OUR STORY CENTRAL EUROPE

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

  • June 28 – July 9, 2023 | 9 SPOTS LEFT
  • Aug 30 – Sept 10, 2023 | 11 SPOTS LEFT
  • June 26 – July 7, 2024

REGISTER

Early Join us in the heart of Europe to explore the story of our People – their enduring accomplishments, their world-changing ideas, and their sorrows – on this moving Jewish travel experience for all.

ADULTS
12 DAYS

Our Story Central Europe includes stops in Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, and Warsaw. The itinerary highlights places of Jewish historical and cultural interest and is led by a professional Jewish educator/guide. Along the way, we also cover world heritage experiences such as Hradcany Castle in Prague, a classical concert in Vienna, a cruise on the Danube River, and so much more.

Early summer tour dates coincide with the annual Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow, a world-renowned celebration of modern Jewish culture and tradition that embodies the renewal of Jewish life in contemporary Europe.

Our Story Central Europe tours are led by a professional Jewish educator as well as by local European guides. Groups are limited to 26 adult travelers.

SIGN UP EARLY AND SAVE

Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are absolutely risk-free.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

The following is our projected itinerary, subject to reasonable change based on local considerations

DAY 1 > WEDNESDAY: Honoring the Jews of Warsaw

NOTE: Those arriving on Tuesday evening can be accommodated at the Warsaw hotel based on our group rates. Contact us to learn more.

  • Arrive to Warsaw Airport, and take a taxi to our hotel in Warsaw
  • Group Meeting #1 at 9:00am at the hotel lobby
    • Explore the acclaimed Museum of the History of Polish Jews
    • Visit the historic Nozyk Shul in the heart of Warsaw
  • Group Meeting #2 at 3:00pm at the hotel lobby
  • Uprising! – Explore the remains of the Warsaw Ghetto and learn about the Jewish community’s famous revolt along the Route of Heroes, Rappaport Memorial, Umschlagplatz, and Mila 18
  • Orientation walking tour of Warsaw’s Old Town
  • Welcome dinner at a central Warsaw restaurant

OVERNIGHT: InterContinental Hotel – Warsaw, Poland
Meals Included: Dinner

DAY 2 > THURSDAY: The Krakow Legacy

  • Depart from Warsaw and travel to Krakow in the morning
  • Explore Kazmierz – the historic center of Jewish life Krakow, including the Ramah Synagogue, Temple Synagogue, and Old Synagogue
  • Check-in to our hotel in central Krakow – enjoy a free evening and dinner on own

OVERNIGHT: Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz – Krakow, Poland
Meals Included: Breakfast

NOTE: Summer tour dates coincide with the annual Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow, a world-renowned celebration of modern Jewish culture and tradition that embodies the renewal of Jewish life in contemporary Europe. 

DAY 3 > FRIDAY: Confronting Auschwitz & Birkenau

  • Arrive at the grounds of Auschwitz II - Birkenau where the full horror of the extermination of 1.5 million Jewish People is palpable (packed lunch provided)
  • Continue on to Auschwitz I, the original camp that served as the administrative center for the entire complex. We will tour the watchtowers, fences, cell blocks, wall of death, crematoria as well as the Arbeit Macht Frei Gate
  • Reflections and ceremony at the restored Oświęcim Synagogue near Auschwitz
  • Return to Krakow in the late afternoon
  • Option to celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat with the Jewish community of Krakow
  • Shabbat dinner in the Jewish Quarter

OVERNIGHT: Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz – Krakow, Poland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 > SATURDAY: Shabbat in Krakow

All touring today is on foot

  • Walking tour of Old Town Krakow, including the grounds of the Wawel Castle
  • Shabbat lunch is included at the Krakow JCC, the center of modern Jewish life in Krakow
  • Continue on for a walking tour of the Krakow Ghetto and the Oscar Schindler Factory building – now the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow
  • Free evening and dinner on own

OVERNIGHT: Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz – Krakow, Poland
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 5 > SUNDAY: From Poland to Hungary

  • Check-out of Krakow accommodations and depart for Budapest
  • Tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • A packed lunch is provided en-route
  • Arrive at Budapest, and check-in to our centrally located accommodations – enjoy a free evening and dinner on own

OVERNIGHT: InterContinental Hotel – Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 6 > MONDAY: Exploring Buda and Pest

