Kosher touring is a way of seeing the world that has proven to be a hit among many Jewish travelers. It allows them to go to places that might normally be an inconvenience to them if they want to keep adhering closely to Jewish traditions -- such as keeping kosher and observing the Shabbat. 

There are plenty of ways to go on a kosher tour nowadays, be it by land or by water. One that has been growing in prominence is the river cruise. Though not as popular as ocean cruises, they are often preferred by those who are not focused on grandiose amenities but just want to visit more towns and historical sites during their journey.

Compared to the other cruises to be mentioned later, the Douro as a cruise destination remains relatively obscure. However, this river which flows through both Spain and Portugal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts some of the best paella and port wines. The city of Porto is also a historically significant place for Portugese Jews, as it was a center for the Jewish communities there. 

France has the third largest population of Jews in the world, with a history that goes back to the time of the Romans. The provinces of Normandy and Provence in the rivers Seine and Rhone both have prominent Jewish communities that are more than a thousand years old. They’re Jewish heritage sites that are definitely worth a visit, such as the 11th century yeshiva in the Palais de Justice in Rouen, or the almost equally old Carpentras Synagogue in the town of Carpentras. 

Brazil has a sizeable Jewish population as well, though that hasn’t made traversing the Amazon river itself any easier until the rise of kosher river cruises. Now, intrepid Jewish explorers have a chance to trek the rainforest, witness the wildlife, and visit the villages along the riverbanks. And the best part of this is that they do not have to worry about finding a place that serves kosher meals. 

The Mekong river is a grand river that passes through several countries in Asia: China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. There are riverboats that start the trip from China, though the ones that focus on Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand tend to be more common among travelers. Popular spots that the river will be passing through include the ruins of Angkor Wat (and many other ancient temples and palaces), the numerous floating markets, and not to mention the city of Phnom Penh and other smaller towns such as Tan Chau.

Kosher river cruises aren’t just limited to tours to Jewish heritage sites. There are also journeys that take you to faraway places that you would never have thought about traveling to if it weren’t for the existence of kosher travel options. 

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