AACI’s Jewish Heritage Tour of Greece & North Macedonia
October 20-30, 2025 / 11 Days/10 Nights
AACI is thrilled to invite you to join us on a unique journey to uncover a lesser-known chapter of Jewish history, as we also visit some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring historical landmarks and immerse ourselves in the stunning natural beauty of Greece and North Macedonia. From the synagogues and Jewish museums to the ancient ruins of Athens, Thessaloniki, and Vergina, this tour promises an experience that will engage both the mind and the spirit.
Our adventure begins in Athens, where we’ll not only explore the renowned Jewish Museum, historic synagogues, and the poignant Jewish Cemetery, but also take in the ancient and more modern wonders of the city, including the Acropolis, the Olympic Stadium and the Parliament Building. In Thessaloniki, we will visit the Jewish Quarter, the Jewish Museum, and several synagogues that preserve the memory of the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived here. Alongside these Jewish sites, we will explore Thessaloniki’s rich ancient history, including its Roman ruins, Byzantine monuments, and the famed White Tower, which has stood for centuries as a symbol of the city’s diverse heritage. before continuing to Veria, home to one of the most remarkable and historically significant Jewish synagogues in the region.
Our journey also takes us to Vergina, where we will explore the ancient burial site of the Macedonian kings, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. A highlight of the tour will also be our visit to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we’ll marvel at the stunning monasteries perched high atop dramatic rock formations—one of the most awe-inspiring natural and spiritual landscapes in Greece.
In North Macedonia, we will visit the Holocaust Museum in Skopje, where we’ll reflect on the lives lost during World War II. In Bitola, we’ll witness monuments dedicated to significant Jewish figures, visit the Jewish cemetery, and see the two pillars that remain from the community’s former synagogue—an enduring testament to the Jewish community that once thrived here.
This tribute to Jewish heritage together with the exploration of the natural and historical treasures of the region offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the rich layers of history that have shaped this part of the world.
DAY 1: Monday, October 20, 2025 – Athens Tour
Upon our arrival, we will begin our tour of the Jewish sites in Athens offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich Jewish history and culture.
We will begin with a visit to the Jewish Museum of Greece, located in the heart of Athens. The museum showcases a comprehensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to Jewish life in Greece from antiquity to modern times. We will then head over to the main synagogue Kahal Kadosh Beth Shalom, which serves the Athens Jewish community until today. We will admire the beautiful architecture and learn about its history, including its rebuilding after World War II. We will visit Etz Hayim, a Romaniote synagogue located just opposite Beth Shalom. Built in 1904, this small synagogue offers a glimpse into the Romaniote Jewish community’s rich traditions and practices. We will visit the Holocaust Memorial located in the heart of the city and dedicated to the memory of the Greek Jews who perished during the Holocaust. We will reflect on the poignant inscriptions and symbols that honor the victims and commemorate the community’s resilience. We will visit the Jewish Cemetery of Athens which dates back to the 19th century. It is the final resting place for many notable figures in the Greek Jewish community. Here we will explore the unique tombstones and learn about the history of the cemetery and its significance.
Mincha and Maariv. Dinner at the Kosher Restaurant in Athens
Accommodation: Athens
DAY 2: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 – Athens
After Shacharit and Breakfast we leave for our day tour of Athens starting with the famous site of the Acropolis, including a visit to the site’s impressive museum. Later, we will have a panoramic tour of many of the city’s sites; we will see the Parliament Building and its guards dressed in colorful uniforms. We will visit the Panathenaic Stadium, originally constructed in the 4th century BC and later renovated in marble for the 1896 Olympic Games. It is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. It’s famous for hosting the first modern Olympic Games. Afterwards we will ascend Lycabettus Hill, which offers the best panoramic views of Athens. We will stroll through the Psiri and Plaka Neighborhoods where remnants of Jewish life can still be found and we will spend some time exploring the bustling markets and bazaars.
