Travel > Poland & Lithuania

Legacy of the Pale: Poland & Lithuania

Dates: June 30 – July 11, 2025
Prices (in US dollars): 

  • $5,995 per person (land only, based on double occupancy)
  • $700 single supplement

From the vibrant streets of Warsaw to the poignant memorials of Treblinka and Auschwitz, this trip offers moments of reflection, remembrance, and learning. We’ll engage with local Jewish communities in Krakow, Vilnius, and Warsaw, celebrating Shabbat together and experiencing firsthand the resilience and revival of Jewish traditions.

Along the way, immerse yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the region, including a Kibinai cooking workshop in the picturesque town of Trakai, and discover the unique heritage of the Karaite Jewish community. Whether you’re drawn to the history, the personal connections, or the opportunity for deeper reflection, this journey promises to be a transformative experience filled with meaning and memory.

Join us as we walk through the past and connect with the present, forging lasting bonds with both the places we visit and the people we meet.

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Highlights:

  • Polin Museum (Warsaw): Explore 1,000 years of Jewish history and culture in Poland.
  • Treblinka & Majdanek: Reflect on the Holocaust through visits to these important memorials.
  • Kazimierz (Krakow): Visit historic synagogues and the Jewish Quarter, a symbol of vibrant Jewish life and home to the biggest Jewish festival in Europe.
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: Engage in a profound visit to this site of immense historical significance.
  • Vilnius Synagogue & Jewish Quarter: Discover the rich heritage of Jewish Vilnius, including a visit to the Vilnius JCC., the Green House, and the beautiful new Jewish Museum
  • Ponar Forest Memorial: Honor the memory of those lost in the Holocaust at this poignant site.
  • Trakai: Enjoy a Kibinai cooking workshop in this charming town, celebrating Karaite Jewish culture.
  • Slovodka: The historic Jewish quarter and site of the Kaunas Ghetto during the Holocaust, rich with historical significance.
  • Kaunas Synagogue: Built in 1872 and known for its beautiful neo-baroque architecture and ornate interior.

 

For the itinerary and other details, please see the tabs below. On a mobile device, use the menu icon (☰) to open other tabs.

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  • Legacy of the Pale: Poland & Lithuania
    June 30 – July 11, 2025
    (Itinerary subject to change)

     Day 1: Monday, June 30, 2025 – Arrival and Welcome

    • Arrive at Chopin Airport. As you touch down in Warsaw, take a moment to reflect on the weight of history in this city, where centuries of Jewish life flourished, and later faced immense tragedy. This marks the beginning of a profound journey into Jewish Poland, one that will honor memory, resilience, and heritage.
    • Gather with fellow travelers for a warm welcome dinner at the hotel, where we’ll set the tone for our shared journey of reflection and discovery. Together, we’ll embark on an exploration of Jewish history and culture in Poland, connecting to both the past and the present as we begin this meaningful experience.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Mercure, Warsaw 


    Day 2: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - Warsaw’s Jewish Past and Present

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Begin the day with a brief learning session at the hotel, reflecting on the layers of Jewish life in Warsaw, both past and present.
    • Explore the Polin Museum, an institution that tells the 1,000-year history of Jews in Poland. As we walk through its exhibits, we will trace the roots of Jewish presence in this land, from flourishing communities to the destruction brought by the Holocaust.
    • Take time to reflect and discuss over lunch at your own pace.
    • Experience the vibrant renewal of Jewish life in Warsaw at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), a symbol of resilience and revival, bridging the past with a hopeful future.
    • Nozyk Synagogue. Visit the only synagogue in Warsaw that survived World War II, standing as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of Jewish faith and community.
    • Enjoy an evening of exploring Warsaw’s culinary offerings.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Mercure, Warsaw 


    Day 3: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - Remembrance and Reflection in Warsaw

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Okopowa Street Jewish Cemetery: Walk through the historic Okopowa Jewish Cemetery, a resting place for countless figures from Warsaw’s Jewish past. As you stroll among the graves, reflect on the lives and legacies of those who shaped Jewish thought, culture, and community.
    • Pause for a quiet moment to absorb the morning’s experiences.
    • Step into history as you walk through the Warsaw Ghetto, one of the most tragic and courageous chapters of Jewish resilience. As we trace its boundaries, remember those who suffered and fought in the face of unimaginable adversity.
    • Enjoy a late lunch at leisure and take time to process the day’s heavy but vital experiences.
    • Delve deeper into Jewish Warsaw with a visit to the Jewish Historical Institute, home to an incredible archive of documents, photos, and artifacts that preserve the memory of Poland’s Jewish community.
    • Dinner at leisure, relax and explore Warsaw’s evening offerings with friends.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Mercure, Warsaw 


