So many of you have expressed interest in joining us in Greece on our annual tours to Jewish Greece that, this year, we are doing two tours, one in May and one in August.  The May tour (May 17-31) will include a week in Spain, something a little different, and the August tour (August 16-30) will include two island stopovers.  Both tours include Ioannina.  We do not go to Greece without visiting Ioannina, a city and Jewish community often overlooked by traditional tours.

Why these dates and why these itineraries?  Great thought has been given to the dates chosen and the itineraries selected.  Last year, we visited Greece during the first two weeks in June, a departure from our usual summer visits.  The weather was delightful!  But, not everyone has the luxury of visiting off-season.  Many can only get away in the summer.  Therefore, every attempt has been made to make our August tour as pleasurable as possible, offering two island stops (Rhodes and Corfu) and swimming pools whenever possible.  Unfortunately, Salonika cannot be included on the August tour.  The weather is too stifling and the synagogues are not open.

   
Our May tour will include Spain, another departure, but one long overdue.  Many of those interested in our tours have roots in Spain (not only those from Salonika, but also those from Ioannina, especially those with surnames like Negrin) and going off-season before the stifling Spanish heat sets in, will give us an opportunity to include Spain.

Some will look at our prices and feel that it is too expensive.  First, we only stay at the finest hotels.  There are those who will always find something to complain about (“my ankles swelled” is one I will never forget!) but, learning over the years, I would rather spend a little extra to ensure that no one complains about the hotels.  Airfare has, of course, raised the prices of tours to Greece and the fact that Olympic Airlines no longer does international flights, has made this year particularly challenging. The exchange on the dollar is another problem but, as we have seen, it is not getting better and you can be sure that next year will be even more expensive.  Don’t postpone your trip. Take advantage of the opportunity now.  Space is limited.  Get your deposits in early.
     
Breakfasts are included at all our stops and a number of dinners and lunches.  In addition, both tours are fully escorted by Marcia Haddad Ikonomopoulos, Museum Director of Kehila Kedosha Janina and President of the Association of Friends of Greek Jewry.
    
As reported by past participants, these tours are often life-changing experiences and, certainly, a price cannot be put on that!
   
Looking forward to seeing you on one of our 2010 Tours.
    
Marcia Haddad Ikonomopoulos

Click here for a detailed itinerary of may tour (May 17-31)

Click here for a detailed itinerary of August tour (August 16-30)

Click here for deposit form.

If you can’t make it this year, be sure to get on our mailing list for information on future tours. We will even organize a special tour just for you and your family. What better way to pass on our special culture, history and traditions than to take your children and grandchildren to Greece, to see where it all began.

Jewish-owned businesses in Greece.

While we cannot list all the Jewish owned businesses in Greece we would like to highlight the following:

The Tobacco Hotel
DAVITEL S.A.
25 Agiou Dimitriou Street
54632 Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel. +30 2310 515002
Fax. +30 2310 530711
Email: reservations@davitel.gr
www.davitel.gr 

The hotel is owned by the Saltiel brothers. A recently created facility inside a former tobacco warehouse in the center of the city, the facilities are modern, the rooms spacious and the common areas beautifully decorated. Breakfast is included. The hotel is in the city center with easy access to all Jewish sites.
 

In Athens, need film, photo supplies, help with your digital camera or interested in professional photos of a special event [bar mitzvahs, weddings, etc.] visit Fotovision, 10 Amerikis Street, Athens [close to Syntagma Square].

Tel: 30 210 3390811

Fax: 30 210 3390812

E-Mail: fotovis@otenet.gr