How To Enjoy A Fabulous Israel Trip

Israel is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is rich in history and religious significance and offers a variety of experiences for travelers especially for kosher vacations. From Tel Aviv's vibrant nightlife to Eilat’s pristine beaches, Israel has something for everyone.

Here are some ways to have fun during your next trip to Israel:


Explore Tel Aviv


Tel Aviv is a city that has a lot to offer. It's a beach city, with lots of nightclubs, restaurants and museums as well as great parks for taking pictures. The best way to see all this is by walking through the streets. You can walk from one side of Tel Aviv to another in about two hours by taking the Carmel Market and turning left onto Allenby Street at its end.

Eilat


Eilat is a city in Israel that is located on the southern tip of the country. It's known as one of Israel's most popular tourist destinations, and it's also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Israel. If you're looking for somewhere different to go on your next vacation, or if you want to plan an exciting trip with your family or friends, Eilat has something for everyone!

Jaffa


Jaffa is the oldest part of Tel Aviv and considered by many to be the cultural heart of this city. It's also a great place to visit for food, beaches, and nightlife.

Jaffa is one of Israel's most popular destinations for tourists because it provides everything you'd want on an Israeli vacation: beach fun (the Jaffa Port), historical sites like Sea Castle and Bauhaus Museum that are worth a stop even if they aren't your cup of tea, unique architecture like Heichal Shlomo Synagogue or Abulafia Bakery—and plenty of places for eating fresh seafood.

Mount Hermon

Mount Hermon is one of the most popular hiking and skiing destinations in Israel. It is located in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, which runs alongside Israel’s border with Syria. The mountain itself rises to an elevation of 9,232 feet (2811 m), making it the highest point in both Lebanon and Syria.

Mount Hermon has become a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful scenery and relatively easy access points. There are many trails that lead up to Mount Hermon’s peak, so you can choose which one fits your skill level best! If you aren't afraid of heights, then trekking up Mount Hermon might be right for you!

Sea of Galilee


The Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Kinneret) is located in Israel's northern region, just south of the Golan Heights. This freshwater lake is also known as Lake Tiberias because it was named after Herod Antipas and his wife who were from Tiberias, a city located on the lake's western shoreline.

The sea was formed by earthquakes in 1260 BC and is mentioned in the Old Testament. The lake has been used for fishing since biblical times and today still provides fishermen with a rich harvest of fish including carp, catfish and perch. Over the years many religious traditions have developed around this ancient body of water; these include baptismal rites practiced by both Jews and Christians who believe that Jesus walked on its shores during his time here on earth!

Dead Sea


Tucked into Israel's southern tip, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. It's also a salt lake, which means that its waters are extremely salty and therefore very buoyant. That makes it an ideal place for swimming! Not only that, but there are spas built around the lake so you can relax after you've worked up a sweat in your swimsuit.

Israel is a beautiful country. There are many things you can do there: You can go hiking in the desert on a camel, or visit one of Israel's many historical sites like Masada or the Dead Sea.

Many people love going to Israel because there are so many different places that you can visit in just one trip on your glatt kosher holidays! And when it comes down to it, visiting exotic locations like this will always make for an exciting adventure—and that's what traveling is all about!



Jewish Vacation Destinations to Visit Now

When it comes to traveling, especially with Jewish heritage tours, Jews have a unique set of considerations. From kosher food to Shabbat-friendly hotels, planning a trip can be a bit more complicated than it is for non-Jews. But don't let that stop you from taking a vacation! The world is your oyster when it comes to Jewish travel destinations and experiences.

With so many Jewish vacation destinations to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your options. Here are some suggestions for places to visit that are both fun and meaningful.

The Negev Desert

The Negev Desert is a large desert in Israel that covers more than half of the country. It's home to the Bedouin people and provides many tourists with incredible opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities.

