Embarking on an adventure in arctic Greenland has the potential to be unlike anything you have ever experienced before. The landscape here is so vast, and creates a startling impact with its diversity.

In southern Greenland you’ll gaze upon a sterling sea covered in icebergs and looming glassy glaciers, all of which contrast with the intensely green landscape and leafy tundra. It’s this divergence that really makes Greenland unique, as well as highly memorable.

While in Greenland, there is surely no lack of things to do and see. (Make sure to do them all well bundled — even in the summer the highs here are only around 50 degrees Fahrenheit!)

Here are the top 5 amazing things to do while you’re in Greenland:

(1) Trek to the Ice Sheet

The Greenlandic Ice Sheet is a gigantic ice cap that, in some places, is up to 100,000 years old. The ice sheet has covered large parts of Greenland for the last 2-3 million years. But active glaciers and constant melting have meant that the ice has been recycled many times.

At its highest point, it is 10,500 feet thick. You can fly, sail, drive or walk to the fringe of the ice, and in some places you can step out onto it, an experience that makes you feel like you are in a different world.

Thrill seekers looking for a challenge also have the chance to trek across the ice sheet. It is an extreme sport and one that requires great competence as well as special permission. There are, however, a handful of companies in Greenland able to offer this option to their customers.

(2) Watch Whales

During the summer months, you can see Humpback, Minke, and Fin whales in Greenlandic waters. During the winter, you may spot Beluga, Narwhal, or Bowhead whales.

Humpback whales are the largest, weighing up to 66,000 pounds, yet somehow they manage to be the acrobats of the group. They can be seen jumping out of the water, flicking their tails and flippers. The Humpback whale is easily recognizable because of its humped dorsal fin and white flippers.

(3) Witness the Midnight Sun

For those who live in Greenland, Midnight Sun is not just an occurrence, but also a lifestyle and a state of mind. Daylight around the clock challenges the traditional concepts of night time and day time. Midnight Sun can be experienced north of the Arctic Circle for a period lasting from one day to five months, depending on how far north you travel.

In central Greenland, Midnight Sun occurs from the end of May until the end of July. During this period, the soft, warm rays from the low-lying sun make the surrounding scenery appear ethereal and dream-like. Icebergs and hilltops glow in a colorful bath of pink, purple, yellow and red light — a breathtaking sight.

(4) Try Transportation by Dogsled

Dog lover, snow lover, nature lover, adventure lover… Any of these will definitely get a thrill from embarking on a dogsled ride.

You can ride in a dogsled as a passenger in Tasiilaq, which is located on Greenland’s east coast. Then after a couple of days of training, you can qualify for a license to drive a dogsled!

What makes dog sledding really unique is that it is possible only in the area north of the Arctic Circle and in Eastern Greenland. This area is known locally as “the dogsled district.” Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq are the two most southerly towns on the west coast from where it is possible to drive dogsleds during the winter and spring.

(5) Witness Ilulissat Icefjord

Ilulissat Icefjord is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and Greenland’s biggest natural attraction. You may have heard about it in the news lately because it is at the center of international focus on global warming. Because of this, Ilulissat Icefjord has recently been visited by many politicians and diplomats, including John McCain and Nancy Pelosi.

Ilulissat Icefjord is the pre-eminent glacier in the northern hemisphere. The site consists of Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier draining the inland icecap on Greenland, and the iceberg-filled fjord named Kangia. Ilulissat Icefjord is situated in western Greenland, north of the Arctic Circle.

Visit the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland with Deluxe Kosher Tours.

The Top Five Amazing Things to Do in Greenland is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

Upon visiting Scotland, you have the distinct and memorable opportunity to tour a Scottish Whisky Trail. In Scotland, the manufacturing of whisky is one in which the residents take great pride. Once you visit, you will certainly understand why.

There are about 125 distilleries (some active and some retired) throughout the different regions of the country, each with its own unique characteristics and beautiful landscape. Each whisky is different, too. Experts can tell by the aroma, color, and taste whether the malt comes from the Islands, the Highlands, the West or the East, or the Lowlands.

Even if you have never tried real Scotch whisky, I think you’ll be surprised and delighted by this experience and the opportunity to taste what is Scotland’s national drink — called “the water of life.”

By this time you are surely wondering: “Is Scotch whisky kosher?” According to authorities, the answer is “yes,” and here’s why:

There are a few things that make whisky in Scotland distinct and different from whisky produced  in other parts of the world. First of all, you’ve probably noticed a difference just in the name. Whisky from Scotland is spelled without the “e” whereas when it is made in the U.S. and Ireland it is called “whiskey.”

