By David Walles, KosherTravelers.com
Think you’ve been everywhere that kosher travel can possibly take you? You’ll be surprised to discover some of the exotic destinations now on offer for discriminating kosher travelers. Watch out, Catskills. You’re about to go for a ride.
1. Tanzania and Zanzibar (June 10 – June 18)
You read that right. In Tanzania, the game parks of the Northern Circuit contain some of the most spectacular concentrations of wildlife found in the world. It offers some of the most pristine yet easily accessible biospheres left on earth. Highlights include tree-climbing lions, buffalo, elephants, leopards, baboons, impala, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, ostriches and hippos in Lake Manyara National Park, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Zanzibar is one of the world’s most beautiful islands set like a jewel in tranquil coral waters. Its name evokes a romantic past. To the shores of these islands came Summerians, Assyrians, Hindus, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Arabians, Chinese, Malaysians, and the Portuguese, all sailing in on Monsoon winds. From these shores the great European explorers Burton, Speke, Livingstone, Krapf, Rebman, and Grant set out on their voyages of discovery into the East and Central African hinterland. Treat yourself this summer to this spectacular tour, complete with delicious kosher food and everything a kosher travelers could wish for.
2. Kranska Gora, Slovenia (July 17 – August 7)
Enjoy a glatt mehadrin vacation located in the picturesque town of Kranska Gora, Slovenia. The town is located in the heart of the Alpine mountains on the border of Austria & Italy. From this ideal point one can go out to numerous trips & hikes. You can choose between snowy mountain climbing, by foot or by cable car and touring new destinations within Slovenia, Austria and Italy at your doorstep. While the getaway begins at a hotel located 900 meters above sea level, veteran guides are waiting to whisk you away to five high end daily trips, including Postojna Caves and Lake Bled in Slovenia; Drave River cruise and Klagenfurt in Austria; Gerlitzen Mountain and Malta Valley; Muhltal Glacier and Lake Millstatt; and the always-grand Venice in Italy.
3. South Bohemia, Czech Rebublic (July 18 – August 22)
South Bohemia has a wonderfully preserved collection of historic sites – castles, palaces, abbeys, and historic towns set in beautiful countryside. Stay at a luxurious wellness hotel complex turned kosher and explore the area with our optional guided tours. South Bohemia is a dream paradise for holidays whether you decide to spend time sightseeing or relaxing. The countryside here offers endless possibilities for visiting places of natural beauty, as well as lots of historical monuments and great conditions for cycling and water sports. Include some charming historical cities into your program such as Prague, Pisek, Frymburk, Passau, Linz, Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Lake Lipno and others.
4. Mystical Ireland (July 23 – August 1)
Start off this luxury kosher tour with a visit to Dublin’s Synagogue and Jewish Museum, 18th-century streets of the Georgian Quarter and the Dublin Castle. Next you’ll set off to the rolling green hills that typify the Irish countryside. Nowhere can you get a better cross-section of the best of Ireland’s historic monuments than in the Boyne Valley where you’ll find prehistoric tombs and the magic and mystery of Tara, ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. Tree lined Griffith Avenue, the casino at Marino and the stately 12th-century Malahide Castle set amid 250 acres of parkland and gardens are features of Dublin’s northern coastline, while many other magical experiences – including a 19th-century folk park, a vast lunar landscape, the cliffs of Moher, the Famine Museum – await you at Wicklow, Limerick, Ballinasloe, Burren and much more.
5. Surprising Iceland (August 4-August 16)
Iceland is an island country of glaciers, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes and snow- capped peaks. Even though its name is associated with cold, it’s becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe. Its popularity stems from its magnificent natural locations, including
glaciers and thermal springs, geysers (including the site “Geysir” from where this term is drawn) and volcanoes, snowcapped mountain peaks and expansive lava fields. But this country is also known for its remarkable history and attractive literature, valued traditions and appealing folklore. This is a special opportunity to tour one of the most unusual and exhilarating countries in the world.
The best part of all this is that destinations like these are opening up and becoming more luxurious than ever before as my colleagues and I bring new kosher travel experiences to the Jewish world. Visit koshertravelers.lmdev.co.uk for the latest in kosher destinations, cruises, chag hotels and simcha celebrations in Israel.