A Jewish Heritage river cruise gives passengers an insight into the Jewish culture. Travelers will explore landmarks cultures, museums and sites that have all been a part of Jewish history. This is a unique opportunity for individuals to get a not often seen view of Jewish heritage.
Sights To See
There are so many sights to see on a Jewish Heritage River Cruise. On select cruises travelers can explore the Czech Republic on a guided tour. They can see the largest synagogue in Europe. There’s also opportunities to go on a walking tour of Jewish Vienna or see Terezin’s WWII Jewish ghetto. For those that visit Nuremberg they can go on a tour to see the Nuremberg trials or explore the city on their own. Along the way there are also opportunities to visit Jewish synagogues, museums and cemeteries.
On Board Activities
On the way to each destination there will be opportunities on board to learn more about Jewish culture. This may include things like guest lecturers or short films. There’s also a wide variety of non-Jewish themed entertainment and activities available on board as well.
Departure Information
Ships that offer the Jewish Heritage River Cruise option generally depart from major cities like Budapest, Munich, Zurich, Amsterdam and Lisbon. Cruises last anywhere from about 11-15 days in length. This allows for ample opportunities to really explore the Jewish culture in depth.
Other Important Information
Most excursions and meals are included. Some tours that may cost an additional fee include things like visiting a synagogue and meeting a Holocaust survivor while partaking in several Jewish dishes together. There are no koshers meal options available on board the cruise ship so passengers should plan accordingly. For passengers that book their trip early they can take advantage of discounted pricing and things like an air credit and free prepaid gratuities on some sailings. There are also regularly scheduled tour excursions available for purchase in additions to Jewish Heritage tours.
Popular Jewish Heritage River Cruise Option
Avalon Waterways has a Jewish Heritage 13 day Blue Danube Discovery river cruise from Budapest to Prague on July 29, 2015. Discover Europe’s monuments, museums, and traditions significant to Jewish history on this special Avalon cruise departure. In Budapest, visit Europe’s largest synagogue, its Jewish Museum, and hear about the tree of life; enjoy a walking tour of Jewish Vienna; visit Prague’s Josefov (Jewish Quarter), Jewish Museum and Cemetery, and synagogues; and in Regensburg, visit the remains of ancient synagogues beneath Neupfarrplatz (if available). Explore the WWII Jewish ghetto of Terezin, where tens of thousands of innocent people died during the Nazi occupation, and choose between Nuremberg city sightseeing and a Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour. Also available: an optional excursion to Salzburg, where you’ll visit the synagogue and may meet a survivor of the Holocaust. (NOTE: While each day we will offer special Jewish dishes, kosher foods are not available onboard.) Guest lecturer Dr. Inge Auerbacher will be on the cruise. She was imprisoned from 1942 to 1945 in the TEREZIN concentration camp in Czechoslovakia. She was the only child survivor from the State of Wuerttemberg who was deported from Stuttgart, Germany to the concentration camps. She has been the subject of documentary films and many honors.
A Jewish Heritage River Cruise makes a great gift for a loved one. If you are thinking about booking this cruise option, book early so that you can take advantage of discounts for early birds.