Here in the U.S. you probably see the spelling with the “e” more frequently. There is a difference in the actual products.

According to the Kashrut Authority, Irish whiskey may be blended with wine and should therefore not be consumed. However, no additives are permitted in Scotch whisky except for the caramel coloring, which is kosher. The London Beth Din allows all types of Scotch whisky based on Teshuvos Igros Moshe, as does the Kashrut Authority. Real Scotch whisky (not whiskey that was made in Kentucky and emulates Scotch whisky) is pareve.

Jeremy Rosen, who was the rabbi of the Orthodox Giffnock community in Glasgow, Scotland, in the late sixties and early seventies, had the opportunity to study the way Scotch whisky is made.  He reveals a terrific amount of detailed information about Scotch whisky here:  http://www.jeremyrosen.com/halacha/scotch.html He includes a great discussion of what makes Scotch whiskey so unique.

Now that I’ve piqued your interest, you are surely wondering which Scottish Whisky Trail to embark on. You have many from which to choose! The most popular, however, is called the Speyside Whiskey Trail. It is the main whisky trail, and the only one that is specifically a malt whiskey trail.

On this particular trail you’ll visit the Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glennfidich, Glen Grant, Glenlivet, Glen Moray, Speyside Cooperage, and Strathisla Distilleries. Each whisky distillery on the tour follows its own traditions, lore, and recipes for everything from the very beginning of the distillery process to the tasting. As a result, your experience at each one will be different.

All offer visitors a sample of the finished product as well as information about nosing, temperature, dilution, and glasses particular to their whisky.

If you’re seeking a family-friendly experience, check out the Scottish Whisky Heritage Center in Edinburgh. You can visit the website here: http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Regardless of which trail you choose, I am certain that you will enjoy exploring this unique part of Scottish heritage, “the water of life.”

Touring a Scottish Whisky Trail is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

If you have ever dreamed of exploring ancient castles, some of which date all the way back to the 5th century, then you simply must visit Edinburgh, Scotland.

The capital city of Edinburgh is located in the south-east of Scotland near the North Sea, and is the second largest city in the country. Its combination of rugged sea swept landscape, along with impressive Medieval and Gregorian architecture, and even two extinct volcanoes right within the city make it commonly known as one of the most picturesque cities in all of Europe.

Known as the “Athens of the North”, it is certainly one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe.

Despite its big and plentiful attractions, Edinburgh itself is not a very large city. In fact, it is one of Europe’s smallest capitals with a population of about 500,000 people. There is one time of year, however, when the number of people in Edinburgh literally doubles. This is during the month of August when the Edinburgh Festivals take place.

The name “Edinburgh Festivals” is a blanket term that is used to describe the explosion of culture and activity that takes place every August. In fact, the event is comprised of a great number of festivals and events that take place.

The first festival that you’ll want to enjoy is the International Festival. For 2010, this festival is scheduled to take place from August 13 to September 5. The International Festival first began in 1947 after the conclusion of WWII with the intent of reviving and breathing new life and color into the human spirit.

Each year, Edinburgh’s six major theatres and concert halls as well as smaller venues come alive with the best classical music, theatre, opera, dance and visual art from around the globe. The festival itself is a registered charity and a non-for-profit event.

To see a review of the 2009 International Festival in Edinburgh, click here: http://www.eif.co.uk/files/editor/documents/EIF%20Annual%20Review%202009.pdf

Another festival that draws a crowd of excited attendees every year is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival. This year, the festival will take place from August 6 to August 28. It promises to be particularly spectacular because this year the festival is celebrating its 60th year.

The Military Tattoo Festival takes place against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, which is Edinburgh’s most popular tourist attraction. Events include pipers, gymnasts, singers, dancers and an amazing motorcycle display team, all of which come to Edinburgh from four different continents.

Two of the festival’s most popular items are the music of the Massed Pipes and Drums and that of the Massed Military Bands. You can also take in the music of the South African Irish Regiment, along with the South Australian Pipes and Drums and the prestigious Military Band of the Coldstream Guards. You’ll even see the Citadel Band from Charleston, South Carolina.

For more information and some photos, click on this link: http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/about-the-tattoo/the-visitor-experience

Among the other festivals that take place during this time of year in Edinburgh are the Fringe Festival, which is the biggest arts festival in the world; the Edinburgh Book Festival, an international celebration of the written word; the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival; and the Edinburgh Mela, a culture and sport celebration.

