MARCH OF THE LIVING FOR ADULTS

PROGRAM DATES

April 12 – 19, 2026 | Poland Only

April 12 – 25, 2026 | Poland + 7-Day Israel

April 12 – 28, 2026 | Poland + 10-Day Israel

Travelers also have the option to connect to a separate volunteer experience, starting April 20, 2026 in Israel after the March in Poland

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2026 REGISTRATION UPDATE

Enrollment for the National USA Adult Delegation to the International March of the Living is open. Sign up commitment-free to confirm your space – availability is limited.

“Thou Shalt Not Stand Idly By.” – Elie Wiesel

Embark on a transformative journey with the National USA Adult Delegation to the International March of the Living. This once-in-a-lifetime experience blends remembrance, history, and cultural renewal, honoring the past while strengthening Jewish identity for the future.

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE IN POLAND

In Poland, you will honor the resilience and achievements of Jewish life in what was once Europe’s largest Jewish community before WWII. This powerful program includes visits to Krakow, Tarnow, Lublin, and Warsaw, where history comes alive. Timed to coincide with Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), the highlight of the journey is the solemn March of the Living from Auschwitz to Birkenau, uniting thousands of participants from across the globe in a moving memorial ceremony, joined by international leaders and dignitaries.

RENEWAL IN ISRAEL | Optional Extension

Extend your journey with an optional tour of Israel, rediscovering the Jewish Homeland through vibrant landscapes and historic cities. Explore the Carmel Mountains, Ramon Crater, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv, while experiencing the spirit of Israel during its most meaningful national holidays: Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day). Stand together during the nationwide siren in remembrance of fallen heroes, then celebrate freedom and unity by joining locals dancing in the festive streets of Jerusalem.

The March of the Living is not just a trip, it is an emotional, life-changing experience. It is a chance to bear witness to the tragedies of the Holocaust, reaffirm the global commitment of “Never Again,” and strengthen core Jewish values of memory, compassion, resilience, and justice. By joining, you become part of a worldwide community united in remembrance, solidarity, and hope for a better future.

ABOUT OUR DELEGATION

In partnership with BBYO and Authentic Israel, this independent adult delegation is organized in coordination with the International March of the Living, ensuring full participation in the powerful Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) commemoration and official ceremonies. Participants are guided by an experienced team of renowned Jewish educators, expert tour guides, and dedicated staff, providing insight, context, and care at every stage of this meaningful journey.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

Explore our projected itinerary, subject to reasonable change based on local considerations

PART I | BEARING WITNESS IN POLAND

Participants arrange their own international flights; early arrival in Kraków is recommended. A group flight option and suggested arrival on April 12, 2026 will be announced for those who prefer to travel together

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026 | The Kazmierz Legacy

Arrival: Recommended late-morning arrival into Kraków. Complimentary airport transfer for guests arriving on the designated flight or within the same arrival window.
Hotel: Check-in at a centrally located Kraków hotel; meet the trip staff and receive an orientation.
Afternoon: Guided walking exploration of Kazimierz, Kraków’s historic Jewish Quarter – visits include the Remu (Remuh) Synagogue, the Tempel Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery and Jozefa Street, with commentary on centuries of Jewish life in the region.
Evening: Welcome dinner hosted at the Kraków Jewish Community Center (JCC); chance to meet local community leaders, including the JCC Executive Director.

Overnight: Kraków, Poland
Meals included: Dinner

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026 | Confronting Auschwitz & Birkenau

Morning: Arrive at the grounds of Auschwitz II-Birkenau where the full horror of the extermination of 1.5 million Jewish People is palpable (packed lunch provided)
Site visits: Tour Auschwitz I to see the watchtowers, perimeter fences, former prisoner blocks, the wall where prisoners were executed, crematoria remains, and the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate.
Reflection: Visit the surviving synagogue in Oświęcim to honor memories and process the day’s experience with the group.
Return: Evening return to Kraków for dinner and group reflection.

Overnight: Kraków, Poland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026 | The March of the Living

This day coincides with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day

Morning: Visit the former Kraków Ghetto sites, the Plaszów labor camp, and the exterior of Oscar Schindler’s factory to trace the ghetto-era history.
Return to Auschwitz: Join thousands of international participants in the March of the Living, walking from Auschwitz to Birkenau as a global act of remembrance (lunch provided en route).
Ceremony: Attend the official Yom HaShoah commemoration at Birkenau, often attended by international and Israeli dignitaries.
Evening: Dinner back in Kraków followed by an optional group evening in the Old Town Market Square near Wawel Castle.

