Say Hello to Holland!: 3 Must-see Places

Beds of tulips, magnificent windmills, charming cities, and picture-perfect provinces–Holland is home to countless adventures, both in urban spaces and the countryside.

Aside from its beautiful landscapes, Holland has also witnessed rich Jewish history dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. If you want to learn more about Jewish culture, visiting Holland will surely reward you with priceless knowledge and unforgettable experiences.

Once it’s already safe to travel, go on some great Jewish heritage tours through Holland!

Here are 3 must-see places in Holland.

1. Giethoorn

Dubbed as “The Venice of the Netherlands”, Giethoorn is a small town, having only an approximated 2,600 residents. With 3 miles of canals, wooden arch bridges, and bike lanes, this peaceful place is truly Instagram-worthy and a famous destination for Jewish cruises.

Located about 120 km northwest of Amsterdam, Giethoorn attracts tourists from all over Europe and is gaining much popularity around Asia. Due to its prominence as a tourist site, it has been included in the 80th anniversary Monopoly “world edition” board game.

If you visit during the winter, the canals get frozen, which invites locals and tourists to try ice skating. Don’t forget to strike a pose in front of an 18th century thatched farmhouse for your Instagram feed!

2. Volendam

Holland’s iconic fishing village, Volendam boasts of its well-preserved Dutch ships from the old days, a legacy of how fishing thrived in the village.

Its old harbours are popular with colorful establishments, and is often comparable to a real-life artwork. Several trips and tours such as Jewish cruises include this one-of-a-kind village in its stops.

Local museums featuring the history of the fishing village can also be visited. Tourists may also try wearing traditional Volendam clothing for a complete experience. Once you’re in the place, be sure to stop by the local markets to see the hustle and bustle of a typical day at Volendam.

3. De Hoge Veluwe National Park

As a “flat region”, there are a lot of nature parks in Holland. One of these is the De Hoge Veluwe National Park.

Photo Credit: en.visittheotherholland.com

Stretching over 13,343 acres, this national park is home to rare wildlife and the rich flora of the region. Enjoy biking through nature trails or walking along the forest, among many other activities that you could explore. 

Once you’ve been captivated by the beauty of Holland’s natural resources, get captivated even more by visiting the Kröller-Müller museum, still located inside the national park, for an awesome collection of Van Gogh’s 19th and 20th century artworks.

With Giethoorn, Volendam, and the De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Holland is truly filled with adventure of all sorts.

Say hello to Holland by joining Jewish heritage tours soon!

What Are Some Great Things to Experience on a Trip Along the Douro River?

The Iberian Peninsula is a beautiful slice of Europe, a wedge-shaped landmass in between France and the northern parts of Africa, a temperate locale full of history and heritage. While it's not advisable to go on international trips at the moment (what with the current pandemic and all), you can always schedule a great kosher vacation through this beautiful landmass in the future, when the world becomes cleaner and safer for travel.

One of the best places for a kosher cruise in the Iberian Peninsula is through the Douro Valley region of Portugal, a lovely wine region full of luxury and culture. Here are some of the things you should expect when traveling along the Douro River in Portugal.

Delicious Wine and Food

The Douro Valley, as mentioned above, is a prosperous and bountiful wine region. A variety of vineyards flank the golden waters of the Douro River, something that you can gaze at from the deck of a majestic river boat. The Douro Region is also home to Port wine, a delicious beverage from Porto, the dock city that occupies the mouth of the River. 

Portugal is also the birthplace of a variety of delicious Sephardic kosher cuisine, such as alheirah, and a trip through the Douro Valley is not complete without a few dinners of these great meals. 

Immersive Heritage Tours

The Sephardic Jews of the Iberian Peninsula have left behind a long and rich history in the region, and in the Douro Valley alone, their legacy can be explored to the fullest. From the synagogues and Jewish quarters in towns and cities along the river, to the living descendants of Crypto-Jews still thriving in their own communities, a kosher tour through the Douro Valley region is bound to be one of enriching historical experiences. Not only can you enjoy a luxurious river boat cruise, but you can also immersive yourself on the heritage and history of the Sephardic Jews.