The Collection - Jewish History Tours
There has been an active Jewish presence in Italy for over two thousand years. A presence made significant by a tremendous cultural contribution even though Italian Jews were not granted full citizenship until 1868. The Arc of Titus in Rome, constructed to celebrate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD, was built, ironically, by Jewish slaves. When the Germans occupied Italy in 1943-44, the underground Italian Jewish Brigade fought heroically. The centuries in between these events tell the story of the changing tides of Jewish life in Italy. TR International can design a custom-made tour for your clients who, in addition seeing the traditional sights of Italy, would like to retrace the Jewish experience. Jews have lived in Rome since 139 BC. Remains of the Temple Divo are in the Roman Forum. Recently discovered are the 2nd and 3rd century Jewish catacombs under the knoll of Via Torlonia. Wall decorations show the Menorah, Shofar and the Lulavim. The first Jewish ghetto dates back to 1515 in Venice. In Florence, the synagogue is on the site of the old ghetto across from the ancient burial ground. The location for shooting the film 'The Garden of the Finzi Continis' was the town of Ferrara. All over Italy, the Jewish story unfolds.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival in Rome and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of day free.
2
- Morning tour of Imperial Rome, including synagogue, Ardeatine Caves, etc. Afternoon
visit to ancient Ostia, featuring the ruins of the oldest synagogue in Europe.
3 - Morning tour of Sistine
Chapel and Vatican Museum. Afternoon free for shopping.
4
- Free for independent activities.
5
- Depart for Florence, visiting a Synagogue in Livorno. Late afternoon arrival
at your hotel in Florence.
6
- Morning tour of Florence, including the synagogue. Afternoon free.
7
- Free for shopping.
8 - Depart
for San Marino, stop in Ravenna, and visit the Jewish Brigade Memorial. Arrive
at hotel in S. Marino.
9 -
Depart for Venice, stopping in Ferrara to visit the Medieval ghetto in the historical
center of town. Late afternoon arrival at your hotel in Venice.
10
- Morning visit to the original ghetto with the five synagogues and museum of
Jewish art. Afternoon walking tour centered in St. Mark's Square.
11
- Free for independent activities.
12
- Depart for Milan visiting the synagogue in Verona en route. Late afternoon arrival
at your hotel in Milan.
13
- Morning tour of Milan including a visit to the synagogue. Free afternoon for
shopping.
14 - Return home.
Note: The above itineraries are only a sample of the many and varied possibilities that TR International can offer in Italy for your special interest tours, incentives and meetings. The itineraries are intended to assist you when discussing tours with group organizers. TR International can design any kind of itinerary with different arrangements. Net quotations will be provided upon request since rates are affected by services required, size of the group, period of the year, exchange rate at the time, etc.