Mincha and Maariv. Dinner at the Kosher Restaurant in Athens
Accomodation: Athens
DAY 3: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – Meteora Monasteries
After Shacharit and breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive and enjoy the beautiful landscapes, as our route winds through mountains and valleys on our way to Kalambaka, the spectacular site of the Meteora monasteries. We will make a stop midway at Thermopylae, which is best known for the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Today, Thermopylae is commemorated with monuments and memorials, reflecting its significance in ancient history. The highlight of our day will be our visit to Meteora which is undoubtedly one of the wonders of the world and one of the most interesting sites in Greece. The monasteries are located on huge stone cliffs, rising to a height of about 600 meters. The origin of the name Meteora is from the word meteoros which means: “those hanging in the air”. The monasteries were built at the end of the 14th century and were considered particularly isolated and safe. The monks climbed up to the monastery using nets and ropes that can still be seen today and led a solitary ascetic lifestyle. We will visit one of the monasteries, including an observation tour of the monasteries and the beautiful valley where they are located.
Mincha and Ma’ariv. Kosher catered dinner at hotel in Kalambaka
Accommodation: Kalambaka
DAY 4: Thursday, October 23, 2025 – Meteora-Vergina-Veria-Thessaloniki
After Shacharit and breakfast, we will leave Kalambaka to travel towards Thessaloniki. On our way we will visit Vergina, one of the most interesting places in Greece, which lies in the heart of the green valley and is the location of the burial site of Philip II, King of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. We will visit a museum where the findings are considered the “discovery of the century” in Greece. We will continue our journey and visit the city of Veria, the second largest city in Greek Macedonia after Thessaloniki – Veria is built on the foothills of Mt. Vermion and was home to a Jewish community before World War II that settled in the city after the Jews were expelled from Spain. We will visit the Jewish quarter and the remains of the synagogue.
Mincha and Maariv. Dinner at Chabad of Thessaloniki
Accommodation: Thessaloniki
DAY 5: Friday, October 24, 2025 – Thessaloniki
After Shacharit and breakfast, we will tour Thessaloniki – the second largest city in Greece, a city that combines a Western European appearance with an Ionian atmosphere and a lively nightlife. The above together with the Jewish heritage, are the reasons that make Thessaloniki a very diverse place from the point of view of a tourist. In addition, the city is comprised of new buildings alongside historical buildings from the different periods of its history, from the time of the Macedonian kings to the Turks. We will take a guided tour of the most important sites of Thessaloniki, the Jewish Quarter, the Jewish Museum, the recently renovated Great Synagogue, the White Tower, the Galerius Gate, the Rotunda and the Castra Tower that overlooks the city from above. We will tour the promenade on the pier, the colorful markets, and the alleys of the old city.
We will return to our hotel to prepare for Shabbat, go to shul for Kabbalat Shabbat and have our festive Shabbat dinner at Chabad.Accommodation: Thessaloniki
DAY 6: Shabbat, October 25, 2025 – Thessaloniki
Coffee and breakfast will be available at the hotel and we will daven in the community shul and have Shabbat lunch at Chabad.After lunch and Mincha, we will have a short walking tour of the city, a rest period & enjoy our famous Newlywed Game.
Seudah Shlishit, Maariv and Havdalah at Chabad.
On Motzai Shabbat we will go out to a traditional Greek tavern and enjoy the sounds of Greek music and soak in the local atmosphere.Accommodation: Thessaloniki.
DAY 7: Sunday, October 26, 2025 – Depart Thessaloniki – The Wather City of Edessa – The Crossing to north Macedonia – Bitola – The commuity of Monastir
After Shacharit and breakfast we will drive through mountain ranges, passing through many authentic villages and towns, and reach Edessa, the Greek city of waters, home to thermal springs and the famed Edessa Waterfalls. We will combine an easy walking route of the waterfalls and see them from several points. From there, we will continue driving north and cross the border to the country of North Macedonia towards the city of Bitola. We will continue our day with a fascinating tour of the city of Bitola, where we will trace the story of the large Jewish community that lived in a city which they called “Monastir,” which was destroyed during the Holocaust. We will visit the moving monument of the Jewish partisan, Balkan heroine Esther Ovadia, known as “Mara,” and the monument commemorating the deportation of Bitola Jews to Treblinka. We will see the remains of the magnificent Kehal Aragon synagogue, of which only two columns remain standing in the heart of a city park and tell the story of the impact of the Jews expelled from Spain on Balkan Jewry. We will visit the Jewish cemetery, where we will delve into the story of the Jewish Community of Bitola.
