GREATER NAPLES CULTURAL MISSION TO POLAND & ISRAEL
The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is proud to offer an exclusive community mission to Poland & Budapest with an optional connection to Israel
This is your opportunity to travel beyond the ordinary – to experience our heritage and culture with all your senses. Whether you're drawn to Jewish culture/culinary delights, seek to better understand the arc of our history, or feel called to tap into Israel's remarkable resilience during a pivotal moment, our trip offers something profound. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of Jewish renewal in both Europe and Israel.
PROGRAM DATES
JUNE 22-JUNE 29, 2026 | Europe Only
JUNE 22-JULY 5, 2026 | Europe + Israel [FULL]
JUNE 29-JULY 5, 2026 | Israel Only [FULL]
NOTE: The Israel itinerary is available on a waitlist basis
For registration and travel questions, contact register@authenticisrael.net. For other questions, contact Jaime Cohen, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Executive Assistant & Board Liaison (direct line: 239-449-8379)
REMEMBRANCE IN POLAND
Journey to the heart of Jewish Europe as we explore the rich tapestry of Poland's Jewish heritage from Warsaw to Krakow and on to Budapest. We'll trace the arc of Jewish life, from flourishing pre-war centers of scholarship, creativity, and commerce, through the devastation of the Holocaust, to today's remarkable renaissance. From magnificent synagogues and museums to contemporary cultural centers, we'll discover how European Jewry is reclaiming its legacy and building a dynamic future rooted in tradition and innovation.
RENEWAL IN ISRAEL
Continue your journey to Israel at a pivotal moment. Following the return of October 7th hostages, Israel has begun to rebuild and renew. Together, we will tap into the Jewish Homeland's resilience firsthand. We'll immerse ourselves in Israel's vibrant cultural scene and sample its mouth-watering culinary delicacies. We'll volunteer where it's needed most and connect with diverse Israeli communities. Finally, we'll spend a deeply moving Shabbat together in the mystical city of Tzfat. More than a mission, this is an opportunity to stand with Israel during a defining chapter and to witness how a people transform adversity into artistry, trauma into triumph.
AN ACTIVE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Travelers should be comfortable walking several miles throughout the day, often over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and stairs. While we strive to accommodate individual needs, rest stops may be limited. Please consider your physical fitness and stamina when deciding if this mission is right for you. For questions, please contact the Jewish Federation.
PROGRAM ITINERARY
Explore our projected itinerary, subject to reasonable change based on local considerations
PART I | REMEMBRANCE & RENEWAL IN EUROPE
Monday, June 22, 2026
- Arrive in Warsaw on a self-booked flight before noon
A designated community flight will be recommended. Hotel extension options will be offered for those arriving on June 21 - Meet up with our program staff team for a group orientation at the hotel
- Explore the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery – one of the biggest Jewish cemeteries in the world –and be inspired by the life stories of Jewish leaders from preceding generations
- Uprising! – Explore the Warsaw Ghetto remains and learn about the famous Jewish communal revolt along the Route of Heroes and the Rappaport Memorial
- Umschlagplatz – Gathering place before transfer to Treblinka Death Camp
- Evening: Welcome dinner at the JCC of Warsaw and meet with community leaders
OVERNIGHT: The Westin – Warsaw, Poland
Meals Included: Dinner
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
- Morning: Meet with the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Rabbi Michael Schudrich, at the historic Nozyk Shul of Warsaw
- This afternoon we, travel to Tykocin – an example of a Jewish community that lived in a shtetl – followed by a visit to the Lopuchowo Forest, where most of the town’s Jews were murdered
- This afternoon, we travel north for a solemn visit to the stark Treblinka Death Camp
- Return to Warsaw and enjoy a free evening and dinner on your own in Old Town Warsaw
OVERNIGHT: The Westin – Warsaw, Poland
Meals Included: Breakfast & Boxed Lunch
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Depart Warsaw and head south to Krakow
- Break along the way in Kielce
- Afternoon: Walking tour to Kazmierz – Krakow's historic Jewish Quarter, where we honor the proud legacy of Polish Jewry dating back to the 14th century – including stops at the Remu Synagogue, the Tempel Synagogue, the old Jewish cemetery, and Jozefa Street
- Evening: Dinner at the Krakow JCC, now the center of Jewish life in Krakow, where we'll meet with Executive Director, Jonathan Ornstein
OVERNIGHT: Bachleda Luxury Hotel – Krakow, Poland
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Arrive at the grounds of Auschwitz II-Birkenau where the full horror of the extermination of 1.5 million Jewish People is palpable
