Gil Travel Group

The beautiful synagogues of Kraków in the Jewish District of Kazimierz are a unique collection of monuments of Jewish sacred architecture in Poland, the largest complex of its kind in Europe next to Prague, and a UNESCO world heritage site. Kraków was a prominent center of Jewish life before WWII, with at least ninety prayer-houses. The synagogues themselves are representations of almost all European architectural styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Modernism, and many others. Only two are still active, while only the Remuh Synagogue serves as a house of prayer.

Jews came to Austria probably during the exodus of Jews from Judea under the Romans, and there was a Jewish community in Vienna for over eight hundred years, ever since Jews started settling in the area today known as Judenplatz around 1150. Over the centuries, the community grew, and Judenplatz got a Jewish hospital, a Synagogue, a bath house, a house of the Rabbi, and a Jewish school.

While Israel is steeped in religious sites, there is so much history, culture, architecture, and nature to see on a tour that doesn't have a strong religious focus. These are experiences you can have nowhere else in the world. Travelling through the deserts and plains, natural parks and coastal areas, you are bound to fall in love with the country. Plus, you are always escorted by a professional and highly knowledgeable guide who will tell you the story of a place and its inhabitants, and answer any question you might have. 

There isn’t a more unique driving route than the one following the border between Israel and Jordan, called the Peace Road. The line between these two countries was drawn in the middle of the Arava streambed in 1922 during the British Mandate. In 1994, during the peace negotiations with Jordan, additional land and water disputes were solved. Today, the road is home to the diverse sites which reflect the history between the countries, as well as the richness of Israel’s natural beauty and local communities. Get ready to see breath-taking landscapes from the lookout points and meet the kind and hardworking farming communities along the way. 

It is next to impossible not to have fun in Israel. It really does offer something for everybody’s taste, and if you are a type of person who enjoys road trips, you have found your ideal place. You will get to experience the most unique sights, the most fascinating historical and artistic sites, the diverse nature and landscape – from the desert, over the cities, to the villages, and the sea – and you will get to meet the locals who will share their story and that of their ancestors’ in the area. An interesting fact: you can cross the entire country from north to south in about seven hours, meaning it is really possible to see Israel by car. 

It is well known that Vienna is a global capital of all that is artistic. It is an absolute must on the list of places to visit for art lovers. Places like Natural History Museum, the House of Music, or Austrian Museum of Applied Arts will guarantee that you will not be bored for a single second, but will always have a chance to see an artistic wonder housed in Vienna’s museums and galleries. Here are three superb art complexes you can visit and enjoy any time of the year, though admittedly, it is best to explore them during nice and dry weather. 

Eastern Europe has been a home of Jewish communities for centuries. From the Czech Republic and Hungary, over Austria and Germany, to the vast land of Russia, the Jewish people have been living there, creating their homes, and preserving their tradition and culture. Various persecutions followed by World War II have decimated the Jewish community in Eastern European cities. However, we are witnessing a revival of Jewish communities in this region, and with them, the revival of Jewish culture. Kosher restaurants in particular seem to become increasingly popular. And while it’s easy to find a multitude of kosher eateries and Jewish observant-friendly eateries in this part of the world, it is unfortunately still somewhat difficult to find kosher hotels. Let’s check out some of the best ones you can stay at while on your trip to Eastern Europe.

When we think about art or history, a city’s railway stations are now often something that comes to our minds. These places are veritable treasure troves of art and are a reflection of various historical periods in which people built them, reconstructed them, and adapted them to suit the modern era. Moscow became the center of Russia’s vast railroad network already in the 19th century, and you will find a myriad of fascinating stations – both in terms of its exterior and architectural style, and the interior decorations and artistic touch prevalent in each of them. Decorated with wonderful art, arches, marble columns, cut-glass chandeliers, gold-framed frescos, brass trims, various sorts of carvings, etc., these will remind you of nothing less than brilliant palaces. 

Whether you want to see a new place in Israel every day, or there are a few specific sites you wish to explore, daily tours allow you the complete freedom to choose and customize your Israel adventure, creating the vacation you truly want. In addition to that, you get to meet new people every day, while enjoying yourself, learning, and becoming richer by an experience with each step. There is a myriad of superb day trip options to choose from while in Israel, and we’ll highlight just a few here.

Safed is considered one of Israel’s four holy cities, alongside Jerusalem, Hebron, and Tiberias. Its Old Town is a brilliant gateway to a rich past and culture, with its narrow cobblestone alleys, medieval synagogues, and the famous Artists’ Quarter. In the 16th century, following the Spanish Expulsion, Safed welcomed many Jewish religious scholars and mystics, becoming the spiritual center of the Jewish world, most prominently of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). In order to fully experience this city, travelers must explore its history, carefully housed in Safed’s museums.