Seeing Greece Through a Jewish Lens, with Rabbi Morris Allen

• Depart USA for Athens.

• Arrive at Athens International Airport, with assistance from a Makor Educational Journeys representative.
• Transfer to hotel in Athens.
• Introduction: Jewish Greece and its Communities – The Romaniyot Jews.
• Se’udat Purim Welcoming dinner at the hotel or at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• In-depth guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon.
• Lunch on own.
• Visit Classical sites in Athens, including Agora, Olympian and Hadrian’s Library.
• Guided tour to see highlights of the National Archaeological Museum.
• Dinner at a local restaurant with a leader of the Athens Jewish Community for a discussion about contemporary Jewish life in Greece.
• Return to hotel.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Curator led tour of the Jewish Museum of Greece with Zanet Battinou.
• Visit the Jewish School of Athens and meet with its Headmaster George Kanellos.
• Lunch on own.
• Synagogue is a Greek word: Guided tour of the Beth Shalom and Etz Chaim Synagogues.
• Visit Holocaust Memorial and Jewish Cultural Center.
• Visit Syntagma Square symbol of Greek independence and the modern Greek state.
• Explore lively Plaka Quarter.
• Dinner at a Tavern with traditional Greek Music.

• Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
• Morning flight to Thessaloniki.
• Guided tour of Thessaloniki, including the Rotunda, Fortress (Eptagyrion), White Tower and Ataturk Museum.
• Lunch on own.
• Free evening to explore the Ladadika District with dinner on own.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• In depth tour of Jewish Thessaloniki, a major center of Jewish life and learning before the Holocaust, including Museum of the History of the Jews of Thessaloniki, Yeni Mosque, Synagogues, Jewish Cemetery, Allatini and Modiano Villas.
• Market Tasting Lunch Tour.
• Return to hotel for rest and relaxation.
• Kabbalat Shabbat.
• Shabbat Dinner with the Jewish community of Thessaloniki or at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Optional: Traditional Shabbat morning services at the Thessaloniki synagogue.
• Free day for self-exploration to enjoy the sites and aromas of this beautiful seaside city.  Possible options include enjoying the day along the coast of the Aegean Sea, a group gathering with local members of the Jewish community, a walk through some of the local archeology.
• Conclude the day with Havdallah
• Dinner and evening on own.

• Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
• Drive to Meteora.
• Visit Nikolaus and other cliff hanging monasteries in Meteora dramatic landscape.
• Lunch in Kalambaka overlooking the views of Meteora.
• Continue to Ioannina.
• Ioannina and the Jews, a Special Relationship, with educator en route.
• Check in to the hotel.
• Lakeside dinner at a restaurant in Ioannina.
• Return to the hotel.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Walking tour of the Old Town (Kastro), the walled city that was once the heart of the community.
• Visit the Kal Kadosh Yashan Romaniyot Synagogue. Explore the surrounding Old Jewish Quarter, visiting the historic homes and sites of the community before its near destruction during the Holocaust.
• Lunch on own.
• Visit the Jewish Museum of Ioannina to understand the 2,000-year history of the Romaniyot Jews. Take a walk to the Jewish Cemetery (located near the Kastro) for a moving, quiet reflection.
• Join for an authentic Greek cooking class. Learn traditional recipes while savoring local flavors and enjoy a delicious farewell dinner made with expertly chosen ingredients.

• Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
• Return flight back to the US.

–> (Those departing for destinations other than Hydra will need to coordinate with Makor before booking outbound flights from Athens)

• Transfer to Piraeus Port. Take the Flying Dolphin to Hydra.
• Lunch on own en route.
• Arrive in Hydra in the afternoon.
• Check in to the hotel.
• Time permitting: Walking tour through the beautiful roads and alleys of the small island.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Take a small boat to Metohi Port and ascend the bus that will drive you to the famous ancient theater of Epidaurus.
• Visit a winery for wine tasting of a few of the best local wines.
• Group lunch
• Return to the hotel.
• Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
• Free morning for self-exploration.
• Transfer to the port and take the Flying Dolphin to Piraeus Port.
• Transfer to the airport.
• Depart on return flight to the United States.

Program is subject to change, pending confirmations.