Jews have lived in Germany for two millennia. The Holocaust, planned and perpetrated by Germans is arguably the most insidious crime in the history of mankind.  In 1949, new generations of Germans formed a new Germany, dedicated to democracy and equality. More than 55 years later, Germany is home to Western Europe’s 3rd largest Jewish community. We take you first to Frankfurt, Germany’s “New York”, birthplace of the Rothschild dynast.  Then, it’s on to Munich and the glories of Bavaria and lastly, Berlin, Germany’s reborn capital; wired, hot, dynamic, home to one of Europe’s newest most visited, most unique structures,The Jewish Museum of Berlin and the new Holocaust Memorial.

ABOUT YOUR TOUR MANAGER/LECTURER:
Born in Jerusalem, Jacob Shoshan is a licensed tour guide in Israel.  He is also a teacher and lecturer for the Tour Guide College of the Hebrew University, the Tel Aviv University, Everyman’s University, Tel Aviv, and is a Senior Tour Director and Lecturer for the Geographical Society, Israel.  Jacob is a member of IATM (Int’l Association of Tour Managers) and is one of our most celebrated and leading Tour Managers. He has visited more than 98 countries and led tours in more than 65 countries on all 6 continents.  He is fluent in 15 languages and presents in-depth discussions on Jewish History, Philosophy and Culture as part of his escorting responsibilities. His background covers Holocaust Studies, Sephardi Jewish Heritage and Jewish Musicology.  And, almost as important, Jacob’s personality is warm, nurturing and caring.  A truly amazing and special person.

TUESDAY, DAY 1 - EN ROUTE
Depart New York for Germany.

WEDNESDAY, DAY 2 – FRANKFURT
Morning arrival in Frankfurt; meet Jacob Shoshan, your Tour Manager/guest lecturer and transfer to the hotel. Tonight, a briefing on the very special program designed for your group, followed by Welcome Dinner.     D

THURSDAY, DAY 3 – FRANKFURT
Today’s touring includes the Goethe House, the Judengasse Jewish Museum, the adjacent Holocaust Memorial and the Old Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery. This afternoon, visit the synagogue for a briefing on German Jewry.     B

FRIDAY, DAY 4 – FRANKFURT-WORMS-HEIDELBERG
Full day to Worms (home of Rashi) with its former Judengasse, restored Rashi Synagogue and Chapel. See the 11th century Mikveh in nearby Speyer, then continue to Heidelberg, with its castle and university immortalized in The Student Prince/ Return to Frankfurt in time for Shabbat Dinner.      BD

SATURDAY, DAY 5 – FRANKFURT
Late morning walking tour to the Zeil Haupwache and Flea Market along the River Main. Visit the Jewish Museum in the Rothschild Palais. Evening at leisure.      B

SUNDAY, DAY 6 – FRANKFURT-MUNICH
Drive the “Romantic Road” through some of Europe’s most beautiful scenic towns and villages. Lunch en route then continue to Augsburg to visit the Augsburg Synagogue, restored to its 1917 splendor, before continuing to Munich, capital of Bavaria. Meet with members of the Munich Jewish Community in a local restaurant for dinner.    BD

MONDAY, DAY 7 – MUNICH
Today’s tour visits St. Jacob’s Square and a guided visit of the Ohel Jakob Synagogue, the Marienplatz, New City Hall, the “White Rose Memorial”, honoring students who resisted the Nazis. Afternoon visit to the former concentration camp at Dachau, where unspeakable crimes were committed. Visit the Dachau Museum and the camp’s Jewish Memorial Chapel before returning to Munich.     B

TUESDAY, DAY 8 – MUNICH-BERLIN
Fly to Berlin, home to Germany’s largest Jewish community. Our touring includes the Memorial site: “Places of Remembrance” in the Bavarian Quarter,and the Jewish Community Center. Drive by popular shopping areas such as Kurfuerstendam Blvd and Tauerntzien St. with the famous KaDeWa (largest department store in continental Europe and formerly Jewish owned). Dinner at a local restaurant.     BD

WEDNESDAY, DAY 9 –BERLIN
Today, begin at Wittenberg Platz to explore the “Places of Terror We Must Never Forget” Holocaust Memorial – then Tour the “Mitte” district and its Jewish past including the oldest cemetery of the Jewish community of Berlin. Next, the Oriarienburger Strasse Synagogue, the Bebelplatz: site of the infamous “Book Burning “in 1933. See Boulevard Unter den Linden, the Old Armory, the Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island Lastly, the Brandenburg Gate, Paris Square, the famous Adlon Hotel (Hitler’s former headquarters) and the glass-domed Reichstag , home of the parliament (visit inside is subject to availability) and Germany’s massive new Holocaust Memorial.     B

THURSDAY, DAY 10 – BERLIN
Today’s touring begins at the restored Potsdamer Platz and at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, recalling the notorious Berlin Wall. Visit the Jewish Museum, and the Pergamon Museum’s extraordinary Pergamon Altar and Ishtar Gate. Tonight our Farewell Dinner completes an extraordinary discovery of Jewish, past, present and future..     BD

FRIDAY, DAY 11 – DEPARTURE
Fly from Berlin to New York, arriving later the same day.     B

This is a sample itinerary. Distribution of sites & leisure time is subject to change.
Meal Conditions: Buffet breakfast daily,1 lunches & 4 dinners. (Welcome, Shabbat & Farewell dinners with wine).