Day 1 Friday VILNIUS. Arrival to Vilnius. Private transfer to the hotel. Full day to explore Jewish Vilnius. Vilnius used to be a very important Jewish center in Europe. From the 14th century onwards Jews settled in the city, and by the 18th century Vilnius had become the world center of traditional Talmudic learning, eventually known as the Jerusalem of the North. Jewish genius Vilna Gaon was born here, city could be proud of Grand Synagogue, the biggest religious institution in Easter Europe, equal to Vatican in Catholic World and before the WWII had around 110 synagogues in total. During the tour you will pass the streets of UNESCO listed Vilnius Old Town, visit Medieval Jewish quarter, Jewish ghettos, Choral synagogue, learn about the prototype of Doctor Dolittle  - Zemach Shabad, one of the most famous French writters – Romain Gary. In Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum you will get to know about Jewish life, art in Lithuania and Shoah. Try some kosher bagels for lunch and have a dinner in Kosher food restaurant. Overnight in Vilnius. 3* hotel “Comfort LT” or similar.

 

Day 2 Saturday VILNIUS – ZIEZMARIAI – KAUNAS – VILNIUS. Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure to Kaunas. En route stop at unique wooden synagogue of Ziezmariai. Afterwards continue to the Ninth Fort Museum, a former death site of thousands of Jewish nationals during the World War II. Arrival to Kaunas - second largest city of the country and the capital of Lithuania between the World Wars. During the sightseeing tour of Kaunas Old Town, you will pass by castle ruins, the Town Hall Square, Cathedral and Perkunas House. Visit former Kaunas Jewish ghetto, Kaunas Choral Synagogue, striking for its black and golden colors, as well as its Children's Memorial. Learn about Leah’s Goldberg life in Kaunas and great things Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara has done to save around 6000 jewish people when Holokaust started. Return to Vilnius for overnight. 3* hotel “Comfort LT” or similar.

 

Day 3 Sunday VILNIUS – PANERIAI – TRAKAI – VILNIUS. Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure to the ancient capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania – Trakai. En route stop at Ponar Forest and Memorial to pay respect to the thousands of Jews, shot in the early days of the war – but (as proved by your visit) never forgotten. Learn about escape tunnel, which location was recently discovered.  Later continue to Trakai, famous for the medieval insular castle and heritage of karaites ethnic minority. Get to know how it is related to Judaism. Lunch at traditional Karaites’ restaurant. Return to Vilnius. Visit Vilna Gaon’s grave in the Vilna cemetery (many come here to ask for a blessing). Free time. Overnight in 3* “Comfort LT” hotel or similar.

 

Day 4 Monday.  Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to the airport. Departure. 

 

 

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