Havana Jewish Heritage Private Tour

Highlights

  • This tour takes you through the history of Jewish immigration and presence in Cuba.
  • You will also see Havana’s treasures up close while enjoying personalized local service in a fully customizable private tour for you and your group in one of our classic vintage cars.

Duration

  • Up to 6 Hours

Customize Your Tour:

  • Feel free to create your one-of-a-kind tour with ease. Mention your points of interest to our knowledgeable guide or simply ask them for advice on places to visit and they will ensure the tour is as enjoyable as possible.

What’s included

  • Local Classic Car and Driver
  • Local Private Tour Guide
  • Free Pick Up and Drop Off

Recommended Itinerary:

(A monetary contribution will be required at some sites to support the Jewish community)

  • Pick up at the cruise terminal or accommodation.
  • The Hebrew Sephardi Center
  • The Exhibition of the Holocaust (the Sephardi Center in Havana)
  • Beth Shalom Synagogue
  • The Jewish cemetery in Guanabacoa. (OPTIONAL)
  • Admire the unique decor of Hotel Raquel while having a cocktail.
  • Acosta Street
  • Muralla Street
  • Typical Cuban lunch at a local “Paladar”

Optional if time permits

  • Visit Old Havana district (San Francisco de Asís square – La Cathedral square – Old Square – Arms square – Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales – Morro Fortress).

OR

  • Visit Modern Havana district ( Malecón Boulevard – Capitol – Central Park – Bar-restaurants- Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio – University of Havana – Revolution Square – Cigars Factory – Rum Museum – Colon’s Cemetery)
  • Return to cruise terminal or accommodation.

Hollmann Beletage

Robert Hollmann founded this boutique hotel in October of 2003 and it has slowly
expanded over the years. He studied in hotel school and after graduating,
worked as a patissier and chef in Vienna, New York, and Honolulu. He
went on to study acting and after playing leading roles on stage in Berlin,
Vienna, and Regensburg, he decided to open a space where he could direct his
own shows.

When the hotel first opened, nine rooms were designed and
built around a spacious living room, kitchen, and dining room shared space.
Three years later, seven charming, Viennese-styled rooms were added, in
addition to a sauna, salon, and new reception area. In 2008, nine more rooms, a
hotel cinema, a garden, and a playroom were added, which completed the
magnificent hotel.

Hollmann Beletage is located in the city center of Vienna,
located just 2 minutes from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. There is plenty to explore
right outside the hotel and is just a short ride away from the city’s top sites
and attractions. When you come home from a long day of exploring, you will find
several spots around the hotel to relax; you can choose from the cinema, spa,
garden, or cafe. The small touches, such as daily fruit baskets, free iPads
(upon request for the duration of your stay), and authentic hotel staff will
make your stay unlike any other.

Abel Hernández Eskenazi

I am an active member of the Jewish community since I was a child. I am part of several of the community projects such as the Albert Einstein Sunday School, the youth organization, and religious services. I have a degree in Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering and I am an enthusiastic student of Jewish history in Cuba also.  I am part of the development of the app “Jews in Cuban History” about the impact of the Jewish minority in the different Cuban historical periods.

I am proud to offer tour guide services focused on showcasing Havana’s rich Jewish heritage and current affairs from the perspective of the members of this community themselves.

Free Budapest Jewish Quarter Tour

This 2-hour tour is about the past and the present of the Budapest Jewish District. We take you to the main sights and hidden symbols of the Jewish District. You will learn the deep and sensitive history based on touching (personal) stories. Since the Jewish District is now the epicenter of Budapest nightlife and gastronomy your guide will also tell you funky stories on street art, ruin bars, and street food.
Further reasons to do this tour:
You will get a mix of fascinating history lessons and the local urban art scene
You will fall in love with this quirky, cosmopolitan neighborhood of Budapest
You will understand the presence of Jewish people’s life
We have stories that can’t be found in any guidebooks.