No doubt, one of these has sparked your interest! For more information about these festivals in 2010, use the links below.

http://www.edfringe.com/
http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/
http://www.edinburghjazzfestival.co.uk/index.php?pageID=157
http://www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk/

And to visit the festivals with DeluxeKosherTours.com, see the Ireland and Scotland itinerary.

Festivals in Edinburgh, Scotland, Have Something for Everyone is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

Winter time in Lapland, Finland, is a dreamlike setting for lovers of frosty weather and new fallen snow. Not so much a fan of freezing temps? You’d probably fare better in a more tropical setting, because winters in Lapland can bring temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Wow, that’s cold!

Winter is the longest season in Lapland, and begins around mid-October. This is a full month earlier than most other parts of Finland. The season then stretches for approximately 200 days.

This makes Lapland an absolutely ideal destination for thrilling frosty sports such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe trekking, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. You can even take a Husky sled ride, or a ride in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Or, if you prefer to keep a little bit of distance between you and the cold, you can take a helicopter ride over pristine, untouched snow-covered mountains.

If you are a fan of downhill skiing, then Lapland is certainly the destination for you. The skiing season lasts all the way from October to May 1. Put together, the Lappish ski slopes provide about six miles of downhill ski runs.

The longest slope, which is almost two miles long, is found in Ylläs (pronounced U-las.) Ylläs is the largest downhill and cross-country ski resort in Finland. In addition to the longest run, the resort also boasts the country’s greatest vertical and most runs.

Extreme efforts are made to keep the slopes in outstanding condition using state-of-the-art technology, so you will always be able to enjoy well-maintained slopes. Ylläs is also a great destination for the novice skier, as skiing instruction, equipment hire services, and activity programs are provided. Children receive free rental equipment and lift tickets (as long as they wear a helmet when skiing).

During your winter visit to Lapland you can also delight in a rare sight: the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights may be seen from Lapland mostly in September through October and February through March.

Encyclopedias define the Northern Lights as “a colorful light phenomena occurring close to the polar regions where the charged particles carried by polar winds hit electrons and protons in the Earth’s ionosphere.” This definition, although scientifically correct, does little to describe the true splendor of the Northern Lights, which rapidly change in color, intensity, and form. At their brightest, they can give off as much light as a full moon.

While they are typically yellowish-green in color, they can change to include red, blue, and violet as well. The yellow green hues of the Northern Lights are produced by oxygen in the atmosphere, while blue and violet lights are made by nitrogen. The charged particles of the Northern Lights come from the sun, from which they are thrown into space with the solar winds at speeds of up to a 620 miles an hour.

The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowyl landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.

According to an old Asian belief, a person who spots the Northern Lights can live happily ever after. Perhaps it is time to visit Lapland and begin your own happily ever after.

Winter in Lapland, Finland, Is 200 Days is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

Piamonte, which is known in English as Piedmont and literally means “foothills,” is a region of northern Italy that is made up of the provinces of Torino, Alessandria, Asti, Cuneo, Novara, and Vercelli.

One of the factors for which Piamonte is well known is its interesting geographical position — it is surrounded by France, Switzerland, and northern Italy. This places it firmly at the center of European development trends and contributes to the dynamism of this region, which is balanced between old tradition and new innovation.

Among the many attractions that draw tourists to the Piamonte region are the mountainous site of the 2006 winter Olympics, the great food and wines, pre-eminent textiles, technology and car production, the Savoy palaces, the film industry, art, and architecture.

Here are some attractions that you will want to be sure to see during your trip to Piamonte, Italy:

The Valsesia

Valsesia is known as “the greenest valley in Italy.” However, one of its most famous attractions is not green at all; it’s pink. Monte Rosa is the name given to the mountain which fills the sky with a rosy pink glow during winter sunsets. Even the tracks left by the skis along the mountainside glow pink. Monte Rosa is a wonderful site for mountaineering, skiing, and other winter sports.

The Langhe

The hilly, mist-shrouded area known as the Langhe is a lush, scenic region filled with silver green poplars and climbing vines. The Langhe is an area devoted (almost entirely) to the cultivation of wine grapes and hazelnuts. In fact, the region is home to more than 900 wineries, which can be visited for wine tastings.

Langhe literally means “strips of land” and the region consists of three separate areas. The Upper Langhe is wild and rugged with thick oak woods that are occupied by wild boar and nearly 50 species of orchids. The Middle Langhe is filled with hazelnut groves, and the Lower Langhe is home to the many vineyards.

