OVERVIEW
"The love of one's homeland does not fade in the heart of man, even when he lives far from his native land, for the roots of his soul always seek to return to the place where his ancestors were born."
Abraham Mapu (Ahavat Zion,1853), Lithuanian Jewish author and pioneer of modern Hebrew literature, known for his depiction of Jewish life in Eastern Europe.
Explore the deep-rooted Jewish heritage of the Baltic region during a 10-day journey in June 2025. Discover the vibrant Jewish communities that thrived for centuries, from Lithuania's intellectual centers, often referred to as the 'Jerusalem of the North,' to Latvia and Estonia's rich cultural contributions. This tour offers a poignant journey through Jewish life, resilience, and tragedy, with visits to synagogues, historic Jewish quarters, and memorials that stand as testaments to the enduring legacy of these communities. Join us as we delve into the history that shaped both the local culture and Jewish heritage worldwide.​
ITINERARY

Thursday June 5: VILNIUS

  • Arrival in Vilnius, the capital of and largest city in Lithuania and the second-most-populous city in the Baltic states. Vilnius is notable for the architecture of its Old Town, considered one of Europe's largest and best-preserved old towns. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
  • This day is at leisure to get settled in and adjusted to the Eastern European Time (EET).

​Friday June 6: VILNIUS

  • This morning, after breakfast we'll met at the hotel for the introduction and welcoming.
  • We will dive into the rich history of Vilnius. We will see the hill with its iconic Gediminas Castle from the bottom (Cathedral Square).
  • We will admire the stunning Neo-Classical Vilnius Cathedral. Strolling through the charming narrow streets, we’ll arrive at the Presidential Palace and the Old Vilnius University, a historic institution founded in 1579.
  • From here we will continue to the medieval Jewish Quarter: We will see the site of the Vilna Gaon’s house, the site of the Great Synagogue and hear stories of the pre-war Jewish life in the city.
  • Continue to City Hall Square, the “Gate of Dawn”, home to the Chapel with an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy, believed to have miraculous powers.
  • Our first part of the tour will finish at the Vilnius Synagogue (built in 1903).
  • After a lunch break our journey continues with a short drive to the magnificent St. Peter and Paul's Church, a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture, adorned with over 2,000 statues and bas-reliefs inside.

Saturday June 7: VILNIUS (no bus)

Sunday June 8: VILNIUS - TRAKAI - KAUNAS

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
  • We head to Trakai, a picturesque region of lakes and forests. Once the ancient capital of Lithuania, it is home to a 14th-century island castle, now a museum of Lithuanian history. We will explore the unique history of the Karaite community, learning about this small ethnic group brought from Crimea over 600 years ago.
  • In Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, we will tour the Old Town with its charming narrow streets, Catholic churches, and cozy cafes. Walking along Laisvės Alėja, a historic pedestrian street, you will see buildings that have remained unchanged since before the war.
  • We will end the day with a drive through Slobodka, a Jewish neighborhood since the 1500s, and visit the site of the famous Slobodka Yeshiva.
  • Our final stop is the Ninth Fort, where over 50,000 people, mostly Jews, were killed by the Nazis and collaborators, now commemorated by the History Museum and Memorial.

Monday June 9: KAUNAS - KLAIPEDA

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
  • On our way to Klaipeda, we journey to Nida on the Curonian Spit. Along the way, we will stop in Juodkrante for a walk through the Hill of Witches, a forest park filled with wooden sculptures that bring Lithuanian folklore to life. We will also stop to see one of the largest cormorant populations in the area.
  • In Nida, a quaint artist and vacation retreat, we will explore the stunning 60-meter-high sand dunes.
  • Upon arrival in Klaipeda, we will stroll through the Old Town, once known as Memel, with its charming German-influenced medieval architecture, Theatre Square, and the iconic statue of Anke von Tharau.

Tuesday June 10: KLAIPEDA - SIAULIAI - RIGA

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
  • Our journey continues with a stop at the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, a powerful symbol of Lithuanian resistance with over 100,000 crosses, each representing hope and defiance.
  • As we cross into Latvia, we will visit the stunning Rundale Palace, a Baroque masterpiece designed by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli for the Duke of Courland.
  • We will then arrive in Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia, where history and culture await.

