going to. Is that possible?
Our trips are not designed for genealogical research. If you want to undertake genealogical work, it is necessary to do this on your own and would be best to plan for an extra few days before or after one of our trips.
How much free time will I have?
Please see the itinerary of the trip(s) you are interested in for information on when free time is scheduled for exploring on your own, resting in your room, engaging in conversation with new friends, etc.
Is there Wi-Fi everywhere?
While WiFi is available in most of the world, there are regions or locations where it is not as accessible. Most of the hotels we stay at offer free WiFi.
What Museum Memberships Qualify?
Museum of Jewish Heritage New York: $54
Holocaust Museum LA: $100
Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center – Nassau County: $54
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History: $54
*Membership # will need to be provided upon registration
Accommodation
Immersed in nature just minutes from the Iguazu Falls, the Hotel Iguazú Grand is a luxury resort that offers elegant modern rooms that overlook lush gardens designed by the renowned French-Argentinian landscape architect Carlos Thays. A stay here provides sophisticated comfort, with full in-room amenities, including WiFi, as well as a gym, wellness center, and a large outdoor pool and deck area. Its haute cuisine restaurants feature dishes crafted with locally produced organic ingredients.
Located in the most exclusive neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the Sofitel in Recoleta blends stately architecture with a bold modern design. Rooms feature luxurious amenities and furnishings, from super comfortable beds to plush armchairs, bathrooms that include both a soaking tub and a shower, as well as windows with garden views or city vistas. Guests can also enjoy the in-house restaurant with Argentinian specialities as well as a French bakery.
Hotel Montevideo is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the vibrant Pocitos neighborhood of Montevideo. Blending modern elegance and local charm, rooms offer comfort, style, and modern amenities. A rooftop pool provides unparalleled panoramic views and the hotel restaurant serves American cuisine as well as a full breakfast. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and boutiques are within walking distance, as is the Rambla scenic waterfront promenade.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
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