The desert is very dry, but it does receive some rainfall during the winter months. This makes it one of Israel's most beautiful destinations when it comes to scenery.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and the holiest city in the world. It's a city of peace, where people of all religions live together; it's also a city of contrasts, where ultra-religious Jews live next to secular Israeli teenagers on their way home from school.

The Old City (the part that was built before 1450) is full of narrow cobblestone streets and winding alleyways, with historic sites such as Masada and The Wailing Wall. There are also plenty of souls selling spices and beautiful handcrafted jewelry.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the second-largest city in Israel and boasts a Mediterranean climate. It's also known for its vibrant theater scene, with several notable theaters located throughout the city. The Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center is particularly noteworthy for its architecture—the structure was designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1993 as part of the newly renovated Habima Square complex.

If you're looking to dine out while in Tel Aviv, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how many vegan, vegetarian and raw food options are available to you!

Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi is a small oasis with waterfalls and natural caves. It's a great place to visit on a day trip from Jerusalem. There are many beautiful hiking trails, swimming spots, and picnic areas throughout the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. The town sits at the base of Mount Masada and is also home to an ancient Jewish community that dates back thousands of years.

Masada

Masada is one of Israel’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s the site of a famous Jewish rebellion against the Romans, who ruled Israel at that time. The fortress was built on top of an isolated mountain in the Judean Desert and was home to King Herod's palace and gardens as well as his family tomb.

Since it is not accessible by public transportation, visiting Masada requires either self-driving or taking an organized tour guided by Israeli guides who are trained in archaeology and history.

Safed

Safed, also called Tzfat in Hebrew, is a city in the Lower Galilee region of Israel with a long history of Jewish mysticism. It is home to both religious and secular Jews alike—and has been listed by UNESCO as one of the most important sites for Jewish culture in Israel. The city is known for its art and architecture; residents are said to still speak Ladino (a Spanish-Hebrew blend) as well as many other languages.

Tzfat (or Safed)

Tzfat (or Safed) is one of the most beautiful and distinctive cities in Israel. Tzfat's history dates back to Talmudic times, when it was known as "Shefaram" or "Shafran," but the city has been primarily Jewish since at least the 13th century CE.

The city is famous for its kabbalistic heritage, as well as its artists and art galleries; even if you aren't particularly interested in either of these things, there are many other reasons to visit Tzfat. The city is famous for its stunning views; it overlooks the upper Galilee region and Mount Meron from above. It also has some beautiful architecture and an atmosphere that's unlike any other place in Israel—or possibly anywhere else on Earth!

Haifa

Haifa is a city in northern Israel, located on the country's Mediterranean coastline. Haifa is Israel's third largest city with a population of over 279,000 inhabitants and is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches.

Haifa has long been one of the most tolerant cities in Israel, welcoming people of all religious backgrounds to live there. In fact, it was Haifa that first established a community for Jews who had converted to Christianity during their time in Europe (known as Marranos).

Today, you can visit many different houses of worship throughout this seaside city including synagogues from around the world, Jewish tours and churches from different Christian denominations such as the Armenian Apostolic Church.



5 Beautiful Jewish Heritage Sites in the World

Visiting heritage sites means learning about the past, and understanding how people lived before and how it relates to life today.  Jewish heritage sites are scattered across the world and you can visit them aboard a kosher river cruise too. These heritage sites include synagogues, cemeteries and museums that showcase Jewish culture. where we have been and who we are now as Americans.

As you plan your vacations in 2022, consider visiting some of these heritage sites and others like them around the world.

Wailing Wall, Jerusalem


The Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) is the most important religious site in the world for the Jewish people. Built-in approximately 520BC, it was part of a large complex known as the Second Temple, which has since been destroyed. The wall is holy because it represents a remnant of the temple itself, which was also considered holy ground by Jews and Christians alike.

