A Truly Delicious Taste of Jewish History in a Full Day Tour

Come and enjoy a day like no other and experience traditional Czech and Jewish cuisine. See how grandmothers for years would prepare meals for their families just as they did in the shtetl (Jewish market town). You’ll have the unique opportunity to try some of my family’s favorite meals, take part in the cooking process, and learn about the entire process, from buying the ingredients to the final tasting of the dishes.

Once you’ve finished cooking and eating together with me and our driver (it’s a lot of food!), we will take you to the Jewish Quarter for a tour. Here you will discover the treasures of the ancient Jewish Quarter, including the interiors of four famous synagogues and the exterior of the oldest synagogue north of the Alps, the Old-New Synagogue, still in use today.

Highlights include:
Visiting the local farmers’ market.
Authentic shopping experience with a professional chef.
Preparing a three-course meal with a professional chef.
Visiting the Jewish quarter for a 3-hour historical tour.
View the interiors of four famous synagogues, the exterior of the Old-New Synagogue, and take a walk through the Old Jewish Cemetery and see the Burial Brotherhood Guild.

 

Please note: Sunday is not optimal for this tour due to the market being closed.

Terezín Concentration Camp and Prague Jewish Quarter Full Day Tour

We will start this tour with a Hotel pick-up by car in the morning. On the way to Terezín (50 minutes), I will talk about the history of the Czech Republic and what it was like during the occupation in World War II, and the tragic fate of the Jews in former Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe.

In Terezin, firstly we will visit the Large Fortress and the Terezín Museum. Afterwards, there is the Magdeburg Barracks, the hidden synagogue, the Jewish cemetery, the Menorah monument, and the crematorium waiting for us. Last but not least we will go into to the Small Fortress to spend time exploring the Gestapo prison, the single and mass cells, and a secret tunnel that most visitors do not get to see – this will take place with a local guide who has access.

We will then head back to Prague to visit the Jewish Quarter, including several famous synagogues: The 13th-century Old-New Synagogue (The Oldest synagogue in Europe), The Pinkas Synagogue, now a hallowed museum dedicated to the Czech victims of the Holocaust, The Klausen Synagogue, which contains an exhibition of Jewish traditions and artifacts and The Spanish Synagogue. We will also take a visit to the Jewish cemetery.

Please note, If hungry, we can stop for lunch in Prague before touring the Jewish Quarter.

Lidice and Terezín: An Educational Day Trip of Holocaust history from Prague

This visit is essential to understanding the complicated history that unfolded in Czechoslovakia in 1941 when the region’s thousand-year-old Jewish communities were deported through Terezín to death camps elsewhere.

This tour will start with a Hotel pick-up in the morning (8 am).On the way to Lidice (30 minutes), I will talk about the history of the Czech Republic and what it was like during the occupation in WW2, and the tragic fate of the Jews in former Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe.

We will be driving around the site where Reinhard Heydrich was assassinated by members of the Czech resistance. Once in Lidice, we will have a comprehensive tour of the site and visit the local museum and the emotional memorial for those who perished. We will then take a short drive to Terezin (35 minutes). Upon arriving in Terezin, firstly we will visit the Large Fortress and the Terezín Museum. Afterwards, there is the Magdeburg Barracks, the hidden Synagogue, the Jewish cemetery, the Menorah monument, and a visit to the crematorium. Lastly, we will go into the Small Fortress to spend time exploring the Gestapo prison, the single and mass cells, and a secret tunnel that most visitors do not get to see (with a local guide).

Please note there is no official lunch break on this tour. I recommend a packed lunch or a quick stop at a bakery before we leave the city.

 

Ljuba Poleva

I am a highly experienced and fully licensed private tour guide. I have been showing international visitors the wonders of Prague for close to twenty-five years, ever since the fall of the Communist Regime in 1989 when tourism in the Czech Republic began to take off. I am fluent in English, Russian, and Czech and offer tours in all these languages. I specialize in leading tours of the historical Jewish sights of Eastern and Central Europe. These sights include the Jewish Quarter of Prague, Theresienstadt, Kolin, and the old Ghetto towns of the Czech Republic (to name just a few). I also provide tours of the non-Jewish sections of Prague. My education and prior work experience have provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to give informative and interesting tours. I have a doctorate degree in the Philosophy of Judaism from Charles University and have worked at the Jewish Museum in Prague both in the Archive Department and as a personal guide.

Half-day private walking tour of Prague’s charming Jewish Quarter

Discover the rich history of Prague’s Jewish quarter with an expert private guide on Jewish history. Stroll the cobbled streets and visit the historic synagogues, each with its own story.

Join me, a fellow member of the Prague Jewish Community, as we visit the historic synagogues, each with its own unique story to tell. We will visit several famous synagogues: The 13th-century Old-New Synagogue (The Oldest synagogue in Europe) The Pinkas Synagogue, now a hallowed museum dedicated to the Czech victims of the Holocaust, The Klausen Synagogue, which contains an exhibition of Jewish traditions and artifacts and The Spanish Synagogue. Visit the Chevrah Kaddisha building and marvel at the stunning architecture of the Old Jewish Cemetery, where graves are up to 12 layers deep; and where you will find the resting place of Rabbi Loew, renowned in legend as the creator of the Golem. Explore the largest collection of Judaica in the world, there is no other collection of historical Jewish artifacts like it! This is the only Jewish Quarter that the Nazis purposely did not destroy, making this private tour an unforgettable journey through one of Europe’s most storied and resilient communities.

 

An educational private tour of Terezín concentration camp from Prague

Explore the Terezín concentration camp during a private car trip from Prague. With a local guide, you will learn about the atrocities of the Holocaust and the fate of those who were imprisoned here during the Second World War.

