The beginning of Sephardi presence in the city dates back to 1565, most Jews arriving via Salonica. Over the next decade they established their cortijo or mahalla judia (Jewish quarter) and built a synagogue, Il Kal Vjezu (the Old Synagogue). This fascinating pre-modern architectural masterpiece today serves as an active temple and also houses Sarajevo’s splendid Jewish museum. We will also visit the ornate Ashkenazi Synagogue (1902), which serves as the main shul of the Jewish community; the Grand Sephardi Synagogue (Kal Grande); the Old Sephardic cemetery, established in 1630 and used by the Serbian military as a strategic firing position during the civil war; and the National Museum, home of the Sarajevo Haggadah. Not to be missed are also the vibrant Oriental Old Bazaar, the Gazi Hursev-beg Mosque (1531), the Latin Bridge (Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated nearby), and the array of lovely Austro-Hungarian buildings along the main promenade, named after Woodrow Wilson. Overnight in Sarajevo. Hotel President 4*. [10 miles]

• Breakfast
• Hotel President
• 10 miles

As we leave Sarajevo, our scenic drive takes us through mountainous canyons and pristine ravines. We’ll pass through Jablanica, a region famous for its spit-roasted lamb. Mostar was home to a sizable Jewish community, and the former synagogue today serves as the city’s puppet theater. Located on both sides of the turquoise Neretva river, the East and West parts of the historic Old Town are connected by Mostar’s most celebrated (and photographed) structure – the Old Bridge (Stari Most). Originally built in the 16th century, the bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the civil war and was impeccably rebuilt ten year later. We continue to Stolac to the grave of Moshe Danon, the noted 19th-century Grand Rabbi of Sarajevo. Bosnia’s Jewish community has renewed the pre-WWII tradition of a yearly pilgrimage to the site. Nearby lies the Radimlja medieval necropolis, whose ornate tombstones (or Stećci) are a unique regional phenomenon. We bid farewell to Bosnia and cross into gorgeous Croatia, arriving in Dubrovnik – the nation’s crowning coastal gem. Overnight in Dubrovnik. Hotel More 5*. [160 miles]

• Breakfast
• Hotel More
• 160 miles

Until the Napoleonic conquest of 1808, for over four centuries Dubrovnik was coterminous with the autonomous maritime Republic of Ragusa, reaching its commercial zenith during the 15th and 16th centuries. Sephardi Jews settled here – and across Dalmatia – in large numbers after the Expulsion. They mostly traded in silk, leather, spices, wool, and textiles. In 1556, Dubrovnik also welcomed a significant number of Jews expelled from Ancona by Pope Paul IV. Dubrovnik’s 1532 synagogue is particularly enchanting. After Prague, it is the second-oldest active synagogue in Europe. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the most prominent Jewish family was that of the illustrious rabbi Aaron ben David ha-Koen (from Florence). We’ll walk along Dubrovnik’s Stradun thoroughfare, the town’s enchanting alleyways, and the romantic port. During your free time you can walk along the city walls, take a short boat ride to nearby Lokrum islet, or enjoy the charm of the old town. Overnight in Dubrovnik. Hotel More 5*. [10 miles]

• Breakfast
• Hotel More
• 10 miles

Our drive today takes us on the famed Jadranska seaside road, along Dalmatia’s breathtaking southern Adriatic coast. We’ll pass by medieval Ston, whose defense walls are sometimes likened to the Great Wall of China. The scenic region we’ll be traversing is home to sunny vineyards, Franciscan monasteries, craggy cliffs, and oyster farms. From the northern coast of the picturesque Pelješac peninsula, we will cross the famed newly built Pelješac Bridge (thus avoiding the Neum border crossing with Bosnia & Herzegovina) Our final destination today is Split, Dalmatia’s undisputed hub. After we check into our hotel, you will have some free time in the afternoon to start exploring what bustling Split has to offer. The Ivan Meštrović Gallery, for example, is dedicated to the work of Croatia’s internationally renowned sculptor. In the evening we’ll attend Kabbalat Shabbat services at the Split Synagogue. Overnight in Split. Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel 4*. [130 miles]

• Breakfast
• Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel
• 130 miles

Romaniote Jews lived in nearby Salona (no connection to Salonica) in the 3rd century. In the middle of the 7th century they moved to the court of Diocletian, soon to become the town of Split. During the Middle Ages the Jewish merchants of Split and Ragusa (Dubrovnik) served as trade brokers between Dalmatia, Italy, and regions along the Danube. In the 16th century there were two distinct Sephardi communities in Split: the Eastern/Levantine from Ottoman lands and the Western – or Ponentine – Sephardim from Italy. One of the most prominent Ashkenazi families were the Morpurgos of Maribor. The historic Morpurgo bookstore still stands in the heart of the old town (though currently closed). Our walking tour includes Diocletian’s Palace, where menorah engravings are clearly visible on the walls; the spectacular synagogue dating back to the early 1500s; and the historic Jewish neighborhood, converted into a ghetto from the mid-1700s until Napoleon’s arrival in 1806. We will also stop by the fish market, walk up to the enchanting Jewish cemetery, and enjoy a panoramic vista of the city and its port. Overnight in Split. Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel 4*.

