Arrive independently in Dijon and make your way to the elegant Grand Hôtel La Cloche for check-in.

This afternoon, we'll gather for our Welcome & Orientation Session, where you'll meet your fellow travelers and be introduced to the women, places, and themes that will shape our journey together. As with every Melton Travel experience, our learning begins before we visit our first site, setting the stage for a week of discovery, thoughtful conversation, and shared reflection. Together, we'll begin exploring the rich and often untold story of Jewish life in Burgundy and Alsace, discovering how Jewish communities helped shape, and were shaped by, the history, culture, and people of the region.

This evening, we'll celebrate the beginning of our journey with a Welcome Dinner, getting to know one another while enjoying the renowned cuisine of Burgundy. Together, we'll set the tone for a week of learning, reflection, meaningful conversation, and lasting friendships.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we'll begin the day with our Melton Learning Session, introducing the historical, cultural, and Jewish context for the places we'll explore and the themes that will accompany us throughout the day.

We'll then set out on a guided walking tour of Dijon, the historic capital of Burgundy. As we wander through its beautifully preserved medieval streets and elegant squares, we'll discover centuries of history, remarkable architecture, and the rich cultural heritage that defines this remarkable city.

Enjoy lunch and the afternoon at leisure, giving you time to explore Dijon at your own pace. Browse its charming boutiques, visit a museum, relax at a café, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of one of France's most beautiful cities.

This evening, we'll gather for a hands-on Burgundian cooking class, where we'll prepare a delicious regional meal together before sitting down to enjoy dinner, a wonderful opportunity to share conversation, laughter, and the flavors of Burgundy.

Overnight at Grand Hôtel La Cloche.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we'll gather for our daily Melton Learning Session, where shared learning, thoughtful conversation, and personal reflection set the tone for the day. Together, we'll explore the day's themes, connect our readings with the places we'll visit, and learn from both the journey and one another.

We then travel to Chalon-sur-Saône, one of Burgundy's oldest cities, for a guided walking tour. Situated on the banks of the Saône River, Chalon has long been an important center of commerce, culture, and regional life. As we explore its historic streets, we'll consider the role Jewish merchants and communities played in medieval Burgundy and how their stories became part of the region's rich and complex history.

Enjoy lunch at leisure before exploring the town at your own pace.

This afternoon, we'll visit the legendary Château du Clos de Vougeot, the historic headquarters of the Cistercian monks who helped shape Burgundy's renowned wine tradition. During our guided tour, we'll learn about the château's remarkable history and its enduring role in the region's viticultural heritage. As we enjoy a tasting of Burgundy's celebrated wines, we'll also reflect on wine's central place in Jewish ritual and celebration, from Kiddush to festivals, and the ways in which food and wine have helped sustain Jewish identity across generations.

Overnight at Grand Hôtel La Cloche.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we'll check out of our hotel and begin our journey toward Alsace. As we travel, our Melton Learning Session continues on the coach, where shared learning, thoughtful conversation, and personal reflection prepare us for the day's discoveries.

We'll stop at a picturesque winery for a leisurely lunch featuring regional cheeses paired with some of Burgundy's celebrated wines. Surrounded by the beauty of the vineyards, we'll also enjoy a restorative Qi Gong session, inviting us to pause, breathe, and connect more deeply with the landscape around us.

This afternoon, we arrive in the enchanting town of Colmar, one of Alsace's most beautiful cities. Beyond its colorful half-timbered houses and winding canals lies a rich Jewish story stretching back to the Middle Ages. During our guided visit, we'll explore the history of the Jewish community of Colmar, visit the Colmar Synagogue, and learn about centuries of Jewish life in Alsace, from periods of flourishing to persecution, resilience, and renewal.

We then continue to Strasbourg for hotel check-in.

Dinner and the evening are at leisure, providing the opportunity to stroll through Strasbourg's historic streets or simply relax after a rewarding day of learning and discovery.

This evening, we'll be welcomed into the home of the Honorary Consul of Israel for a private Alsatian dinner. Sharing a meal together in a local home provides a meaningful opportunity to continue our conversations, reflect on the day's experiences, and celebrate the warmth of Alsatian hospitality.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we'll start the day with a Melton Learning Session, providing historical context and fresh perspectives that will enhance our visits throughout the day. Through learning and discussion, we'll connect the past with the landscapes and communities we'll encounter.

