Passover Program in Santa Margherita, Portofino, Italy

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The five-star Imperiale Palace Hotel is today one of the most outstanding and prestigious hotels in the Ligurian Riviera. It caters to discerning clientele that takes one back to memorable times long gone.

At the beginning of the 1900’s royals, aristocrats, divas and intellectuals came to this splendid Belle époque property on the Italian Riviera for their holiday. Today, a century later, the peace enveloping the private park, the elegance of the historic Liberty style building and the crystal clear water of Santa Margherita Ligure are still all the same. The hotel is still one of the most prestigious hotels in Liguria.

Imperiale Palace Hotel is the ideal getaway for those who seek comfort, elegance and style, a refuge offering high level services in the vicinity of the famous areas such as Portofino, Rapallo, Camogli, Sestri Levante and Genoa. The hotel was originally built as a private villa in 1889 by the aristocratic Costa family of Corsica. Le Vele Beach Club is widely considered to be one of Santa Margherita Ligure best beaches. It has an intimate atmosphere with vibrant turquoise waters and provides a picturesque setting for relaxing. Luxurious loungers and umbrellas are reserved exclusively for hotel guests. It allows for complete enjoyment under the warm Ligurian sun. The warmed-up sea-water swimming pool, harmoniously combined with the green of the historical park and the amazing view over the bay, offers to hotel guests comfortable ample sun beds to laze on in the sunshine. The hotels Spa is the place to leave daily routine and stress behind and discover sensations of wellbeing thanks to its highly internationally trained therapists. A unique center for holistic wellbeing, it specializes in combining Asian techniques together with innovative western massages to achieve an optimal state of mind, body, and soul.

The award-winning chefs of the hotel and service-oriented banquet staff will be working in concert with our own outstanding “Kosher Chefs”. They will create a fabulous gourmet culinary experience drawing from the best of Italian, continental and traditional Jewish fare under the Glatt Kosher supervision of Rabbi S. Wilshansky of Milan. Your hosts will, once again, be the Minkowitz family. Whether it’s in the ballrooms, or tearooms, a large variety of impressive delights awaits you. Our daily religious services along with thought provoking lectures and discussions, children’s program, plus exciting optional sightseeing tours will round out a truly unique Pesach experience.

IMPERIALE PALACE HOTEL SCHOLARS AND 2025 STAFF

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet arrived in the UK in 1991. Having previously served as assistant principle of Oholei Torah Boys School in New York, he assumed the position as Minister of the Richmond Synagogue in Southwest London for two years, while also teaching Advanced Jewish Studies at the Jews Free School. In 1993, at the age of 28, he was offered the position as Rabbi of the Mill Hill Synagogue. His vibrancy and dynamism has resulted in a continuous growth of membership, now in excess of 1800 members.

He has a Masters Degree in Jewish Studies from University College London. He authors numerous articles for newspapers, magazines and journals, and lectures. He served as Diary Rabbi to the Guardian Newspaper and also writes for the Jewish Chronicle as well as a very popular weekly column in the Jewish News. He has featured in The London Times as well as Time Magazine International. Rabbi Schochet can often be seen on television including BBC as a regular panelist for The Big Questions as well as CNN.

In 2018 Rabbi Schochet served on the Chief Rabbi’s Cabinet with the portfolio of “family” and as chairman of the Rabbinical Council in the UK. He is currently the longest serving Rabbi in the United Synagogue. He was named by the Jewish Telegraph as one of the ten most influential Rabbis in the United Kingdom. The Jewish Chronicle recently described him as “one of the most outspoken Rabbis in the world”.

He is married with five children and grandchildren.

Rabbi Adam Mintz

Rabbi Adam Mintz, a Modern Orthodox rabbi in New York City and founder of Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim, believes that the greatest challenge facing twenty-first century Jewry is the creation of educated Jews who understand that the key to the Jewish future is the appreciation of the Jewish past. Toward this goal, Rabbi Mintz teaches Jewish history and thought in a variety of venues including weekly lectures and scholarly and Torah lecture series around the country. He has taught at Rutgers University, Brooklyn College, Hunter College and is presently an adjunct professor at City College, New York.  Audio files of his lectures can be found complete with source material at www.rabbimintz.com

Rabbi Adam & Sharon Mintz

Rabbi Adam Mintz is the rabbi of Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim, a Modern Orthodox community he founded on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and also the Director of 929 English, a web-based project that promotes the daily study of a chapter of Tanakh. In addition, Rabbi Mintz is the founder of Project Ruth which educates for and performs Orthodox conversions for people around the world. Rabbi Mintz received his PhD from New York University in Modern Jewish History and has taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at City College, New York. He is the author of Building Communities: A History of the Eruv in America (Boston, 2023) and has edited several volumes of essays on Jewish thought and religion.

Sharon Liberman Mintz, the Senior Consultant of Judaica at Sotheby’s since 1995, has been involved in the sale of the most celebrated Judaica libraries offered at auction during the last half century, most notably the Montefiore Endowment, and the Valmadonna Trust Library. In 2023, Ms. Mintz was responsible for the sale of Codex Sassoon: the earliest most complete Hebrew Bible and the most expensive book ever sold at auction. In addition, Ms. Mintz serves as the Curator of Jewish Art at the Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary – a position she has held since 1987. In the last three decades, she has curated over 50 exhibitions of rare Hebrew books and manuscripts, both at the JTS Library as well as at other international institutions and published numerous books on Jewish art.

GROUP TOURS AND TRANSFERS

PASSOVER 2025
SANTA MARGHERITA, PORTOFINO – ITALY
SUN, APR 21 – WED, MAY 01

Experience MY Portofino is a collection of experiences ranging from nature and outdoor excursions to learn about history framed around local culture and people.