The wall is perhaps best known as a place to pray or make wishes—people from all over the world travel here to write notes on scraps of paper and place them in cracks between stones in hopes that their prayers will reach God more directly. While it's thought that these notes will likely be collected and discarded every few days, visitors nevertheless leave hundreds of thousands each year. The act is often said to be more meaningful than writing prayers down at home, simply because you have made an effort to go out of your way and visit God personally if only for a short time. People often come here for long periods at once—sometimes even a couple weeks—in order to focus solely on spiritual matters without distraction from their daily lives.

Joseph's Tomb, West Bank

Joseph's Tomb is located in the city of Nablus, in the West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territory. It is one of Judaism's most important and holy sites because it is said to be the burial site of Joseph, a son of Jacob and an important figure in the Bible.

Today, Joseph's tomb still welcomes visitors who wish to pay their respects. However, due to ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis over territory ownership—as well as recent demonstrations by Palestinians against Israeli occupation—visiting this site may be difficult for tourists or other travelers.

Be sure to check local news reports before traveling there; if it is safe to do so, you are required to travel with a military escort and only between dawn and dusk. While some tours may include a stop at Joseph's tomb, the best recommendation for visiting there safely would be to arrange for personal transportation via car or bus directly from Israel; from there you can meet your military escort at the checkpoint outside Nablus where they will escort you into town for your visit.

Masada, Israel


The beautiful, ancient site of Masada is located in the Judean Desert in Israel. Masada is the place where Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Romans. It’s also the place where, rather than surrendering to the Romans, 960 men, women and children killed themselves.

It’s a place rich in history and deserves to be on this list. It’s so important to Jews that we have an army oath sworn at its foot: “Masada shall not fall again”.

Visiting Masada is one of those incredible experiences you won’t forget for a long time. You can hike up or take a cable car ride. Either way you go, you will reach the top and never want to leave!

Bergen Belsen, Germany


Bergen Belsen is a very important site to visit for those who want to understand the Holocaust. This concentration camp was one of the first ones liberated in 1945, and it had been used as an internment camp for political prisoners, Jews and other people that were deemed enemies of the Nazi state. When it was liberated, there were more than 70,000 prisoners in Bergen-Belsen; most of them had already died from starvation or disease. The British forces ran the camp for about two years until they moved everyone out in 1947. In the 1950s, a memorial was built on some parts of the camp and visitors can see where mass graves are located through informational signs all over the grounds.

Even though Bergen-Belsen is not as well known as Auschwitz or Dachau, it is still a very important place to visit because it will help you gain deeper insight into Jewish history and heritage during World War II.

Auschwitz Birkenau, Poland


Auschwitz (also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau) is an infamous concentration camp located in the Polish town of Oswiecim, about 70 miles west of Krakow. It was built by Nazi Germany around 1940, right after the invasion of Poland and the start of World War II, to be a place where political prisoners would be held and worked to death.

To learn more about Jewish heritage, history and places, book your trip aboard kosher cruises and take advantage of the amenities.


7 Great Things To Do In Budapest For Vegans

Budapest is one of the top destinations in Europe and it's packed with things to do for travelers including adventures of glatt kosher tour.

From its beautiful architecture, to delicious food and great people who live there, Budapest has all the ingredients to make your trip memorable. There are plenty of vegan restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and markets around the city that can help you enjoy a cruelty-free meal while traveling abroad.

Budapest is filled with Instagrammable photo spots.

Budapest is filled with Instagrammable photo spots. There are many places in Budapest that can be photographed and posted on social media. If you're a vegan in search of a great place for food and sightseeing, then this list of places below should be your go-to guide.

  • The Danube River
  • The Chain Bridge
  • Parliament Building
  • Fisherman's Bastion
  • St. Stephen's Basilica
  • SzĂ©chenyi Thermal Baths
  • 7th district Buda Castle District
  • 8th District Heroes Square Liberty Bridge

See the beautiful sunsets over the Danube river.