Mincha and Maariv. Kosher catered dinner at the hotel in Ohrid
Accomodation: Ohrid
DAY 8: Monday, October 27, 2025 – Saint Naum – The old City of Ohrid – Vevcani Village
After Shacharit and breakfast, we will visit the Macedonian side of Lake Ohrid, during which we will stop at lookout points and go on walking tours of charming spots. We will continue our visit to the lakeshore and hear the interesting story of Saint Naum who founded the monastery on the lake. We will be impressed by the many peacocks that are considered sacred animals here. Around the area, there are many springs that feed the waters of the lake. We will take a boat trip to the bubbling springs. The lake is surrounded by green countryside, peaceful fishing villages, towns and breathtaking views. We will tour the old city of Ohrid, which lies on the lake’s northern shores. This is both the birthplace of Slavic Christianity and Cyrillic script. In the tenth century, no less than 365 churches operated in Ohrid, which earned it the nickname “Jerusalem of the Balkans.” We will go on a walking tour of this ancient area weaving our way through the narrow alleys, dotted with homes and shops, and strolling along the picturesque promenade along the lakeshore. We will finish the day with a visit to Vevčani, a small village located about 25 km south of Ohrid. The village is known for its natural springs, charming stone houses, and cobbled streets that wind through lush green surroundings. It is a perfect location to experience authentic Macedonian village life.
Mincha and Maariv. Kosher catered dinner at the hotel in Ohrid
Accommodation: Ohrid
DAY 9: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Ohrid – Stobi – Skopje
After Shacharit and breakfast, we will depart for our visit to the archaeological site of Stobi, where an ancient Jewish community had settled and lived during the Roman and Byzantine periods. We will see the remains of a large synagogue from the 4th century, intricate mosaics, many which are well preserved, cultural artifacts, public buildings like baths, forums, theaters and Basilicas. The archaeological site is set against a picturesque backdrop, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape
Upon arrival, we will take an introductory tour of Skopje, the largest city in Macedonia, and its economic, cultural, and academic center. 6000-year-old remains were found in the area, indicating a settlement. During our tour, we will become acquainted with the many empires that have left their mark. We will see the impressive fortress of Skopje and will be impressed by the new gate of the city, which is dedicated to Alexander the Great, riding the horse in the famous statue. We will walk through the city’s old bazaar.
Mincha and Maariv. Kosher catered dinner at the hotel in Skopje
Accommodation: Skopje.
DAY 10: Wednesday, october 29, 2025 – Cruise of Matka Canyon – Skopje – Macedonian Holocaust Museum
After Shacharit and breakfast, we will visit the spectacular Matka Canyon. Matka means womb, and it is part of a beautiful nature reserve. We will view the dam built in the 1940s, which created a water reservoir in the impressive canyon, and we will take a cruise down the “hidden lake”. We will climb a narrow path to the small but impressive stalactite cave.
In the afternoon, we will go on a walking tour of the exciting old city of Skopje, including a moving visit to the Macedonian Jewish Holocaust Memorial Museum, where we will delve deeper and learn more about Macedonian Jewry. After dinner we will go on a night tour to see the city’s lights.
Mincha and Maariv. Kosher catered dinner at the hotel in Skopje
Accommodation: Skopje
DAY 11
THURSDAY OCTOBER 30, 2025-SKOPJE-HOME
After Shacharit and Breakfast, we will take our memories back with us as we begin our journey back home from Skopje.
* The order of the route and the visit to the sites may change due to flight times, hotel availability, and other constraints.
Prices – coming soon – please revisit.