Overnight: Kraków, Poland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026 | Lublin & Majdanek

Travel: Depart Kraków crossing the Galician countryside toward Lublin.
Memorial stop: Visit the Zbylitowska Góra forest memorial site to pay respects at a mass grave memorial.
Cultural break: Short visit to the historic Łańcut Castle (Lancut) and learning about the region’s Jewish community heritage. Lunch en route.
Lublin: Explore the Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva – once a premier center of Jewish scholarship and the site of major Nazi book burnings. Check in to a central Lublin hotel.
Evening: Dinner in Lublin; time for group processing.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 | Majdanek

Morning: Visit Majdanek concentration camp – established in 1941 and later used as a death camp for many Jews and Polish citizens.
Lunch: Provided en route.
Afternoon/Evening: Continue to Warsaw. Visit and ascend the Mound of the Warsaw Uprising (a man-made memorial hill fashioned from city rubble). Catered dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Warsaw, Poland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & DinneR

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 | Treblinka

Morning: Drive north to the minimalist, forested Treblinka memorial to reflect at the site of one of the Holocaust’s most devastating killing centers (lunch provided en route).
Afternoon: Return to Warsaw for a visit to the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery – a place of remembrance for many prewar leaders – and, time permitting, the Jewish Historical Institute to view the Oneg Shabbat Archive.
Evening: Choose to attend communal Kabbalat Shabbat at the historic Nożyk Synagogue (Orthodox) or Beit Warszawa (egalitarian). Catered Shabbat dinner at the hotel

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 | Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

Note: All touring today is walking-based.
Morning: Free time or optional Shabbat services; group Shabbat lunch.
Afternoon: Walk the Route of Heroes and visit the Rappaport Monument to learn about the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Visit the Umschlagplatz (the deportation point to Treblinka) and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews for contemporary exhibitions on Jewish life in Poland.
Evening: Closing group session and a celebratory dinner; havdalah to mark the end of Shabbat, then an optional night out in Warsaw’s Old Town.

Overnight: Warsaw, Poland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 | The Journey Continues

Transfers: Group transfers to Warsaw Chopin Airport for outbound flights; a designated group flight to North America will depart in the early morning (final schedule TBD). Complimentary airport transfer for travelers leaving on the designated flight or within the same timeframe.
Optional: An organized group flight to Tel Aviv (for those joining Part II) will be available for purchase, likely departing Sunday evening or Monday early morning (final timing TBD).

Meals included: Breakfast

PART II | ISRAEL REVISITED

Travelers also have the option to connect to a separate volunteer experience beginning April 20, 2026 in Israel

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 | Baruch HaBah – Welcome!

Arrival: Land at Ben Gurion Airport and travel north to the Carmel region.
Hotel: Check in to the Elma Arts Hotel in Zichron Ya’akov (guaranteed 3:00 PM check-in).
Evening: Group meeting in the lobby at 18:30, followed by a welcome dinner. Optional afternoon stroll in historic Zichron Ya’akov for early arrivals. Shehecheyanu ceremony at Caesarea Aqueduct Beach and dinner at a Caesarea port restaurant.

Overnight: Zichron Ya’akov (Elma Arts Hotel)
Meals included: Dinner

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026 | A Young Nation of Immigrants

Morning: Visit the Beit Ahronson Museum to honor pioneering settlers’ legacy.
Midday: See modern absorption in action at Yemin Orde Youth Village and share lunch with students.
Afternoon: Explore the Atlit Detention Camp to learn about postwar refugee arrivals to pre-state Israel.
Evening: Participate in a local ceremony marking the start of Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day). Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Zichron Ya’akov (Elma Arts Hotel)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 | Remembering the Sacrifice

Note: Today marks Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence) observances; it begins with Yom HaZikaron memorial observance.
Travel: Journey toward Jerusalem with a stop at Khan Sha’ar HaGai (Latrun) — site of fierce 1948 battles. Observe a minute of silence for Yom HaZikaron.
Jerusalem: Taste the city at Mahane Yehuda market using a “Shuk Bites” tasting card and visit Ammunition Hill to learn about the 1967 battles for the city.
Evening: Free evening to join city-wide Erev Yom HaAtzmaut celebrations.

