What’s Special About the Douro River?

There are plenty of beautiful riverways around the world, from the serene waters of the Rhone River in France to the bountiful banks of the Mekong River in Mainland Southeast Asia. As we know, rivers were what facilitated the establishment of great civilizations, and as such, the towns and cities that are found alongside these mighty waterways are full of history and heritage. Speaking of heritage, a cruise along a river would make for a great Glatt kosher vacation once the COVID-19 pandemic fades. The Douro River, in particular, is a great locale for such an expedition. Here are a few reasons why.

The Douro River is located in Portugal, with the prosperous city of Porto connecting it to the Atlantic Ocean. Porto is a beautiful city, the second-largest one in Portugal, and like many major urban areas in the Iberian Peninsula, it is full of great Jewish history. One example would be the Kadoorie Mekor Haim synagogue, a relatively new piece of Sephardic Jewish history that was founded in the early 20th century. If you want a great start to a Jewish cruise adventure, start in Porto. 

The Douro Valley is a fertile region, where vineyards can be found growing grapes for the purpose of winemaking. In fact, the microclimate of the valley makes it the perfect place to grow the ingredients for port wine, a staple wine made in the region. The valley itself has agreeable weather in most months of the year, allowing for immersive land tours across the many historic towns and cities along its banks. Many of these cities have intact Jewish quarters or other enduring structures of Jewish heritage. If you’re looking for an alternative to kosher resorts in the future, try booking a kosher cruise through the Douro Valley region of Portugal. 

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