Our tour will discover the architectural gems of ancient Greece and facets of the 2,300 year Jewish existence within Greek culture. The tour begins in Thessaloniki, whose population was once 75% Jewish, and continues through timeless roads and beautiful scenery, to Athens, where we conclude our journey.
Our guide is Rania Pechlivanidou, the best guide in Thessaloniki who has taken many Jewish tours round Greece.
Wednesday 11 May
Arrival at 10pm (Ryan Air leaving 4.20pm from Stansted) at Thessaloniki airport where we meet with guide Rania Pechlivanidou who on the way to our Hotel gives an overview of the city and its Jewish history. Check in to hotel. Check in to Hotel Mediterranean Palace. Plenty of good restaurants nearby that stay open late!
Thursday 12 May
At 9.30 meet with Rania for a Jewish walking tour, starting with the Square of Jewish Martyrs and the monument erected in 1997. After seeing the ceremonial Synagogue Lezikaron, we visit the Jewish museum and learn about a community that once had 50 synagogues and was called MOTHER OF ISRAEL and was home to famous Jewish mystics, legalists, poets and rabbis. We tread the quarters of the city that were once wholly Jewish while also seeing archaeological sites going back to Roman and Hellenic times.
Free time in the afternoon
Evening meal at typical local Trattoria
Friday 13 May
We head for Vergina where the unearthing in 1977 of the richly extravagant tombs of King Phillip 11, father of Alexander the Great became as famous as the dead sea scrolls. We continue to Veria where we visit the town’s rich Christian heritage and absorb its Jewish quarter with its unique setting and the atmosphere that still prevails at the natural river mikva.
We spend time learning about the community of 900 who perished from caretaker Evi Meska in a beautifully preserved renovated synagogue that she looks after with consuming passion.
We return to our Hotel in Thessaloniki in time to freshen up and walk to the Monastiriot Synagogue for Shabbat prayers and then enjoy a Shabbat kosher meal at the Astoria Hotel.
Saturday 14 May
Optional Synagogue services, to include a sit down Kiddush afterwards with the rabbi. Kosher Shabbat lunch at the Astoria hotel, followed by free time in the city.
Alternative optional day trip to Edessa City of Waterfalls and Pozar Thermal Spa treatments
Evening free. There is ample choice of tavernas or swishier restaurants in the nearby famous restaurant quarter of the city.