    Day 4: Thursday, July 3, 2025 - Journey to Treblinka and Lublin

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • As we travel to Treblinka, engage in a reflective learning session that ties together historical events with personal stories, setting the tone for our visit to one of the Holocaust’s most tragic sites.
    • Arrive at the site of the Treblinka Extermination Camp, where the silence speaks volumes. Here, we honor the memory of the nearly 900,000 Jews who perished, reflecting on the magnitude of loss and the resilience of memory.
    • Lunchbox lunch.
    • Continue to Lublin, home to the renowned Yeshivat Chachmei Lublin, once a world center of Jewish learning. As you visit this historic site, reflect on the legacy of Jewish scholarship that flourished here.
    • Hotel check-in and dinner at leisure.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Focus, Lublin


    Day 5: Friday, July 4, 2025 - Majdanek and Shabbat in Krakow

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Begin the day with a visit to Grodzka, where Jewish life once thrived.
    • Experience the somber reality of Majdanek, a concentration and extermination camp just outside Lublin. Walking through the barracks and memorials, we will bear witness to the horrors faced by those imprisoned here.
    • Take a moment to reflect over lunch in Lublin’s charming Old Town.
    • Hotel check-in.
    • Welcome Shabbat in Krakow with a Kabbalat Shabbat service, connecting with local community members. As we gather for prayer and reflection, we honor tradition and resilience.
    • Share in a traditional Shabbat meal with members of the local Jewish community, forging connections through history, faith, and hospitality.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Galaxy, Krakow


    Day 6: Saturday, July 5, 2025 - Jewish Quarter of Krakow

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Walk through the streets of Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter. Visit key synagogues, including the Alt-Schul, Remu, Kupa, and Tempel Synagogues, each with their own rich stories of faith and survival.
    • Discover modern Jewish life in Krakow at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), a hub of Jewish renewal in Poland.
    • Enjoy a restful Shabbat afternoon.
    • In the peaceful setting of Krakow’s Jewish quarter, engage in a thoughtful reflection & Shabbat learning session.
    • Dinner at leisure.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Galaxy, Krakow


    Day 7: Sunday, July 6, 2025

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Begin early with a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. This solemn day will take you through the sites of one of the darkest periods in human history. Take time to reflect and honor the memories of those who suffered and perished here.
    • Lunch with the group.
    • After the visit, gather for a quiet reflection outside, processing the day’s powerful experience.
    • Dinner at leisure.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Galaxy, Krakow


    Day 8: Monday, July 7, 2025 Krakow to Vilnius

    • Breakfast and checkout at the hotel.
    • Visit the site of the Krakow Ghetto, where we’ll explore the historical impact of Nazi occupation on this Jewish community.
    • Schindler Museum. Discover the story of Oskar Schindler, whose efforts saved many Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
    • In the afternoon, fly from Krakow to Vilnius, where we continue our exploration of Jewish history.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Novotel, Vilnius


    Day 9: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – Jewish Vilnius

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Vilnius Synagogue. Visit this historic synagogue, a living testament to the once-thriving Jewish community in Vilnius.
    • Walk through the streets of the Jewish Quarter, visiting landmarks like the former Yiddish Theatre, the site of Theodor Herzl’s visit, and the house of the Vilna Gaon.
    • Meet local community members and engage in learning and discussions over lunch at the JCC.
    • End the day with a powerful visit to the Vilnius Ghetto and the Green House, home to a Holocaust exhibition that honors the lives lost.
    • Dinner at leisure.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Novotel, Vilnius


    Day 10: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 – Ponar and Kaunas

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Visit the site of mass executions in Ponar Forest, where thousands of Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.
    • Explore the historic town of Kaunas, with stops at Zhezhmer and other Jewish sites.
    • Lunch at leisure in the quaint old town of Kaunas
    • Drive through Slobodka. Learn about this historically significant Jewish area as we drive through its streets on our way back to Vilnius.
    • Dinner at leisure.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Novotel, Vilnius


    Day 11: Thursday, July 10, 2025 – Trakai & Kibinai

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Explore the charming town of Trakai, known for its medieval history and its connection to the Karaite Jewish community.
    • Participate in a hands-on cooking workshop, prepare traditional Kibinai, a Karaite dish, and enjoy your creations at lunch.
    • Celebrate the journey we’ve shared with a heartfelt farewell dinner at Trattoria da Flavio, reflecting on the meaningful experiences that have shaped our time together.