Wednesday June 11: RIGA

  • ​​​Breakfast at the hotel.
  • We will begin our tour of Riga’s Old Town with the magnificent Dome Cathedral, built in 1211 and known for its remarkable organ with 6,781 pipes. As we stroll through the historic streets, we will see the Great and Small Guilds' houses, symbols of the city’s rich economic past, as well as the Swedish Gate,  Cast’s House and the “Three Brothers” (no visit inside) a fascinating trio of buildings representing different architectural styles from the Middle Ages.
  • We will also stop by the iconic House of the Blackheads and St. Peter’s Church, with its impressive tower.
  • Our tour continues with a visit to Riga’s famous Art Nouveau district, home to one of the finest collections of this architectural style in Europe. We will explore the beautifully preserved streets lined with early 20th-century buildings and visit the Art Nouveau Museum for a closer look at this remarkable era of design.

Thursday June 12: RIGA

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • We will start the day with a visit to the largest Central Market in the Baltics, housed in five enormous hangars originally used for constructing airships.
  • From there, we will head to "Maskavas Forstadt," a historic suburb of Riga once home to foreign merchants and the city's first Jewish settlers. This area holds deep historical significance for Riga’s Jewish community.
  • We will visit the Memorial Ruins of the Great Synagogue, explore the former Ghetto territory, including the Small Ghetto and Reich’s Juden Ghetto, and finish the day in the Rumbula forest – the massacre place of Latvian Jewish community.

Friday June 13: RIGA - TALLINN

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
  • Drive along the Baltic Sea coast toward Tallinn, stopping in Parnu, a charming resort town and the birthplace of Estonian independence.
  • We will arrive in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, and take a short panoramic bus tour before the Shabbat Dinner.
  • Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner.

​Saturday June 14: TALLINN (no bus)

  • Explore the rich history of Tallinn with a walking tour of its Old Town: see Toompea, home to Estonia’s government, the striking Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the historic Kiek in de Kök defensive tower, the Town Hall square,  and the oldest pharmacy in Europe.
  • Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the old city from scenic vantage points. 

Sunday June 15: TALLINN

  • ​Breakfast at the hotel and check out.

​​
***We will offer a list of suggested places to explore on your own.
****We will offer a list of suggested places to eat on your own in each location.
*****Optional activities during free time are not included in the itinerary. These are only suggestions and can be changed or adapted according to the personal preferences of the participants.
Accomodation
Vilnius, Lithuania
Courtyard by Marriot
Kaunas, Lithuania
Victoria business
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Victoria Klaipeda
Riga, Latvia
Radisson Latvija
Tallinn, Estonia
Metropol Spa
Price & Conditions
Tour Cost: EUR 3,950*:  10 nights / 11 days
Early Bird Special Offer available until February 5, 2025: EUR 3,600

PRICE INCLUDES: 
  • Accommodation in 4-star and superior boutique hotels, including daily breakfast. Please note that listed hotels are subject to change based on availability.​
  • 8 dinners, including Shabbat dinners (water and wine included at meals, vegetarian options by request, certified kosher is not available).
  • Touring in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach bus.
  • Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary.
  • Experienced, licensed English speaking tour guides.
  • An expert guide from Jerulita Travel will accompany the group from arrival until departure along with a Nora Kaplan Learn-in-trips tour group leader.
​
*Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. For single rooms, an additional supplemental fee of EUR 600 will apply.
Note: Single rooms are limited. We can assist with pairing up individual travelers in twin rooms.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • International airfare to Lithuania and return flight from Estonia.
  • Ground transportation to and from airports on arrival and departure.
  • Travel & Health Insurance: All participants should be aware that while all efforts are made to avoid any problems before, during or after the trip, Nora Kaplan Ltd. DOES NOT carry any insurance for health or luggage of the participants. While using the services only of registered suppliers, we recommend that you purchase fully comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancelation for any reason (including COVID19) as Nora Kaplan Ltd. cannot be held liable for any mishaps during participants stay.
  • Entrance fee to optional attractions during free time.
  • Personal extras such as laundry, or beverages and food other than the included in the program's breakfasts and group meals. 
  • Tips for local service providers (guides, drivers, porterage…): EUR 10/person/day to be collected in cash at the beginning of the trip (EUR 100/person).
  • Miscellaneous expenses such as departure fees, visas, security surcharges, etc. where applicable.
PAYMENTS:
  • A non-refundable deposit of EUR 500 per person is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation.
  • The full tour fee before February 5, 2025, is EUR 3,600 (including the EUR 500 non-refundable deposit), and can be paid at the time of booking.
  • The full tour fee after February 5, 2025, is EUR 3,950 (including the EUR 500 non-refundable deposit), and can be paid at the time of booking.
  • For instalment payments of the Main Tour:
    1. EUR 2,225 must be paid at the time of booking (including the EUR 500 non-refundable deposit).
    2. EUR 1,725 must be paid by April 20 (or the EUR 2,200 first payment, if not already paid).
  • A single supplement of EUR 600, if applicable, must be paid by April 20.​​
  • Tips for local service providers (guides, drivers, porterage…): EUR 10/person/day to be collected in cash at the beginning of the trip (EUR 100/person).
  • Credit card information of the participants will be required when checking in at the hotels as a guarantee in case of hotel incidentals or damage.
*A minimum of 15 participants is required to run the Tour. If the group size is between 12 and 14 participants, an additional EUR 100 will be required by May 5, 2025.
 
