Pearls of the East
Mission to Vilnius & Riga
September 12-19, 2027
For Centuries
Lithuania and Latvia were at the heart of Jewish life in Europe. Vilnius, the “Jerusalem of Lithuania,” was a world capital of Torah learning, Yiddish culture, and Jewish thought, and the Litvak tradition it shaped still echoes in communities around the globe, including our own. Today, Jewish life in Vilnius and Riga is rebuilding with pride, through synagogues, schools, and community centers that welcome the next generation. Pearls of the East is our chance to come home to that story and celebrate the people writing its next chapter.
Full Itinerary Upon Request
Space is limited. Participants must be 21 years of age or older.
Participation in this mission requires a minimum commitment per household of $3,600 each year to the 2028 and 2029 Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Community Campaigns. For young adult donors (age 22-45), the minimum commitment per household of $1,000 is required each year to the 2028 and 2029 Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Community Campaigns.
ITINERARY
FLIGHTS
Recommended Flights
NOTE: Havdallah on September 11, 2027 is at 8:17 PM
Option 1
Departing
September 11, 2027
Pittsburgh to London
British Air BA 170 (7 hours 25 minutes)
Departing at 9:00 PM
Arriving at LHR at 9:40 AM (next day)
4 hour layover
September 12, 2027
London to Helsinki
Departing LHR at ????
Arriving at HEL at ????
Finnair AY 1334 (2 hours 45 minutes)
1 hour 5 minute layover
September 12, 2027
Helsinki to Vilnius
Finnair AY 1107 (1 hour 30 minutes)
Departing HEL at 7:30 PM
Arriving at VNO at 9:10 PMHEL-VNO AY1107
Option 2
(NOTE: this flight departs before Shabbat)
September 11, 2027
Pittsburgh to Dublin
Aer Lingus 180
Departing PIT at 8:10 PM
Arriving at DUB at ???
1 hr 30 min layover
September 12, 2027
Dublin to Helsinki
Finnair 1382
Departing DUB at 9:40 AM
Arriving at HEL at ???
1 hr 30 min layover
September 12, 2027
Helsinki to Vilnius
FLIGHT?
Departing HEL at 4:15 PM
Arriving at VNO at 5:55 PM
Departure from Riga-
September 19 2:00 PM RIX-HEL AY1080
1 hr 15 min layover
4:25 PM HEL-ORD AY9
2 hr 55 min layover
8:45 PM ORD-PIT
September 19 11:30 PM Arrival in PIT
END
We strongly suggest the acquisition of comprehensive medical and travel (‘Cancel for Any Reason’) insurance prior to your arrival in Lithuania. If you are interested in “cancel for any reason” trip insurance, it must be purchased within 15 days of making your trip deposit or purchasing your flight, whichever occurs first.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh does not currently, and will not in the future, provide any medical insurance coverage while on the Mission. Any medical insurance coverage desired must be purchased by mission participants.
Travel Insurance: There is no trip cancellation insurance offered by Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)/Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
Note: JFNA/Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh highly recommends that all mission participants review their own personal insurance coverage needs with their insurance advisors to determine if additional travel insurance is required. Additional travel insurance could cover items such as reimbursement for trip delays, missed connections, sickness and/or accident medical expenses, lost baggage, personal effects, baggage delay, etc.
Here are some providers should you wish to purchase additional insurance. Inclusion on this list should not be construed as an endorsement by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
Travel Guard: www.travelguard.com, 800-826-4919
Travel Notes: Your passport must not expire before February 19, 2028, for entrance into the EU.
PRICING
Pricing Tab:
Early Bird Price Land Only (available through December 31, 2026):
$2,999 based on double occupancy
$3,998 based on single occupancy
Early Bird YAD Price Land Only (available through December 31, 2026):
$2,299 based on double occupancy
$3,298 based on single occupancy
Regular Mission Price Land Only:
$3,299 based on double occupancy
$4,298 based on single occupancy
Regular Young Adult Price Land Only:
$2,499 based on double occupancy
$3,498 based on single occupancy
Price Inclusions:
- Minimum suggested gratuities
- A private English-speaking tour guide
- Private Driver and air-conditioned bus
- Security Guard
- 4-star accommodations
- Speakers and activity rooms
- Water on the bus
Price Exclusions:
- Airfare
- Travel and health insurance (required)
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Anything not mentioned above
Payment Details
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot on the Mission.
Cancellation Policy
On or before July 10, 2027: Full refund except for non-refundable deposit.
On or between July 11, 2027, and August 10, 2027: 50% of refundable costs.
On or after August 11, 2027: No Refund.
For more information, contact Sadie Hilf at shilf@jfedpgh.org.
ACCOMMODATIONS
E.T. Kaplan GoldsteinMission Chair
Full inclusion is a core value of Jewish Pittsburgh. The Jewish Federation welcomes participants of all abilities, backgrounds, races, religious affiliations, sexual orientations and gender identities. Some mission activities require physical mobility. Please notify us prior to the trip if you require accommodation for accessibility or any other needs. We will do whatever possible to assist. Additional costs may apply. Please discuss accesibility accommodations with the contact person for this mission.
NOTICE: By registering for this event, you agree that your (and your guest's) picture and/or video may be taken and potentially used in Jewish Federation marketing material and social media. If you do not agree, please call 412-681-8000 to register by phone and indicate that you decline to agree. Thank you.
Health & Illness Recommendations
The Jewish Federation cares about the health and well-being of all mission participants. We encourage everyone to follow current CDC recommendations as regards to vaccines, masking and isolation when feeling sick or suspect an exposure to contagion. If a participant becomes ill during the mission, the laws and regulations of local, state, federal and international governments may require quarantine in a separate location, at your expense, without physical access to family and friends, and could result in the interruption or cancellation of your mission participation.