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why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
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
Embark on a concentrated and profound 5-day journey to Latvia, exploring the ancient and remarkably resilient Jewish heritage concentrated primarily in the capital, Riga. This trip is an essential exploration of the once-flourishing Latvian Jewish community, known for its deep roots and intellectual vitality, balanced by the sobering story of the Holocaust and the inspiring narrative of its contemporary revival. Your immersion begins in Riga, the intellectual and cultural heart of Latvian Jewry, with dedicated time for visits to the beautifully restored Peitav Synagogue—the only one to survive WWII—and the comprehensive Jewish Museum, ensuring a deep connection to the community’s ancient history and intellectual legacy.
The itinerary places critical emphasis on memory and context, including visits to the solemn sites of the Former Riga Ghetto and the devastating Rumbula Forest Memorial, offering a necessary historical understanding of the Holocaust in the Baltics. Beyond historical reflection, a crucial element of this accelerated trip is engaging with the modern community through Community Encounters with leaders or young activists of the Jewish Community of Latvia. This engagement provides an essential firsthand perspective on current efforts to preserve memory, combat antisemitism, and foster a strong Jewish future. Interspersed with these vital visits, you will experience the broader Latvian capital by exploring the stunning Art Nouveau district and the vibrant Central Market, giving you a complete picture of the enduring spirit of the Jewish people set against Riga’s rich cultural backdrop.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Arrive at Riga International Airport (RIX) and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, take an afternoon orientation walk through the Riga Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), focusing on the Dome Square and the iconic House of the Blackheads. Conclude the day with a Welcome Dinner featuring traditional Latvian cuisine.
Begin the day with a visit to the Peitav Synagogue, the only synagogue in Riga to survive World War II. You will meet with a community representative to discuss its current role and the history of Jewish religious life. Continue to the Jewish Museum of Latvia, which thoroughly documents the community’s two-thousand-year history, intellectual life, and devastating destruction. In the afternoon, explore the Art Nouveau District, showcasing Riga’s world-famous architectural beauty.
This day is dedicated to memory and remembrance. Visit the site of the Former Riga Ghetto and the adjacent Jewish Cemetery for a somber reflection on the community’s losses. The focus of the afternoon is a trip to the Rumbula Forest Memorial, one of the most tragic sites of the Holocaust in Latvia, for a service and historical presentation. Return to the city for a briefing on the Soviet era and its impact on the remaining Jewish population.
Start the day with a key Community Encounter, meeting with leaders or young activists from the Jewish Community of Latvia. This session will focus on the contemporary challenges of preserving memory and fostering Jewish identity today. In the afternoon, gain broader national context by visiting the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and the Freedom Monument. Finish the day with an exploration of local culture at the vast Riga Central Market, followed by a Farewell Dinner.
Enjoy a final Latvian breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final walk through the Old Town. Transfer to Riga International Airport (RIX) for your departure, concluding your journey through Latvia’s resilient Jewish history.
Accommodation
This elegant and historic hotel is located in a former bank built in 1877, a one-minute walk from the Foreign Art Museum and a six-minute walk from St. Peter’s Church.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
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