Hi...what do you recommend for the best way to do a tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice? We want to most complete Jewish History, ability to go into the Synagogues, museum etc. Recommendations also for a place to eat in the Jewish quarters? Also, going to Bologna, Verona, Milan (for a day tour) and Lake Cuomo. We have your 2012 book but let me know if there are any "DON'T miss" things to do...places to eat...or facts to be aware of in any of these places. So excited that we will be in Venice during the big Venice festival too! Lastly, if you were to take a day trip to Switzerland would you recommend St. Moritz or the Dolomites? Thanks!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5527 posts
A few years ago, I took the tour offered by the Jewish Museum. We went in several of the historic synagogues and walked a bit around the area. I'm not sure that it was the "most complete Jewish History", but I thought it was interesting. You might start with that. www.museoebraico.it/english/informazioni.html
Posted by
Portland
3601 posts
The Dolomites are in Italy. If you're going to be in Venice, they aren't very far away and are stunningly beautiful. I'd spend at least one night, however.
Posted by
Land of La
8680 posts
Former NY Governor Cuomo has a lake?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
"We have your 2012 book ..." Neither Rick Steves nor his staff monitor this helpline on a regular basis. The responders here are all volunteers. If you want, you can contact the office for their help by using the "contact us" link at the bottom of the page.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
Lori, a few years ago my husband and I did a day trip from Florence to Venice. We arrived and got situated, started to explore the streets. We discovered the Jewish Ghetto area and found that there was a guided tour of the synagogue. A group just gathered and there were maybe 8 of us total. The guide took us though the synagogue and explained how the ghetto came to be, how to recognize a synagogue from outside (5 windows). Just by the area there are shops selling Judaica and I remember a few places to eat. As I don't remember how we found the tour, but we lucked into it and it was great! There is also a fantastic synagogue in Florence and tours are offered there as well, should you spend anytime in Florence, I'd recommend seeing this synagogue as well.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
Context Travel (Context Venice) has a tour of the ghetto. I've not taken that one but have taken many other tours they offer. Always a great experience. Very small groups (or private), well educated guides with appropriate backgrounds, excellent English, and most guides adapt tour to interests of participants.