  • Sunset from Margaret Island
  • Sunset from Buda Castle
  • Sunset from the top of Gellert Hill
  • Sunset from the top of St. Stephen's Basilica (also known as Liberty Bridge)

Go on a picnic.

This is a great idea because it's such an inexpensive way to spend some time outside. Budapest has lots of parks, and they're perfect for picnicking! And if you're worried about allergies or dietary restrictions, there are plenty of vegan restaurants nearby that also serve take-away meals.

They have lots of options for vegans, including burgers made from various types of mushrooms. But if you prefer something lighter like falafel or hummus wraps with fresh veggies and tahini sauce, this place will deliver them right to your picnic blanket so you can enjoy them on site!

Relax in the thermal spas.

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to end your day, thermal spas are the way to go. Budapest is known for its thermal spas, which are great for relaxation and rejuvenation. These warm-water retreats can be found throughout the city, offering everything from massages to swimming pools with underwater music systems. There are also several spas that offer unique treatments such as aroma steam baths or mud masks.

Explore the historic city and the amazing architecture.

As you explore the city, you will be amazed by the beautiful architecture. The city is full of historic buildings, museums and monuments. There are many opportunities to learn about Budapest’s rich history.

There are also plenty of parks in Budapest where you can relax and enjoy a picnic lunch with a nice view!

Eat lots of vegan food!

Being a vegan in Budapest is easy and fun. There are so many vegan restaurants, cafes and bakeries that you can eat out every day of your trip. Many places even have separate menus for vegans. If you're staying in Budapest for a few days, it's worth getting yourself a local SIM card so that you can use the Google Maps app to search for places nearby where there are lots of vegan options. You'll also find plenty at supermarkets which sell everything from soy milk to tofu dogs!

Walk across the Chain Bridge at night.

One of the best things to do in Budapest is to walk across the Chain Bridge at sunset. It is a beautiful view, and the perfect place for taking pictures. The bridge also makes for a great romantic walk. You can take selfies on this bridge, or just take pictures with your friends and family. The Chain Bridge is one of the best places in Budapest to get photos with a group of people!

Budapest is also a great destination for Jewish cruises with itineraries throughout the city and nearby places. We hope you enjoyed this list of things to do in Budapest for vegans! If you have any other ideas or suggestions, please let us know in the comments. And don't forget to share with your friends on social media!


7 Best Towns To Visit On Kosher Vacation

There are so many kosher dining options out there aside from what’s onboard kosher Europe tours, and they're popular among people of all religions. But if you want to travel someplace where you can enjoy a week of delicious kosher meals without missing out on your favorite cuisine, these are the destinations for you.


Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach is a great place to visit, especially if you’re Jewish. The city has many kosher restaurants and is home to a large Jewish population. It also has many synagogues, so you can keep your Judaism on point while traveling. You can even find a kosher grocery store in the area!

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is the heart of the kosher food industry. It has many kosher restaurants, bakeries and hotels. The city is also home to some of the largest kosher supermarkets and stores in America. There are over 40 synagogues in Los Angeles alone, so there are plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to pray. There are also plenty of activities and attractions that cater specifically to people who follow Kosher Dietary Laws . If you’re looking for something fun on Shabbat after your Friday night meal at one of these establishments with friends or family members, you can visit Universal Studios Hollywood or go see a movie at The Grove outdoor mall.

Aventura, Florida

If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Aventura is the place for you. It's conveniently located near Miami Beach, so it's easy to spend time in both areas.

Aventura has a large Jewish population and many kosher restaurants and stores. The city also hosts many annual events that are popular among Jews and non-Jews alike.

Palm Beach, Florida

Kosher travelers flock to Palm Beach, Florida, because of its proximity to Miami and other major cities. Not only is it easy to get around the area with other kosher-friendly attractions nearby, but there's also a large Jewish population in the region.

So if you're looking for an affordable vacation spot within driving distance of New York City or Los Angeles—then this is the place for you!

