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Oceana
What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
Suitable for Family, Group, Senior
OVERVIEW
This eight-day Jewish tour in Italy offers a profound exploration of Rome and Venice, weaving together ancient history, vibrant culture, and significant Jewish heritage. The trip commences in Rome, where guests delve into the monumental past of the Roman Empire with visits to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, alongside a powerful encounter with the Arch of Titus—a poignant symbol of Jewish exile. The initial days are further enriched by a deep dive into Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere District, featuring the Jewish Museum and the Tempio Maggiore Synagogue, providing a continuous narrative of the city’s two-thousand-year-old Rome Jewish heritage, complemented by authentic Italian culinary experiences like a pasta-making workshop.
The latter half of the trip transitions from Rome to the enchanting city of Venice, with a captivating stop in Tuscany for a wine tasting and scenic exploration of the Val d’Orcia region. In Venice, the itinerary highlights iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doges’ Palace, alongside a fascinating visit to Murano Island to witness the art of glassblowing. A key focus in Venice is the comprehensive tour of the historic Jewish Ghetto, including the Jewish Museum and prominent synagogues, culminating in a deeply meaningful Shabbat experience with the local Jewish community. The journey, which also includes an optional day for personal exploration or additional tours, offers a rich tapestry of historical discovery, cultural immersion, and a strong emphasis on Italy’s enduring Jewish narrative.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Individual Arrivals
Opening Dinner: Invited Guest: Israeli Ambassador
Overnight: Rome
Breakfast at the hotel
This morning we will visit the Mamertine Prison, in the ancient basement of the church of San Pietro and learn about the prisoners who served time there followed by a unique journey into the history of the Roman Empire at the Colosseum- walking along the ancient passageways that remained secret up to recently, past complex lift systems, tunnels and trap doors.
After lunch we will continue to Palatine Hill is where it all began, the very spot where Ancient Rome was founded and then onto the Roman Forum – the most spectacular archaeological site in Rome. Take a journey into the past – strolling around the Roman Forum is like walking along the very streets that Ancient Romans called home.
Our last stop before heading back to the hotel for some time to refresh is to the Arch of Titus – the symbol of our exile and destruction – yet we are still here. The menorah depicted on the arch is the model for the menorah used as the emblem of the state of Israel.
Refresh back at the hotel.
Dinner and Night Tour of Rome – Experience Rome on a unique night tour that includes the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain as well as enjoying dinner in a traditional Roman restaurant near Piazza Navona.
OVERNIGHT: Rome
Breakfast at the hotel
Roman Jews have been living in Trastevere for 22 centuries, giving birth to the only Jewish community alive and present continuously in the same place since before the Diaspora. Participate in a walking tour of Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere District. Discover the rich history of the Jewish community, in Rome, dating back over two thousand years while exploring the narrow streets, learn about the unique customs and traditions of the Jewish community, as well as their contributions to the city’s culture and history. Visit the Jewish Museum and its amazing collection and the Tempio Maggiore Synagogue. We’ll also stop at the Kosher Bakery, Boccione, where the same family has been running the business for the last 300 years and taste the famous Pizza Giudia and the Ginetto (Cheesecake) with chocolate or with cherries.
Take part in an authentic pasta making workshop followed by lunch.
Refresh back at the hotel for an evening at leisure
OVERNIGHT: Rome
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit the smallest country in the world, Vatican City. Scratch beneath the surface to explore the Jewish symbolism, in the Vatican museums, Michelangelo’s ‘secret codes’ in the Sistine Chapel and St Peters Basilica from an historical Jewish perspective.
Take a Tuscany tour from Rome and see the best of the captivating Val d’Orcia region, near Siena. With a local guide at your side, discover countryside where historic hill towns perch on sun-drenched hills and Tuscan farms dot the landscape. Visit the wine towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, and enjoy free time to explore Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch in Tuscany.
After lunch, travel to Venice where you will check into your hotel followed by dinner.
Overnight: Venice
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart for St. Mark’s Square (also called Piazza San Marco) is the main public square in Venice. St. Marks’ Basilica and the Campanile sit at the eastern end of the square. The remainder of the square is lined with arcades, which were once the homes and offices of the officers during the days of the republic of Venice. Now, the arcades are home to shops and restaurants and the famous Torre dell’Orologio (the Clock Tower) dating back to the 15th century.
St. Mark’s Basilica dates to the 9th century AD. Over the course of eight centuries, mosaics were added to the interior of the cathedral, as well as treasures from the Crusades. The Pala d’Oro is a Byzantine alter piece that is covered in gold and studded with almost 2,000 gems.
We will then visit The Doges’ Palace – a palace built in Venetian Gothic styles. For centuries, this building served as the residence for the Doge, the seat of the government, and a palace of justice. Now, it is a museum.
Right before lunch we will take a ride up the elevator to the top of the Campanile for a beautiful view of Venice.
After lunch we will take a ferry over to the Island of Murano where you will discover the centuries-old art of glassblowing. Tour the Glass Factory and watch a master craftsman shape molten glass. Afterward, browse the showroom to see the finished works and the opportunity to take home a piece of original Murano glass.
Dinner on own
OVERNIGHT: Venice
Breakfast at the hotel
We begin our tour of the Jewish Ghetto in the Cannaregio district, a fascinating residential area in the city’s northern part. Walk past artisan workshops, galleries, shops, and delis. Next, we will cross the bridge into Campo del Ghetto Nuovo (New Ghetto Square) and visit the Jewish Museum. Right before lunch in the Jewish quarter visit the Levantine Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogues.
Afternoon at leisure.
Join the local Jewish community for Shabbat services followed by Shabbat dinner at B’Ghetto restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: Venice
Breakfast at hotel
Optional Tours:
Havdalah and a gondola ride followed by an authentic farewell Italian dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Venice
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight back to the USA
Accommodation
Facing the magical Grand Canal, the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal is the ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday in Venice. The pastel colors, Venetian plaster-work and wall-lamps in Murano glass, the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal will enchant you with its refined elegance. All the 145 rooms are furnished in the Venetian style of the 1700s. equipped with every modern comfort.
The Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora is a sophisticated, luxurious hotel located on Via Veneto, near the Villa Borghese gardens and the Roman walls.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
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