11 days in the Czech Republic and Germany
Embark on a transformative journey through the rich and hidden gems of Jewish history in Central Europe. From the historic streets of Prague’s famous Jewish Quarter to forgotten cemeteries tucked away in the countryside, this immersive tour uncovers centuries of Jewish culture, resilience, and legacy.
Explore iconic landmarks like Europe’s oldest active synagogue and the magnificent Great Synagogue of Pilsen, while uncovering hidden Jewish gems throughout picturesque towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Pay tribute at moving Holocaust memorials, including Terezín and rarely-visited concentration camps, and discover the little-known stories of Jewish communities that shaped Central European history.
With local historian, writer and tourguide Jiri Kluc, you’ll trace the footsteps of influential figures like Franz Kafka or Oskar Schindler, while gaining a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions, legends, and survival. This once-in-a-lifetime tour offers a unique blend of historic landmarks, hidden treasures, and scenic beauty. This will be a deep and unforgettable journey into Jewish history.
Prices are per person based on double occupancy. For a single room add $750.
(hotel taxes and service fees are included in the overall trip cost)
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival to Prague. Book your overnight flight with arrival in September 2025 (2026).
Start your adventure with a transfer from the airport to your hotel. After checking in, immerse yourself in the enchanting streets of Prague or join a captivating walking tour to kick off your exploration.
Day 2-3: Prague
Prague was one of Europe´s major centers of Jewish history. As we explore the historic Jewish quarter, you´ll be immersed in stories that have shaped Czech culture and left an indelible mark on Europe. We´ll visit Europe´s oldest active synagogue and delve into Jewish history, traditions, and legends (like the Golem). You will also visit Jewish Museum, Old Jewish cemetery, where medieval rabbis such as Rabbi Loew (Maharal) are buried, as well as a hidden site of a former Oldest Prague Jewish cemetery dating back to 1245 where, according to some sources, Rashi may be buried. You´ll also learn about famous figures like Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein, who lived in Prague for a year. We can´t miss Prague locations important for holocaust history and we will talk about story of Nicholas Winton, who in 1939 saved 669 mainly Jewish children on Kindertransports.
We will also have time for general sightseeing, including Prague´s iconic landmarks like Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle.
Day 4: Terezin/Theresienstadt
Terezín (Theresienstadt) was one of the major Nazi concentration camps. It consists of two parts: the Small Fortress, which served as a Gestapo prison, and the Big Fortress, which was a Jewish ghetto. We´ll visit both sites, including areas in the former ghetto that are not usually open to visitors. You will also explore significant locations, including the place where the Red Cross inspected the camp in 1944, falsely claiming there was no Holocaust. We will follow this tragic story, visiting the hidden Prayer Room (Synagogue), the National Cemetery, the remains of the railway to the ghetto, and more. We will spend the entire day here. Overall, this is one of the best-preserved and most autentic Holocaust memorials in the world.
Day 5: Kolin – Hidden Gem of Jewish History
This day will focus on more hidden Jewish history gems. We´ll start with a visit to Kolín, one of the most important and oldest Jewish communities in Central Europe. The Jewish cemetery dates back to 15th century. We´ll also visit the local synagogue and other sites related to Jewish history, along with some general sightseeing. Later, we´ll make a brief stop in the UNESCO-listed town of Kutná Hora and visit another synagogue in the town of Čáslav.
The small town of Polná is home to a synagogue dating back to 1683, along with other Jewish heritage sites. Nearby, the town of Třebíč, recognized by UNESCO for its Jewish history, features a Jewish Quarter that is even better preserved than Prague´s. It stands as one of the most unique Jewish heritage sites outside of Israel. During our visit, we will explore synagogues, the Jewish cemetery, and the Jewish Museum.
Day 7: Oskar Schindler
Did you know that Oskar Schindler, known for saving Jews during the Holocaust and portrayed in the movie Schindler´s List, was born in the Czech Republic? We´ll visit his birth house in the town of Svitavy, as well as the original Schindler´s factory where he saved Jewish lives.
Day 8: Pilsen – 5th largest synagogue in the world
This day is dedicated to discovering hidden Jewish gems. We will drive through the Czech countryside, enjoying views of the Quarry America, also known as the Czech Grand Canyon. Just five minutes away is a forgotten Jewish cemetery with tombstones dating back to 1736. Later, we´ll continute to the city of Pilsen (Plzeň). While exploring its charming city center, we´ll focus on the history of the pre-war Jewish community and tour the Great Synagogue, the second largest in Europe and the fifth largest in the world.
Day 9: Flossenburg and Mariánské Lázně
We will drive to Germany to visit another major Nazi concentration camp Flossenburg and its muzeum, before finishing our day in Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad), a UNESCO spa town famous for its Jewish history and the site where German philospher Theodor Lessing, one of the first Holocaust victims, was killed by Nazi agents in 1933. We will also enjoy general sightsseeing, including a visit to the Singing Fountain and other interesting sights along the way.
Day 10: Women´s Concentration Camp Zwodau and Karlovy Vary
In the morning, we´ll visit the memorial at the former women´s concentration camp Zwodau. Afterward, we´ll continue to Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad), another famous UNESCO-listed site known for its hot springs. It´s also an important place in Jewish history. In the 1920´s and 1930´s, Jewish World congresses were held here, and the Maccabi Union organization was founded in this town. Sadly, almost all of the pre-war Jewish community perished in the Holocaust.
Day 11: Departure
Transfer will be offered to the Prague International Airport.