Jewish Heritage Tour of Montenegro, Albania, and Corfu

Itinerary: Kotor-Perast-Njegusi-Budva-Bar-Ulcinj-Shkoder-Kruje-Tirana-Berat-Apollonia-Gjirokaster-Butrint-Saranda-Corfu

26 May – 6 June 2025

11 night // 12 days

♦ Our Jewish tour of Montenegro, Albania, and Corfu (Greece) will allow you to discover the hidden treasures of this fascinating region. Your adventure starts in the stunning bay of Kotor, surrounded by the imposing mountains of Montenegro. Kotor is Montenegro's undisputed crowning jewel, combining medieval fortification walls, Venetian alleyways, clocktowers, piazzas, and cathedrals.

♦ Our land-and-water exploration of the Kotor Bay (Boka) will take us to idyllic Baroque town of Perast, the pristine islets of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Other Montenegro highlights include the mountainous winding serpentine road – with spectacular panoramic views of the bay; the coastal town of Budva, the fortified Stari Bar, the Crnojevica River gorge, the quaint Njegushi village, and much more. As a strategic trading port, Kotor was also home to a Jewish community. Jewish tombstones bear the names of Finzi, Tedeschi, Winkler, Herzer, Linenberger, Valenzin, and Tolentino.

♦ The Albanian portion of our journey includes vibrant Shkodra, an old city located on the eponymous lake. We will also make a stop in Kruje, Albania's first capital, before arriving in the present-day vibrant capital city of Tirana. Further along our route lies Berat, an architectural gem, which was also home to a Sephardic Jewish community. Equally impressive is the Ottoman architecture of Gjirokaster, huddled below its imposing castle. Both Berat and Gjirokaster have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. In southern Albania, the coastal town of Saranda is home to the well-preserved foundations of a 5th-century synagogue.

♦ A short speedboat ride through the Ionian Sea will take us to the island of Corfu, one of the most spectacular Greek islands. The Scuola Greca synagogue, dating back to the 1600s, is one of the most impressive synagogues in Greece and the meeting point for the small Jewish community living on the island today. Corfu Town exudes elegant Venetian grace across its narrow streets, flanked with historic buildings, churches, galleries, and tavernas. The historic port, its 14th-century fort, and the idyllic natural surroundings make Corfu an unforgettable experience.

♦ As usual, we will also devote special attention to the regional cuisine and wines of all three countries, so expect some truly memorable culinary adventures. From stuffed cabbage leaves and kachamak (polenta) in Montenegro, to byrek (stuffed filo pastries), fergese (peppers, feta, and tomatoes stew), and the delicious shendetlie walnut and honey cake in Albania – to sofrito, pastitsada, savoro, bianco, and tsigareli in Corfu, your eyes, mind, and palate will all be on a roller-coaster ride.

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