Start your tour in Prague with a hotel pickup and drive to Terezín in your own private air-conditioned car. Learn about the history of the Czech Republic from your guide and what it was like during the occupation in World War II and the tragic fate of the Jews in former Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe. Upon arriving at Terezín, first visit the Large Fortress and the Terezín Museum. Afterwards, walk through the Magdeburg Barracks, the hidden synagogue, the Jewish cemetery, the Menorah monument, and the crematorium. Last but not least, visit the Small Fortress to spend time exploring the Gestapo prison, the single and mass cells, and a secret tunnel that most visitors do not get to see – this will take place with a local tour guide who has exclusive access to your tour. Throughout your tour, listen as your local guide provides historical context, personal stories, and information about the daily lives of the prisoners, including the cultural activities and propaganda efforts organized by the Nazis to deceive the international community about the camp’s true nature.

After your visit, drive back to Prague to visit the Jewish Museum and be dropped back off at your starting point.

 

The Jewish Tapestry of Europe: A Journey Through Time and Tradition

Europe, with its cobblestone streets, towering cathedrals, and history-soaked cities, holds within its heart a story not often told with the vibrancy it deserves—the Jewish story. It’s a tale woven with the threads of resilience, tradition, and an enduring spirit that has significantly shaped the continent’s cultural fabric. Let’s embark on an enlightening journey to explore the Jewish narrative across Europe, where each destination invites us to immerse ourselves in experiences that are both profound and inspiring.

Seville, Spain – Photo on Tours By Locals

The Dawn of Diaspora: Spain and Portugal

Our journey begins under the Iberian sun, in Spain and Portugal, where the Sephardic Jews left an unforgettable mark. In cities like Toledo, Córdoba, and Lisbon, the echoes of a once-thriving Jewish life still resonate through the narrow lanes and historic synagogues, such as the Santa María la Blanca in Toledo. These places are not just sites; they are portals to the past, inviting us to explore the Golden Age of Jewish culture in Spain, where scholars, poets, and philosophers flourished. The tragic tale of the Expulsion in 1492 reminds us that the Jewish spirit is resilient, as the Sephardic diaspora spread their rich traditions across the world.

Kazimierz, Poland – Photo by Tupungato on GetYourGuide

The Heartbeat of Ashkenaz: Poland and Germany

Moving northward, Poland and Germany beckon with stories of the Ashkenazi Jews, whose influence is stitched into the very fabric of European history. Krakow’s Kazimierz district, once a vibrant Jewish quarter, and Warsaw, with its poignant memorials and reborn Jewish community, showcase the soul-stirring history of Polish Jews. Berlin’s New Synagogue, with its golden dome shining anew, symbolizes the resilience and revival of Jewish life in Germany. These lands tell tales of great thinkers like Moses Mendelssohn, heartbreaking losses, and miraculous rebirths, encapsulating the complexity of the Jewish experience in Europe.

Great Synagogue of Rome -Tempio Maggiore, Italy – Photo by Xbrchx on Dreamstime

The Melting Pot of Cultures: Italy

Ah, Italy! A country where the Jewish story intertwines with ancient Roman history, creating a unique cultural flavor. From the historic Jewish Ghetto in Venice, the first of its kind, to the vibrant Jewish community in Rome, which is among the oldest in Europe, Italy offers a fascinating glimpse into how Jewish culture has melded with local traditions. The stunning synagogues, mouthwatering kosher Italian cuisine, and lively festivals, such as the Jewish Book Festival in Rome, showcase a community that, despite challenges, thrives with joy and vitality.

Montmartre, France – Photo by Alexander Spatari on GettyImages

The Spirit of Survival: France

In France, the Jewish narrative encapsulates a blend of beauty and bravery. Paris, with its iconic Marais district, is home to thriving Jewish bookstores, bakeries, and synagogues, each telling a story of survival and resilience. The haunting history of the Holocaust and the vibrant rebirth of Jewish life in France serve as reminders of the community’s unbreakable spirit. From the medieval Jewish heritage in Provence to the contemporary Jewish art scene in Paris, France offers a rich exploration of Jewish life, past and present.

Honey & Co, United Kingdom – Photo on honeyandco.com

Embracing the Future: The United Kingdom

Our journey concludes in the United Kingdom, where London’s dynamic Jewish community is looking forward with optimism. The British Jewish story, from the medieval era to the vivid cultural contributions of today, reflects a community that has always adapted and thrived. The UK’s Jewish Film Festival, Jewish museums, and kosher culinary scene are testaments to a community that, while mindful of its past, is eagerly embracing the future.

The Jewish story of Europe is a mosaic of tragedy and triumph, loss and renewal. It’s a narrative that invites us to explore, understand, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people. As we wander through the streets of Europe, let’s allow ourselves to be inspired by the resilience, enriched by the culture, and moved by the history of the Jewish communities that call this continent home. Join us on this journey of discovery, and immerse yourself in the vivacious tapestry of Jewish life in Europe.

Matti Geyer

I am Matti, a long-time private tour guide in Berlin, Germany. Among my tours is a Jewish Berlin tour, and many of my clients are Jewish (usually from either Israel or the US). While I’m not Jewish myself, I have a close connection to Berlin’s Jewish culture, as my mom works for the Jewish community. She’s the PA of the head of Berlin’s Jewish community (long story short: my parents are East Germans, hence had to learn Russian and after the Fall of the Berlin Wall the Jewish community in Berlin needed Russian translators for the many Jewish immigrants coming from former Soviet countries). I’ve studied History and English at the University of Potsdam and have been a guide since 2008.

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