Learn about the role of the Parliament within the European Union, how legislation is developed, and the issues shaping Europe today. The visit also offers an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Simone Veil—a Holocaust survivor, champion of human rights, and the first elected President of the European Parliament in 1979. Her remarkable life and commitment to European cooperation continue to symbolise the Parliament's founding ideals of peace, democracy, and reconciliation.

Enjoy lunch at leisure before driving to Pfaffenhoffen.

In Pfaffenhoffen, we'll visit another historic synagogue and gain insight into the rhythms of everyday Jewish life in rural Alsace.

We then travel to Bouxwiller, home to the Musée Judéo-Alsacien (Jewish Museum of Alsace). Through its thoughtfully curated exhibits, we'll discover the traditions, customs, and daily lives of the Jewish families who helped shape the cultural fabric of the region for generations.

We'll return to our hotel to freshen up.

Gathering for a meaningful Shabbat dinner, celebrating the warmth of community, tradition, and shared learning as we welcome Shabbat together.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we'll gather together for a soulful Shabbat morning service, led by the wonderful Cantor Linda Kates, whose warmth, music, and spirit will inspire us as we celebrate the joy and meaning of Shabbat together.

We'll then come together for a leisurely Shabbat lunch, enjoying delicious kosher and vegetarian cuisine, conversation, and the opportunity to continue building the friendships that have become such a special part of our journey.

This afternoon, we'll set out on a guided walking tour of Strasbourg, a city where Jewish and Christian histories have intertwined for centuries. As we stroll through its picturesque streets, we'll explore the story of Strasbourg's Jewish community, from its medieval beginnings to its vibrant Jewish life today and discover how the city became an important center of Jewish scholarship, commerce, and culture.

Our walk includes a visit to the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, one of Europe's finest examples of Gothic architecture. Beyond its architectural splendor, we'll consider the cathedral as a window into the complex relationship between Jewish and Christian history in medieval Europe, deepening our understanding of both traditions and the world they helped shape.

Dinner and the evening are at leisure, allowing time to continue exploring Strasbourg or simply relax and enjoy the city's enchanting atmosphere.

Overnight at Maison Rouge Strasbourg.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we'll gather for our daily Melton Learning Session, where shared learning, thoughtful conversation, and personal reflection prepare us for another day of discovery. Together, we'll explore the history of Jewish life in Alsace and the remarkable rural communities that flourished here for centuries.

This morning, we'll meet with the leadership of the Union Juive Libérale de Strasbourg (UJLS), including the rabbi and community leaders, for an opportunity to learn firsthand about contemporary Jewish life in France, the opportunities and challenges facing today's Jewish community, and the ways in which Jewish life continues to evolve in the region.

Enjoy lunch at leisure in Strasbourg before continuing to Saverne.

In Saverne, we'll visit the historic synagogue and discover the story of Jewish families who contributed to the town's commercial, cultural, and religious life for generations.

Our day concludes in the charming village of Traenheim, where we'll gain a deeper appreciation for the unique character of Jewish village life in Alsace and the enduring traditions that shaped these close-knit communities.

Dinner and the evening are at leisure, offering time to reflect on the day's discoveries or enjoy another evening in beautiful Strasbourg.

Overnight at Maison Rouge Strasbourg.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Following breakfast, our Melton Learning Session continues on the coach as we reflect on the enduring strength of Jewish communities in Alsace and consider the ways memory, resilience, and renewal continue to shape Jewish life today.

Our first stop is the historic Jewish cemetery of Rosenwiller, one of the oldest and most significant Jewish cemeteries in Alsace. As we walk among its centuries-old gravestones, we'll explore the customs, traditions, and stories preserved here, gaining insight into generations of Jewish families who made this region their home.

We then continue to Obernai, where our guided visit includes the town's synagogue and an exploration of the history of its Jewish community.

Enjoy a leisurely final afternoon in Strasbourg at your own pace. Browse the city's charming boutiques, revisit a favorite area or historic site you may have missed, or simply relax and take time to pack before our farewell evening together.

This evening, we'll gather one final time to reflect on the experiences, insights, and connections we've shared throughout our journey. We'll celebrate with a festive farewell dinner, marking the end of our travels together and the friendships and memories we've created along the way.

Overnight at Maison Rouge Strasbourg.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we'll check out of the hotel and begin our journeys home, carrying with us not only memories of the remarkable places we've visited, but also the learning, conversations, friendships, and inspiration that will continue long after our travels have ended.