We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. A confirmed itinerary is distributed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the program.
DAY 1 | DEPARTURE FLIGHT
Meet your staff and teens at the airport before traveling together to Europe on an overnight flight. Once we land, your trip officially begins! We’ll break the ice with some fun and engaging activities so that you get to know everyone in the group. To learn more about how we organize travel to and from the program, click here.
DAY 2–3 | WARSAW, POLAND
Our adventure starts with a trip to Poland. Warsaw was one of Europe’s most beautiful cities until it was flattened in World War II. It’s spent decades rebuilding and has a rich history for you to explore. Teens will pay their respects at the Jewish Cemetery, one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in the world. Then, we’ll visit Nozyk Synagogue, the only surviving pre-war Jewish house of prayer in Warsaw.
See the Warsaw Uprising Monument, which commemorates those who fought and died during the Warsaw Uprising in World War II. Step back in time as you walk through the Polin Museum of the history of Polish Jews and stand in awe in front of the Jewish Ghetto Memorial in front of the museum. We’ll travel north to Treblinka and pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust at Treblinka Memorial before returning to Warsaw for one final dinner in Old Town Warsaw. While a solemn visit, this city is one of the most moving experiences for our teens.
DAY 4–6 | KRAKÓW, POLAND
We’ll drive through the countryside to Kraków and uncover the secrets and legends of “Wieliczka” Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site hidden away in Poland. Then, the group will take in a panoramic view of the city from Krakus Mound. The group will prepare for our first Shabbat together in Europe and celebrate the start of the Sabbath at a synagogue in Kazmierz.
Rest and relax on Shabbat with programming at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Kraków. Meet with local community members, learn about modern-day life in Poland and how the war affected this area. The group will explore Kazmierz and uncover Jewish history in Europe, stopping at Remu Synagogue, Tempel Synagogue, a Jewish cemetery, and Jozefa Street, one of the most beautiful areas in the Jewish quarter of Kazmierz. We’ll take some time to walk through the Kraków Ghetto and Oscar Schindler Factory. Then, the group will take part in a Havdalah ceremony together before attending a performance at the annual Kraków Jewish Culture Festival.
Drive to Auschwitz and learn the dark and harrowing history of the Holocaust from one of the world’s most well-known concentration camps on our last day in Poland. Spend time reflecting on this visit at the restored Oświęcim Synagogue near Auschwitz. Enjoy a group night out at Krakow’s Market Square and Wawel Castle grounds, situated above the town.
DAY 7–9 | VIENNA, AUSTRIA
En route to Austria, we’ll stop for lunch in Brno and tour Špilberk Castle, wandering the vaulted prison tunnels before we continue our journey. Then, spend three days in pure bliss as we explore all that Vienna has to offer. Austria’s capital was shaped by some of the most significant names in history, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud. Scheönbrunn and Hofburg Palace are two of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. These grand palaces were home to the Hapsburgs, who were the rulers of the Austrian empire. Once we’re checked into the accommodations, we’ll enjoy a group night out at Prater Amusement Park and ride the Prater Turm Ferris Wheel!
Take a walk through this fairy-tale city and see its many green parks and elegant architecture. Vienna’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll stop at Judenplatz, the center of Vienna’s Jewish life, then continue to see the Monument Against War and Fascism, Heroes’ Square, and the Shoah Monument. Stop with the group at Stadttempel, the only synagogue that survived the pogrom in 1938. Tour the Scheönbrunn Palace before seeing Europe’s high-end culture at the Albertina Museum of Art. End the day at the Sounds of Vienna concert.
Embrace adventure on the white-water rafting course at the Vienna Watersports Arena, followed by a picnic-style lunch and beach volleyball game. Tour the iconic Castle Liechtenstein outside of Vienna, a picturesque palace tucked away on the edge of the Wienerwald. After, we’ll explore the water-filled Seegrotte Caves.
DAY 10–12 | PRAGUE, CZECHIA
Before making our way to the capital of Czechia, we’ll embark on a Danube River cruise through the Wachau Valley between the towns of Melk and Krems, viewing ancient castles and beautiful terrains along the way. The group will make a pit stop at Dürnstein Village and hike the Wachau Valley before we continue to Prague. After we arrive and get settled, we’ll walk through Josefov—Europe's most well-preserved Jewish quarter—where we'll visit the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Altneuschul (Old-New Synagogue), and the Jerusalem Synagogue. View Franz Kafka's home in the Jewish Quarter and learn about the Prague Golem, the supernatural Jewish legend that once stalked the dark corners of Josefov. Next, the group will head to the Vltava River for a stand-up paddle boarding adventure through the center of Prague. Before you know it, we’ll be welcoming the start of Shabbat together at the Spanish Synagogue.
Explore the world heritage jewels of Prague, including the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock. Wander through the hillside gardens to the top of Petřín Hill for a panoramic view of Prague below. Tour the historic Strahov Monastery. After we celebrate the start of a new week with Havdalah, the group will check out a black light theater performance.