Come with us and find hidden gems and hear fascinating stories.
On the following pages you will find a selection of the best sightseeing, group and private tours tailored for a unique Pesach experience.

For tour inquires and to arrange your private transfer, we kindly ask you to contact us:
Experience My Portofino – Email: [email protected]
Tel +39 0185 286493
www.experiencemyportofino.com
All prices are in Euro and include VAT and taxes

PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFERS
From Milan Malpensa (MXP) airport to Hotel Imperiale

Coaches and buses available for families (prices on request).

Group Tours

THURSDAY, APRIL 25
CINQUE TERRE, FULL DAY EXPERIENCE, FERRY BOAT, WALKING WITH GUIDE

Spend an unforgettable day, an absolute must see place, the Cinque Terre comprises five charming little villages each nestled in the rocky coast of Liguria. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso are the five villages part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Departure from the hotel by bus to La Spezia harbour (1 hour and half drive); boarding on a public ferry boat. On this tour you will explore Portovenere, Vernazza and Monterosso taking the public ferry from one village to another along with on foot exploration with your professional guide, soaking up the breathtaking views and stunned by terraces filled with olive groves and vineyards. Lunch on your own. Return in the afternoon by fast train from Monterosso to Santa Margherita train station (10 minutes walking to the Hotel).

Price per adult: 135 Euro
Price per child (3-11 years): 100 Euro / Infant: free
Duration: 9 hours
Group tour will be confirmed with a minimum of 50 people.

Itinerary is subject to minor changes due to weather conditions (Trains will be used instead of ferries).

FRIDAY, APRIL 26
GENOA SYNAGOGUE AND SERRAVALLE OUTLET MALL
FULL DAY GROUP TOUR

Full day experience with bus transfer. Visit of the Genoa Synagogue in the morning and then free time for shopping at the outlet mall. The largest outlet in Europe with more of 270 label Brands discounted up to 70%.

Discount card, VIP lounge and Shopping bag drop off included!

Price per person: 80 Euro
Duration: 7 hours
Group tour will be confirmed with a minimum of 25 adults
This tour can be made private on request.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
FORTE DEI MARMI MARKET AND PISA TOWER

Full day experience with coach, shopping and the Leaning Tower. Fur coats and cashmere, leader bags and much more in the famous Market of Forte dei Marmi.
The market is only open on Sunday and Wednesday.

Free time and transfer to Pisa for a picture at the Leaning Tower.

Price per person: 120 Euro
Duration: 7 hours
Group tour will be confirmed with a minimum of 25 adults.
This tour can be private on request.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
THE BEST OF PORTOFINO, WALKING WITH GUIDE

Half day experience, ferry boat and walking with guide.
Soak up the breathtaking sights of the Italian Riviera’s coastline while on your ferry ride to Portofino.
Truly the only way to fully appreciate the wonder of this little hidden gem.
Explore Portofino’s famous “Piazzetta” framed by colorful painted facades, then walk up to the castle to enjoy the visit and a spectacular view.

Price per adult: 80 Euro
Price per child (3-11 years): 50 Euro / Infant: free
Duration: 2.5 hours
Group tour will be confirmed with a minimum of 4 adults

Private Tours

Available everyday – Prices on request

PORTOFINO AND ITALIAN RIVIERA ON A PRIVATE BOAT

Full or Half day rental boat with captain.
Enjoy a jaw-dropping sightseeing tour from the comfort of your own private boat!
Explore the awe-inspiring coastline of Portofino, Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Punta Chiappa and Cala dell’Oro (the ‘’Cove of Gold’’ where pirates are said to have sunk their gold!!)
Pick the perfect spot to stop and have cool down in the clear blue waters that are full of marine life. Without a doubt the best way to see Portofino and the area around it!!
Boats are available for the entire period of Passover; please send a request for the complete boats pricelist.

FLORENCE, FULL DAY TOUR WITH GUIDE

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, but there’s so much to see, it’s hard to know where to start. This walking tour is ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time, checking off top attractions such as Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Please note: entrances to Uffizi or other museums have to be booked in advance. Tickets are not included in the tour. Our guides are not Jewish, but well prepared about the Florence Jewish history.

GENOA CITY TOUR, HALF DAY GROUP TOUR
Half day cultural experience with guide.
Genoa has the largest historical city center in Europe;
visit the Synagogue and the “caruggi” (old alleyways).

Optional entrance GENOA ACQUARIUM: A fascinating journey through the largest exhibition of biodiversity and ecosystems in Europe.

PORTOFINO NATURAL PARK, HIKING TOUR, FULL OR HALF DAY TOUR

A moderate panoramic route that crosses the Mediterranean countryside.
Among woods of holm‐oaks, aleppo pines, and terraces cultivated with olive
trees, ending in Portofino.
Starting from the hotel with guide.

PORTOFINO BIKE & KAYAK EXPERIENCE, FULL DAY ACTIVITY
A full day of outdoor activities: half day cycling with e-bike and a short kayak tour suitable for everyone coasting the amazing village of Portofino and its lighthouse.

Duration: 6 hours
Children are allowed with height more than 150 cm / 4.92 feet
Group tour will be confirmed with a minimum of 4 person.

E-BIKE – STAND UP PADDLEBOARD – KAYAK RENTALS
Feel free to discover the Portofino area and the surrounding villages on you own. Rent E-bikes, Kayaks and SUPs.
Full, Half day or weekly rentals.
Ask for details.

FAMILY PORTRAIT AND VIDEO
Create family memories!
Ask for a professional photo or video shooting during your stay at the Imperiale.