Toscana - The land of the good food and Jewish History
8 days /7 nights
This is
a journey around Tuscany,
during which you will see beautiful landscapes and taste regional gastronomical
specialties, but will also discover a long lasting Jewish tradition in the most
hidden corners of its cities.
The
first traces of the Jewish presence in Tuscany
go back to 1160, but the most interesting history developed in 16th
century. At that time in Florence and Siena the ghetto was established, while
the Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici issued “Livorniana” letters, inviting
Jewish merchants to settle in Livorno and Pisa, granting them freedom in
religion and commerce. Many refugees from the
Spain
moved to Livorno,
the only city under the Medici’s not to have a ghetto, and like Pitigliano,
Sorano e Sovana, considered a “land of shelter”.
The
condition of the Jews in Tuscany
has been conditioned by the many conflicts for the domain of the region, but
nevertheless several memories of the Jewish presence had survived till these
days.
Pitigliano,
also known as
“Little
Jerusalem”,
was the liveliest Jewish rural center in
Italy,
where the creation of the ghetto did not stop the relationships between Jews and
the population. In the Medieval center there are still the unleavened bread
oven, the
mikveh, and some shops selling traditional
products, where you will taste the famous
wine “Bianco
di Pitigliano”.
In
Siena,
where every year the traditional
Palio is held, the Jews had to defend themselves
from the many anti-semitic attacks. Signs of their presence are the synagogue,
and some corners of the ex-ghetto, which one today can deduce by the names of
some streets.
Florence,
the marvellous city of arts, hides a Jewish history still visible in its
monumental synagogue in Moorish style, and in the streets of the ex-ghetto. In
this beautiful city you will also admire the many monuments and palaces which
made up the history of
Florence,
and of course a stroll on the famous
Ponte Vecchio.
Livorno
is knows as the
“city without a ghetto” and
in 17th century it became the symbol of freedom, as “Jewish, Turkish and
Moorish” merchants had the right to freely settle there with freedom in religion
and commerce. Even in
Pisa,
the city of the leaning tower, it was the same. An important site of the Jewish
presence in the city is the cemetery, which is one of the most ancient Jewish
luoghi di sepoltura ebraici del
mondo, dove si trovano iscrizioni in ebraico risalenti al 1274.
Come and
discover the Jewish heritage in the most beautiful Italia cities!
TOUR PROGRAMME:
DAY
1
– Arrival at
Rome
airport and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time,possible to
organize a guided tour of the city. Dinner. Overnight in Rome.
DAY
2
– ROME:
Breakfast. Guided tour of the Jewish ghetto, with its beautiful synagogue and
the interesting museum. Lunch. In the afternoon it is possible to choose among:
guided tour of the historic monuments, a visit to the
Vatican
Museum
under the Jewish aspect, or free time.
Dinner. Overnight in Rome.
DAY
3
– PITIGLIANO –
SIENA:
Breakfast. Transfer to Pitigliano for a guided tour of the Medieval centre, with
tasting of the famous wine
“Bianco di Pitigliano”.
Lunch. Transfer to
Siena.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight in
Siena.
DAY 4
–
SIENA –
FIRENZE:
Breakfast. Guided tour of Jewish Siena, and of its historic centre. Lunch.
Transfer to
San Gimignano for a visit of the Medieval town.
Transfer to
Florence.
Dinner. Overnight in
Florence.
DAY
5
– FLORENCE:
Breakfast. Guided tour of Jewish Florence, with the ex-ghetto area and the
synagogue. Lunch. In the afternoon guided tour of the beautiful city centre, and
on request, it ill be possible to visit
Galleria degli
Uffizi. Dinner. Overnight in
Florence.
DAY
6 – FLORENCE
– PISA:
Breakfast. Free morning for shopping (on request it will be possible to go to
the Mall
Outlet outside Florence).
Lunch. Transfer to
Pisa.
Dinner. Overnight in
Pisa.
DAY 7
–
PISA –
LIVORNO:
Breakfast. Guided tour of Jewish Pisa with its important cemetery. Lunch.
Transfer to Livorno.
Dinner. Overnight in Livorno.
DAY 8 -
LIVORNO:
Breakfast. Guided tour of Livorno.
Lunch. Departure.
This is suggested
itinerary for individuals and groups, prices are on request, please
email number of people, dates and we will provide you a quote.
These are very popular for synagogue groups and can be combined as a stopover on
the way to/from Israel. We can also arrange a shabbat with Jewish community on
request of the group.
Other Itineraries in Italy
Index
Toll-free
877-466-2934. Phone 727-254-4373
email:
info@JewishTravelAgency.com
www.JewishTravelAgency.com
EMCO Travel LLC, DBA Jewish Travel
Agency is registered with State of Florida as Seller of Travel Registration No.
ST36902
California Travel Seller # 2079011-40
Privacy statement
