VOYAGER
- Carefully selected accommodations, offering comfort and quality.
- A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
- J² Customer Care available by phone and email.
- $50 travel credit per person for your next J² journey.
Program is tentative and subject to change. Connect with our Customer Care Team by calling: (888) 230-6008 Mon.-Thur. from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
YOUR journey
J² crafts journeys of inspiration, education, and Jewish connections to Israel and worldwide. We are guided by a simple but powerful concept: No two trips are the same; each experience should be personal, meaningful, and backed by superb service. Travel is not just about the places you visit, but the connections you make along the way.
Active 
Art & Culture 
Archaeology 
Cooking Workshop 
Expert Scholar 
Food Tasting Tour 
Heritage 
Nature Walks 
UNESCO Heritage Sites 
Urban Graffiti Tour
THE EXPERT
Program Itinerary
DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Sun. Mar 22, 2026
- Travel safely. Looking forward to beginning our Greek journey and encountering 2,000 years of Jewish life.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
FIRST STEPS ON YOUR GREEK JOURNEY
Mon. Mar 23, 2026
- Arrive at Thessaloniki International Airport
- Meet your J² Expert Educator who will accompany you on this journey of education and inspiration, along with your local guide.
- Group transfer to your hotel followed by check-in.
- Explore the charming cobblestone streets and traditional Macedonian architecture of Ano Poli, Thessaloniki’s historic upper town, on a guided walking tour rich with stories from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the city and Thermaic Gulf while discovering hidden gems like old churches, fortress walls, and quaint tavernas.
- Overview with your J² Expert Educator of the history of Jews in Greece, highlighting the unique and poignant story of Saloniki’s once-thriving Jewish community.
- Welcome dinner at a local venue: great food, great vibes!
Overnight: Thessaloniki, Greece
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
JERUSALEM OF THE BALKANS
Tue. Mar 24, 2026
- Thessaloniki's Ladadika Quarter was the center of Jewish life in a city where half of the city's population were Jews in the years between the First and Second World Wars. We will tour the Jewish Quarter and some of its key monuments and institutions.
- From the Monosteriotes Synagogue to the Yad L'Zikkaron Synagogue, we will encounter the diversity of Jewish life in Thessaloniki, all encapsulated in a small, close-knit neighborhood.
- Through the winding streets, we will stop to visit the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki as well as the memorial dedicated to the 72,000 Jews of Greece murdered by the Nazis and their accomplices.
- When is a mosque Jewish? The Yeni Mosque was built for the Dönmeh, a group of crypto-Jewish converts to Islam. The Dönmeh originated in the 17th century when Sabbatai Zevi, a Jewish false messiah, converted to Islam under duress. His followers, who also converted, continued to practice a form of Judaism in secret while outwardly adhering to Islam.
- Finishing on the balcony of the White Tower with a view of the famous port, we will share and reflect on the day, and take time for group pics.
- Take time to enjoy Thessaloniki on your night out and dinner on your own.
Overnight: Thessaloniki, Greece
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
THE WONDERS OF MOUNT OLYMPUS
Wed. Mar 25, 2026
- Depart Thessaloniki for a day-trip to explore Greece's amazing nature.
- Beyond the small mountain village of Lithocoro is Mount Olympus, the mythic home of the Greek Pantheon. Alongside enjoying some of the most beautiful landscapes that Greece offers, we will ponder the images of the Greek deities as compared to biblical images of the God of Israel.
- Packed lunch, en route.
- Hike on Mount Olympus.
- Return to the hotel.
- Uncover the rich culinary heritage of Greek Sephardic Jews in this immersive cooking class. We’ll explore traditional recipes passed down through generations, blending Mediterranean flavors with Sephardic influences. As we cook together, we’ll share stories, laughter, and cultural insights, culminating in a sweet finale with a beloved Sephardic dessert that celebrates the warmth of community and tradition.
Overnight: Thessaloniki, Greece
Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
FROM LEGENDS TO LANDMARKS
Thu. Mar 26, 2026
- Check out of the hotel and depart Thessaloniki.
- Stop in Thermopilae, land of Spartan legends.
- Free time for lunch, en route.
- Continue your drive south and visit Chalkida (or Chalkis), possibly the oldest Jewish settlement in Europe, dating back to the destruction of the 1st Temple in the 6th century B.C.E.
- Arrive in Athens and explore the area by bus before checking into the hotel.
- Enjoy a free evening in Athens.
Overnight: Athens, Greece
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
ATHENS AND JERUSALEM: TWO MILLENNIA OF INTERACTION
Fri. Mar 27, 2026
- Depart the hotel to explore and discover the profound history of Athens' Jewish History: integrated, foundational, vibrant, and inspiring.
- Deep Roots Uprooted: Stop at the Holocaust monument and participate in a memorial service. By the end of the Second World War, less than 10% of the long-standing Jewish community of Greece had survived.
- Continue to Monastiraki, where the historic “Yusurum” market reflects the once-thriving Jewish antique trade.
- Conclude the tour in the vibrant Psyrri District, a former center of Jewish commerce, now known for its eclectic mix of culture, creativity, and street art.
- At the end of the tour, create your own piece of art in a street art workshop: a fitting tribute to Athens, a city renowned for its vibrant street art that reflects its dynamic culture, political expression, and creative spirit.
- Return to the hotel and prepare for Shabbat.
- Walk from the hotel to the Beth Shalom Synagogue to join the community for Kabbalat Shabbat.
- Shabbat dinner with local community members and students to better understand the modern life and challenges of the Jewish community in Greece.
Overnight: Athens, Greece
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
CLASSIC ATHENS: THE CITY OF THE VIOLET CROWN
Sat. Mar 28, 2026
- Depart for a day of walking tour in Athens.
