How to Plan Your 3-Hour Jewish Heritage of Curacao Tour

Are you interested in learning about the Jewish heritage of Willemstad on the island of Curacao? Look no further than the 3-hour Jewish Heritage of Curacao tour, offered by a third-party company. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your tour.

Step 1: Choose your date and time

The Jewish Heritage of Curacao tour operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 AM. Check your availability and find a day that suits you best.

Step 2: Book the tour online

To reserve your spot, book the tour online by clicking on this link: book the tour here. Enter your preferred date and time, along with the number of participants and complete your payment.

Step 3: Plan your transportation

The tour location is in the heart of Willemstad, a short distance from many hotels and resorts. Consider walking or taking a taxi to the meeting point to avoid any traffic and parking issues.

Step 4: Get ready for the tour

Dress comfortably, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Make sure to bring a camera to take pictures of the beautiful sites you will see on the tour.

Experience

The tour guides you through the Jewish heritage of Curacao. Here are a few highlights of the tour:

Visit the oldest cemetery in the Western Hemisphere

Your first stop on the tour will be the Jewish cemetery Beth Haim. Consecrated in 1659, it is the oldest Caucasian cemetery on the island and in the Western Hemisphere. The site is also a Curacao National Monument.

Take a tour of the Rooi Catootje Plantation House

Your next stop will be the Rooi Catootje Plantation House, which dates back to about 1820. Originally known as “Rust en Vrede,” which translates to “Rest and Peace,” the house was the property of the Maduro family since 1853 when S.E.L. Maduro brought it as a gift to his wife Rebecca Curiel from her parent’s estate. The house has now been preserved as a museum.

Enjoy samples of famous local products

Continue to the 17th-century plantation house Chobolobo, owned by a Jewish family, where the famous Curacao liquor is produced. You will have an opportunity to taste some of these infamous island drinks during your visit.

Drive through an old Jewish neighborhood

As you relax in the air-conditioned tour van, you will have the opportunity to view one of the oldest Jewish neighborhoods on the island before you stop at the next site.

Stop at the Mikveh Israel Emanuel Synagogue

The final stop on the tour will be at the Mikveh Israel Emanuel Synagogue in the heart of Willemstad. This unique synagogue was founded in 1732 and is the oldest synagogue still in use in the Western Hemisphere. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Conclusion

The 3-hour Jewish Heritage of Curacao tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the rich history of Judaism on the island. Follow these simple steps to plan your tour with ease. Don’t forget to bring your camera and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and tranquility of this historic location.

An Insider’s Guide to Curaçao

Curaçao may not be as popular as other Caribbean islands, but it certainly has a lot to offer. From its pastel-colored buildings and crystal-clear waters to its rich Jewish heritage, Curaçao is worth a visit for any traveler. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take a look at the top things to do, eat, and experience in this beautiful island.

Attractions

One of the most popular attractions in Curaçao is Willemstad, the capital of the island. The city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its colorful Dutch colonial architecture. Make sure to visit the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pedestrian bridge that connects two parts of the city.

For an experience that is unique to Curaçao, head to the Hato Caves, a network of limestone caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and a subterranean lake.

Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Shete Boka National Park, where they can see the rugged coastline, blowholes, and beautiful scenery. And for those who love to snorkel or dive, there are plenty of coral reefs around the island, including the Tugboat Wreck, which is known for its diverse marine life.

Dining

Foodies will have a great time in Curaçao, as the island offers a blend of Caribbean, Dutch, and South American cuisine. For an upscale dining experience, head to BijBlauw, located in a beautiful blue colonial building. The restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors and is known for its great seafood dishes.

For more casual dining, try Plasa Bieu, a food market where you can find local snacks and dishes such as Madame Jeanette, a spicy soup made with fish, and keshi yena, a stuffed cheese dish. It’s a great way to get a taste of the local cuisine.

Cultural experiences

Curaçao has a rich Jewish heritage, and visitors can explore this history with a tour of the island’s synagogues, cemeteries, and museums. The Jewish Cultural Historical Museum provides a detailed look at the island’s Jewish past, while the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere.

For an interactive experience, head to the Kurá Hulanda Museum, which tells the story of the African slave trade and the island’s role in it. The museum is located in a restored 19th-century village and includes artifacts and exhibits about the slave trade and the African diaspora.

Local History

Curaçao has a fascinating history and visitors can learn more about it with a visit to the Kura Hulanda Village & Spa, a restored 18th-century Dutch colonial village. The village includes a museum, cultural center, and luxury accommodations.

Another important part of the island’s history is the Curaçao Maritime Museum, which is located in a former naval hospital. Visitors can learn about the island’s naval history, see artifacts from shipwrecks, and explore the museum’s interactive exhibits.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

For something a little off the beaten path, head to the Jan Kok plantation, which was once a working farm and now offers guided tours of the property. Visitors can see the restored plantation house, explore the gardens, and learn about the island’s history.

Another unique experience is a visit to the Flamingo Sanctuary, where visitors can see thousands of flamingos in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is a protected area and visitors can only view the flamingos from a designated observation area.

Overall, Curaçao is a beautiful island with plenty to see and do. From exploring the island’s rich cultural heritage to experiencing its natural beauty and delicious cuisine, travelers are sure to have an unforgettable time in this Caribbean gem.