• Breakfast
• Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel

We start the morning with an exciting catamaran boat ride to the idyllic Island of Hvar. In the 4th century BC, the Greeks founded here the Pharos colony. One of the most beautiful islands in Croatia, and by some accounts in the world, it is one of Europe’s famed lavender capitals. Take in the breathtaking views of the Adriatic from one of the island’s fortified peaks. We’ll enjoy the island’s natural beauty and walk through the preserved historic Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Hvar is also noted for its local olive oils and specialty wines made from indigenous grape varietals, so be prepared for a memorable wine-tasting and olive-oilsampling experience. We will also have a rustic lunch with regional dishes at an organic farm. After some free time in the afternoon, return by catamaran to Split in the early evening.
Overnight in Split. Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel 4*.

• Breakfast
• Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel

Our drive this morning takes us through central Croatia, or Croatia proper, where you can take in the natural beauty of the country’s inland geography, dotted by mountain chains and castles perched on hilltops. The Plitvice Lakes are the most spectacular natural formation in the region – and arguably in the entire country. The natural park is one of Europe’s top UNESCO World Heritage sites. Plitvice comprises sixteen turquoise, crystal-clear lakes, a series of stunning waterfalls, dense forests, and a system of wooden bridges and boardwalks. From Plitvice we continue on to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city and largest metropolitan center.
Overnight in Zagreb. Amadria Park Hotel Capital 4*. [240 miles]

• Breakfast
• Amadria Park Hotel Capital
• 240 miles

The earliest Jewish settlers here date back to the 10th century and include two prominent Jewish emissaries, Mar Saul and Mar Joseph, to the king of the Khazars. In the late medieval period, Jews arrived from lands as disparate as Albania, Malta, France, Hungary, and Moravia. From the mid 18th century, the Jewish community was comprised of settlers from Hungary, Moravia, Bohemia. Today Zagreb is home to the country’s largest Jewish community, whose 1867 synagogue was demolished by the Ustashe in 1941. You are likely to fall in love with the city’s unique vibe, a particular blend of Central European and Mediterranean charm. Our walking tour of the city includes the iconic Jelačića Square, the Dolac marketplace, the historic 19th century Tkalčićeva street, the arrestingly baroque Upper Town, and much more.
Overnight in Zagreb. Amadria Park Hotel Capital 4*.

• Breakfast
• Amadria Park Hotel Capital

As we depart Zagreb, we’ll soon leave Croatia and enter into neighboring Slovenia. Our morning drive will take us to Lake Bled and Bled Castle, Slovenia’s pristine and most romantic spot. In the middle of the lake stands a charming island topped with a Baroque church. The medieval castle, placid waters, and the steep Julian Alps contribute to Bled’s harmony. The region is also renowned for its cremeschnitte, a calorie-rich cream delicacy. We will end the day in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s lovely capital city. Overnight in Ljubljana. Grand Hotel Union 4*. [160 miles]

• Breakfast
• Grand Hotel Union
• 160 miles

After we explore Ljubljana’s quaint historic center, our drive through Istria will take us into neighboring Italy, where we’ll explore beautiful Trieste. In the 15th century, one of the town’s prominent Jews was the influential banker Isacco da Trieste. Notable 18th-century Jewish families included the Parente, Morpurgo, Luzzatto, and Levi. The town came to be know as Gateway to Zion due to its central role in the post-WWI emigration to Palestine. Trieste’s rich Jewish heritage is tangible in the town’s imposing Israelite Temple, one of Europe’s largest synagogues. James Joyce and his wife Nora arrived to Trieste in 1905 from nearby Pula, and ten years later Joyce started working on Ulysses. We’ll then return to Ljubljana and end the day with a festive farewell dinner. Overnight in Ljubljana. Grand Hotel Union 4*. [115 miles]

• Breakfast
• Grand Hotel Union
• 115 miles

Free time and departure. If you travel on Shabbat, consider adding an extra night in Ljubljana at the end of the tour. You’ll get to see more of this charming city, and you could visit nearby Postojna Cave! (And if you don’t travel on Shabbat, you could add two additional nights.)