Travel > Greek Islands

Islands of Memory: An Aegean Jewish Odyssey to Greece

Dates: TBA
Prices (in US dollars): TBA

From ancient Romaniote communities to the enduring legacy of Sephardic traditions, immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, medieval towns, and island life while discovering the resilience, artistry, and traditions of Greek Jewry. From the storied Jewish Quarter of Rhodes to the ancient synagogue ruins on Delos, and the Venetian charm of Chania, this journey uncovers the rich cultural and spiritual tapestry of Greece’s Jewish past. Walk through centuries-old synagogues, visit sites of Jewish perseverance, and experience local Jewish life in Athens, all while enjoying Greece’s stunning landscapes and legendary hospitality. This once-in-a-lifetime exploration blends Jewish heritage, archaeological wonders, and island beauty, offering a meaningful and immersive experience that connects history with the present.

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Highlights:

  • Jewish Heritage Across the Greek Islands – Explore the unique histories of Rhodes, Aegina, Paros, Delos, and Crete, where Jewish communities thrived from ancient times through the Sephardic migrations.
  • Ancient and Medieval Synagogues – Visit the Kahal Shalom Synagogue in Rhodes, the Romaniote Etz Haim Synagogue in Chania, and the ancient synagogue ruins on Delos, the oldest known in the Diaspora.
  • Athens: Jewish and Classical Landmarks – Discover Ioanniotiki and Beth Shalom Synagogues, the Jewish Museum of Greece, and the Holocaust Memorial, alongside the world-famous Acropolis and Parthenon.
  • Medieval and Ottoman-Era Jewish Quarters – Walk through the preserved Jewish quarters of Rhodes, Chania, and Athens' historic Plaka district, tracing Jewish life from Byzantine times to the present.
  • Shabbat in Athens – Experience Shabbat services with the Jewish community of Athens
  • Cultural and Archaeological Wonders – Visit iconic sites including the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes, the archaeological site of Knossos in Crete, and the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue in Aegina.
  • Breathtaking Scenery and Island Exploration – Travel by ferry across the Aegean, exploring Greece’s whitewashed villages, olive groves, and historic port towns.
  • Local Connections and Authentic Experiences – Meet members of Greece’s Jewish communities, engage in meaningful discussions, and experience the flavors, traditions, and history of Jewish Greece.


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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  • Islands of Memory: An Aegean Jewish Odyssey to Greece
    (Sample itinerary subject to change)

    Day 1 | Monday – Arrival in Rhodes

    Welcome to Rhodes! 

    • Settle into this enchanting island, once home to a thriving Sephardic community.
    • Late Afternoon Orientation: Meet your fellow travelers and introduce yourself to the journey ahead/
    • Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying the island’s Mediterranean flavors.


    Overnight:     Mediterranean Hotel, Rhodes

    Day 2 | Tuesday – Discovering Jewish Rhodes

    Insight Session: The Jews of Ancient Greece

    • Visit Kahal Shalom Synagogue, the oldest functioning synagogue in Greece.
    • Explore the Jewish Museum of Rhodes and the Jewish Cemetery, one of the largest in Europe.
    • Afternoon walking tour through the Jewish Quarter in Hora, uncovering the remnants of a once-vibrant community.


    Overnight: Mediterranean Hotel, Rhodes

    Day 3 | Wednesday – The Byzantine & Medieval Legacy

    Insight Session: The Jews of the Byzantine Empire

    • Wander through medieval Rhodes, marveling at its Byzantine, Turkish, and Latin architecture.
    • Visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in a 15th-century hospital.
    • Explore the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a 14th-century fortress.
    • Board the overnight ferry (16:00-09:40) to Piraeus
    • Evening Lecture: The Romaniote versus the Sephardim – Two Distinct Legacies

    Overnight: Ferry

    Day 4 | Thursday – Aegina & Athens: From Ancient to Modern

    Arrival in Piraeus & Transfer to Aegina (Saronic Islands)

    • Visit the ancient synagogue mosaic floor at the Archaeological Museum.
    • Tour Aegina, an island of natural beauty and ancient history.
    • Return ferry to Piraeus & transfer to Athens
    • Explore the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic symbol of Greece.

