from € 2500
/person
11 days
Jewish Heritage tour to the Baltic States
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage as you embark on a pilgrimage through the Baltic States.
Jewish Heritage Tour of Poland
Tour of Poland
- Guided tour
- 9 days
- 10-24 People
- Land transportation
- 5 & 4 star hotels
- 4100 per person
Echoes of the Past: A Captivating Tour of Poland
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Poland, where history, heritage, hope, and culture intertwine. This Jewish Heritage Tour offers a deep dive into centuries of resilience, tragedy, and triumph, exploring iconic landmarks, poignant memorials, and vibrant cities. From the historic streets of Warsaw to the solemn grounds of Auschwitz, each day is crafted to deliver a meaningful and enriching experience.
Ira Wesley Kitmacher is a historian and published author of books on European (Monsters and Miracles: Horror, Heroes and the Holocaust) and American (Spirits Along the Columbia River, Haunted Graveyard of the Pacific, and two upcoming books to be published fall 2024) history and folklore, as well as a book (Solomon’s Steps) on Biblical approaches to resolving conflict. His books have appeared on Amazon’s best seller lists and are available through most book sellers. Ira has appeared in television news programs, filmed documentaries, magazines, radio programs, podcasts, newspapers, museum events, and conferences. He is a professor, teaching graduate-level courses at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Portland State University in Oregon, as well as undergraduate courses at other colleges.
Ira is an experienced and acclaimed speaker and guide, serving as an onboard historian on cruise ships and conducting tours based on his books. He is a retired senior U.S. government executive, a licensed Attorney, a certified and experienced conflict resolution practitioner, is currently working as a consultant, legal expert witness, a Historic Commission Commissioner, and is a member of The History Writers Association. Ira holds Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Science, and Bachelor of Arts degrees. He is a graduate of Harvard University and other senior executive leadership programs.
Tour Reviews (TripAdvisor), Ira Wesley Kitmacher, U.S. Pacific Northwest, September 2023-February 2024
- “Great Tour—Absolutely lovely. Ira is very knowledgeable…We will definitely be going on other…tours.”
- “I learned so much and the guide was very knowledgeable! Can’t wait to go on another!”
- “Awesome—Absolutely loved the tour! You could tell the tour guide, Ira Wesley Kitmacher, was very passionate…would recommend!
- “Would go again! And again! We had a blast…Ira was very clearly passionate and extremely knowledgeable…I can’t wait to bring my parents and friends, they’ll love it!”
- “Excellent Tour from a Passionate Expert…it exceeded by expectations. Ira is extremely knowledgeable…and his enthusiasm for the subject matter makes the tour engaging…Ira is a talented storyteller and makes the history come alive…he provides interesting historical facts…I highly recommend taking this tour…Ira offers a 5-star tour experience that I won’t soon forget. An absolute must-do…”
This unique, privately guided Jewish Heritage and WWII history tour of Poland is inspired by Ira Wesley Kitmacher’s book Monsters and Miracles: Horror, Heroes, and the Holocaust (2022). Co-designed and co-led by Ira, the tour explores the Holocaust as both a story of horror and heroism, where good ultimately triumphed over evil.
The Holocaust was deeply rooted in European folklore, anti-Semitism, and supernatural beliefs. German folklore emphasized militaristic superiority and fear of outsiders, while Polish folklore reflected a history of being a European crossroads ravaged by armies. Jewish folklore often featured monsters, angels, and supernatural figures, shaped by centuries of scapegoating and persecution.
Ira’s father, a Holocaust survivor, endured the Warsaw Ghetto, five concentration camps, and post-war displacement in Germany. His mother served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. The Nazis viewed themselves as werewolves defending their homeland from vampiric invaders, while the Allies saw them as monstrous aggressors.
Amidst the horror, there were also stories of bravery, miracles, and resilience. Jewish folklore speaks of legendary super weapons like the Ark of the Covenant and the golem. American Jewish cartoonists created superheroes such as Captain America and Superman, inspiring the fight against Nazi tyranny.
This tour offers a powerful exploration of history, folklore, and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable darkness.
Tour highlights
In Poland we will visit
Warsaw, Lublin, Kielce, Krakow, Wroclaw, and others.
Poland's main visiting places
Nozyk Synagogue of Warsaw, Polin Museum, Warsaw Jewish Cemetery, Lublin Castle, Yeshiva of Chachmei Lublin, Majdanek, Museum Wsie Radomsky, Wawel Castle, Oskar Schindler Museum, Wieliczka, Auschwitz, and others.