- The Birth of the West: Visit the Acropolis, the ancient citadel crowning Athens, one of the world's most recognized landmarks. Whether visiting the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, or any of the other world-famous structures towering above Athens, every step reminds of the monumental place of ancient Greece in the formation of what we typically refer to as Western civilization.
- From the heights of the Acropolis, sit with your expert educator among the ruins to understand the history and interactions through the ages between Athens and Jerusalem, between the Greek world and the Jewish people.
- Below the Acropolis area, our walk will continue through the Plaka district. The slopes below the Acropolis were once bustling with homes and workshops. Discover Athens as the intellectual heart of the ancient world.
- Group lunch, en route.
- Enter the Ancient Agora. This was the central public space in ancient Athens: a marketplace, assembly area, and the heart of social and intellectual life.
- One of the most ancient synagogues in the world stood in the Ancient Agora. It may be the site mentioned in the Christian Book of Acts as the synagogue where Paul preached as he endeavored to spread early Christianity throughout the Mediterranean.
- Briefly admire the Temple of Hephaestus. Dedicated to the god of metalworking, the temple recalls the heroes and gods of Greek myth and legend.
- Walk through the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos. Imagine this as a place where citizens would meet and discuss, and where philosophers like Socrates might have engaged in dialogues. Explain the concept of the "agora" as a place for public discourse, and the complicated relationship between Greek philosophy and the development of Judaism.
- Gather to share havdalah as we bid farewell to Shabbat and take time for sharing and reflection.
- Wrap up our journey with dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Athens, Greece
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
HOMEWARD BOUND
Sun. Mar 29, 2026
- Check out from your hotel. Please be sure to have all your belongings with you.
- Group transfer to Athens Airport for your return flight to the United States.
- Travel safely and share our stories from Greece, where Jewish life has flourished for over two thousand years.
Meals: Breakfast
RATES & LODGING
Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
*Or similar hotels Registration closed
Thessaloniki: El Greco Hotel
- Nights: 3
- Room Category: Run of House
- Hotel Website
Athens: Titania Hotel
- Nights: 3
- Room Category: Run of House
- Hotel Website
Choose Your Way
What to expect
- 6 nights' accommodations.
- 6 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator and local guides, 5 days of touring in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
- 1 Group arrival transfer from the Thessaloniki airport.
- 1 Group departure transfer to the Athens airport.
- Daily breakfast, 2 lunches & 4 dinners.
- The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
- All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final program.
- Credit card fees.
- Flights to & from Greece.
- Water on the bus.
- Gratuities are excluded. For groups of 20 and more participants traveling to Greece: We recommend the following guidelines for tipping (amounts are in US dollars): J² Expert Educator: $14 | Local Guide: $9 | Driver: $5. Amounts are per day per person.
- Early check-in or late check-out.
- COVID related expenses, including tests.
- Evening transportation when dinner is not included.
- Amendments to the program: In the event that any sites, programs or meals etc. are added to the program, an additional fee may be required.
- Personal extras: Items of personal nature such as laundry, wines, mineral water, beverages, coffee, tea, food other than the table d’hotel menu, passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes, unless otherwise specified.
- US and foreign airport taxes, Q fuel surcharge and border taxes when applicable.
- This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
- Please review our terms & conditions (T&C’s) or request that we send you our full T&C’s. Until you do that, here is the small print, and other stuff you may want to know:
- Validity | All prices quoted are based on exchange rates as of the proposal date and are subject to change without notice. Rates are per person and are based on shared twin room occupancy.
- How to Make a Reservation | The quickest way to make a reservation is to register online or contact us by email. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required in order to complete the registration process.
- For any assistance with this registration process or other trip-related queries, please email Customer Care: [email protected].
- Payments | The balance of your payment is due 90 days before your trip begins, or as specified in your invoice. You will receive an email reminder 2 weeks before this date. Various payment options are available as follows:
- Credit card | We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Please check with your credit card provider regarding international processing fees. We are unable to process payments of over $1,000 over the phone. Please submit payment online via a credit card or by wiring funds via your bank.
- Domestic bank wire transfer | Payment should be wired in the same currency that is listed on your invoice. Please add the name of your group or invoice number as a reference and forward a copy of the transfer receipt by email. The bank transfer should clearly state the beneficiary’s name on the wire transfer.
- J² Adventures reserves the right to automatically cancel your reservation on that date and it may be subject to reconfirmation should the final payment not be received.
- Cancelation Policy | All cancelations need to be made in writing. The cancelation fee depends on the date when we receive written notification of your request to cancel your booking. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancelation fees | Cancelations made 90 or more days prior to departure incur the loss of the deposit. Cancelations made 89 to 46 days prior to departure incur the loss of 50% of the full trip cost. Cancelations made 45 days or less prior to the departure incur the loss of 100% of the full trip cost.
- Cancelation fees may also include: Hotel or supplier cancelation fees. J² Adventures reserves the right to adjust its terms of payment, including cancelation policies and initial deposits.
- This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
- Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
- Please click here to view our full terms (T&C's). These T&C's apply to all reservations created within J2 Adventures.
DISCOVER NEW WORLDS.
JOURNEYS.
A family vacation to Israel. An adventure of a lifetime traveling with friends to Morocco. A trip to Poland or Portugal with your community. What do these trips have in common? No matter where you go, you will come back with a fresh perspective and appreciation of the place you visited as well as a heightened awareness of your identity as part of the global Jewish community.
Stuff.
We have everything you need to know before you go. Check out our Instagram my_j2adventures for cool updates and interesting tidbits.
The J2 App
available on the App Store & on Google Play.