Boca Raton, Florida

Boca Raton is a great place for kosher vacations. There are many kosher restaurants in Boca Raton and it’s easy to find delicious meals that fit your dietary needs. There are also plenty of kosher hotels in the area to choose from if you want to stay overnight, which makes it easy for guests who may be traveling with their families or large groups. Boca Raton has beautiful beaches where you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing, making it ideal for those who want some rest and relaxation during their vacation.

Teaneck, New Jersey

Teaneck, New Jersey has a large Jewish population, so it’s no surprise that the town provides a great place to vacation for kosher travelers. A weekend excursion to Teaneck will allow you some time to explore and enjoy the many cultural and religious attractions in the area.

As one of the largest cities in New Jersey, you might be able to find everything you need during your stay here. You can visit places like Fair Lawn or Fort Lee for some shopping or dining opportunities. If you want something more active or adventurous, try visiting Bergen County Park where there are lots of activities available for people of all ages!

Five Towns, New York

The Five Towns region of southeastern Long Island is home to the largest and most concentrated Jewish community in the United States. With more than 30 kosher restaurants and several kosher hotels, this destination is perfect for a fun-filled Jewish holiday trip.

The area also offers plenty of opportunities for golfing, shopping at outlet malls and boutiques, visiting historical sites like the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Cedarhurst (built by Italian immigrants), visiting museums like the Holocaust Memorial Center & Education Center at Stony Brook University or exploring nature preserves with trails through forests or along salty marshes.

If you're interested in checking out some local history during your stay in town, head over to nearby Farmingdale where you can take an interactive tour through its historic downtown district or visit Coney Island Amusement Park on weekends when it's open!

There you have it! Whether you’re looking for a fun, relaxing vacation or one that involves a long journey to discover new cultures, these destinations are perfect choices for your next getaway. All of these places offer kosher food in abundance, and indeed one of them may even be the birthplace of kashrut! We hope this list has given you some inspiration to start planning your next kosher touring adventure. Happy travels!



Normandy: Your Next Jewish Vacation Destination

Are you looking for somewhere new to explore? Itching for the adventure with a taste of Jewish lifestyle and cuisine? Book yourself a vacation to Normandy! Kosher Riverboat Cruises has just the right vacation itinerary for you. 

Why Normandy? Normandy is a historical site with great significance during WWII. Not only that, but it has some of the most beautiful architecture, art and stories that you can learn more about when you arrive. 


Here are some reasons why you should visit Normandy! 


The D-Day Beaches of Normandy 

Visit a piece of historical history at the Normandy beaches of Omaha, Juno, Gold, Sword and Utah. The invasion of the allied forces to liberate France from the Nazis was a month long battle, which was miraculously won here. Discover fragments of the past as you explore the beaches of Normandy. 

The Capital: Rouen

The city on the river Seine, Rouen, also known as the capital of Normandy is a must-visit site. In Rouen, you will see the beauty of Paved paths and cobblestones,  gothic churches and buildings, medieval homes and the sky-dominated spires of the CathĂ©drale Notre-Dame de Rouen. If you’re familiar with the story of Joan of Arc, then you can drop by the St. Joan of Arc church. 

The Beautiful Gardens of Giverny

Giverny is a village in Normandy that is worth visiting. As you explore the Seine river, you will pass through this gorgeous commune which was once the home and garden of Claude Monet. In art, you can find nature and in nature, you can find art. The landscapes of Giverny will draw anyone in by how colorful and dazzling it is. You can also take a visit to the Museum of Impressionism, which is dedicated to the continuity of the art colony present here. 

French Jews in History

There are many renowned French Jews who paved the path to modern Judaism, including Rashi, a French Rabbi who authored a comprehensive commentary on the Talmud. 

France was also where Jews were emancipated during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was a ground-breaking event that liberated the French Jews, but still it did not stop social injustices from occurring. Other events and stories include the Blois incident and so on. There’s a lot to learn and these are just the highlights of what you can expect on Kosher Riverboat Cruises. 

