Euro-Israel Journey Central

DATES: June 26 - July 26

LENGTH: 31 Days

GRADES: Current 9th-12th

COST: $6,900 (Includes flights from NYC)

EXPERIENCE: Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary & Israel

A week-long mission of remembrance and understanding in Poland followed with a tour of Prague and Budapest. Then we continue on to Israel for our three-week Israel Journey experience and celebrate the renewal of the Jewish People in the Land of Israel.

About the Experience

Begin your journey with a week-long mission of remembrance and understanding in Poland. Confront the tragic destruction of the Holocaust and then travel on to Prague and Budapest to explore some of Europe's most magical old cities. Arrive in Israel with a new understanding of Jewish history and set off on a three-week once-in-a-lifetime journey in the Land of Milk & Honey.

Poland, Prague & Budapest

Spend the first week in Poland -- celebrating the richness of Jewish life in Lublin and Krakow of the past, memorializing the Holocaust's destruction at places like Auschwitz-Birkenau and at Majdanek. and making connections with the Jewish community that remains in Poland today.

We conclude our travels in Europe in Budapest and Prague. Step back in time and experience the preserved grandeur of these European capitals and learn about the lives of famous intellectual and cultural leaders like Sigmund Freud and Franz Kafka. Cruise the Danube River, tour the world's largest castle in Prague, and explore the labyrinth caves under Budapest.

Onwards to Israel

Arrive in Israel and set off on a three-week cross-country experience – from the Golan Heights in the north to the tropical Red Sea in the far south…and everything in between. Along the way, we walk in the footsteps of Jewish history, experience the vibrancy of modern Israeli culture, and connect with Israel’s colorful society.

The program includes visits to all of Israel’s most important sites – ancient Jerusalem, contemporary Tel Aviv, the Galilee, the Negev Desert. the Dead Sea and the heights of Masada. We also make time to experience Israel’s off-the-beaten-path charm -- enjoying a bonfire on the beach, taking part in an active archeological dig, sampling unique Middle Eastern cuisine, and participating in the re-birth of Israel by planting a tree in a new forest.

The Israel Journey experience is more than just a tour. It is also about discovering the meaning of contemporary Zionism, exploring our Jewish identity from an Israeli point of view, delving into the intricacies of Middle Eastern politics, and connecting to our Jewish soul through a series of meaningful community service and spiritual experiences. Join us on the journey.

How does this trip compare with March of the Living?

The Euro-Israel Journey Central is very similar to March of the Living in that both programs begin with a week-long journey of remembrance in Poland prior to arriving in Israel. The primary difference is that the March of the Living experience in Israel is seven days in length while the Euro-Israel Journey Central experience in Israel covers three weeks and is therefore a more comprehensive Israel program. The other major difference is that the March of the Living takes place in April and is scheduled to coincide with Holocaust Memorial Day in Poland followed by a celebration of Israel's Independence Day in Jerusalem. Although the March of the Living coincides with the school year, the celebration of these special days in Poland and Israel is an especially moving experience. The Euro-Israel Journey Central takes place during the summer vacation season (June/July) and therefore does not involve a conflict with classes and school work. Both programs utilize a similar educational curriculum and offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and celebrate the renewal of the Jewish People in Israel.

Trip Highlights

Itinerary Snapshot

Check out the sample itinerary for a fuller picture of what this experience is about...

WEEK #1 / Poland
We start our experience in Poland celebrating the rich heritage of Jewish life and thought in Europe dating back to Medievil times. We also bear witness to the evil and the destruction of the Holocaust at Auschwitz-Birkenau, Majdanek, and at the Warsaw Ghetto. Our travels in Poland culminate with a moving Shabbat in Krakow with Poland's surviving Jewish community.

WEEK #2 / Budapest, Prague...and on to Israel!
Arrive in Budapest and begin exploring the cobblestone streets and the underground tunnels of Hungary's capital. Continue on to our final European destination of Prague, home to Europe's most well-preserved Jewish Quarter and the majestic Prague Castle. From Prague we fly to Israel where we celebrate our first Shabbat in Israel on the beach!

WEEK #3 / Galilee, Golan Heights & Jerusalem
Travel eastwards through the Galilee as we learn about the mystics of ancient Safed (Tsfat), take in the beauty of the Golan Heights, learn about kibbutz life, and explore the greenest and most water-filled region of Israel. We close out week three with our first visit to Jerusalem and a moving tour of the Old City and the Western Wall.

WEEK #4 / Eilat, Negev Desert & Jerusalem
Head due south to Eilat, Israel's southernmost tip where we snorkel in the tropical Red Sea and learn about Israel's unique desert ecology. Continue on for a sunrise hike to Masada followed by an unforgettable float in the Dead Sea. By the end of the week, we return to Jerusalem for a somber visit to Yad Vashem followed by a moving Shabbat experience at the Western Wall.

WEEK #4 / Tel Aviv and Looking to the Future
Our final week in Israel focuses on the story of modern Israel. Celebrate the Jewish Homeland at Independence Hall, take a guided tour inside of Israel's Knesset, and celebrate the innovative artistic and scientific spirit that is guiding Israel's future.