Jewish Heritage Around the World

Our wonderful guides from Tours by Locals are offering an abundance of Jewish Heritage tours all over the world that are both private and can be customized to meet the needs of your family.  Here are some quotes from the guides providing these interesting tours all over the world:

Jewish Heritage in Amsterdam
“In the Jewish Quarter I’d like to tell you about the history of my own family, who arrived here as refugees beginning of the 17th century and I will tell about their experiences in WWII.”

Jewish Heritage in Moscow
“By the end of XIX century Russia was a home to the largest Jewish community in the world. Today’s Jewish population of Moscow unites hundreds of thousands of lives in intensive cultural, religious and business life. Would you like to know what their life is about?”

Jewish Heritage in Berlin
“The tour will tell the amazing story of the Jews in Germany and the Nazi attempt to eradicate them from Europe! From isolated ghettos and communities, the Jews in Berlin climbed to an influential social position in the economy, science, culture and the new emerging democratic politics of Germany until the Nazis took power.”

Jewish Heritage in Sydney
“Being Jewish myself and emigrating from South Africa, I was fascinated by the Jewish history of Sydney and although it is relatively young, it is fascinating.  We begin in the historic Rocks area, home to the first Jewish settlers, where many of them began trading.”

Jewish Heritage in Jerusalem
“Join me for an authentic experience to discover your roots and how special they are. As licensed tour guide, historian and lecturer on Bible History I question and share the complexity of the past and present of this tiny piece of land who was conquered, destroyed and rebuild so many times.”

Jewish Heritage in Cochin (India)
“The oldest Jewish community in India is in Cochin, a group of people once known as the ‘Malabar Jews’, who moved to Cochin and built synagogues in the 14thth century. Come learn about their history and heritage with me.”

Jewish Heritage in Marrakech
“Discover The Jewish quarter known as ‘The Mellah’, a piece of Marrakech offered by the Sultan to Jews fleeing the Spanish Civil War in 1558. See here hidden treasures of daily life from this golden time of Jewish life in Marrakech.”

Jewish Heritage in Prague
“Come and enjoy a day like no other in Prague, and experience traditional Czech and Jewish cuisine. See how Grandmothers for years would prepare meals for their families just as they did in the shtetl Jewish market town.”

Jewish Heritage in Rio de Janeiro
“With me, you will learn how our Jewish community helped build the country since Brazil was a colony, and hear about the arrival of hundreds of young Jews in our main ports looking for a new start. There is the possibility to visit an active synagogue for a service, if you would like.”

Jewish Heritage in Paris
“Together we will follow their steps from Medieval Age to the dramatic events that marked the first half of the 20th century, when the Marais, a bustling and lively neighborhood full of little shops, restaurants and schools, became silent after the II WW roundups.”

Toddler Adventure from Thomson

We are excited to report that Thomson Family Adventures has launched a unique travel option for families with toddlers!  Designed for children ages 2 to 6, the seven-day Costa Rica Toddler Adventure will explore the varied landscapes of the Costa Rican province of Guanacaste.  Highlights include a private boat ride along the coastline and a visit to an animal sanctuary where toucans, pumas, sloths, monkeys and snakes all reside. Your toddlers will also get several tastes of local culture by way of a tortilla-making class; a traditional ox cart ride; folk dancing and marimba concerts; a bilingual storytelling hour with local children at a public library; and more.  Plenty of downtime as well where babysitters are available if adults want to experience more active adventures.  Thomson also offers Costa Rican itineraries for every age including teen and millennial options.

Ski St. Moritz

Looking to ski Europe this winter?  The Kulm Hotel, a luxury resort in St. Moritz, is offering a Family Winter Vacation with free ski or snowboard lessons for children ages 3-12 at the Corviglia ski resort!  The package also includes connecting Deluxe rooms, breakfast and dinner, supervised children’s programming, spa access and internet.   The 163-year-old Swiss hotel has several dining options, gym and spa with indoor, outdoor and children’s pools.  Unique wellness treatments include a salt-water grotto, infrared cabin and bio-sauna.  Winter sports abound in the area including ski and snowboarding, cross country skiing, curling, ice skating, skeleton and four-man bobsled runs, sledding, winter hiking, and horse carriage rides.  St. Moritz is a 2 ½ hour drive south east of Zurich or take a direct train in 3 hours 45 minutes with complimentary limousine transfers from the train station. Summer activities also abound for families at this all-seasons resort.

Greek Family Adventure

Global CommUnity recently introduced their newest family destination, Greece!   History, mythology, and masterpieces await your family in this ancient country.  Their 7-day customizable mainland Greece itinerary invites your family to dive into the culture by visiting archaeological sites, learning about the Olympic lore and tasting the many flavors of this vibrant destination.  Your family can tour the Acropolis, Peloponnese Peninsula, the Corinth Canal, Nafplio, Olympia and Mycenae along with a pottery workshop, sea kayaking, hands-on archaeological expedition and a visit to a local honey farm.  Easily add a 3-day extension in Santorini and Crete for some island hospitality, beach time and culture. Whatever your preference, Global Community’s itineraries all offer cultural engagement, age-related activities and community give-back opportunities.