DAY 13–15 | BERLIN, GERMANY
Our next stop is Berlin! Head north through the Bohemian countryside towards Germany. Eat lunch is in Dresden, the German city infamously leveled during World War II and famously restored during the reconstruction of Europe. See the beautifully restored Semperoper Dresden Opera House. Once we arrive in Berlin, you’ll meet with Jewish teens from the area and talk to them about life in Europe over dinner.
Together, we’ll learn about Germany's Cold War history, visiting Checkpoint Charlie. Teens will also visit Hitler's Bunker, followed by the striking memorials erected in the heart of Berlin to honor the memory of the Jews and other groups killed by the Nazis. Take a break at Brandenburg Gate before exploring the Memorial to the Sinti and Roma of Europe in Tiergarten Park. Celebrate the reunification of Germany with a tour of the Reichstag Dome, the beautifully restored German parliament building. Close the day out with a tour in East Side Gallery, an 8-mile section of what remains of the Berlin Wall.
We’ll end our time in Central Europe traveling to the forests outside of Berlin to learn more about Teufelsberg, the abandoned NSA spy station now covered in colorful street art. Teens will enjoy some time swimming at a lakeshore beach in the area before returning to Berlin for our final night out in the city’s commercial hub, Kurfürstendamm.
DAY 16–19 | ROME, ITALY
Teens will continue to build on this awe-inspiring adventure by connecting into one of our Mediterranean Discovery trips. We’ll head to the airport for a transfer flight to Italy. Once we arrive, our journey begins walking in the footsteps of the Roman Empire at the Colosseum and the Forum Romanum. Stand beside the massive Arch of Titus and view a depiction of the Temple Menorah that is believed to have been carried off to Rome after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. Then, channel your inner warrior as you take part in a “Gladiator for a Day” training. Afterwards, we’ll settle into our accommodations in Rome.
You’ll spend the next day exploring Vatican City in the heart of Rome and see St. Peter’s Basilica as well as the Sistine Chapel. Stare in awe at Mount Vesuvius—the volcano that led to the ancient city of Pompeii’s untimely demise—and learn about how it remained perfectly preserved through a tour with a local guide. We’ll return to Rome for Shabbat dinner and take part in our first Shabbat service abroad at an Italian Synagogue.
We’ll wrap up our time in the city with a walking tour of Rome’s Jewish Quarter, the oldest continually settled Jewish community outside of Israel. Then, continue exploring Rome on foot, stopping at the Pantheon Temple and Spanish Steps.
DAY 20–21 | FLORENCE, ITALY
Teens will leave Rome and make their way to Florence, stopping to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa en route. Once we arrive and get settled, you’ll learn more about the city of Florence through a sightseeing tour of the city’s most popular landmarks, such as the Duomo, Piazza San Lorenzo, and Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
Visit the Grand Synagogue, one of the world’s most beautiful synagogues. See Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Climb to the top of Giotto’s Campanile Tower for a stunning panoramic view of Florence. Then, enjoy an afternoon visit at the amusement park Gardaland.
DAY 22–23 | KRANJSKA GORA, SLOVENIA
Depart Florence in the morning and set off for the Slovenian backcountry. Raft down the Soča—one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers—before traveling through the Slovenian mountains to Kranjska Gora. Get your safety gear on, because we’re going to Adventure Park in Bled! This natural environment of trees offers dozens of attractions for teens. The group will take a boat ride to the tiny Bled Island in the middle of a crystal blue lake and make a wish before ringing the island’s legendary wishing bell.
DAY 24–26 | LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
Though our time in Kranjska Gora is short, you’ll love traveling to Ljubljana—Slovenia’s capital—and taking in the views from a castle towering over the city. Teens will take in a spectacular view from the funicular (a type of cable railway) of the castle prior to their walking tour of the city. Then, we’ll put your Mario Kart skills to the test in real life as we go karting at the Grand Prix. Experience Europe’s state-of-the-art multi-level track and feel the adrenaline rush as you race around.
DAY 27–29 | VENICE, ITALY
Cool off underground as you discover the treasurers of the Postojna Cave, then cross back into Italy and travel towards Venice via the Tuscan countryside. We’ll enter the water-filled streets of Venice on a vaporetto waterbus and take an evening walk through Venice.
Set sail for the island of Murano and visit a traditional Venetian glass-making factory. Then, travel to Lido and enjoy beach time and swimming in the Adriatic Sea. Afterwards, we’ll return to the main island of Venice and see the sites of the city on a walking tour. Teens will explore Piazza San Marco, including the Basilica and Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). We can’t end our time in Italy without a private gondola ride through the waterways. We’ll enjoy one final dinner as a group before saying ciao to Europe!
DAY 30 | RETURN FLIGHT
We’ll make our way to the airport for our flight back to the U.S. It’s never goodbye, just see you later. Give your friends one last hug and part ways once your flight arrives at the airport. While your summer trip with us is over, the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