     

    Overnight: Hotel Novotel, Vilnius


    Day 12: Friday, July 11, 2025 – Farewells & Post-stay legacy trips

    • Breakfast at the hotel and checkout.
    • Private transfers to the airport for departure flight.
  • The Melton tour to Poland and Lithuania will be led by Avi Ben-Hur, who specializes in working with organizations focusing on political issues, inter-faith programs, and Holocaust studies. Melton Travel is open to adults of all ages.

    While Melton oversees the educational aspects of our tours, it's important to note that we are not a travel agency. For the logistics of this trip, our travel partners in Portugal will be responsible.

    Please note that Melton is not liable for any financial loss due to reasons beyond our control, such as health-related cancellations. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation and health-related issues, including COVID, within a few weeks of paying your nonrefundable deposit.

    Thank you for your interest in travelling with Melton. We eagerly await the opportunity to learn and explore together with you.

    The Melton Travel Team


    REGISTER ONLINE NOW >

  • Price Includes:

    • 11 nights' accommodation/10 days of touring
    • Touring via deluxe air-conditioned coach
    • 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
    • All tips (except for housekeeping)
    • All educational programming and entrance fees
    • Audioguides
    • Flight from Krakow to Vilnius
    • Porterage
    • 2 bottles of water daily on the bus
    • Tips for local service providers including guides, drivers and wait staff

    Hotels:

    Warsaw: Mercure Hotel, 28 Krucza Street, 00-522 Warsaw Tel: +48.22.583.21.00

    Lublin: Focus Hotel, Ul. Podzamcze 1, 20-126 Lublin Tel: +48.885.563.223

    Krakow: Galaxy Hotel, Gesia 22A, 31-535 Krakow Tel: +48.12.342.81.00

    Vilnius: Novotel Vilnius Centre, Novotel Vilnius Centre, Gedimino pr. 16, Vilnius Tel: +370.5.266.6200

    Note: We will do our best to assist you with extensions both before and after the tour.


    Not Included:

    • Air travel other than the flight from Krakow to Vilnius
    • Travel insurance
    • Transfer to/from the airport
    • Tips for housekeeping
    • Personal expenses
  • Need to Know

    • Group rates are per person and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants. Should the number of participants drop below the minimum listed above, we may adjust the cost of the trip to reflect the additional expense of operating the program.
    • Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of local guides, drivers, and the tour guide/educator are included.
    • A nonrefundable deposit of $750 per person is due upon registration. If the trip is cancelled, the registration fee will be refunded. Final balance will be due ~100 days prior to trip start date: March 17, 2025.
    • Participants who reserve a double room and are sharing with a friend or family member will be subject to the single supplement if that person cancels prior to departure if final payment has not been paid.  
    • There will be no refunds for unused services. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
    • Hotel Accommodations: The tour price includes all hotel accommodations, in hotel rooms with private bathrooms. Our standard is to provide the best available hotels while considering value. Although the level of the accommodation may differ slightly from hotel to hotel, we are committed to your comfort.
    • Meals are kosher style and included as indicated in the itinerary. Participants may order Glatt kosher meals at prices set by our local vendors upon request.
    • A Melton scholar & educator will be with the group throughout the tour.
    • All gratuities are included.
    • Baggage: Melton shall not be held responsible for any damage to or loss of luggage/personal items. All damage/loss must be reported at time of incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company.
    • About airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach, please check with your individual carrier with regard to permitted number of pieces, weights and dimensions. The tour operator is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind.
    • Porterage at hotels. Please note that room service is not included.

    Not Included

    • Air Travel
    • Travel Insurance
    • Transfer to/from the airport
    • Tips for housekeeping
    • Personal expenses
  • Melton Travel recommends Forbes Advisor for the most up-to-date travel insurance comparisons. Consider travel protection for:

    • Trip Cancellation
    • Trip Interruption
    • Emergency Medical Expenses
    • Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
    • Trip Delay
    • Baggage & Personal Effects
    • Baggage Delay

    Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days (about 3 weeks) from the time you make your initial trip deposit, the entire non-refundable amount of the trip must be insured, and you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. However, the travel protection plan itself can be purchased any time prior to departure.

    Additional Information

    Airline Security Measures: Your name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding. If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification are required for that airport.

    Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.

    Holidays and Museum Closures: Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.

    Photography During Tours: We will occasionally use photographs taken by fellow guests or your trip director for promotional purposes. If you prefer your photo not used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.

  • For more information, please contact us here.

    Or call: 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4