Overnight: Jerusalem (Dan Panorama – Deluxe Rooms)
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 | Celebrating Independence

Options for the day (choose one):

Option 1: Day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea (additional fee: approx. $150).
Option 2: Free day to explore Jerusalem independently.
Option 3: Join the March of the Living parade in Jerusalem from City Hall to the Western Wall.
Evening: Attend a special Yom HaAtzmaut concert and program presented by March of the Living International; dinner included.

Overnight: Jerusalem (Dan Panorama — Deluxe Rooms)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026 | Returning to the Old City

Morning of Service: Participate in a volunteer project in Jerusalem.
Old City: Enter via Zion Gate to explore the Jewish Quarter, including the restored Hurva Synagogue, and walk portions of the Cardo. Lunch on your own.
Afternoon: Visit the Aish HaTorah rooftop viewpoint for a Temple Mount vista and tour new archaeological discoveries at the City of David, including the Herodian Road.
Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Jerusalem (Dan Panorama — Deluxe Rooms)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026 | Arts & Culture in Tel Aviv

Day trip: Travel to Tel Aviv. Visit ANU – The Museum of the Jewish People and view highlights such as Codex Sasson.
Markets & Streets: Explore Nahalat Binyamin Street Festival and the bustling Carmel Market. Discover Florentin’s graffiti scene and public art installations reflecting recent events. Visit Independence Hall and enjoy Rothschild Boulevard.
Return: Return to Jerusalem for Shabbat preparations. Optional Kabbalat Shabbat at the Western Wall. Shabbat dinner hosted at the accommodation with a guest appearance by a Lone Soldier.

Overnight: Jerusalem (Dan Panoram – Deluxe Rooms)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 | Shabbat in Jerusalem

Morning: Free time for services or personal exploration. Travelers on the 7-day program check out by lunchtime (luggage storage available). Shabbat lunch provided.
Afternoon: Visit the Christian Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then explore the Arab shuk (bazaar).
Evening Options: Complimentary airport transfer for overnight departures (for those leaving Saturday night) or an optional night out at First Station or Ben Yehuda Street.

Overnight: Jerusalem (Dan Panorama — Deluxe Rooms)
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Note: Those ending their trip on Saturday night receive a free transfer to Ben Gurion Airport; accommodation that night is not included unless pre-arranged.

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2026 | Memory in the Western Negev

Travel south: Journey to communities near the Gaza periphery to meet with residents of Moshav Netiv HaAsara and hear how they face trauma and rebuild for the future.
Sderot: Lunch on your own in Sderot; visit key sites of the October 7, 2023 attacks, including the Nova Music Festival memorial and other remembrance points.
Evening: Continue to Sde Boker and check in at a hotel overlooking Wadi Zin Canyon; dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Negev Desert (Kedma Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026 | Israel’s Desert Landscape

Morning: Visit David Ben-Gurion’s grave and learn about his desert vision.
Off-road: Jeep tour across the Ramon Crater; stop in Mitzpe Ramon for lunch on your own.
Afternoon: Ramon Crater Visitors Center and a short nature walk, followed by a Negev winery visit to sample desert-grown varieties.
Evening: Astronomer-led stargazing program and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Negev Desert (Kedma Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 | Looking to the Future

Morning: Depart Sde Boker and visit the Israeli Air Force Museum at Hatzerim.

Beer Sheva: Explore Israel’s southern metropolis and enjoy lunch on your own.

Lakiya: Meet with a Bedouin women’s weaving cooperative to learn about community initiatives and craftsmanship.

Tel Aviv: Free time in the Jaffa Flea Market, then a final group celebration dinner in Tel Aviv. Optional transfers to Ben Gurion Airport will be arranged for overnight flights.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

Airport transfers for those traveling on the recommended flight and other similar-timed flights
A Jewish educational guide accompanies the group throughout
A local tour manager and security escort accompany the group in Poland
Centrally located hotels per the itinerary
All meals are included in Poland and most meals are included for travelers to Israel (see itinerary)
All meals are kosher
Luxury private touring bus with A/C
All programming costs per the itinerary
VIP reserved seating at the Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) ceremony and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebration
Remote audio headsets
March of the Living backpack and rain jacket

NOT INCLUDED

International flights
An optional group flight from Poland to Tel Aviv is available for those continuing to Israel
Travel Insurance
Protect your investment, and plan ahead for the unexpected with a travel protection plan
Medical insurance
Staff gratuities
Hotel incidentals

2026 TRAVEL ROUTE

PART I | POLAND

PART II | ISRAEL (Optional)

ARRANGING TRAVEL

Travelers arrange their own trans-Atlantic incoming and outgoing flights. Recommended flights are designated for travelers wishing to travel to and from Poland together. These flights are recommended based on the availability of connecting flights from many North American airports. Complimentary airport transfers are provided for travelers flying on the recommended flights or similarly timed flights.