Portugal Jewish Tour- 7 Days

Embark on a captivating 7-day private tour of Porto, Lisbon, and Belmonte, led by licensed guides. Explore historical Jewish quarters, synagogues, and the Jewish Museum. Gain insights into the Portuguese Inquisition and remnants of Jewish life. Delve into the sobering history, understanding its impact and the resilience of Jewish communities. Continue to Sintra for a unique cultural experience. Learn about forced conversions, escape stories, and the B’nai Anousim (Children of Oppression). Enjoy deluxe hotels for added comfort during your exploration of Portugal’s rich Jewish heritage.

Image Attribution:
All from: <https://blog.nli.org.il/en/portugal_inquisition/, https://k-larevue.com/en/the-law-of-naturalization-of-portuguese-jews-expelled-during-the-inquisition-interview-with-jose-ribeiro-e-castro/ , https://mjhnyc.org/events/virtual-walking-tour-jewish-porto/>

Hostages Square (#BringThemHomeNow)

Explore the public plaza-turned-headquarters for the #BringThemHomeNow movement, born in the aftermath of Black Saturday. While walking around you will come across various art installations and banners, depicting messages on behalf of the Israeli hostages and their families. Spend your time going from one visual art piece to another, to really take in the thought behind each one. Witness the chilling impact of the eerie empty dinner table at Hostages Square in person, with each vacant seat serving as a poignant representation of a missing hostage. Afterwards, step into an immersive mock Hamas tunnel, walking through a dimly lit, claustrophobic passage while coming face to face with hostages’ names, family messages, and day count markings since October 7th. Throughout the week there are protests, community gatherings, news reporting, interviews, fundraisers, concerts, and speeches given at the square. A public initiative, Hostages Square stands as a testament to the strength and solidarity of the people of Israel and should not be missed.

Image Attribution:
All from: <https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/>

Nova Festival Massacre Site

The Nova Festival Massacre Site stands as a solemn tribute to the lives tragically taken during the Nova Festival massacre on October 7, 2023. Located in the Re’im parking lot near Kibbutz Re’im, this poignant monument serves as a powerful reminder of the events that unfolded on that fateful morning. Under the cover of a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip, Hamas operatives launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to a devastating massacre at the festival. Today, this memorial site immortalizes the victims’ memories through heartfelt tributes and artistic expressions, offering a space for reflection and remembrance.

A Place of Reflection and Symbolism

Visitors to the Nova Festival Massacre Site are greeted by photographs of the victims, set against the backdrop of the very site where the tragedy occurred. Established by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and the victims’ families, the memorial includes trees planted in memory of those lost and posts displaying the victims’ images, alongside Israeli flags. Red anemone sculptures, crafted by artists from across the country, symbolize the vibrant lives cut short and the natural beauty of the nearby Re’im forest. A sign bearing the message “Bring Them Home Now” and 40 colorful butterfly paintings represent the kidnapped festival attendees, adding layers of meaning to this deeply moving site. Thousands of visitors, including school groups, security personnel, and international delegations, continue to visit the memorial to pay their respects and honor the victims.

Image attribution:
All From: <https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-783094>

Visiting Sderot, Nova Festival and the Gaza Envelope

Explore the profound landscapes of the Gaza Envelope on a private, guided tour and delve into the region’s history, geography, and politics. Visit the Sderot lookout and Nova Festival site, witnessing the aftermath of the Hamas attack. See the physical scars in the area while driving through, and hear echoes of distant shelling. Conclude with inspiring stories, such as the Shuva Brothers’ uplifting efforts. Led by licensed and insured guides, the tour offers a unique perspective into the Gaza Envelope post Black Saturday.

Image attribution:
All From: <https://israelwinetour.co.il/visiting-sderot-nova-festival-and-the-gaza-envelope/>

The Spanish Inquisition Tour in Seville

Discover the haunting history of the Spanish Inquisition on their immersive tour in Seville. Uncover the origins of this infamous institution and explore the remains of the former Muslim fortress and Castle of the Inquisition. Step back in time to when mere suspicion of being a Jew or holding different religious beliefs could lead to imprisonment and death. Learn about the inquisitors, the victims, and the gripping stories behind their lives and offenses. Don’t miss this captivating experience that delves into the moral, religious, and political history, taking them beyond the realms of the notorious Black Legend.

Images attribution:
All from: <https://www.toursbylocals.com/SaintInquisitionTourSevilla>

🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India. 

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio

🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India.

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio
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Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿

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