New from A&K

Abercrombie & Kent’s Luxury Family Journeys are designed for your family to explore the world’s top destinations on all seven continents. New tours for 2019 include the addition of Egypt and a shorter version of a Galapagos Islands experience.  Family Egypt & the Nile is a 10-day trip visiting the pyramids from the inside out, treasure hunts in the bazaar, a 4-night Nile river cruise, camel rides, felucca sailing and more.  Hands-on activities include bread making, henna painting and pottery making.  Family Galapagos is an 8-day day trip with a 4-night island sailing where your family will observe giant tortoises, iguanas and blue-footed boobies up close in their natural habitats. Activities include kayaking, snorkeling and hiking, glass bottom boat rides, as well as twice-daily shore excursions with a certified naturalist guide.  Children can enjoy wildlife photography and Spanish, scavenger hunts, art classes, playing soccer with local children in Quito, gondola ride and visiting the Equator. Every A&K Luxury Family Journey is limited to no more than 24 guests and led by a resident tour director.  Also new for 2019 is a chance to enjoy Breakfast in Bed, with two opportunities per trip for a leisurely start to the day with continental breakfast served in the hotel room. No need for early starts every day!  Your family will also appreciate a complimentary laundry service at the midpoint of each journey. Private arrival and departure transfers are also included, as well as most gratuities.

Rosewood Explorers

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts introduced Rosewood Explorers, a new children’s club concept to showcase the many wonders of the natural world, teach the importance of contributing to the global environment, inspire appreciation for different cultures, and spark a lifelong passion for all that the planet has to offer.  Rosewood also recognizes the importance of disengaging children from technology by offering experiences that are hands-on and involve outdoor activities.  The destination-centric program isn’t just for children.  Parents can participate, capture family memories and learn something new as well.  The club was launched at the Phuket resort with its beautiful tropical forest and beachfront setting with activities such as Thai weaving, potpourri making and creating clay models of the local wildlife.  In contrast, the Rosewood in Bermuda focuses on eco-nature walks, learning traditional Bermudian games and pastimes, creating authentic Gombey masks and painting an interactive map of Bermuda.  We look forward to more Rosewood hotels and resorts adding this immersive experience for families to enjoy.

Provence for Families

Looking for a unique and upscale family getaway or family reunion in the French countryside?  The Domaine de Manville is an ideal place for the entire family and offers a Family Stay package:

• One night in family suite (2 adults and 2 children under 12 years) or villa (6 people maximum)
• Access to the Kid’s Club (workshops, pastry classes, introduction to golf, etc.)
• Free access to the private movie theater and fitness trail
• Transfers from the Avignon TGV station or the Marseille airport

The intimate, 5-star property is located between Arles and Avignon near the picturesque town of St. Remy and within walking distance of the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux.  The former sheep farm on 250 acres opened in 2015 with 30 rooms and nine villas.  You can enjoy golf, spa with indoor pool, outdoor pool, children’s program, family outings and fine dining where children are welcome!  There are also 12 wine estates and olive oil mills nearby.  The villas are 2,300 square feet with two floors, full kitchen, three bedrooms (one has four) and share a private pool.  The main hotel also has a good selection of rooms for families including the Family Duplex and Family Loft suites.  The package is available January 1-June 30 and September 1-December 30, based on availability.

Peru Rail Journey

One of Peru’s luxury rail service to Machu Picchu, Inca Rail, has launched a new children’s program onboard its First-Class Machu Picchu Train. The offerings will enhance your family travel experience as your ride the rails through the Sacred Valley.  The Cusco-to-Machu Picchu journey takes almost four hours. Children up to age 10 can enjoy entertainment kits, board games, crafts with a Peruvian theme and a new gourmet kid’s menu.  The First-Class Train also includes access to the spacious and elegant observatory lounge and outdoor balcony, a full service bar, live Peruvian music and an Andean themed three-course tasting menu paired with regional wines.

Unique Asia for Families

Luxury Asia specialist Remote Lands promises immersive, educational experiences with two new family-travel itineraries:

• The Family Fun from Singapore to Langkawitour spans the Lion City and Malaysia over 12 days. Your family will start your journey in Singapore, where you’ll ride on the Singapore Flyer observation wheel; visit Gardens by the Bay, home to nearly 1,000 plant species from around the world; and hang out on the resort island of Sentosa.  Then head to Kuala Lumpur on day three, where hands-on activities will include making a pewter dish at Royal Selangor’s School of Hard Knocks. After two days in Malaysia’s capital, the tour hits the Cameron Highlands to explore its hiking paths, tea fields and more before three days in Penang and wrapping up on the island of Langkawi.

• On the nine-day Taiwan Top to Bottom with Kids, your family will begin your trip in Taipei, where you’ll try your hand at making pineapple cakes and bubble tea, two Taiwanese specialties.  Over three days in the country’s capital, you’ll also visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the Shilin Night Market before departing for Taichung, Sun Moon Lake and Kaohsiung.

Vietnamese Luxury

Vietnam’s scenery, food, biodiversity, culture and complicated history make it an exciting destination for families.  While exploring the country on one of our custom designed itineraries, your family can relax midway in a spacious villa at the family-friendly Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An.  This UNESCO Heritage site city is located on the central coast and is Vietman’s most atmospheric and delightful town.  The beachfront resort’s Dragonfly Family Package includes round-trip airport transfers, Family Fun Cooking Academy, Heart of the Earth Family Ritual, two hours of private babysitting and an arrival treat for children with at least a 3-night stay. The property also has several pools, tennis, bikes, spa, gym with fitness classes, kids club and a shuttle into town.