LEARN MORE: Travel Plans 2026

NOTE: Travelers wishing to arrive early can be accommodated at our hotel based on the group hotel rate and according to availability.

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2026 DATES & COSTS

PROGRAM OPTIONS	TRAVEL DATES	DOUBLE ROOM OCCUPANCY	SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY
POLAND ONLY Land costs only	APRIL 12 – APRIL 19, 2026	$4,050/p	$4,650/p
POLAND + 7-Day Israel Land costs only	APRIL 12 – APRIL 25, 2026	$6,900/p	$8,450/p
POLAND + 10-Day Israel Land costs only	APRIL 12 – APRIL 28, 2026	$7,800/p	$9,750/p
WARSAW TO TEL AVIV FLIGHT	APRIL 19, 2026	$600	$600

An “Israel only” option, including March of the Living-organized celebrations on Israeli Independence Day, is also available, as is the option to connect to a separate volunteer experience beginning April 20, 2026 in Israel.

ENROLLMENT TERMS

To reserve your spot, a $250/person fully refundable deposit is due at the time of your registration (all program costs are listed in US Dollars)
The deposit becomes non-refundable as of December 15, 2025
The balance is due January 26, 2026, after which all payments are non-refundable, and exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis at Authentic Israel’s discretion
Separate payment and cancellation terms may apply to the group flight (TBD)
Cancellations must be made in writing, and we encourage you to obtain a travel insurance policy
Payments may be made by check or credit/debit card, however, a 3.50% processing fee applies for credit/debit card payments (does not apply to the initial $250 deposit). Note: credit card fees are not refundable
Authentic Israel reserves the right to deny acceptance on the tour according to their sole discretion

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Who staffs the tour?

March of the Living for Adults is led by a professional Jewish educator/guide who escorts the tour on a 24/7 basis. Our program leader is joined by a local tour manager and a security escort in Poland.

Will we be traveling with teens?

March of the Living for Adults is an official part of the overall March of the Living initiative, but we travel independently of the many teen groups who comprise the majority of the program. We stay at separate hotels, have separate meals, and we travel with our own separate staff team. For those who wish, there will be opportunities for some shared moments with the BBYO National Teen Delegation.

How active is the touring?

Because we want you to get the most out of your travels, our touring days are full, and there is quite a bit of travel on foot. While none of the walks are strenuous, you will find at the end of the day that you have taken a large number of steps. Be prepared for an average of 3-4 hours of walking a day over all manner of surfaces (e.g., cobblestone paths, uneven walkways, etc.). Travelers requiring walking support or with mobility constraints will not be well accommodated on this program.

Is the tour kosher and Shabbat observant?

March of the Living for Adults is a pluralistic Jewish travel experience open to all. Group meals are kosher and other meals are on own at the traveler’s discretion. All touring on Saturdays is on foot, and there are opportunities to participate in local Shabbat services.

How are special dietary needs accommodated?

Travelers can note any special dietary needs as part of online registration. We will coordinate with our catering partners to arrange special accommodations wherever possible.

Can I leave Poland or Israel earlier than the official dates?

Yes. Please contact us to make special arrangements.

How do I get ready for the trip?

Detailed pre-trip material is distributed approximately four months prior to arrival and travel planning guidance is available now. You’ll also be invited to a trip Facebook group to connect with fellow travelers before the program and stay in touch afterward.

How does Authentic Israel approach safe travel?

Providing safe travel experiences is our guiding consideration. We appreciate our responsibility and the trust that travelers place in us. We care about their well-being like family. Key security-related protocols that we follow include:

Traveling on private transportation only
Traveling with a licensed Israeli guide at all times who has been trained in security response
Traveling with a security escort (Poland)
Avoiding travel to areas of heightened concern
Use of hotels with a guard and a secure area (Israel)
24/7 support from our headquarters office in Israel
Close coordination with the Israeli security services via the “Situation Room”
Willingness and ability to modify our programming, staffing structure, and/or overall protocols as needed based on actual conditions where we travel.

Finally, in the rare event of an acute security event, we have issued full refunds in the past, and we will continue to follow this principle should we deem the situation appropriate.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our approach to providing travel experiences that are safe, meaningful, and joyous.

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