Enjoy your dream kosher vacation with us on luxury culinary cruises across the Seine river, and be enlightened by rich Jewish history in Normandy. 


6 Great Ways to Save for a Cruise Vacation

A cruise vacation is a great way to make your travel dreams come true without breaking the bank. Cruises often offer all-inclusive deals like most kosher Europe tours that include lodging, meals and entertainment for one low price. You’ll get to relax in a comfortable stateroom while you enjoy delicious food and visit fascinating ports of call. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can save up enough money to take a memorable cruise vacation. Here are some surprising ways to save for your cruise vacation.

Know Your Budget

Set a budget. Add up your monthly income and then subtract your bills, rent or mortgage, debt payments, and savings. What’s left over is what you have for spending money. Whatever that amount is, decide on a percentage of that that you want to save for your cruise vacation each month.

Knowing what's within your budget is important—you don't want to go into debt!—but don't forget to factor in the rest of the expenses associated with taking a cruise. You'll need to pay for transportation costs like plane tickets as well as food and snacks while on the ship or at port destinations if they aren't included in the price of your cruise ticket—and look out for any fees or additional costs! Check the fine print.

Book Early

As with any vacation, the earlier you can book your cruise, the better. You'll get the best price and selection of cabins, itineraries, dates, and ports. Some cruise lines will even offer free or reduced airfare when you book early.

But if your budget is tight or you aren't ready to commit yet, that's okay too! There are so many other ways to save for a trip at sea.

Shop Around for Cruise Deals

One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is to shop around for deals. Certain cruise lines are known for having more frequent deals than others. You can also take advantage of checking out loyalty programs and newsletters from your preferred cruise line; these services often offer discounts or coupons when you book a trip.

In addition to checking out loyalty programs, newsletters and social media accounts for your favorite cruise lines, you can also check out websites like Cruise Critic, Cruise Compete and Cruise Direct for potential deals. These sites sometimes offer exclusive fares that may not be available in other places online; if you're flexible about where you go and when you go, it's likely that there will be at least one deal somewhere that works with your schedule!

Take Your Own Excursions

Fortunately, you don't have to break your bank account in order to book a cruise vacation. There are several ways that you can go about saving money on your next cruise, and one of the most surprising is booking your own excursions.

Booking independently means that there are often more choices available through independent companies than through the cruise line itself. For example, if you wanted something adventurous and exciting like parasailing or scuba diving in Aruba during your stopover there—and you were disappointed when all of the slots were booked—you could still find an independent company offering that same experience with openings in their schedule that would work with yours.

Go for an Older Boat

Consider what you're getting for your money. In most cases, newer ships come with higher price tags and more amenities, but there are some great perks to older boats, too. You'll still get fun onboard entertainment, great dining options, and the same itineraries as their shiny counterparts—with the added bonus of fewer fellow passengers crowding the pool. Older ships tend to offer bigger discounts than newer ones; think traveling in style without having to spend like you're a millionaire.

Older cruise ships are often a great value for your money because they don't offer all of the bells and whistles that some of their newer counterparts do. Don't let that turn you off! With fewer passengers aboard, you can enjoy more room on deck and more availability in classes like cooking or painting without having to battle it out for a spot at the table. It might be worth it to think about booking an older ship when searching for your next vacation at sea.

Don't Sail During Seasonal Periods

The more you can avoid the peak periods, like during school vacation months and major holidays, the less expensive your cruise will be. The most popular times for cruises are summer vacations, Christmas and New Year's Day, spring break and long weekends. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, try to avoid these time periods to save money, particularly on Jewish cruise.




Navigating the Douro: Unveiling Kosher Treasures Along Portugal's River of Gold

Spend your glatt kosher holidays with Kosher River Cruises as we set sail along the enchanting Douro River, a picturesque canvas that unvei...