Corporate Leisure Specialists

This special tour will be guided by well known researcher and story-teller Laura Simms.

Day 1 - Overnight transatlantic flight on your own to Bucharest (air fare not included)

Day 2 - Upon arrival in Bucharest – transfer to city center for lunch and city tour by our local partner. Return to airport for afternoon flight to Iasi, the capital city of Moldavia.

Iasi was once a bustling city of Jewish education and the arts until World War II, the birthplace of the Yiddish Theater, several important Universities and a Writer’s Union which featured great Jewish artists and scholars. At one time there were no less than 127 synagogues. It was considered one of the most beautiful cities of Europe, much of the beauty is still evident today.

Overnight in Iasi in a beautiful 19th century hotel designed by the Eiffel Tower architect, in a lovely part of Iasi close to a Jewish neighborhood, parks, plazas and the University.   Hotel Traian 4*

Day 3 - After a restful morning, we will visit the local Synagogue, one of the oldest in Romania built in the late 1600’s which still holds daily services. There will be a visit to the cemetery, the Holocaust Memorial and the holy tomb of the Rebbi of Stefenesti - famous for his cures, miracles and teachings.

Lunch at a traditional restaurant - the violinist is a gypsy who worked in the synagogues and is knowledgeable about the klezmer music scene that was active in Iasi.

Friday night at the main Synagogue - with a reception to follow at the Jewish Community Center.  Overnight in Iasi.

Day 4 - Morning (religious participants – to synagogue) lecture at the writer’s union on the Jewish archives - with Dan Jumara, walking distance from the hotel.

Lunch in a beautifully renovated restaurant that features ancient cellars.

After lunch, a walking tour of the neighborhood of the Writer’s Union, once a very wealthy Jewish area. Visit the Palace of Culture where the guide will share the perspective of Jewish history in relation to Romanian culture, Folk festivals, arts, and music…

Dinner - with Cati Petreanu, the director of the British Council who is knowledgeable about the Jewish community and sights of the region.  Overnight in Iasi.

Day 5 - Morning departure for Botosani, a scenic 3 hour drive – with a stop in Ipotesti, a very old and beautiful village with beautiful synagogues to visit. Continue onward to Botosani to visit two great cemeteries, a 15th century synagogue, the Jewish neighbourhoods and meet with the local Jewish community members and cultural director.  Overnight in Botosani, Hotel Rapsodia 2 *

Day 6 - Late morning departure to Dorohoi for an early afternoon Gala lunch to include a speaker - Mr. Solomon, the Cantor of the Synagogue. Visit the synagogue and the various Jewish schools, Dorohoi was a major Jewish center. We will also visit the old and the new cemetery.

Dinner at hotel - talk and slides, and a possible guest speaker, Christine Crowder to lecture about music and history of the Jewish community of Dorohoi. Overnight in Dorohoi,  Hotel Parc 2 *

Day 7 - Morning departure to Seret, one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Romania. Continue to Radauti, where we will meet with Tania Grunberg, the head of the Jewish community and see the Synagogue, streets, market place, ethnographic museum and the old cemetery.  Overnight in Suceava, Hotel Bucovina 4 *

Day 8 - Morning departure to Pietra Neamt… passing through old towns, like Arbore which has the oldest monastery, and an abandoned beautiful old cemetary. In Piatra Neamt you will see the only standing wooden synagogue, once a center of Jewish life. For those interested in local history, you can also take an optionional tour of the famous painted Monasteries, UNESCO treasures, or take a drive up the most famous mountain pass to view the Carpathians and follow the trail of Jewish merchants of the past. Stop at the house of a weaver.

Dinner in Pietra Neamt with the local Jewish community, learn about the Baal Shem Tov shul - tales of the Baal Shem Tov and the history of early Chassidism in Romania.  Overnight in Piatra Neamt, Hotel Central 3 *

Day 9 - Late morning departure to Bucharest, via Bacau and Brasov. Imagine a journey through the streets and along the river where great rabbis discoursed and merchants sent their wares back and forth through Europe. See the old erchant's synagogue and the two cemetaries.

The first mention of Brasov is in 1235 though the foundation of the city goes back to the

Bronze age. Located in the mountains of Transylvania, Brasov was colonized by the Saxons,later fortified to protect itself against Turkish invaders, it is on the UNESCO list of historical cities for its beautiful architecture dating back to 14th century, such as the famous Black Church. Poiana Brasov half an hour from Brasov, is a very popular year round montain resort area, known for its quaint and charming Romanian restaurants with live traditional music.

Late evening return to Bucharest for those who do not choose the three day extention. Overnight Bucharest,  Hotel Central 3 *

Day 10 - Morning transfer to the airport for return flight home or onward destination

The above intinerary includes:

accommodations,daily breakfast & dinner,local english speaking guide,entrance fees to various sites along the way,the driver and guide service during the 10 day / 9 night trip and the air fare from Bucharest to Iasi

ADD'L TOURING DAYS BASED ON REQUEST

DAY 09 - Early morning departure to Bucharest, via Bacau. Imagine a journey through the streets and along the river where great rabbis discoursed and merchants sent their wares back and forth through Europe. See the old merchant’s synagogue and the two cemeteries. Late afternoon arrival in Brasov. Overnight in Brasov / or Poiana Brasov with a typical Romanian dinner at Sura Dacilor in Poiana Brasov.

DAY 10 - A scenic return to Bucharest via Sinaia and Peles Castle. Evening at the famous Choral Temple for the Friday night services. Reception & dinner at the local Jewish Community Center. Overnight Bucharest.

DAY 11 - Visit the way the city was before communism, the Museum of Jewish history and the synagogues, Jewish quarter, the Village Museum and Jewish archives. Time permitting a night at the still functioning Yiddish Theater. The city is rich in Jewish art and literature, photography, architecture and music.

Evening a special farewell dinner. Overnight Bucharest.

DAY 12 - Early morning transfer to the airport for the return flight home or onward destination.

3 Day extention from $375.00 (based on number of participants,see pricing page for group 10day/9 night package price)


10 day /9 nights tour  $ 1,260.00 per person
                                            $ 375.00 single supplement

Price includes:  best accommodations each each location / daily breakfast
and dinner / local english guide / entrance fees to various sites    
along the way /  the driver and guide's services during the entire
10 day / 9 night trip, local guests, speakers and lectures.

Not included -   International airfare
                         Lunch - as indicated
                         Personal expenses
                         Alcoholic beverages
                         Gratuities
                         Visa fees for non-USA citizens

A special donation will be made to local organizations involved in preserving the local Jewish culture and community.

Note: Prices may change without notice due to fluctuation of
international monetary exchange.