Jewish Tour of Poland & Lithuania

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Krakow & Auschwitz, Warsaw, Vilnius & Kaunus

This private luxury tour focuses on the Jewish history and other cultural highlights of Poland and Lithuania. It features private touring of the region's most interesting cities and Jewish sites, as well as cultural touring and accommodation at the best luxury hotels in each city.

Begin in Krakow, Poland's well-preserved cultural capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour Kazimierz, the former Jewish district, to see historic synagogues with beautiful stained-glass windows and decorated interiors, as well as an important Jewish cemetery and quiet backstreets. If desired, also tour the former Jewish Ghetto and Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, immortalized in the film Schindler's List. Also tour Krakow's beautiful Old Town, including the Wawel, the hilltop royal castle and cathedral. Visit churches decorated with stunning Art Nouveau interiors, see Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine painting at the Czartoryski Museum, explore the best boutiques and relax in the outdoor cafes in the vast Market Square. One evening, enjoy a concert of music by Polish composers.

One day, take an excursion to Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been in use for 700 years and is filled with sculptures, friezes and chapels that miners have carved from salt.

Next, transfer by private car through farmland and forests to Warsaw. Stop en route in Auschwitz to see one of the most notorious sites of Nazi Germany's genocidal program.

Enjoy flexible private touring in Warsaw, an energetic capital city filled with beautiful parks and a unique architectural legacy. Tour the comprehensive POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and sites associated with Warsaw's once-large Jewish population, such as the Jewish Ghetto, the Jewish cemetery and memorials to the Holocaust. Also tour the Old Town. See the renovated palaces of the embassy district and monuments of Poland's Communist era. Visit the Palace on the Water, surrounded by the beautiful English gardens of Lazienki Park. Walk along the Royal Way, stopping in upscale boutiques and food shops in the reconstructed townhouses lining the boulevard, and perhaps see the unique memorial to Frederic Chopin, a local hero.

Artisans of Leisure can also incorporate other special activities in Poland, such as Polish cooking classes, meeting with Jewish scholars, and researching family history and genealogy.

Conclude in Vilnius, the beautiful capital of Lithuania. During private touring with your expert local guide, explore the historic town center, an atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage Site of well-preserved architecture. Tour the Jewish Quarter, see the Choral Synagogue, and visit museums and other important sites related to the Jewish history of Vilnius. Walk medieval backstreets, and see landmarks such as Vilnius Cathedral and St. Anne's Church. Browse small shops for handmade linen and amber products, and visit a local food market. Take in panoramic views from the top of Castle Hill. Relax in leafy riverside parks. Walk around the historic Baroque buildings of Vilnius University. One day, take an excursion to the city of Kaunas for in-depth cultural and Jewish touring. Upon request, an excursion to the beautiful lake resort region of Trakai Historical National Park or the Memorial Museum of Paneriai can also be arranged.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Krakow, Poland Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Krakow Full-day private tour. Evening performance Day 3 Krakow, Wieliczka Salt Mine & Kazimierz Morning private excursion to Wieliczka Salt Mine. Afternoon private tour of Kazimierz Day 4 Krakow – Auschwitz – Warsaw Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 5 Warsaw Full-day private tour Day 6 Warsaw – Vilnius, Lithuania Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights, with stops en route Day 7 Vilnius Full-day private walking tour, including the Jewish Quarter Day 8 Vilnius & Kaunas Full-day private excursion to Kaunas Day 9 Depart Vilnius Private airport transfer

Hotels

Krakow: Sheraton Grand Krakow, Bonerowski Palace or Hotel Copernicus Warsaw: Raffles Europejski, Warsaw Vilnius: Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton

Cost

$11,425 Per person (double occupancy)