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They were painters, electricians, bakers, doctors. Mothers, fathers, children. All were united by a common thread: They were Jews living in Eastern Europe during World War II whose fate was determined by the "final solution."

On this in-depth Marco Polo Club^SM journey, "The Jewish Diaspora - Echoes of Eastern Europe," pays homage to the millions of Jews who perished during the Holocaust and to the rich culture that they left behind.

In Berlin, Prague, Kraków and Budapest, witness the depth and breadth of Jewish culture. Explore historic synagogues, priceless collections and monuments that commemorate both strength and loss. Be inspired by great achievements and disturbed by the reminders of man's inhumanity to man. Throughout your visit, join local experts in discussions of the past, present and future role of Jews in Europe.

Travellers of every religious affiliation will be fascinated by this engaging study of a proud people and their cultural, religious and political contributions dispersed throughout Europe. Stand witness to tragedy that can never be forgotten and pay tribute to a vital, resurgent culture on this Marco Polo Club exclusive tour.

Day 2 : Arrive Berlin
On arrival, transfer by private car to the legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski, located close to the Brandenburg Gate. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an optional tour of the Reichstag building, seat of the German Parliament. Later, attend a cocktail party and dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Hotel Adlon Kempinski D

Day 3 : Berlin
Visit the memorials and museums dedicated to Berlin's Jewish history. See the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (the Holocaust Museum) before proceeding to the district around Oranienburgerstrasse to visit the renovated New Synagogue. In the Kreuzberg district explore the Jewish Museum, one of the most striking pieces of architecture in modern Berlin. Its dramatic interior reveals a permanent exhibition chronicling German-Jewish history. After lunch in a local restaurant, drive to the Wannsee Villa, where in January 1942 the fateful decision to implement the "final solution" was made. Return to what was once "West Berlin" via the Glienecke Bridge, the scene of numerous spy exchanges during the Cold War. A guest lecturer joins you for dinner in the hotel and discusses Berlin's role as home to the fastest-growing Jewish community in Europe. Hotel Adlon Kempinski B, L, D

Day 4 : Berlin/ Dresden/Prague, Czech Republic
Travel by express train to Dresden, known as the "Florence of the North" for its architectural and artistic masterpieces. After lunch in a local restaurant, explore the city's highlights: the prestigious Semper Opera House, the collection of Old Masters in the grand baroque Zwinger Palace and the Green Vault in the Albertinum, housing a dazzling collection of objets d'art. Continue to the famous Frauenkirche, destroyed during World War II and reopened in 2004 after meticulous reconstruction. Board a train bound for Prague and your luxurious hotel, located near the Charles Bridge. Dinner this evening is at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Prague B, L

Day 5 : Prague
During an extensive tour of the Jewish Quarter (named Josefov in gratitude to the Emperor Josef's tolerant policies in the 18th century) visit three synagogues, the former Town Hall and the remarkable Jewish Cemetery. Cross the Vltava River to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral before sitting down to lunch in a traditional restaurant in the Malá Strana quarter. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Prague independently. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant. Four Seasons Hotel Prague B, L, D

Day 6 : Prague/Kraków, Poland
This morning is at leisure before an early afternoon flight to Kraków, once Poland's capital and still a treasure trove of medieval architecture. Transfer to the Old Town (Stare Miasto) to wander through the Main Market Square and shop in the great Cloth Hall. Proceed to Kazimierz, the former Jewish district, to visit the ancient Remuh Synagogue, the 15th-century Old Synagogue and the Galicia Jewish Museum, displaying unique exhibits and photographs of the Jewish presence in Polish Galicia. Later continue to Oskar Schindler's factory and other locations featured in Steven Spielberg's epic film Schindler's List. A guest speaker joins you for dinner at the hotel to discuss the forgotten heritage of Central Europe's Yiddish culture. Sheraton Krakow Hotel B, D

Day 7 : Kraków
You may choose to visit the moving but harrowing concentration camps of Birkenau- Auschwitz, the most graphic memorial to the horror of the Holocaust in Europe. A museum now stands testament to the atrocities and pays tribute to the thousands of lives lost here. Alternatively, you may spend the morning at leisure in Kraków. Dinner this evening is at leisure. Sheraton Krakow Hotel B, L

Day 8 : Kraków/Vienna, Austria/Budapest, Hungary
Fly to Vienna and connect to Budapest, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Danube." On arrival, you are met and transferred to your deluxe, centrally located hotel. Dine à la carte at the hotel or at the restaurant of your choice. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace B, D

Day 9 : Budapest
Begin your explorations in St. Stephens Park at the Holocaust Memorial, resembling a weeping willow whose leaves bear inscriptions of the names of the victims. Continue along the Danube River's embankment to view a new monument to the Jews killed during the Holocaust. Later, you are invited to the Secondary School of Sandor Scheiber and the Rabbinical Seminary, opened in 1877 and one of the world's most important institutions of rabbinical training. Visit the Great Synagogue complex containing the synagogue, cemetery, the Tree of Life monument and the Jewish Museum. Pause for lunch at a Jewish restaurant in Dohány Street, then view the Crown Jewels in the Parliament building. Cross the river to the "Buda" section of the city for a short walking tour. In this picturesque district, see the Matthias Church, also known as the Coronation Cathedral, and the Fisherman's Bastion with its lovely views of the Danube River. Feast on Hungarian specialties in a local restaurant while listening to lively gypsy music. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace B, L, D

Day 10 : Budapest
Explore the Holocaust Memorial Center, a complex that includes the renovated Pava Street synagogue. Afterward, visit the House of Terror, a museum remembering two totalitarian systems of the 20th century (fascism and communism) and their victims. Between 1944 and 1945 this mansion was the headquarters of the Hungarian Nazis, earning it a sinister reputation. After lunch at leisure, your afternoon is free for independent activities. Gather tonight for a farewell cocktail party before dining at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace B

Day 11 : Depart Budapest/USA
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B

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