Trip Itinerary
[Breakfast, Dinner]
Begin your unforgettable Jewish Heritage Tour of Poland in Warsaw with a warm airport welcome and hotel transfer. Explore the Royal Route in the meticulously restored Old Town, featuring landmarks such as the Statue of Sigismund Vasa III, the Royal Castle, and the Warsaw Uprising Memorial.
Engage in an introductory conversation about Jewish, Polish, and German history, folklore, and beliefs, covering fascinating topics like monsters and miracles.
Welcome Dinner.
Immerse yourself in Jewish Warsaw’s history, starting at Grzybowski Square and Prozna Street. Visit the Nozyk Synagogue, Jewish Cemetery on Okopowa Street, and the Umschlagplatz Memorial. Follow the Memorial Route of Jewish Martyrdom and Struggle, ending at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes.
Explore the POLIN Museum, showcasing a millennium of Jewish history in Poland.
Meeting with a Representative from “Forum for Dialogue” in Warsaw
Engage in a thought-provoking discussion with a representative from Forum for Dialogue, Poland’s leading organization dedicated to fostering Polish-Jewish dialogue and preserving the memory of Jewish heritage. This meeting offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish communities in Poland, as well as contemporary efforts to promote mutual understanding and reconciliation.
Travel to Lublin with a stop at Zofiowka Psychiatric Hospital in Otwock, a site intertwined with supernatural folklore and Holocaust history.
Discover Lublin Castle, Grodzka Gate, and the historic Yeshivat Chachmei Lublin.
Reflect at the Majdanek Concentration Camp Memorial.
Journey through Kazimierz Dolny, enjoying its charm along the Wisla River.
Visit Muzeum Wsi Radomskiej in Radom for insights into pre-WWII Jewish and Polish rural life.
Learn about wartime superheroes like Captain America and Wonder Woman as cultural symbols.
Pay respects at the Kielce Jewish Cemetery Memorial.
Late afternoon arrival to Krakow.
Explore Krakow’s historic heart from Rynek Glowny [Market Square] to the Royal Castle at Wawel Hill.
Visit Kazimierz Jewish District, including the Rema Synagogue and Oscar Schindler’s Factory Museum.
Dive into local folklore at the Rynek Underground Museum.
Visit to the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Krakow
Experience the vibrant revival of Jewish life in Poland with a visit to the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Krakow. Located in the historic Kazimierz district, the JCC serves as a dynamic cultural and social hub, fostering Jewish heritage, education, and community life.
Dinner in one of the restaurants in Kazimierz [Jewish quarter of Krakow].
Descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine; will see the underground chapel, lake, the statues of famous Poles, the souvenir shop, and many other things. And all this is carved from salt!
After several days of quite intense traveling, we suggest an easier day and a free afternoon in Krakow, which will help clear the mind before the following days’ emotional experiences.
Experience the solemn Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp Memorial. Walk through the barracks towards the crematorium. Continue to the Birkenau extermination camp to honor more than a million Jews and others killed there.
Continue to Wroclaw, once known as Breslau, and stroll through its picturesque Medieval Old Town.
Walk through Wroclaw’s Market Square and visit the White Stork Synagogue.
Explore the Jewish Culture Museum and the UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall.
Afternoon drive to Warsaw with a short stop in Lodz to visit the central part of the city and to discover the story of one of the richest Jews in Poland.
Farewell dinner & the final talks.
Tour Dates & Pricing
9 days /8 overnights2025-09-12 - 2025-09-20
€4100/person
- Ira Wesley Kitmacher as the tour inspirer and scholar
- Accommodation in 5* star hotels
- 8 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners
- First class tavel coach
- Local guides for the whole tour
- Entrance fees to museums and visiting places
Hotel list:
- Warsaw – Intercontinental [2 overnighs]
- Lublin – IBB Grand Lublin [1 overnight]
- Krakow – Sheraton Grand Krakow [3 overnighs]
- Wroclaw – Radisson Blu Wroclaw [1 overnight]
- Warsaw – Intercontinental [1 overnigh]
PAYMENT DETAILS: The cost of the tour is €4100 per person in a shared room (DBL or TWIN). Accommodation at the single room is for a supplement rate of €650.
This excludes airfare to, and from Europe.
A refundable deposit of 10% is required when booking the tour.
Full payment is due no later than July 29th, 2025, the payment links will be sent accordingly.
CANCELLATION FEES & POLICY:
A minimum number of 12 participants is required to operate tour dates. If a minimum number has not been reached before July 1st and the tour is canceled, you will receive a FULL deposit refund.
If a client cancels at any time outside the referenced date, a €150 administrative fee per person will be charged.
Within 60-30 days before departure date: Cancellation fee is the size of the deposit – 10%.
Within 30 days before departure date: Cancellation fee 100% of Invoice: No Refund.
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