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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 profound 8-day Jewish heritage tour of Latvia, exploring the ancient and remarkably resilient Jewish heritage of this key Baltic nation. This trip is an essential exploration of the once-flourishing Latvian Jewish community, known for its deep roots, intellectual vitality, and the devastating impact of the Holocaust, balanced by the inspiring story of its contemporary revival. You will spend significant time in Riga, the intellectual and cultural heart of Latvian Jewry, with visits dedicated to both memory and continuity: seeing the beautifully restored Peitav Synagogue (the only one to survive WWII), exploring the Jewish Museum, and visiting the sobering sites of the former Riga ghetto and the Rumbula Forest Memorial. These visits will be complemented by specialized educational sessions focusing on the destruction of Latvian Jewry and the subsequent challenges of the Soviet era.
The journey extends beyond the capital to historically significant regional Jewish centers, notably Daugavpils (formerly Dvinsk), the second-largest city, where you will explore the restored Kadish Synagogue and trace the regional history of the Latgalian Jews. A crucial element of the entire trip is engaging with the modern community in Riga, where you will have opportunities to meet with leaders of the Jewish Community of Latvia, young activists, or local historians to discuss their efforts in preserving memory, combating antisemitism, and fostering a strong Jewish future in the Baltics. This essential journey offers a vital and moving look at the unique history, resilience, and enduring spirit of the Jewish people in the Baltics, set against the backdrop of Latvia’s rich cultural and historical sites.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Arrive at Riga International Airport (RIX) and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, take an afternoon orientation walk through the Riga Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), focusing on the Dome Square and the House of the Blackheads. Conclude the day with a Welcome Dinner featuring New Latvian cuisine.
Begin the day with a visit to the Peitav Synagogue, the only synagogue in Riga to survive World War II, and meet with a community representative to discuss its role today. Continue to the Jewish Museum of Latvia, which houses extensive archives documenting the community’s ancient history and intellectual life. The afternoon is dedicated to memory: visiting the site of the Former Riga Ghetto and the poignant Jewish Cemetery.
The morning involves a dedicated trip to the Rumbula Forest Memorial, one of the most tragic sites of the Holocaust, for a solemn service and reflection. Return to Riga for a session with a Scholar or Historian focusing on the Holocaust in Latvia, Soviet repression, and the complexities of the national narrative. The afternoon includes visiting the Freedom Monument and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia for crucial historical context.
Explore Riga’s world-famous Art Nouveau District, known for its stunning architecture. Follow this with a dive into local culture at the vast Riga Central Market, housed in former Zeppelin hangars. In the afternoon, hold a key Community Encounter with leaders or members of the Jewish Community of Latvia to discuss contemporary challenges, preservation efforts, and the future of Jewish life in the Baltics.
Take an early morning train or coach journey to Daugavpils (Dvinsk), Latvia’s second-largest city and a former center of intense Jewish intellectual life (the Latgalian region). Upon arrival, check in and visit the beautifully restored Daugavpils Kadish Synagogue. Explore the historic Jewish neighborhood and learn about the profound impact of figures like Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk.
The morning is dedicated to memory sites in Daugavpils, visiting the Holocaust Memorial and the Old Jewish Cemetery. After lunch, explore the broader cultural heritage, including the massive Daugavpils Fortress and the Mark Rothko Art Centre, providing context to the region’s diverse history. Return to Riga in the late afternoon or early evening.
Enjoy a relaxing day trip to the coastal town of Jūrmala, Latvia’s famous seaside resort known for its picturesque wooden architecture and white sand beaches. Enjoy lunch by the sea, and use the afternoon for free time, shopping, or relaxing before returning to Riga. Conclude the day with a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the journey.
Enjoy a final Latvian breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a last visit to a favorite spot or a final reflection. Transfer to Riga International Airport (RIX) for your departure, concluding your profound 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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