CANCELATION FEES
  • The deposit of EUR 500 is non-refundable.
  • For cancelations made more than 45 days before the start of the main trip, a full refund will be issued, minus the non-refundable deposit.
  • If canceled between 45 and 15 days before the start of the tour, a 50% penalty will apply, in addition to the non-refundable deposit.
  • For cancelations made less than 15 days before the tour start date, a 100% penalty will apply.​ ​
RESPONSIBILITY:
Initial registration indicates agreement with all terms and conditions as stated in this document.
  • This trip is organized and executed by Jerulita Travel, with Nora Kaplan Ltd. acting as its agent and promoter. 
  • Nora Kaplan Ltd. and Jerulita Travel reserve the right to make any itinerary changes whenever, in its sole judgement, as conditions warrant.
  • Nora Kaplan Ltd. and Jerulita Travel shall not be liable, directly, or indirectly, for any injury, death, or damage for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to war, acts of God, weather, strike, detention, delay, airline, or other travel-related circumstances.
  • Nora Kaplan Ltd. and Jerulita Travel are not responsible for any belongings damaged, lost or left behind by participants.
  • Nora Kaplan Ltd. and Jerulita Travel reserve the right at its discretion to accept or decline any person as a trip participant.
  • No refund will be issued if a participant is asked to leave due to behavior that endangers the safety of the group or disrupts the trip. Every participant must follow the lawful instructions of any employee of Jerulita Travel, Nora Kaplan Ltd., or any service provider.

JURISDICTION:
These General Conditions have been drafted under the supervision of the Salamanca Chamber of Commerce. In the event of any incident or controversy regarding the interpretation or execution of these General Conditions, the Courts and Tribunals of Salamanca will have jurisdiction, applying the relevant provisions of Spanish law.
Should any legal dispute or conflict arise from participation in the tour, all parties agree that it will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Spain. This agreement is governed by Spanish law, and any legal proceedings will take place in the appropriate Spanish tribunal. By booking this tour, participants acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions.
PARTNERS

We are thrilled to offer Baltics journey in partnership with Daniel Gurevich and Jerulita Travel, a renowned travel operator specializing in Jewish heritage tours. Daniel, born in Vilnius in 1979, made Aliya to Israel in 1997 before returning to Lithuania, where he became an expert in the travel industry. Today, he is the General Manager of Jerulita Travel, his family-run business, focusing on Jewish heritage, religion, history, and culture in the Baltic States.
With over 20 years of experience, Jerulita Travel is synonymous with highly informative and custom tours across the Baltic States, Poland, and Scandinavia. Their strong network of local suppliers and expert guides ensures journeys beyond the ordinary—where discovery and deep connection become the primary emotions for travelers.

Discover the rich heritage of Jewish History around the world with
​Our Jewish History Tours are available for individuals and groups. Please be in touch, we are happy to work with you for dates for synagogue and Jewish community group tours. 

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