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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 an immersive, 8-day journey to explore the profound Jewish heritage of Bulgaria. This trip offers a deep dive into the Bulgarian jews history, culture, and vibrant contemporary life of one of Europe’s most unique Jewish communities, renowned for its inspiring story of survival during the Holocaust. Your journey focuses heavily on Sofia and Plovdiv: you will dedicate substantial time to the capital, visiting the majestic Sofia Synagogue and monuments detailing the unique and powerful history of how the Bulgarian nation, the Orthodox Church, and political leaders successfully saved all their Jewish citizens from deportation during World War II, including specialized educational sessions on this rescue. You will also journey to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, to explore The story of Plovdiv’s jewish community and the Sephardic Synagogue and enjoy a significant excursion to the stunning Rila Monastery—a UNESCO World Heritage site—to understand the broader religious context surrounding the historic event.
The extended length of this itinerary ensures meaningful community engagement and deep cultural appreciation. You will engage directly with the modern Jewish population at the Beit Shalom Cultural Center, offering opportunities for personal encounters with local leaders and community members to understand the current Jewish revival and its challenges. Furthermore, you will experience the richness of Bulgarian culture through hands-on activities like traditional cooking classes, visits to local markets, and museum tours, providing a necessary backdrop to the history of the Jewish diaspora in the region. This comprehensive 8-day journey is the perfect blend of profound historical reflection, community connection, and local cultural immersion.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Upon arrival at Sofia Airport (SOF), you’ll transfer to your hotel and settle in. The evening begins with a dedicated Welcome Dinner where you’ll sample authentic Bulgarian-Jewish (Sephardic) cuisine, preparing you for the historical depth of the week ahead.
Today, you will experience the monumental Sofia Synagogue, the largest in the Balkans. Your focus shifts to the unparalleled Holocaust Rescue Story: visiting monuments and attending an educational session detailing how the Bulgarian nation successfully saved all its 48,000 Jewish citizens. You’ll also see the “Square of Religious Tolerance,” a symbolic display of coexistence.
You’ll connect directly with the modern Jewish community at the central Beit Shalom Cultural Center, meeting local leaders and community members to discuss contemporary challenges and successes. In the afternoon, you’ll explore Sofia’s local markets and a museum of Bulgarian ethnography, giving you the necessary cultural context for the Jewish diaspora’s life in the region.
A scenic transfer takes you to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. After lunch in the historic Old Town, you’ll visit the beautifully restored Sephardic Synagogue of Plovdiv (Zion Hall) and explore the ancient Roman ruins and amphitheater. You will stay overnight in Plovdiv to immerse yourself fully in its unique atmosphere.
You’ll take a significant excursion to the Rila Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Exploring this stunning center of Bulgarian Orthodox faith provides crucial context on the role of the Church and national identity during the historic rescue. Upon returning to Sofia, you’ll enjoy a hands-on Bulgarian cooking class, exploring the regional cuisine that has blended with Sephardic traditions.
The day is dedicated to culture, starting with a visit to a contemporary Art Gallery or Museum featuring works by Jewish and Bulgarian artists. This is followed by a cultural dialogue or lecture focusing on the intellectual history of the 20th century. The afternoon offers leisure time for personal exploration, shopping, or relaxing in Sofia’s parks.
Your final full day begins with a visit to the National History Museum to solidify your understanding of the broader Bulgarian historical narrative. The afternoon features a dedicated Reflection Session to discuss the trip’s themes of resilience and identity. The journey culminates with a Farewell Dinner, celebrating the profound experiences shared.
After a final breakfast, you will transfer to Sofia Airport (SOF) for your flight home. Alternatively, Day 8 offers the seamless option to continue your journey by flying to explore the Jewish heritage of nearby Thessaloniki (Greece) or Bucharest (Romania), providing a wider perspective on the Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean.
Accommodation
Dominating the heart of the city, Grand Hotel Sofia is a deluxe five-star hotel that has been home for international business travelers, high-profile events and cosmopolitan society since 2004.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
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