  • Walk across the Chain Bridge over the Danube River connecting historic Buda and Pest
  • Climb up Castle Hill to take in views from Fisherman’s Bastion
  • Enter the Jewish Quarter and tour the Dohany Street Synagogue museum, Wallenberg Memorial, and Weeping Willow
  • View the “Shoes on the Danube Bank” and visit Hősök Tere – “Heroes Square”
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering through the Great Market Hall of Budapest
  • Evening: Option to visit the thermal Szechenyi Baths (on your own)

OVERNIGHT: InterContinental Hotel – Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 7 > TUESDAY: Heritage in Bratislava, Slovakia

  • Depart Budapest for Bratislava, Slovakia in the morning
  • Walking tour of Bratislava – including the Chatam Sofer’s grave, the Wall of Memories and other points of Jewish and secular interest
  • Continue on to Vienna, and check-in to our accommodations in the Austrian capital
  • The rest of the evening is free to explore Vienna, with dinner on own

OVERNIGHT: InterContinental Hotel – Vienna, Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8 > WEDNESDAY: Vienna's World Heritage Sites

  • Walking tour of Vienna – including Judenplatz, the center of Viennese Jewish life, the Monument against War & Fascism, Heroes’ Square and the Shoah Monument
  • Visit “Stadttempel” – The only synagogue that survived the pogrom on Nov. 10, 1938 – as well as the St. Stephens Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Castle
  • Continue on to explore the opulent Schönbrunn Palace – The summer home of Habsburg Royalty
  • Discover the high culture of Europe at the Albertina Museum of Art
  • Evening: Dinner on own followed by the Sounds of Vienna Concert

OVERNIGHT: InterContinental Hotel – Vienna, Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 9 > THURSDAY: Discovering the Wachau Valley

  • Embark on a Danube river cruise from Melk to Weißenkirchen in the Wachau Valley
  • Sample local wines at Domaine Wachau and explore picturesque Dürnstein village with the option to hike up to the ancient castle towering above the town
  • Depart from Austria, and continue on to Prague in the afternoon
  • Ascend Petrin Hill for a panoramic view of Prague from the historic Strahov Monastery
  • Check-in to our hotel in central Prague – enjoy a free evening and dinner on own

OVERNIGHT: Hilton Hotel Old Town – Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 10 > FRIDAY: Jewels of Josefov in Prague

  • Walking tour of Josefov, Prague’s famous Jewish Quarter – including the Altneushul, Spanish Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum & Cemetery
  • Cross the famous Charles Bridge and tour Prague Castle, the world’s largest ancient castle
  • Option to celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat with the Jewish community of Prague
  • Evening: Group dinner at Chabad’s Prague Grill Restaurant

OVERNIGHT: Hilton Hotel Old Town – Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 11 > SATURDAY: Prague's World Heritage Sites

All touring today is on foot

  • Free morning to enjoy Prague on your own
  • Wrap-up session and closing lunch celebration
  • Walking tour of Prague’s Old Town, including a visit to the Astronomical Clock, and a tour of the Klementinum library and tower

OVERNIGHT: Hilton Hotel Old Town – Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 12 > SUNDAY: Farewell!

  • Group transfers to Prague Airport from our hotel have been arranged for 4:00am and 6:30am

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REGISTER
Our Story Map Itinerary

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • An educational guide and a tour manager escorts the group on a 24/7 basis
  • Centrally located 4* and 5* hotels with porterage included
  • Breakfast daily and additional meals according to the itinerary
  • Luxury private air-conditioned touring bus
  • All programming and site entrances according to the itinerary
  • Wireless touring headsets
    For groups with 20+ travelers

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights to/from Europe
    Book your flights via a travel agent
  • Airport transfers unless otherwise noted in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance (optional)
    Insure your investment, and plan ahead for the unexpected with a discounted group travel insurance policy that is not age-rated
  • Gratuities (suggested $150/traveler)
  • Hotel incidentals and means not marked as included

TRAVELING TO AND FROM EUROPE
Travelers are responsible for booking their own travel into Warsaw on arrival and out from Prague at the conclusion of the tour. Travelers are encouraged to arrive in Warsaw an evening in advance of the program start date to take advantage of the full touring program the following day. Group hotel rates are offered for those arriving early to Warsaw or staying on in Prague, subject to availability (scroll down for exact costs).

