Italy

Italy as a tourist destination has it all. Centuries of groundbreaking art, architecture, and gastronomy, alongside a vibrant and ancient Italian Jewish heritage.

There’s so much to explore on a Jewish heritage tour to Italy. There have been Jews in Italy for over 2,000 years, even before the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

In fact, Judah Maccabee sent a delegation of Jews to Rome to form a relationship between Israel and the Roman Empire. There, they established the first Jewish settlement in Italy in the 2nd Century BCE.

Italy holds a remarkably rich and ancient Jewish heritage, with communities flourishing for over two millennia despite periods of persecution. Rome is home to Europe’s oldest continuous Jewish community, with a history dating back to pre-Christian times, evidenced by ancient catacombs and the magnificent Great Synagogue, showcasing centuries of Jewish life in the Eternal City. In Venice, the poignant history of the first-ever “Ghetto” (a term that originated here in 1516) comes alive through its five historic synagogues, each representing different Jewish traditions, and the Jewish Museum that preserves their vibrant past. Florence, a jewel of the Renaissance, also boasts a significant Jewish presence, reflected in its beautiful 19th-century Moorish-style synagogue and the remnants of its former ghetto. Similarly, Ferrara, a magnificent Renaissance city, preserves a compelling Jewish quarter and a dedicated museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah, highlighting the enduring legacy of its once-large and active Jewish community, enriched by an influx of Sephardic Jews after the Spanish expulsion. Together, these cities offer a profound journey into Italy’s diverse and resilient Jewish history.

Many foods in Italy have Jewish roots, including marzipan and the process of deep frying small pieces of food in oil. Jews from Spain escaping the Inquisition to Italy also introduced tomatoes and pumpkins to Italian cooks.

On Gil Travel’s Jewish heritage trip to Italy, visit Rome’s Great Synagogue and take a tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. See the Jewish King David and Moorish-style synagogue in Florence. Go to the Vatican Museum to view Jewish historic relics. Learn more about Gil Travel’s itineraries of the Jewish heritage tours.

Explore the canals of Venice on a Jewish heritage tour in Italy. Walk around the beautiful streets of Florence. Discover the Jewish community of Bologna, active since Medieval times.

Try some of the best food in the world, and meet the communities by attending services and visiting local Jewish centers. Delight the eyes, the taste buds, and the Jewish traveler within on a Jewish heritage tour of Italy.

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 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.