Greece

Explore the complex past of beautiful and sunny Greece combined with a Jewish heritage tour of the country. Take in the warm Mediterranean sunshine and thousands of years of history with Gil Travel’s remarkable itineraries that focus on the Jewish heritage of Greece, where you can enjoy both the cultural landmarks and the country’s historical monuments. See ancient citadels, mountains, and cities in a part of the world that has greatly impacted the way we live today, from democracy to philosophy to art and science.

See the history of the Jewish community in Greece come to life, and feel its presence on this Jewish heritage tour. Learn the complicated history of Jews in the area—the Hellenistic period and the Maccabees, the Ottoman Empire, and the Holocaust’s impact on the community. Before the Holocaust, Greece was home to some 75-80,000 Jewish people. By the end of the war, more than 85 percent of the country’s Jews had been killed, but their legacy remains. Today there are around 5,000 Jews remaining in the country.

Our meticulously crafted tours visit key cities and islands, each offering unique insights into Greece’s enduring Jewish story. In Thessaloniki, once known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans,” you’ll discover a vibrant Sephardic heritage brought by Jews expelled from Spain in 1492, visible at the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Memorial. Athens, the capital, boasts a continuous Jewish presence since antiquity, with sites like the two main synagogues (Beth Shalom and Etz Hayyim) and the Jewish Museum of Greece illuminating centuries of Romaniote and Sephardic life. Explore Ioannina, nestled in the Epirus region, known for its unique Romaniote Jewish traditions and the Kahal Kadosh Yashan Synagogue, a testament to its deep roots. 

On the captivating islands, experience both stunning natural beauty and hidden Jewish narratives. Rhodes offers the impressive Kahal Shalom Synagogue and its Jewish Museum, reflecting a community dating back to the 2nd century BCE. In Corfu, you can visit the historic Jewish Quarter and the “Tempo Greco” synagogue, remnants of a once-thriving community. Crete, with its ancient Etz Hayyim Synagogue in Chania, showcases a Jewish presence dating to the Hellenistic period. These, along with other picturesque islands like Mykonos and Santorini (visited for their breathtaking scenery, often as part of extended tours), provide a perfect blend of rich history and idyllic Mediterranean charm.

There are so many places to explore on our Jewish tours of Greece, all while enjoying the beautiful views of the water and the cities. Not only a site for Jewish travel, seeing Greece is an opportunity to explore cultural treasures and cool neighborhoods and see for yourself why the epicenter of antiquity and philosophy is found in the region. Greece is a country bursting with flavor, sunshine, and history, a fascinating mixture combining the richest Jewish heritage tours in Europe with the indisputable natural beauty of the Mediterranean. Explore this special place on Jewish tours in Greece.

Choosing Gil Travel means partnering with experts who craft truly resonant journeys. We personally scout every destination and tap into our global network of local professionals and Jewish educators. This ensures a meaningful, balanced, and unforgettable immersive experience for any traveler – be it a large group, a family, or an individual. We meticulously tailor trips to your unique needs, from your personal Jewish family history and kosher dietary requirements to how you prefer to spend free time, with an expert supporting you every step of the way.