I started working as a tour guide in Prague in 1994 when I was still a student. Communism had just barely ended and foreign – especially Western – tourists were becoming a more common sight. Much has changed since then, but I still enjoy sharing my love of Prague with visitors from all over the world.
I specialize in Jewish tours due to my family heritage, but I’ve been doing this job for long enough now that I’m happy to show you any aspect of Prague you’re most interested in.
My two decades of experience have given me deep insight into the many hidden gems this city has to offer – gems less-experience guides might not be familiar with. After working for so many years with tourists, I know that your time in a foreign city is valuable and limited. My job is to ensure that you get the most out of your visit – not just rushing through the sites. I pride myself not only on being a professional but also on providing great personal attention to all of my customers. Those who come on my tours leave Prague with a feeling that they are not only my clients but my friends as well.
I have guided people from all walks of life, from politicians and movie stars to the backpacking student traveling on a budget. I offer both standard introductory tours for people who’ve never been here before and specialist packages for those interested in some specific aspect of Prague’s history or culture. I can also make tailor-made tours of any part of Prague you would like to see.
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.
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.
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’sKazimierz 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.
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.
Tel Aviv can be a difficult city to navigate, but you’ll hit some of the most dynamic cultural and gastronomical sights during this full-day private tour. Travel comfortably by climate-controlled private vehicle, getting an insider’s introduction to the city’s bustling southern hotspots: the sprawling flea markets and winding alleyways of Old Jaffa, the trendy cafe district of Neve Tzedek, and the packed food stalls of Carmel Market, among other attractions.
A day trip to Caesarea and the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa. Explore the 2000-year-old Roman city with its well-preserved ruins. Witness the coastal charm of Caesarea. Experience spiritual enrichment in the serene Baha’i Gardens in Haifa. Small group size allows for a personalized and flexible itinerary. Immerse yourself in history and tranquility on this captivating journey. Book now for an unforgettable adventure through Israel’s treasures
Join me on a tour of ancient Acre, the city ruled by Muhammad al-Jazar, and Napoleon who tried to conquer Acre from the hands of al-Gazar could not break through the city walls and ran away with his soldiers. 600 years earlier, knights who took part in the Crusades walked the alleys of the old city on their way to save the holy sites for Christianity from the Muslims who conquered the entire area. Rosh HaNikra Grottoes – Were created by the sea and the waves in a process that took thousands of years in which the forces of nature removed layer after layer and created amazingly beautiful caves which with the sunlight and the sound of the waves created a spectacular sight.
Experience Authentic Jerusalem at Theatron Hotel & Spa
In a city that has witnessed millennia of history, Theatron Jerusalem Hotel & Spa offers travelers a luxurious sanctuary that blends the rich past of Jerusalem with the comfort of modern amenities. This exquisite establishment is not just a place to stay; it’s an immersive experience that echoes the unique tapestry of cultural narratives found only in this part of the world. The hotel’s prime location gives guests immediate access to the storied alleyways of ancient neighborhoods, while providing a sweeping view of the breathtaking Jerusalem cityscape. Every stone and surface of Theatron Jerusalem tells a story, and as a guest, you become a part of this continuing narrative.
What truly sets Theatron Jerusalem apart is its thoughtful integration of Jerusalem’s heritage into every aspect of its architecture and design. From arches that remind one of bygone eras to contemporary furnishings that represent the city’s ongoing evolution, the hotel marries the old with the new in effortless elegance. Guests can unwind in their luxurious rooms that are sanctuaries of peace and comfort, pamper themselves in the full-service spa that pays homage to ancient bathing rituals, or treat their taste buds with the flavors of local and international cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant. Enrich your stay further by indulging in the scheduled cultural events that celebrate the diverse heritage of Jerusalem—offering insights, entertainment, and inspiration. The Theatron Jerusalem Hotel & Spa is not just a gateway to explore Jewish history and culture; it’s your home-away-from-home in the eternal city of Jerusalem.
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🏰✨ Travel through time and faith without leaving home! Join on a virtual journey through Jerusalem’s Old City, a place where history and spirituality meet.
🏰✨ Travel through time and faith without leaving home! Join on a virtual journey through Jerusalem’s Old City, a place where history and spirituality meet.