The Great Lakes

Three lakes at the foot of Monte Rosa — Orta, Mergozzo, and Stresa — offer many wonderful attractions. Surrounding the lakes are a number of churches, parks, cottages, and villas that make up a quaint sort of “small Switzerland.”

Another main attraction is the island of San Giulio at the center of Lake Orta. You can take a boat out to the town of San Giulio to visit the Basilica, wander around the tiny alleys, and pop into a local café.

The Monferrato

The Monferrato is another region of Piamonte that is well known for its wine. The principal wines produced here are Barbera d’Asti, Barbera del Monferrato, and Freisa d’Asti. The rolling landscape of the Monferrato is covered with orchards, gardens, and vines.

Here you can also witness a great variety of historical architecture and visit the ghetto, which was the home of the area’s Jewish residents until the emancipation of the Jews occurred in 1848. Make sure to also visit the synagogue, which was built in 1595 and said to be one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.

Piamonte, Italy: At the Foot of the Mountains is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

For the Jewish traveler, Venice, Italy is a treasure trove of history and points of interest. While many travelers picture only romantic canals and captivating scenery, the truth is that the history of Venice has a darker side that must not be ignored.

Jewish people have been traveling to Venice for hundreds of years. Depending on when in history these visits occurred, the Jews were treated either fairly or quite harshly, based on the rulings of the day. One of the saddest yet most important reminders of their unfair treatment throughout history can be experienced by visiting the Ghetto Nuova.

While some think only of World War II when hearing of Jewish ghettoes, the sad fact that Jewish people know is that these places of prejudice and isolation existed well before the 20th century.

The Ghetto Nuova is the first Jewish ghetto and it was established in 1516. It was during this time that the rulers of Venice held a council to decide whether to eject all Jews from the city. The ruling came back that they would be allowed to stay, but would be confined to what would be the very first Jewish ghetto in the world.

Today, visitors can see the Ghetto looking much the same as it did when it was first built. There are 30 Jewish people who today reside within the walls of the Ghetto, which includes three temples and several Jewish-owned businesses.

There is also a rest home for the elderly within the Ghetto. While there are only about 10 residents in the home, it is a popular stop for some visitors as the home provides kosher meals to many Jewish visitors each year. There is also a kosher store and a restaurant for visitors to enjoy while touring the Ghetto.

The Jewish museum holds seder plates, spice boxes and many other items that were used both in daily life and during rituals.

There are also memorials designed to remember the suffering that took place during the Holocaust. When you visit the Ghetto Nuova, you will find yourself standing in the spot where Jews were forced to gather in preparation to be deported to the concentration camps.

As haunting as it is to stand in the square where this took place over and over again, it is also a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Jewish people.

Depending on the time of year that you visit, you may be able to take part in prayer services in the Levantine Synagogue. This temple was built in the 16th century and still contains many of the original features.

While some portions of the Ghetto are better preserved than others, a visit here will provide a different perspective of Jewish persecution. You will walk where your ancestors walked hundreds of years ago. You will see many of the exact same things that they saw whether they stayed in the Ghetto by choice or by force.

A visit to Venice will be memorable for so many reasons, not the least of which will be a visit to the Ghetto Nuova.

Venice – The Ghetto Nuova is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

If you dream of vacationing among stunning natural scenery, old-world charm, and charming bed and breakfasts, then the Dingle Peninsula the in Southwest of Ireland is the perfect destination for you.

The Dingle Peninsula was once cited as “the most beautiful place on earth” by National Geographic Magazine. It was voted among one of the top 100 places to visit in the world by the website Trip Advisor, and CNN listed it as one of the best winter destinations.

With all of these accolades for one little place, there is no doubt that you will fall in love with the Dingle Peninsula. The movie “Ryan’s Daughter” was filmed there as well as the movie  “Far and Away.”  If you’ve enjoyed either of these films, you’ve witnessed a small glimpse of this area’s rugged, otherworldly beauty.

One of the most popular attractions that brings people to this area of the world is the amazing archaeological tours. There is evidence of human history on the Dingle Peninsula that dates back as far as 6,000 years. You can view artifacts from the hunters and gatherers of the Mesolithic period all the way through modern times.

Because of the peninsula’s remote location and lack of specialized agriculture, there is a remarkable preservation of over 2,000 monuments. Some of the most amazing historical sites are complete buildings that still remain from the Viking and Medieval periods.