    Overnight: Athens Capital Hotel, Athens

    Day 5 | Friday – Jewish Heritage in Athens

    Insight Session: The Greek Islands in the Twentieth Century

    • Visit the Jewish Museum of Greece, home to artifacts of Romaniote and Sephardic life.
    • Tour two historic synagogues:
      • Ioanniotiki Synagogue (Romaniote tradition)
      • Beth Shalom Synagogue (Sephardi tradition)
    • Visit the Holocaust Memorial, honoring Greek Jews lost in the Shoah.
    • Shabbat services followed by a local kosher-style dinner.

    Overnight: Athens Capital Hotel, Athens

    Day 6 | Saturday – Shabbat in Athens

    • Shabbat services optional.
    • Afternoon walking tour of Plaka, the ancient heart of ancient Athens
    • Afternoon reflection

    Overnight: Athens Capital Hotel, Athens

    Day 7 | Sunday – The Islands of Paros & Delos

    Morning ferry to Paros (07:30-11:40)

    • Transfer to the hotel and settle into the island’s serene landscape.
    • Tour Paros, known for its vineyards, fruit trees, and olive groves.

    Overnight: Kouros Blanc Resort, Paros

    Day 8 | Monday – Delos: The Oldest Known Synagogue in Europe

    • Boat journey to Delos, a UNESCO site and home to the oldest known synagogue in the diaspora (150-128 BCE).
    • Return by boat to Paros

    Overnight: Kouros Blanc Resort, Paros

    Day 9 | Tuesday – Tradition & Art in Jewish Greece

    • Insight Session: From Eretz Israel, Spain, and Italy, to Greece
    • Afternoon ferry to Crete (14:10-18:10)

    Overnight: GDM Megaron Hotel, Heraklion

    Day 10 | Wednesday – Crete: Ancient Civilizations & Jewish Life

    • Visit Knossos, the legendary Minoan palace linked to the myth of the Minotaur.
    • Travel to Chania, one of Greece’s most beautiful towns with its Venetian and Turkish influences.
    • Tour the historic Jewish Quarter and visit Etz Haim Synagogue (17th century), restored after WWII.
    • Farewell Dinner in Chania, celebrating our journey and shared experiences.


    Overnight: The Chania Hotel, Chania

    Day 11 | Thursday – Departure

    Transfer to the airport for departures home or onward travel.

  • The Melton tour to Greece will be led by Avi Ben-Hur, tour educator with Melton Travel. 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 Israel 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, 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

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  • Price includes:

    • 10 nights' accommodation/9 days of touring
    • Touring via deluxe air-conditioned coach
    • 10 breakfasts, and 3 dinners
    • All tips (except for housekeeping)
    • All educational programming and entrance fees
    • Ferry tickets
    • Audioguides
    • Porterage
    • 2 bottles of water daily on the bus
    • Tips for local service providers including guides, drivers and wait staff

    Hotels:

    Rhodes: Mediterranean Hotel, 35-37 Ko Street, Rodos 851 00, Greece. Tel: +30.2241.097000

    Athens: Athens Capital Hotel, Syntagma Square, 4 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue and Kriezotou 2, Athina 105 64, Greece. Tel: +30.21.444.2000

    Paros: Kouros Blanc Paros, Sotires Settlement 844 00, Paros, Greece. Tel: +30.2284.092324 or +30.2284.092325

    Heraklion: GDM Megaron Hotel, Doukos Mpofor 9, Iraklio 712 02, Greece. Tel:
    +30.281.030.5300

    Chania: The Chania Hotel, 1866 Square 16, Chania 731 35, Greece. Tel: +30.2821.090002

     

    Not Included:

    • Air Travel
    • Travel Insurance
    • Transfer to/from the airport
    • Tips for housekeeping
    • Personal expenses

     

  • A non-refundable deposit of US$2,250 is due upon registration. If the trip is cancelled, the registration fee will be refunded. 

    The final balance will be due by April 15, 2025. All cancellations must be submitted in writing. After April 15, 2025, there will be no refunds, nor will there be refunds for unused services. Please purchase travel insurance within 21 days of making this deposit.

    Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. Group rates are per person and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants.

    A Melton educator will be with the group throughout the tour.

    Activity level: Participants should be comfortable getting on and off a bus multiple times a day, as well as walking and standing during site visits. Some days may be more physically demanding than others. If a day’s activities are too challenging, our staff and educators will do their best to arrange for the traveler to stay with the driver, relax at a nearby café, or arrange for a taxi, with costs covered individually. 

    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 the time of the incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company. Regarding airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach, please check with your individual carrier about permitted number of pieces, weights, and dimensions. Melton is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind.

  • 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 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 particular 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