JEWISH JOURNEY TO EASTERN EUROPE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What kind of trip is this?
Our Journey is a deep and meaningful dive into the 1,000-year history of Jews in the former Kingdom of Poland. The itinerary has been carefully programmed to give participants a comprehensive and once-in-a-lifetime experience, literally touching history. We accomplish a lot by planning a very rigorous and active program.
Who comes on this trip?
Our past trip has included adults of all ages, traveling as couples, singles, groups of family and friends.
What’s the group size?
The trip will be limited to about 30 guests, not including staff, to provide everyone with a thoughtful, intimate and engaging community experience.
How will we travel to Lithuania and Poland?
Participants will be expected to arrange their own air travel to Vilnius, Lithuania and at the end of the tour, from Krakow, Poland. However, once you have landed, our tour staff takes over. If you arrive within a day of the tour, you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. At the end of the trip, we will provide transportation to the Krakow airport. After you have reserved your spot on our tour, a Workers Circle staff member will be in touch to share more information on airfare, transportation, travel dates and times, and other logistics.
Who staffs the program?
Our trip will include daily guides and many special guests and scholars (including Professor Dovid Katz, special guest scholar in Lithuania) and a full-time scholar-in-residence, Tomasz Cebulski, Ph.D. Also joining the tour is Workers Circle CEO, Ann Toback, whose own family traces back to 18th century Warsaw and Krakow. The Workers Circle has partnered with Taube Jewish Tours, who will be providing tour guides, educators, scholars, and special guests throughout the trip.
Who is our scholar-in-residence?
Dr. Tomasz Cebulski was born in Krakow and received two Master’s degrees in International Relations and in Middle and Far East Studies, and a Ph.D. in Political Relations, all from Jagiellonian University in Krakow. He is an official guide for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, the city of Krakow, the Galicia region, and the Schindler’s Factory Museum. In 2016 he published his book titled “Auschwitz after Auschwitz.”
Is there a lot of walking?
Yes. In order for us to cover so much history and culture, this will be an active trip with daily walking tours to visit sites. Walking tours at times will include uneven and unpaved terrain. On most days we walk between 3 and 5 miles.
What’s included and what’s not?
Our all-inclusive approach provides the comfort of knowing your full costs upfront. The cost covers 5-star hotel accommodations (double-occupancy), all ground transportation via deluxe-air-conditioned coach, most meals, a full-time scholar-in-residence, private tours and guides, program consultations, ticket admissions, sessions with scholars and educators, tour materials and resources. Not included: airfare, international health and travel insurance (mandatory for all trip participants), single room supplement, personal expenses, meals on your own, private excursions, and local staff gratuities.
Where will I be sleeping?
We will stay in three 5-star hotels, and each guest will have their own sleeping accommodations either in a double occupancy room or in a single room (with a single supplement fee).
What about meals? What about dietary restrictions?
Most meals, including all breakfasts, are included in the trip. One of the wonderful connections to our Eastern European roots is through food. As part of our journey, we plan many opportunities to taste local, farm-to-table cuisine, much of which will remind us of Jewish delicacies. Vegetarian options are available at every meal. We can accommodate some dietary restrictions, including gluten allergies. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements.
What should I pack?
All participants will receive a recommended packing list well ahead of the trip, but as the weather can fluctuate greatly in May in Eastern Europe, we advise participants pack layers, at least two pairs of comfortable shoes, a hat, and a rain jacket.
Will I need a visa?
If you travel with an American, Canadian, or EU passport, you do not need a visa to enter Lithuania or Poland, but your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry to Lithuania and Poland.
Will there be free time?
While the itinerary is quite intensive, we do set aside time for relaxation, shopping, and personal exploration. This year we have added some lighter tour options in each major city designed to give our guests curated downtime experiences, including connecting with local artists and food purveyors.
What is your Covid-19 vaccination policy?
We require all travelers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and will need proof of vaccination before the trip.
Where can I get additional questions answered?
Email us at info@circle.org or call 212.889.6800, ext. 811, with any questions.