Another attraction that is much newer in history but every bit as exciting to tourists is the Dingle dolphin, who is known as Fungie. In 1984, the Dingle Harbor lighthouse keeper first began to notice a lone dolphin who was escorting the town’s fishing boats to and from port. The dolphin has come to be extremely well loved as he is very friendly to humans whether they are swimming, canoeing, diving, boating, or windsurfing in the waters of the harbor.

Fungie is a full-grown male bottlenose dolphin who weighs about 500 pounds. He is particularly unique because dolphins rarely take on a solitary way of life. During the summer months, Fungie is often seen eating garfish in the harbor.

One of the most gorgeous places on the Dingle Peninsula is Slea Head, which is a rocky and rugged spot that overlooks the Blasket Islands. There is definitely a reason that Slea Head is one of the most photographed places in all of Ireland. In ancient times this was thought to be the edge of the world.

The Slieve Mountains rise up between two valleys at the tip of the peninsula, then plunge downwards into the Blasket Sound. This dangerous and foamy stretch of water is infamous for its treacherous undertow, which sucks shipwrecks right down into its dark waters. The sight of the steep earth rising right up out of the brilliant water is quite breathtaking.

If you wish to create your own “Far and Away” picturesque scene, try embarking on a horseback adventure. The Dingle Peninsula provides the ideal location for the freedom experienced while riding on horseback You can explore mile after mile of soaring mountains, grassy hills that slope gently into the sea, sparkling golden beaches, and narrow country roads lined with flowering red fuchsia.

You’ll feel refreshed and at one with nature. In fact, I’m quite certain that the only thing you won’t love about your trip to the Dingle Peninsula is when it’s time to come home.

Experience the Natural Beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

When you think of Italy, I’ll bet one of the first things you think of is the absolutely world-famous delectable cuisine, right? Cooking and wine tasting are certainly fine arts in Italy. If you plan to visit this scenic and romantic country, it is a great opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the world of kosher Italian cuisine.

There are a number of institutions that offer kosher cooking classes. I am certain that you will enjoy the adventure of learning the respected art of Italian kosher cooking. Genuine Italian dishes are as much a joy to prepare as they are to eat.

1. Magici Sapori Tuscan and Italian Cookery School of Firenze.

The cooking school Magici Sapori in Florence organizes cooking and wine tasting classes for both amateurs and professionals. These cooking classes offer visitors a chance to be a part of Italian traditions and take a piece of Tuscany home with typical recipes of this region that everyone loves. Tuscan cuisine is varied, pure, fresh, and bursting with flavor.

2. Apicius-The Art of Cooking.

Apicius-The Art of Cooking is located in the center of Florence, just a few steps away from San Lorenzo Food Market. The school offers a wide variety of courses from one-year professional programs, to one-day special group and individual courses. The kosher course is one of more than 25 special courses and features that are offered. For more information, you can visit the website http://www.apicius.it/

3. La Cucina Kasher in Italia-Toscana.

La Cucina Kasher in Toscana prides itself in providing a comfortable, informal environment and treating you as a guest rather than a tourist. The cooking class is a five-day course that specializes in Tuscan and regional cooking with emphasis on preparation, presentation, and the historical aspects of Italian cooking. Kosher supervision is provided by the mashgiach on the cooking school premises.

Following each class, you will partake of the meal that has been prepared accompanied by the appropriate wines. A sample menu consists of panzanella (bread salad,) pasta, veal with stock sauce, stewed peppers, and chestnut cake. Yum!

Read about one visitor’s great experience at La Cucina Kasher and see a sample recipe.

Kosher Cooking in Italy is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

The city of Copenhagen in Denmark was recently ranked as number 5 in the New York Times’ list of “31 Must See Places in 2010.” Why?

According to the newspaper, “the Danish capital has already emerged as one of the world’s greenest – and maybe coolest – cities.”

After the UN Climate Change Conference took place in Copenhagen last December, it has become increasingly clear that the city of Copenhagen “walks the walk” when it comes to green living.

One of the most noticeable ways in which this is true is with the popularity of bicycling throughout Copenhagen. It’s not just for exercise- it’s the most popular way to commute. The city has miles of well kept bicycle paths, and bikes are even available for free for tourists. Yes, that’s right — you don’t even have to pay to use a bike here. That’s definitely cool.

Fashion bloggers have even helped to make cycling fashionable. You can check out the latest on Copenhagen pedaling at www.copenhagencyclechic.com/

Another manner in which Copenhagen has led the way in environmental advocacy is with the reformation of its previously polluted inner harbor. In Copenhagen you’re never far from the coast. No matter where you are, the coast is a maximum of about 30 minutes away.

