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OVERVIEW
From stunning synagogues to rich cultural influences, Brazil offers a unique and enriching experience for Jewish Travel especially for those seeking to connect with their Jewish heritage in a vibrant South American setting.
The history of Jewish immigration to Brazil dates back centuries, with waves of Jewish settlers arriving in search of new opportunities and religious freedom. Throughout Brazilian history, Jewish figures have made significant contributions to various fields, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural fabric.
In Brazil, a treasure trove of synagogues and Jewish heritage sites awaits your exploration. In São Paulo, you will visit the iconic JCC, A Hebraica de São Paulo, where you will engage with the local Jewish community. The Jewish Museum of São Paulo will provide a captivating journey through Jewish history and culture, while the old Jewish neighbourhood of Bom Retiro offers a glimpse into the past.
Get acquainted ‘up close and personal’ with the Jewish cultural influences that have shaped Brazilian society. Organizations like CONIB (Brazilian Israelite Confederation), Unibes (a social welfare institution), and Casa do Povo (Jewish Labor Bund Socialist Center) have played vital roles in preserving Jewish heritage and fostering community bonds.
Beyond the Jewish heritage sites, Brazil beckons with a plethora of must-see attractions. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) in Rio de Janeiro or delve into art and culture at the São Paulo Museum of Art, MASP, with a guided tour that unveils hidden treasures.
Embrace the opportunity to embark on a remarkable journey of Jewish travel to Brazil. And get ready to embrace the tapestry of encounters waiting to be discovered and captivate your senses through this amazing Jewish Heritage travel experience.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and check into the hotel.
Welcome dinner.
Overnight in Rio
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). We will ascend to the summit of the mountain via cable cars and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the city and the natural environment that surrounds it.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
From the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, we will descend back into the city and walk along the promenade of the famous Copacabana beach. We will end our walk at the historic Forte de Copacabana which houses a small military museum, coffee shops, and affords more spectacular views of the city.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Rio
Walking tour of downtown Rio. We will visit the major architectural sites including the Imperial Palace- built in the 18th century to serve as the home of the colonial governor and later as the city palace of the King of Portugal, the National Library, and Municipal Theater. We will also visit the most famous squares in Rio, and sites that featured in the history of Brazil’s Jews.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Depart for a visit to the world renowned Jardim Botânico. Founded in 1808 by King John VI of Portugal, the gardens span 130 acres, provide a home to a large collection of exotic birds, and contain one of the biggest assortments of tropical and sub-tropical plants. The garden is a UNESCO protected biosphere reserve.
Depart for Santos Dumond (SDU) airport for our one-hour flight to São Paulo, Congonhas Airport (CGH).
Arrive in São Paulo, the commercial and financial center of Brazil and South America’s largest city with a population of over 12 million people.
São Paulo welcome dinner.
Overnight in Sao Paulo.
Begin the day with a 3-hour leisurely walking tour of the city’s historic center to gain an understanding of this fascinating 465-year-old megacity. Landmarks explored will include, São Paulo’s biggest cathedral, Sé Cathedral-a magnificent Gothic revival building, the Pátio do Colégio – a Portuguese building erected in 1554, and the Bank of Brazil Cultural Center – formerly Brazil’s central bank, it reopened as a vibrant cultural center in 2001 as part of the government’s plan to revive the area. For a bird’s eye view, we will visit the observation floor of Farol Santander, completed in 1939 it is Brazil’s answer to New York City’s Empire State Building and an art deco masterpiece. Our tour will conclude at the Theatro Municipal, a beautiful building completed in the 1920’s and official home to the city’s opera and symphony orchestra.
Lunch and discussion at the São Paulo’s JCC, A Hebraica de São Paulo. Guests will include president of CONIB- Brazilian Israelite Confederation, the Central Organization of the Jewish Community in Brazil which serves as its political representative and oversees 14 state federations and over 200 Jewish institutions. Also joining us will be officials from the Jewish Federation of São Paulo, Keren Hayesod and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Lunch will be followed by a tour of the center which is the pride of the city’s Jewish community.
Following our JCC visit, we will depart for a guided tour of the São Paulo Museum of Art, MASP. Considered the premier art museum in the southern hemisphere, its building is a marvel of modern architecture, and part of its allure is the innovative way of displaying the artwork.
Following our visit to the museum, we will conduct a walking tour of Avenida Paulista, the iconic street is the financial and business heart of Brazil, the place to see and be seen.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Sao Paulo.
Depart for the Jewish Museum of São Paulo. The largest of its kind in Latin America, it highlights the history and culture of Brazilian Jews. We will enjoy a private tour and meet with the museum’s president, Sergio Simon, and CEO, Felipe Arruda.
Following our tour we will convene in the conference room for a discussion with the honorable Fernando Lottenberg, appointed as the first Organization of American States (OAS) Commissioner for Monitoring and Combating Antisemitism, and former president of CONIB, the Central Organization of the Jewish Communities of Brazil.
Catered farewell lunch at the museum with guests.
Depart for a food walking tour through the colorful and lively Mercado Municipal, a mammoth of a building with stalls of endless produce and food variety. We will sample local fruits and treats rarely seen outside of Brazil. The building contains over 70 stained glass windows and is a national treasure.
Visit the old Jewish neighborhood Bom Retiro. As in in the United States, what once was a Jewish neighborhood is now the home of new waves of immigrants. Old street signs in Yiddish are still visible among the newer ones in Korean. The neighborhood is home to two significant Jewish institutions which we will visit: Unibes (social welfare) and Casa do Povo (Jewish Labor Bund Socialist Center).
Depart for the international airport for our return flights.
Accommodation
Unique and integrated concept of a luxury hotel combined with a beach resort, with a privileged location on the historic and well-known Copacabana Beach, the Emiliano Rio offers a high level of Brazilian sophistication, exclusivity, service and comfort.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
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