The region of Tuscany has everything to make your Jewish honeymoon the perfect romantic getaway. Whether you want to have a land-based tour or aboard kosher river cruises, this place has everything to offer for you. Here are some suggestions for Jewish activities and romantic places for you on your honeymoon in Tuscany. Cross the Ponte Vecchio in Florence Crossing the Ponte Vecchio is a must if you are visiting Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone arch bridge that has stood over the Arno River since 1345. It is one of the oldest bridges in Florence and it has shops built on it. There are other bridges that have held up over time, but none as interesting as this one. The Ponte Vecchio is famous for its jewelry shops, but also houses many souvenir and antique stores as well. You might even see some gypsies performing or selling watercolor portraits on this bridge! Although it can be packed with tourists, it is still recommended to cross the Ponte Vecchio at least once during your visit to Florence—it’s a cool experience! If you want to walk across another romantic bridge during your honeymoon, head over to the Ponte Santa Trinita, which connects both sides of the Arno River by way of five gorgeous arches. This bridge was also destroyed in World War II and rebuilt later in order to preserve its beauty. See some of the world's finest art in Florence The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous museums in the world. It's home to Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, Raphael's Madonna of the Goldfinch, and Botticelli's Adoration of the Magi. The Duomo is another masterpiece not to be missed, a cathedral that took over 100 years to build. Keep in mind that large groups are not permitted at many of these sights so if you're planning on honeymooning with family it may be more difficult for everyone to participate together. Get lost among the olive groves near Lucca Visit the ancient Jewish quarter of Lucca and see what remains of the old synagogue, located in Via San Giusto. The old Jewish quarter is quite small—the neighborhood is just a few narrow cobble-stone streets that branch off from Via dei Fossi. Today, the neighborhood borders one of Lucca's main squares with a tall statue in its center. The history of Jews in Tuscany goes back about two thousand years to when Jews fleeing persecution arrived from Rome and settled all over this area. Later, as the Romans converted to Christianity, many Jews were persecuted and forced to turn their backs on their faith or flee to other lands. In Lucca, they started migrating eastward until they reached Florence where they found safety and refuge under the protection of the Medici family. Ride horses through the countryside outside of Siena Riding lessons are available at the country club of Siena, or you can sign up for a horseback riding trip with several local companies. Contact one well in advance to reserve your spot and get the right gear. When your guide takes you out, you’ll see gorgeous landscapes and be able to take some great photos. As long as you wear a helmet (which is provided), and follow directions, this is a safe activity that doesn't require any prior experience. Take cooking classes and enjoy a great meal at Casciana Terme, near Pisa Tuscany is the perfect place for food lovers to spend their honeymoon. You can take a cooking class at one of the many culinary vacations available in this region. Available for all levels, you and your spouse can learn to make pasta or pizza from scratch, or even create delicious desserts. Classes are taught by passionate chefs and Michelin-starred chefs who take great pride in sharing their knowledge with others. After your class, sit down to sample what you have made as a couple over a glass of wine at Casciana Terme, which is near Pisa. The chef will carefully explain each dish while you dine on some of the best food you will ever eat! Go on a wine tasting tour of Chianti Wine tasting tours are a fun way to try many different wines. A tour can take you to several wineries in Chianti and allow you to try the wine produced there. If a tour is not for you, many wineries offer tasting rooms for those that make their own arrangements. Chianti is full of history of its wine making process and its people, so you can learn about that too. You can learn how wine is made and how it has changed throughout the years in Chianti's history. You will also learn how to taste wine, which should come in handy when you get back home. It's all very educational! Eat like a Duke in Poggio Corbello, an estate owned by Jewish family, the Landau-Finschings Start your Tuscan honeymoon by enjoying a private, secluded villa. The best option is Poggio Corbello, an estate owned by the Landau-Finschings, an aristocratic Jewish family. Nestled in the beautiful Tuscan countryside near Pisa and Siena, this villa has a full-time staff of ten people (private chef included) to make sure that your stay is perfect. The estate itself has over 300 acres with two swimming pools and vineyards for you to explore as well as a tree house and medieval chapel that you can use for your wedding ceremony if you so choose. This Italian villa also comes with a fully-staffed kitchen (and wine cellar) so you can go on a foodie tour around Tuscany with local foods prepared by your private chef! Poggio Corbello’s meals are made from fresh ingredients grown right in their surrounding fields. There are even gluten free options available! Consider Tuscany for your honeymoon if you're Jewish!
While the area around Firenze (Florence) has a long history of Jewish presence, today the community is small and the Synagogue of Florence is the only one in Tuscany. However, it’s still well worth visiting if you’re interested in learning more about Jewish life in Italy and Tuscany specifically. The Synagogue was built in 1882, during a time when Jews had more freedom to practice their religion publicly than at any other time before or after. It’s not as large as some other Italian synagogues, but it’s full of beautiful furnishings and decorations. If you're planning your wedding and honeymoon or glatt kosher vacations, consider starting with Tuscany. Between its great food, lovely landscapes, and world-class art, there's no shortage of things for you to enjoy together.
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