The Jewish Chronicle
Travel news round-up: 29 July
The latest travel news, from the best UK highlights to Jewish holidays and events around the world.
July 28, 2016 11:27
The latest travel news, from the best UK highlights to Jewish holidays and events around the world.
July 28, 2016 11:27Head into the desert
There’ll be no chance of wandering in the desert for 40 years (unless you really want to) thanks to a new English website that’s helping hikers discover more about Israel’s Har HaNegev Trail and the different desert hikes.
Stretching 65.5km (40 miles) through the Negev Desert, passing dramatic landscapes and historic ruins, the site has tips on treks for all abilities as well as things to see and do along the way. With everything from a 16.5km (10 mile) hike to the full five-day adventure, you can spot wildlife and meet fellow travellers, ranging from traditional Bedouin to academics and spiritualists.
negevhighlandtrail.com
Portugal’s Jewish history
There’s a lot more to Portugal than the beaches of the Algarve or the boutique hotels of Lisbon. And a new tour is tracing the country’s Jewish history back to the time before the Romans.
From the Jews’ role as bankers and doctors to kings during the Middle Ages to a community secretly practising its religion in the years before the decree of Expulsion, Portugal’s Jews have left their mark across the country.
With kosher hotels flourishing and one vineyard now producing kosher wine, discover Portugal’s oldest synagogue and how the age of discoveries led eventually to the founding of the first Jewish community in New Amsterdam, as New York was then known.
The eight-day Jewish Portugal: from the Origins to Present Days tour of the country is run by Lux Invicta Tours, costing from €1,500 (£1,250) per person excluding flights to Lisbon. luxinvicta.pt
Skip the sign language
If you’re lost for words on holiday, Lonely Planet has come up with a cunning solution to solving the communication gap. Just Point has more than 500 different icons on everything from food and drink to transport, accommodation, fashion and sightseeing, so just flick and point to get the message across. £7.99.
shop.lonelyplanet.com