Airport transfers on arrival are not included in the program package. Taxis from Warsaw Chopin Airport to our hotel should cost about $15 (can be paid by credit card) and Uber rides are also available from the airport. On the last day of the program, travelers should book return flights from Václav Havel Airport Prague at their discretion, but please consider that hotel checkout is at 11:00am, and no programming is provided this day. Complimentary group transfers to Prague Airport from our hotel have been arranged for 4:00am and 6:30am. Taxis to the Prague airport from our hotel will cost about $30 (can be paid by credit card) and Uber rides are also available to the airport.

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COSTS & TERMS

Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are absolutely risk-free.

Land Package: $3,550/person
Double room hotel occupancy rate
Single Room Supplement: $985/person

REGISTRATION
Sign up for Our Story Central Europe by completing the online Registration Form

ENROLLMENT TERMS

  • To reserve your spot, a $250/person fully refundable deposit is due at the time of your registration.
  • The deposit becomes non-refundable four months prior to the program start date.
  • The balance is due no later than two months prior to the program start date after which all payments are non-refundable and exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis at Authentic Israel's discretion.
  • 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% processing fee applies for credit/debit card payments (does not apply to initial $250 deposit). Note: credit card fees are not refundable
  • Authentic Israel reserves the right to deny acceptance on the tour according to its discretion.
  • Programs are subject to a minimum participation of 15 travelers as of 120 days prior to departure, and travelers are encouraged not to book non-refundable flights until this point.
  • All program costs are listed in US Dollars.

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FAQs

Who staffs the tour?

Our Story is led by a professional Jewish educator/guide who escorts the tour on a 24/7 basis. Our program leader is joined by a tour manager at most times and by a local guide in select cities.

How active is the touring?

Our Story is an active tour designed for adults. Our days are full of experiences designed to provide you with as complete an experience as possible. Travelers should feel comfortable walking and generally being on their feet for most of the day. Although the program does not have age guidelines, the itinerary involves a good amount of walking and some long travel days.

How may people travel in the group?

We host no more than 26 adult travelers per group, and we may host up to two groups traveling concurrently with separate staff teams and staggered itineraries.

How is this a Jewish experience?

Our Story is a pluralistic Jewish travel experience open to all. Group meals are kosher or kosher-style (no pork or shellfish and with vegetarian options), and all touring on Saturdays is by foot. Lunches and dinners on Shabbat are all included and kosher. Breakfast is the standard buffet offering from the hotel.

How all-inclusive is the experience?

The program covers all touring, deluxe bus transportation (with a bathroom), all meals listed as included, hotel accommodations including porterage, and a fantastic staff team. You’ll be responsible for your connecting travel for the start/end of the program, any meals not included, gratuities (can be included in your final bill), as well as travel insurance, should you wish to obtain it (www.grouptravelinsuranceisrael.com).

How do I get ready for the trip?

Detailed pre-trip material are distributed 3-4 months prior to arrival. You'll also be invited to a trip Facebook group to connect with fellow travelers before the program and stay in touch afterwards. In the meantime, a general pre-trip prep guide is available here for reference.

How should I arrange my travel to and from Europe?

Travelers are responsible for booking their own travel into Warsaw on arrival and out from Prague at the conclusion of the tour. Travelers are encouraged to arrive in Warsaw an evening in advance of the program start date to take advantage of the full touring program the following day. Group hotel rates are offered for those arriving early to Warsaw or staying on in Prague, subject to availability (scroll down for exact costs).

Airport transfers on arrival are not included in the program package. Taxis from Warsaw Chopin Airport to our hotel should cost about $15 (can be paid by credit card) and Uber rides are also available from the airport. On the last day of the program, travelers should book return flights from Václav Havel Airport Prague at their discretion, but please consider that hotel checkout is at 11:00am, and no programming is provided this day. Complimentary group transfers to Prague Airport from our hotel have been arranged for 4:00am and 6:30am. Taxis to the Prague airport from our hotel will cost about $30 (can be paid by credit card) and Uber rides are also available to the airport.

NOTE: Get all the peace of mind from having a professional travel agency book your international flights without paying a premium. Get started at www.authenticisrael.com/flights.

Can I get professional assistance booking my flights?

Yes! Travelers are responsible for purchasing their own flights to Israel, but you can get all the peace of mind from having a professional travel agency book your international flights without paying a premium. Get started at www.authenticisrael.com/flights.

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REAL REVIEWS FROM REAL TRAVELERS

We know you’ll love the Our Story experience, but don’t just take our word for it. Check out these real reviews from past travelers who have completed the journey.

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