- Continue to Auschwitz I, where we will tour the watchtowers, fences, cell blocks, wall of death, crematoria, and Arbeit Macht Frei Gate
- Close out the day visiting the surviving synagogue of Oswiecim, located just minutes from Auschwitz, to honor what was lost and to process the experience together
- Return to Krakow – Dinner on own followed by a group night out at Old Town Market Square – the biggest Medieval plaza in Europe – and view Wawel Castle
OVERNIGHT: Bachleda Luxury Hotel – Krakow, Poland
Meals Included: Breakfast & Boxed Lunch
Friday, June 26, 2026
OPTION #1: Ride for the Living – Ride, Run, or Walk! [separate enrollment]
OPTION #2: Rynek Underground and the Plaszów forced labor camp
Evening: Reunite as a group for a shared Shabbat dinner with the Ride for the Living
OVERNIGHT: Bachleda Luxury Hotel – Krakow, Poland
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Saturday, June 27, 2026
- Morning: Trace the Holocaust's history at the Krakow Ghetto, view the Oscar Schindler Factory, and visit the former grounds of the Plaszow forced labor camp
- Afternoon: Depart Krakow and travel through Slovakia's Carpathian mountains en route to Budapest (packed lunch provided)
Break at Donovaly Ski Resort with the option to ride the gondola – time permitting - Check in and dinner at our hotel in Budapest
OVERNIGHT: InterContinental Hotel – Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sunday, June 28, 2026
- Enter the Jewish Quarter and tour the Dohany Street Synagogue museum, Wallenberg Memorial, and Weeping Willow
- Continue to the meticulously restored Rumbach Street Synagogue and meet local Jewish innovators at the Mozaik Hub
- Exploration time and lunch on your own along the pedestrian malls of Budapest
- View the statues of US Presidents at Liberty Park and reflections at the Shoes on the Danube Bank installation
- Ascend Castle Hill to take in views from Fisherman’s Bastion and explore the remains of a Medieval-era synagogue that was once active here
- Evening: Embark on a dinner cruise along the Danube River
OVERNIGHT: InterContinental Hotel – Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Monday, June 29, 2026
Arrange your own onward travel home or to destinations beyond
Meals Included: Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Airport transfers for those traveling on the recommended flight and other similar-timed flights
- A Jewish educational guide accompanies the group throughout
- A local tour manager and an armed security escort accompany the group in Poland
- Centrally located modern hotels
- Meals as noted in the itinerary
Included meals are kosher or kosher style - Luxury private touring bus with A/C
- All programming costs per the itinerary
- Remote audio headsets
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
An optional group flight from Budapest to Tel Aviv is available for those continuing to Israel - Staff gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Protect your investment and plan ahead for the unexpected with a travel protection plan - Medical insurance
- Hotel incidentals
ARRANGING TRAVEL
Travelers arrange their own trans-Atlantic incoming and outgoing flights. Recommended flights are designated for travelers wishing to travel to and from Europe together. These flights are recommended based on the availability of connecting flights from many North American airports. Complimentary airport transfers are provided for travelers flying on the recommended flights or similarly timed flights.
NOTE: Travelers wishing to arrive early can be accommodated at our hotel based on the group hotel rate and according to availability.
DATES & COSTS*
Program costs reflect the actual travel expenses and are paid exclusively to Authentic Israel, the tour operator.
*Eligible travelers commit to a minimum $1,000 contribution to the 2025-26 Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Annual Campaign
ENROLLMENT TERMS
Sign up for the Greater Naples Mission using this Registration Form
- To reserve your spot, a $500/person fully refundable deposit is due at the time of your registration (all program costs are listed in US Dollars)
- The deposit becomes non-refundable as of January 15, 2026
- The balance is due April 1, 2026, after which all payments are non-refundable, and exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis at Authentic Israel's discretion
- Full payment for the optional group flight from Prague to Tel Aviv is due in full as of March 1, 2026, after which it is non-refundable
- The main program is subject to a minimum participation of 20 travelers registered by January 16, 2026. We encourage travelers not to purchase non-refundable flights until the program is fully confirmed.
- Cancellations must be made in writing, and we encourage you to obtain a travel insurance policy
- Payments may be made by check or credit/debit card, however, a 3.50% processing fee applies for credit/debit card payments (does not apply to the initial $250 deposit). Note: credit card fees are not refundable
- Authentic Israel reserves the right to deny acceptance on the tour according to their sole discretion
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