Rich Jewish Heritage of Italy Tour

Your day will begin with a tour of Rome's Jewish Ghetto. In season, the scent of cherry tarts drifts out of the kosher bakery. Your guide will unravel the tangled history of the Jewish community and Rome that dates back two millennia. The brass cobblestones near the gates of the ghetto represent those who were taken and lost during World War II. At the Vatican, you will explore the exceptional collection of art and artifacts that encompass more than 70,000 exhibits. Inside the Rafael Room, you will find the impeccable images of philosophers, such as Plato and Pythagoras.

Venice is a city of winding canals and elegant Renaissance palaces. Your private transfer will meet you at the hotel and escort you to the train station to catch a high-speed train. After the scenic ride, you can enjoy the views and quiet ambiance of your accommodation in the city on the lagoon. Your tour of the Jewish Ghetto will lead you past where the original gates stood in the 16th century. Five synagogues overlook the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Ghetto, and the square of the New Ghetto remains the center of life among the typical Venetian homes.

The morning air will fill with the scent of espresso as it emanates from the local cafes. The day will be yours to bask in the endless charm of the city. St. Mark's Basilica towers over the edge of the eponymous piazza with bulbous domes that reach 141 feet. The porticos glint with golden mosaics and date back to the 16th century. The scenes depict episodes from the Bible, from Creation to Moses. The interior brims with color, and its more than 45,638 square feet of gilded Byzantine mosaics cover the interior domes.

Florence is known as the "Cradle of the Renaissance" and has preserved its illustrious reputation in the art and architecture that decorate the banks of the Arno River. Your high-speed train will arrive at the station, where your private transfer will greet you. Your discovery of Florence will begin with your Jewish Heritage tour through what life in the Jewish community was like when Botticelli painted La Primavera or when Galileo shaped theories on the universe. Your guide will uncover the signs of the ghetto near Piazza della Repubblica, which is an example of what little remains after its destruction in the late 19th century.

Your guide will take you through the marvels of Chianti, which is full of rolling hills, towering cypress trees, and sweeping vineyards. You will visit a kosher winery that exports up to 45,000 bottles a year. The distinctive red wines of the region will have a sharper focus due to the specific restrictions of kashruth. As you sample the variety of wines produced in the vineyards, you can find hints of cherry and violet, which drive upwards from the glass. In Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood, your guide will introduce you to the preserved heritage of local artisans.

The charming city of Siena possesses remarkable Renaissance art and the prestige of preserved medieval walls. Your guide will highlight the picturesque Tuscan hills and artistic inspiration that once rivaled the core of Florence. The remarkable Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta casts a dramatic posture of Gothic features that are accentuated by the multi-colored facade. The interior contains faint traces of frankincense, and you will discover the intricate sculptures that were crafted by the likes of Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Fifty-six mosaic floor panels add to the cathedral's luster and depict a mixture of historical and biblical scenes.

Your final morning in Itlay will fill with the familiar aromas of espresso and buttery cornetti pastries. If you have time, you can enjoy a walk along the cobblestone streets of Rome at your own pace. Your private transfer will meet you in the hotel lobby after breakfast and escort you to Fiumicino Airport with plenty of time to connect with your flight home.