The city is located on The Sound, called “Øresund” in Danish, which is a strait between the Kattegat and the Baltic Sea. After several years of concentrated efforts to improve the water quality on the Copenhagen waterfront, regular control has proven the water to be so clean that it is safe to use for bathing.

Two open air swim baths operate in Copenhagen from the first week of June to the first week of September. The most popular swim bath is called Copencabana, and is located near a shopping mall called Fisketorvet.

Three basins cover an area of about 2,100 square feet. This is a particularly friendly spot for families since there is a children’s pool as well as a diving pool and an ordinary pool for exercise and swimming. There are also always lifeguards on duty.

The second harbor bath is called Islands Brygge. This one consists of a total of five basins, two of which are specifically for children. (All children under eight years of age must be accompanied by an adult.) On weekdays, Islands Brygge opens at 7 am, and is a great place for an early morning swim.

These two swimming areas on Copenhagen’s inner harbor are major summertime hot spots. A third public bath is set to open at Osterbro this year.

With all that biking and swimming, you’re sure to get plenty of healthy, outdoor exercise on your trip to Copenhagen. But if exercise doesn’t get your pulse rate up enough, what you need is a trip to Tivoli Gardens.

Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the entire world, and it is actually the park that gave Walt Disney the idea for his own creations. Tivoli is the most popular tourist attraction in Denmark. It opened in 1843 and is also the second oldest amusement park in the world.

Tivoli is best known for its wooden roller coaster, called Rutsjebanen. But as a reflection of its many years of existence, it is also filled with a great number of other attractions, both on the daring side and those of the more leisurely form.

The Fairytale Garden attracts many visitors, both young and old, to its elegant atmosphere. You can take a ride on a carousel, or at night you can watch fireworks as they explode overhead and reflect in the waters of the lake below.

At Tivoli you’ll find the Pantomine Theater, a concert hall that contains Europe’s longest saltwater aquarium, the H.C. Anderson Castle, and a live summer music series called Fredagsrock. There is certainly no lack of excitement at Denmark’s number one attraction!

Copenhagen Is One of the Coolest Cities in the World is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

Sofia, Bulgaria is a city rich in history and in Jewish tradition. There were certainly dark, dark days in the city throughout the years, but there were also moments of triumph for the Jewish people.

When you visit the city, you will have a number of attractions from which to choose. Below are some that you may not want to miss.

Sephardic Synagogue
This beautiful temple was opened in 1909. Located in the heart of the city, the temple can hold up to 1300 people, making it the largest in all of southeastern Europe. It is also here that visitors can study documents and artifacts that tell the story of how 50,000 Bulgarian Jews were saved during the time of the Nazi reign.

The items are displayed inside part of the synagogue that has been set aside to serve as the Jewish Museum of History. There are also exhibits about other aspects of the Holocaust and general information about the Jewish communities that have lived in the area, both past and present.

When you visit Sofia with Deluxe Kosher Tours, you will be given the opportunity to watch a film about the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews in order to help bring greater appreciation and understanding to some of what you will see and learn while visiting the synagogue.

National Assembly
A red star once sat atop this building as a testament to the Communist rule which was in place. In 1989, the star was removed when the Communist Party lost power. Today, the business of the city is still conducted inside this building.

National Art Gallery
Art lovers cannot miss the chance to visit this massive art gallery. The building itself is considered by some to be a work of art. It was once the royal palace, and the impressive architecture makes that fact easy to believe.

Now, instead of housing the royal family (the monarchy was abolished prior to World War II), the building holds more than 50,000 pieces of the best and most important work by Bulgarian artists.

Amazingly, all of the artwork survived the destruction of its former buildings during bombing raids in the early to mid 1940’s. All of those pieces now reside in the National Art Gallery.

The work featured in the museum dates back to Medieval times. While all of the works currently displayed are by Bulgarian artists, the museum once displayed a large collection by artists from other countries. These works are now kept and displayed separately in the National Gallery for Foreign Art, which is located in another nearby building.

When you visit the city with Deluxe Kosher Tours, you will have the opportunity to spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the many attractions and architecture that make this city so popular among tourists.

There is so much important history in the city of Sofia that it should be on the list of places people must visit during their lifetime. The events that took place here were important for all, but especially for the Jews, who were able to see some of the best of what man is made of during one of the darkest times in history.

Sofia, Bulgaria, Offers a Compelling Story of Jewish History is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours