Israel Travel Blog

The Judean Desert lies in between the Judean Mountains and the Dead Seain Southeastern Israel and is sometimes referred to as the Judean Wilderness. The desert is about 85km long and 25km wide stretching from just below Jerusalem at about 1,000m above sea level past the Dead Sea at about 421m below sea level. The desert holds a wealth of incredible natural wonders; diverse, dramatic landscapes, a rich history and ancient landmarks.The Judean Desert, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe Judean Desert landscape has dry river beds (wadis), canyons, rocky mountains, and barren plains as well as many waterfalls and streams that create a stunning green oasis. Much of the Judean Desert is in the Palestinian territories of Judea and along the western shore of the Dead Sea.Judean Desert Jeep SafarisAs driving off-road into the desert by yourself is not advisable the best way to discover the Judean Desert is to take a desert jeep safari. You can join a Judean Desert Jeep Tour from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem so that you don’t even have to find your own way to the desert. The tour starts when you are picked up in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and drive south descending below sea level to the Dead Sea region. At this point, you change to an off-road vehicle and enter the desert. The safari takes you by jeep across rocky hills, through dry river beds (wadis), and stops at various points of interest like the Murbaat Caves and Cliffs of Dragot. Jeep safari tours into the Judean Desertare led by experts who can tell you all about the desert flora and fauna. Tours return to the Dead Sea where you can cool off before making the return journey to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.Camel near the Dead Sea, Judean Desert, Israel. Photo byAmit LahavonUnsplashHiking, Sports, and Activities in the Judean DesertThe Judean Desert is a popular destination for hiking, extreme sports, and bird watching. All these activities should only be undertaken with a guide. Popular activities in the Judean Desert include snapping, climbing, off-road jeeping, and bird watching. The weather has a huge impact on visitors to the Judean Desert – both the extreme heat of summer and flash floods in the winter.Highlights of the Judean DesertSt. George’s Monastery – This beautiful Greek Orthodox monastery in Wadi Qelt clings to vertical cliffs and is reached by a pedestrian bridge across the valley. Originally built in the Byzantine era and rebuilt in the 12th century the site is associated with Elijah and other biblical protagonists.Wadi Qelt – Kelt Oasis or Nahal Prat lies between Jerichoand Mitzpe Jericho. Here you can see unique flora and fauna, the stunning St. George’s Monastery, and the ancient Wadi Qelt Synagogue.Qumran – Qumran lies on the shore of the Dead Sea and is the closest community to the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Visitors can see the caves and also the excavation site of ancient remains dating back to the Hellenistic Period (134-104BC) when a community of Essenes Jews lived here isolated from the rest of society and devoted themselves to biblical study.Qumran caves, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockCaves of Murbaat – These historic caves have interesting square entrances and once held ancient treasures left by Jews who hid here during the Bar Kochba Revolt against the Romans in 132AD. Today the caves are still of interest but the findings are now on display in the Israel Museum.Metsuke Dragot– Situated on the northern shore of the Dead Sea, Metsuke Dragot or the Dragot Cliffs offer a breathtaking view across Murabat Wadi and the Dead Sea. An eco-friendly community is located on the cliffs and offers accommodation and hospitality for visitors.Ein Gedi – Ein Gedi is a kibbutz (with a hotel) as well as a natural desert oasis on the edge of the Dead Sea. Here you can follow paths to picturesque waterfalls and alongside streams flanked by lush vegetation. Arad – Arad is a modern city lying between the Negev and Judean Deserts. Arad attractions include a market and Tel Arad, an archaeological site where ancient Arad once stood.Bird's eye view of the Dead Sea, Israel.Photo byDave HerringonUnsplashJericho – A biblical city considered to be one of the oldest in the world. Tours to Jericho stop at biblical sites like the Zacchaeus sycamore tree and at the archeological site of Tel Jericho.Ma’ale Adumim – This quiet Israeli West Bank city is home to hidden lush natural springs and the ruins of the Byzantine Monastery of Martyrius.Masada – This massive mesa, or rock outcrop has a flat plateau summit where you can tour the remains of Herod’s ancient fortress. There is a cable car that takes visitors to the top and the ruins are well preserved. There is also a visitor’s center and food court at the base of Masada. As this is a hard location to reach many travelers opt to take an organized tour to Masada that includes a stop at the Dead Sea.The Dead Sea – The number one attraction in the region is the sea at the lowest point on Earth. There are beaches along the shore of the hyper-saline Dead Sea (some free and others with an entrance fee) where you can soak up the sun and float in the mineral-rich water which has proven health and beauty benefits.Winding road in the Judean Desert.Photo byRobert ByeonUnsplash

The best way to get to know Jerusalem is to spend several days exploring both independently and with an organized Jerusalem tour. Some of the sites and attractions you can discover for yourself while others are better seen with a knowledgeable guide on one of the many Jerusalem day tours. Here are a few ideas on how you can get to Jerusalem.Statue of King David at the entrance to King David's Tomb, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockSee the Highlights of JerusalemBefore you start delving into the unusual and unique attractions of Jerusalem it is worth seeing the top 10 Jerusalem attractions that all visitors to the city should see. Among the top 10, there are the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Although there are some Jerusalem attractions that all travelers will want to see, your personal top 10 will depend on your interests. If you are a Christian traveler you will probably be drawn towards the churches on the Mount of Olives; the Room of the Last Supper and Via Dolorosa among other biblical sites. Jewish travelers will want to include other landmarks in their top 10 Jerusalem attractions, for example, the City of David; Knesset, and theSephardi synagogues of the Old City.Mount of Olives with ancient tombs. Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem Old City GuideIf your time is short and you can only go to one place in Jerusalem then it has to be the Old City. Within the 16th century stone walls, the 1km² city holds Jerusalem’s top attractions. The Old City is also home to the most important Christian, Jewish and Muslim landmarks – the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Western Wall and Temple Mount, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock. Spend your time exploring the narrow lanes of the Old City. In the Armenian Quarter see the exquisitely painted ceramics; in the Christian Quarter follow the Via Dolorosa and see where Jesus was crucified; in the Muslim Quarter shop in the traditional market and in the Jewish Quarter see ancient synagogues, museums and beneath the Temple Mount walls.Temple Mount, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockAttractions in New Jerusalem Don’t miss out on the attractions in New Jerusalem. Many tourists, especially those short on time concentrate all their sightseeing in the Old City but New Jerusalem has much to offer. Visit the ultra-religious neighborhood of Mea Shearim; the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market; the Knesset; the Chagall windows; the Bridge of Strings; the Israel Supreme Court and the Jerusalem Israel Museum. New Jerusalem has some incredible malls and the lively Ben Yehuda pedestrian street with outdoor cafes. There are plenty of art galleries, parks like the Wohl Rose Park and the Haas Promenade where you can get an overview of the city. Visit the 130-year restored First Jerusalem Train Station that is now a hip cultural and culinary hub and spend some time in a local café people-watching.Church of all Nations, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem Machane Yehuda MarketIf you really want to experience the lively atmosphere of local Jerusalemites then head for the Mahane Yehuda Market. You’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, pickles, spices, fish, meat, eggs, and about every other type of food you can imagine. Not only that but the market, which has both outdoor and covered sections is home to excellent restaurants. Some of the market eateries are run by top Israeli chefs and others serve up traditional dishes from around the world. Try Ethiopian pita bread; a Georgian pastry; British fish and chips or Spanish tapas. In addition to food, the market sells household goods, fashion items, and more. Be sure to visit the “doctor” who serves up freshly squeezed fruit drinks made with unusual ingredients that are said to have therapeutic properties whether you want to treat a sore back or a broken heart!Gethsemane Garden, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockGet to Know Jerusalem NeighborhoodsAlthough most travelers limit themselves to the Old City there are several wonderful Jerusalem neighborhoods worth visiting. Stop in downtown West Jerusalem for excellent food and a vibrant nightlife scene. Near Mahane Yehuda Market see interesting street art and one-off bars and restaurants. In the Nachlaot neighborhood see where a former ultra-orthodox traditional neighborhood has transformed into a hip, cosmopolitan hang-out for artists and musicians. The neighborhood has narrow lanes, historic homes with hidden courtyards, and a bohemian atmosphere.Musrara is a picturesque neighborhood with many art galleries and museums including Museum on the Seam that focuses on socio-politically inspired contemporary art. The German Colony is where you’ll find up-market boutiques, charming cafes, and restaurants housed in historic buildings with Bauhaus, Ottoman, and Templar-style architecture. The Germany Colony’s Emek Refaim Street is the place to people-watch and visit the neighborhood’s best stores and restaurants. Ein Kerem is arguably the most beautiful of the Jerusalem neighborhoods. Ein Kerem has a village-feel with charming stone houses, window boxes, craft stores, excellent restaurants, and several attractions including Mary’s Well and John the Baptist Church.Dominus Flevit Church, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

The Dead Sea is a must-see attraction for any trip to Israel. This natural wonder is a salt lake at the lowest point on Earth 418m below sea level in southern Israel’s Negev Desert. The Dead Sea is not centrally located; it is 170km from Tel Aviv and 100km from Jerusalem. Once there you can enjoy one of the many Dead Sea beaches, the Dead Sea spas and hotels. The high concentration of minerals in the saline water and Dead Sea mud has health and beauty benefits. Even the sunshine and air in the Dead Sea region are known to have properties beneficial to our health.View of the Dead Sea from the top of Masada Fortress.Photo credit: © ShutterstockPublic Transport to the Dead SeaThere are no trains that reach the Dead Seaalthough you could catch a train to Be’er Sheva and from there a bus to the Dead Sea. Alternatively, take the bus from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. The buses stop at Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek, both places where there are things to do near the Dead Sea. The journey takes about 1.5hr-2hrs. Buses leave from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and from Tel Aviv’s Arlozorov Bus Station. It is advisable to leave early so that you can maximize your time at the Dead Sea. The last bus from the Dead Sea back to central Israel leaves in the late afternoon so be careful not to miss the bus! There are no buses to the Dead Sea on Shabbat or public holidays.Road Sign on the way to the Dead Sea, Israel. Photo by Amit Lahav on UnsplashDead Sea ToursThe easiest way to visit the Dead Sea is to join a Dead Sea day tour. There are several to choose from including tours that include stops at other popular sites like Masada, Jerusalem, Jericho, Ein Gedi, or Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Some day tours stop at several sites while others give you a full day at the Dead Sea and can offer the option of Dead Sea spa visits or lunch at one of the Dead Sea spa hotels. The Dead Sea is usually included in multi-day package tours that cover attractions across the country.Renting a Car to Drive to the Dead SeaYou could rent a car from anywhere in the country and make the trip south independently. Use a navigation app or GPS device to help you reach the Dead Sea. The steep winding roads through the desert hills are notoriously dangerous and you will need to drive very carefully.The Dead Sea Shore from above. Photo by Artem Belinski on UnsplashVisit the Dead Sea by TaxiIf you are nervous about traveling alone by car to the Dead Sea then it is possible to go by taxi although this is quite an expensive option. Taxis to the Dead Sea should be arranged in advance and can include hotel pick-up. A slightly cheaper option is a shared taxi (mini-bus) run by a private taxi company which departs from major cities. You will then have to find an available taxi to make the return journey or preferably arrange it ahead of time.Take a Private Tour to the Dead SeaOn a private tour to the Dead Sea, you can tailor-make your trip by including other sites along the way. Popular destinations often included on a private day tour to the Dead Sea are Jerusalem, Jericho, Qumran, or Masada. On a private tour, you will have the driver, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guide who will devote all of his time to you.A man reading a book in the Dead Sea, Israel.Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Many Israel package tours include some free time in Tel Aviv, a magical city with a unique blend of attractions both historic and ultra-modern. You’ll have no problem finding things to do if you have a day at leisure in Tel Aviv.Explore Tel Aviv NeighborhoodsTel Aviv has some diverse neighborhoods each with their own unique character. Among the most interesting Tel Aviv neighborhoods there is Florentin, a hipster hangout with a bo-ho feel in Southern Tel Aviv. The former commercial area has transformed into a trendy destination with quirky bars and ethnic restaurants. The place has a shabby-chic feel with many independent small stores selling everything from art and tie-dye clothing to designer sweets and hand-made jewelry. This is the neighborhood where you can sit for hours in a café people-watching. Another top Tel Aviv neighborhood is Neve Tzedek, originally the first Jewish neighborhood built outside of Jaffa. Today the small homes, courtyards and narrow lanes have been restored and converted into boutique stores, art galleries, chic cafes, eateries and one-off stores. The neighborhood has a small village feel and most buildings are dripping with gorgeous bougainvillea or flower boxes.Visit Old Jaffa and Jaffa PortJaffa is now a part of the city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa; it is the oldest part of the city at the southern end of Tel Aviv’s beachfront promenade. The ancient city of Jaffa is built on a cliff overlooking the Old Port of Jaffa and the sea beyond. Jaffa is associated with the Biblical characters of Jonah and St. Peter. As you enter Jaffa the first sight that meets you is the Jaffa Clock Tower that dates back to the early 20th-century Ottoman era. On the inland side of the main road, you’ll find a labyrinth of market lanes and trendy restaurants and bars. On the right-hand side is the Old Port. Narrow lanes, each named after the signs of the zodiac lead down to the water. The lanes of Old Jaffa are lined with art galleries, small stores, and eateries. You can visit the Jaffa Museum to learn more about the city’s history.Tel Aviv MuseumsYou could spend several days visiting the wonderful museums of Tel Aviv. If you are an art-lover then your best choice would be the Tel Aviv Museum of Art where contemporary and modern art is displayed in a spectacular venue that includes a unique modern building, the main building and the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion. Here you can see works by some of the greatest artists of all time including Chagall, Reuven Rubin, Klimt, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Miro, Roy Lichtenstein and work by Israeli artists such as Nahum Gutman. Other Tel Aviv museums worth checking out include the Eretz Israel Museum focused on Israel’s heritage, land and culture and the Museum of Jewish People focused on Jewish communities around the world and their traditions.Tel Aviv Free AttractionsYou won’t have to spend much money on your free day in Tel Aviv; just wandering the streets can be enough to keep you busy for hours. On a walk, through Tel Aviv you can enjoy the Bauhaus architecture which has earned Tel Aviv UNESCO statue as the “White City.” You can easily walk to the best Tel Aviv beaches which are located minutes from the city center. The wide sandy beaches line the beachfront promenade the length of Tel Aviv. Another great way to spend your time is at the Tel Aviv Port. This former port has been gentrified and converted to a wonderful outdoor attraction for the whole family. The many markets in the city include Carmen Market and the markets of Jaffa where you could wend away hours taking in the sights and sounds. Take a walk through any of Tel Aviv’s neighborhoods to see Tel Aviv street art by local and international artists. Many of the street artists in Tel Aviv use their art to bring attention to social issues or the human condition.

Travelers to Israel who base themselves in Jerusalem will want to see the country. Although Israel is small it is still over 150km-200km from Jerusalem, depending on where in the Galilee you want to visit. This journey can take about 2.5-3 hours. If you have booked an Israel package tour covering the country then you will have a way of getting to the various destinations across Israel. If traveling independently you will have to figure out the best way to see the Galilee from Jerusalem. Here are a few suggestions to help you plan your Galilee excursion from Jerusalem.Sailing on "Jesus Boats", Sea of Galilee. Photo credit: © ShutterstockUse Public Transport to Go from Jerusalem to the GalileeThe distance from Jerusalem to Galilee is approximately 150 km depending on the route you take. You can get a bus from Jerusalem's central bus station to Tiberias, on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. The journey takes about 2-3 hours. Tiberias is a good place to base yourself and from there you can either hike around the Sea of Galilee or take further buses to the various locations. If you plan to make it a day trip then this could be problematic. You will spend much of your time waiting for buses and traveling on buses. You will have to leave very early in the morning if you plan 3 hours there and 3 hours back by bus. It doesn’t leave you much time on a day trip from Jerusalem to Galilee. Alternatively, you could make it a longer trip and stay overnight. It is advisable to research the places you want to visit and figure out how you will get public transport from place to place in Galilee before you actually leave Jerusalem.Traveling by bus. Photo by Christian Wiediger on UnsplashGalilee Tours from JerusalemIn addition to package tours that cover several days, several destinations, and accommodation there are also day tours from Jerusalem to Galilee. If you prefer not to travel on a package tour then day tours to difficult-to-reach or distant locations are the perfect solution. You could join a group day tour from Jerusalem to Galilee or even take a private tour and tailor-make your itinerary. Tours from Jerusalem to Galileeinclude pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or a convenient location in Jerusalem. The tour then takes you north in air-conditioned transportation and stops at several of Galilee’s famous locations. The tours usually have a theme, for example, Christian landmarks around the Sea of Galilee; Galilee and Golan tours, or Jewish sites in Northern Israel. There are also Galilee tours from Jerusalem that include places likeCaesarea,Safed,Haifa,Nazareth, Acre, or Rosh Hanikra.Art gallery in Safed, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockRent a Car to Travel from Jerusalem to GalileeHaving your own car can be a very convenient way of traveling but it suits only a certain type of traveler. You’ll have to negotiate unknown roads; cope with Israeli drivers and find parking once you reach the larger cities like Tiberias, Nazareth, Acre, and Safed. The advantage is that you can pick and choose where to stop and what to see. The disadvantage can be the price and the fact that you will have your attention on the road instead of being able to sit back and enjoy the journey. Without a guide, you will have to know which places to visit and how to get there. Car rental is readily available in Israel but be sure you have included all the extras and taken into account all the restrictions. Check what time you can return the car as you will be traveling quite a distance and may not be back in Jerusalem until late. Some car rental companies in Israel close at 5 pm and there are different hours on Shabbat and national holidays.Traveling with a rented car.Photo by Scott Osborn on UnsplashVisit Galilee LandmarksThere are a plethora of Christian sites in Galilee where Jesus grew up and where he spent his ministry traveling from village to village preaching the word of God. The Christian sites of Galilee should not be missed! They have great biblical significance and are surrounded by Galilee's stunning scenery. A good way to plan a trip to the Galilee that covers all Christian sites is to spend at least two days in the region. If your time is limited then spend a day touring just the Christian highlights along the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret in Hebrew). Your trip to Galilee will probably start with a drive up Israel's Mediterranean coast past attractions like Caesarea and Haifa. Turning inland you'll travel through the Valley of Armageddon (Megiddo), where the prophesized Final Battle is predicted to take place during the End of Times. From here you have a view of Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration.Traveling over rolling green hills and past lush farmlands you'll look down on the Sea of Galilee nestled in an idyllic valley. Starting at the southern end of the sea move up the western shore past the city of Tiberias. The Sea of Galilee is where Jesus walked on water (John 6:19-21) and where he calmed the storm (Matthew 8:23-26).The Church at Mount of Beatitudes, Galilee, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Most Famous Christian Sites in GalileeStop in Magdala, once a small fishing village and home to Mary Magdalene. Travel a little further along the shore to Ginosar, a modern-day kibbutz in the shadow of Mount Arbel. The kibbutz is home to the Yigal Allon Museum which holds the Jesus Boat. During the 1986 drought, the Sea of Galilee's water level dropped dramatically revealing the remains of this 1st-century fishing boat buried in the bed of the lake. The fishing boat would have been the same kind of fishing vessel used by the disciples. The Bible tells us how Jesus crosses the water, landing in Ginosar where the people touched the fringe of His cloak and were cured of their ills.One of the most delightful Christian sites along the shore of the Galilee is Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish. Originally a 4th-century chapel was built here to mark the site of the miracle. A Byzantine Nile-themed floor mosaic has been preserved in the Church of Multiplication along with a large rock where Jesus may have stood as he performed the miracle.Nearby is the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter; the traditional site of Christ's 4th appearance after his resurrection (John 21:1-24) and where he conferred primacy on Simon Peter giving him leadership over the church. Another incredible Christian site on the shore of the Sea of Galilee is the Mt. of Beatitudes crowned by a unique church, designed by Antonio Barluzzi in the 1930s to mark the place where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount.Korazim National Park, Upper Galilee. Photo credit: © Yuval Gassar. Published with permission of the Israel Nature and Parks AuthorityAlso visit Capernaum, once the hometown of Peter, Andrew, John, and James. Here Jesus based himself during his ministry; exorcised demons and healed the slave of a Roman centurion. The main Christian sites in Capernaum today are the excavated Byzantine village; the remains of a 1st-century synagogue and an octagonal church built around the remains of what is believed to have been Saint Peter's home.If you'd like to venture to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, at the foot of the Golan Heights you can stop at Kursi, the site of the miracle of the swine (Luke 8:26-39). Here you can see the ruins of a large Byzantine monastery and church and see the remains of a 5th-century church mosaic floor. If you are with a tour you will probably also venture up into the Golan Heights to visit places like the Shalom Observatory; former Syrian fortifications and Katzrin where there is an excavated and reconstructed Talmudic-era (4th-8th century) village.At the southernmost point of the sea where the River Jordan flows out of the Kinneret is the baptismal site Yardenit. Tours stop at Yardenit where it is possible to be baptized in the Jordan as Jesus was. Also visit Kfar Cana, famed as the site where Jesus attended a wedding and changed water into wine. The 19th century Wedding Church commemorates this miracle and encompasses the remains of Byzantine mosaics from an earlier 5th-6th-century church. The church holds two ancient stone jars similar to those used to hold wine during the biblical era.The easiest way to see these Christian sites is to take a one or two-day tour like the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Magdala & Mt. of Beatitudes Tour.Yardenit baptismal site, near the Sea of Galilee.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Since the 1960s excavations in the area of the south-west side of Temple Mount in Jerusalem have uncovered remarkable remains from the Second Temple (516 BC-70 AD) which stood on Temple Mount. Part of these excavations included what would have been the southern retaining wall of Temple Mount. The Southern Wall Excavation Site is accessed from the Dung Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City. Just past the gate is an archaeological park which includes the Southern Wall, the Southern Wall Museum and a Visitors Center.The Second Temple was originally built in 516 BC but was drastically altered and expanded under Herod the Great from 37 BC to 4 BC. It was during this reconstruction that the southern side of Temple Mount was fortified. The southern retaining wall of Temple Mount would have risen 32 meters above street level and run for a length of 281 m. The Temple and almost all of the Temple Mount structures were destroyed by the Romans during the Jewish Revolt of 66 AD-70 AD.Herodian StreetRunning the length of the wall would have been a paved street lined with stores. Along the wall remains were uncovered of an 8 meter wide street now known as the Herodian Street. When the Herodian Street was discovered it was cleared of a mountain of rubble that had accumulated over the almost 2,000 years since the temple’s destruction. On one side of the ancient Herodian Street the massive Temple Mount Southern Wall rises 32 meters and on the other side of the street a wall was uncovered with openings where there would have been stores. Here pilgrims could buy offerings to sacrifice in the temple and also visit the money changes. It may have been here in these stores that Jesus “cleared the temple courts of people selling cattle, sheep, doves and people sitting at tables exchanging money” (John 2:1322). As the Roman’s set about destroying the temple in 70 AD they would have toppled down massive stones onto this street. Above the stores we can see the remains of the base of a staircase.Robinson ArchHalfway up the side of the Southern Wall are the remains of the Robinson Arch (named after the researcher who discovered the arch in 1838). The arch was part of a large bridge structure which allowed access from the lower city to the Temple Mount. The arch was part of a 13 m wide and 19 m high walkway giving pilgrims access from the Herodian Street up a wide flight of stairs to the south-western Temple Mount entrance. This would have been one of three such bridge walkways into the temple. Only the small section of the arch attached to the Southern Wall and the base of the staircase have survived.Trumpeting PlaceOn the southwest corner of the Southern Wall a large slab of stone was found inscribed with the Hebrew words meaning: to the trumpeting place to proclaim. This could refer to the place where a priest would stand on the walls and blow a trumpet to announce the approaching Shabbat. The stone may have been thrown down from the temple walls during the destruction.Ritual BathsWhile excavating the Southern Wall many ritual baths (mikvah) were found. The baths are located close to the walls and were built according to Jewish laws. The baths would have been used by thousands of pilgrims to purify themselves before they entered the temple.Later Structures at the Southern WallThe Al-Aqsa Mosque was built in 705 AD and stands along the inside of the Southern Wall; you can see the mosque’s distinctive silver dome above the wall. Along the Southern Wall it is possible to see the remains of several structures from the later Arab Period including a number of Umayyad Palaces.

Herzliya is a coastal city about 30 minutes north of Tel Aviv. It is a popular beach destination as well as having several excellent shopping malls, a large marina and beautiful parks. Many travelers to Israel base themselves in Herzliya at one of the beachfront hotels so that they can get maximum use of Israel’s stunning beaches. From Herzliya it is possible to take excursions across the country, returning to your Herzliya hotel in the evening. In fact you don’t even have to travel into Tel Aviv to join Israel day tours as there are pick-up points at Herzliya hotels. You can go straight from your hotel to the tour bus and have a day of guided sightseeing then be returned to your Herzliya hotel doorstep in the evening.Israel Tours from Herzliya HotelsIsrael is a small country and you can take day tours from Herzliya to almost all destinations across the country. Among top destinations for day tours from Herzliya, there is the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and the Galilee. The tours to various locations leave daily and are offered in several languages (depending on the tour).Jerusalem Tours from Herzliya HotelsAfter your Herzliya pick-up travel to the City of Gold and tour the new and Old City. See where Jesus walked the Via Dolorosa and place a prayer note between the huge stones of the Western Wall. Some Jerusalem tours also include a stop at the Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum; some take you to the places where Jesus once stood and other tours explore the underground City of David. There are half-day Jerusalem tours and tours that combine Jerusalem and other destinations in one day. Visit Jerusalem and the Dead Sea in one day or Jerusalem and Bethlehem in one day from Herzliya.Masada and Dead Sea Tours from Herzliya HotelsThe most southerly point day tours from Herzliya reach is Masada and the Dead Sea. On these tours, you will get to travel through the Judean Desert descending below sea level. Take a cable car to the flat summit of Masada and have a guided tour of the remains of Herod’s ancient fortress. The afternoon is spent on one of the top Dead Sea beaches before returning to Herzliya. Some of the tours south stop at the ancient Biblical city of Jericho and at a baptismal site on the Jordan River. For something really special take a Judean Desert jeep tour from Herzliya.Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Tours from Herzliya HotelsThe most northerly point day tours from Herzliya reach is Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. These tours are perfect for Christians who can see numerous Biblical sites but the tour also suits non-Christians that just want to see the northern landscape. Visit the Church of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church in Nazareth and see Biblical locations along the edge of the Sea of Galilee.Caesarea, Acre and Rosh HaNikra Tours from HerzliyaTravel up the Mediterranean coast from Herzliya and stop in several remarkable locations. Tour the excavated Roman port city of Caesarea; drive through Haifa to see the Baha’i Gardens; see the Crusader’s underground city in Acre and enter the sea caves at Rosh HaNikra.Bethlehem Tours from Herzliya HotelsChristian travelers staying in Herzliya can get a day tour from their Herzliya hotel to Bethlehem. This tour stops at several fascinating Biblical locations and ancient churches including the Church of the Nativity which encompasses the Holy Grotto where Jesus was born. There are also tours from Herzliya that combine a visit to Jerusalem and Bethlehem in one day.

If you were to choose just one place to visit while in Israel it should be the Old City of Jerusalem. Packed within the 450 year old city walls is 1km² holding some of the country’s top attractions.The Old City is an exciting, exotic, spiritual and fascinating world of narrow cobbled alleys, mosques, churches, eateries, markets and more. The Old City remains as it was thousands of years ago and people still live and work here in the ancient buildings. Among the wonders of the Old City are the most important Jewish, Muslim and Christian religious sites in the country.Brief History of JerusalemJerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and getting an overall understanding of the history is extremely useful for anyone visiting the City of Gold. As you tour the various sites you’ll hear names of historic periods, leaders, and events so this brief history of Jerusalem will help you get some perspective. It was here in Jerusalem that the ancient Jewish temples were built and where Jesus often visited and eventually was crucified. Golgotha, the site of Jesus's crucifixion is within the Old City marked by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. King David conquered Jerusalem from the Jebusites in the 11th century BC and established his kingdom. Muslims took the city in 637AD and in 1099AD the first Christian Crusaders arrived. The city changed hands several times and saw pilgrims arriving to various religious sites. The Old City walls we see today were built under Ottoman leader Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1500s. Up until 1860 all of Jerusalem was within the Old City walls, then the first neighborhood beyond the walls was established and the new city grew into the modern metropolis we see today. But within the Old City walls, time seemed to stand still. From 1848 to 1867 the Old City was ruled by Jordan and no Jews were allowed to visit or live in the Old City until it was retaken by Israel in the Six-Day War. Jews returned to the city and it was repopulated with people in all four of the Old City’s quarters. The city has remained a tourist attraction and a pilgrimage site for Muslims visiting Temple Mount, Christians visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Jews visiting the Western Wall.Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe Timeline of Major Events in the History of Jerusalem3500 BC – First signs of human settlers.c.1800 BC – Jerusalem mentioned in Egyptian texts.1010-970 BC – Reign of King David, during this time he declares Jerusalem Capital of United Israel.970-931 BC – Reign of King Solomon, during this time the First Temple was constructed in Jerusalem (957BC) on Temple Mount, and the county was divided into Israel and Judah.837-800 BC – Reign of Hezekiah, King of Judah, during this time the underground waterways from Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam were dug to bring water to the city.597 BC – Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar II captured Jerusalem.586 BC – Due to rebellion Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed the city, including the First Temple, and exiled many inhabitants including Jews who were sent to Babylon.537 BC-332 BC – The Persian Period. Persians ruled under Cyrus who encouraged Jews to return to Israel and begin work on rebuilding the Temple. 521 BC-516 BC – The Second Temple was completed. 445 BC – City walls are rebuilt. 332 BC-167 BC – Hellenistic Period. Alexander the Great conquers Palestine, taking it from the Persians.167 BC-63 BC – Hasmonean Period. With the Maccabean Revolt led by Mattathias, the Maccabean War is started and Jewish Priest Judah Maccabee takes over Jerusalem and restores the Temple which had been profaned under the earlier non-Jewish leaders. 63 BC -324 AD – Roman Period. Romans capture Jerusalem but the Hasmoneans continue to rule under Roman protection. 40 BC – Herod is appointed King of Judea and reigns as Herod the Great. Under Herod, they began rebuilding the Temple.Sculpture of King David playing the harp, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock1 AD – Jesus of Nazareth born in Bethlehem.26 AD – Pontius Pilate appointed as Roman procurator of Judea.c.33 AD – Jesus is tried and crucified in Jerusalem.41 AD-44 AD – Agrippa King of Judea rebuilds the city walls. 63 AD – The Second Temple is completed. 66 AD-73 AD – Jewish Revolt against the Romans, during this time the Temple was destroyed (70 AD) by Titus. 132 AD-135 AD – Following the Bar Kochba War Jerusalem became the Jewish capital once again. 135 AD – Roman Emperor Hadrian captured and destroyed the city, built new city walls, and expelled Jews from the capital.324 AD-638 AD – Queen Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine comes to Jerusalem and sets about identifying the locations of famous biblical events. She initiated the construction of several churches on holy sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, constructed in 335 AD. The Jews are permitted to return to Jerusalem (438); the city is captured by the Persians and the Jews are expelled (614) and then the Byzantines recapture the capital (629).638 AD-1099 AD – Muslim Period. During this time the Caliph Omar comes to the city and the Jews are allowed to return. The Dome of the Rock is completed (691) and the al-Aqsa Mosque is completed (701). Under Caliph al-Hakim many synagogues and churches were destroyed.1099 AD-1244 AD – Crusader Period. Godfrey de Bouillon captures Jerusalem, and Baldwin I is declared King of Jerusalem. 1187AD – Saladin, a Kurdish General, takes Jerusalem from the Crusaders and allows Jews and Muslims to return to the city. 1192 AD – Richard the Lion Heart attempts to capture Jerusalem but having failed makes a treaty with Saladin allowing Christians to pray at the holy sites.Dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock1219 AD – Sultan Malik-al-Muattam has the city walls destroyed.1244 AD – The Turks capture Jerusalem from the Crusaders once and for all.1260 AD-1517 AD – Mamluk Period. During this period the Mamluks capture Jerusalem; Nahmanides the great Jewish thinker arrives from Spain and established Jewish learning centers (1267AD); Marco Polo passes through and the Black Death plagues the city.1517 AD-1917 AD – Ottoman Period. The Turkish Ottomans peacefully take over the city and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilds the city walls which have not stood for over 300 years. The walls include the city gates and Tower of David which remains today.1700 AD – Under Rabbi Yehuda HaHassid the Hurva Synagogue was built. 1860 AD – First Jewish settlements outside the city walls to escape overcrowding and disease. 1917-1948 British Mandate Period. The British led by General Allenby enter the city and lay their claim to the land. The construction of the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus begins.1947 –1949 – With the announcement of the UN resolution to partition Israel into an Arab State, Jewish State and Special International Regime for the City of Jerusalem civil war breaks out. This resulted at the end of the British Mandate and the Israeli War of Independence. Egypt, Syria, and Jordan fight against the Jewish State which is just coming into shape. The Israel-Transjordan Armistice Agreement (April 1949) gives Transjordan control of East Jerusalem. 1949 – Establishment of the State of Israel. 1967 – Six-Day War between Israel and Jordan, Israel captures the Old City which had been under Jordanian rule since 1949, and the Old City is united.Old City market, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinOverview of the Old CityThe Old City is surrounded by fortified walls and it is possible to walk along the ramparts. Visitors enter the Old City through the wall’s seven gates (there are actually eight gates but one is closed). The Old City is divided into four uneven quarters – the Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters. The division is not with walls but rather the quarters flow one onto the other.In each quarter there is a distinct character; you’ll see people in traditional dress in each of the quarters – Hasidic Jews in their black coats and black hats in the Jewish Quarter, nuns, monks, and friars in their habits in the Armenian and Christian Quarters and in the Muslim Quarter the traditional keffiyeh headdress and long kaftan-type jellabiyah. In each of the quarters, you can buy souvenirs, taste ethnic food and see art and architecture unique to that quarter’s culture, religion, and history.Christian QuarterThe Christian Quarter in the northwestern of the Old City has the New Gate, Jaffa Gate, Damascus Gate, and the junction of David Street and Souk Khan el-Zeit at its corners. This quarter is home to approximately 40 holy sites but the star of the quarter is without question the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church is a beautifully ornate and cavernous structure with many small chapels and intricate artwork. Muristan fountain in the Christian Quarter; Old City of Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe church dates back to at least the 4th century and houses the site where Jesus was crucified at Calvary, the tomb where he was buried and resurrected, and the last four Stations of the Cross. The church is shared by the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Orthodox churches as well as the Syriacs, Ethiopians, and Egyptian Copts to a lesser extent.Jewish QuarterJews have inhabited the Jewish Quarter almost continuously since the 8th century BC. Parts of the Jewish Quarter have been excavated to reveal ancient Roman remains including the Cardo, which would have been the colonnaded main street during Jesus’ lifetime. The star of this quarter is the Western Wall; the last remaining part of the Second Temple which was destroyed in 70AD.The Western Wall (Kotel) opens up to a large plaza and Jews come from across the globe to worship here. Local Jews worship at the Western Wall as they would at a synagogue. You can place a prayer note with your personal message to God between the large stones of the Western Wall.Jewish Quarter, Jerusalem. Photo credit:Photo credit: © ShutterstockMuslim QuarterThe largest quarter of the Old City is home to the Muslim population (and a few Jewish families). It has narrow cobbled lanes that are a bustle of activity. Within this quarter there is the Temple Mount, this is where the ancient 1st century Jewish Temple stood, and today it is the site of the beautiful Dome of the Rock which covers the Foundation Stone from where Muhammad is believed to have ascended to Heaven.The Dome of the Rock has a distinctive golden dome which is a symbol of the city. Also on Temple Mount is the al-Aqsa Mosque, Muhammad’s destination in the Night Journey, and the Dome of the Chain a free-standing dome and the oldest structure on Temple Mount. The Western Wall Tunnels run beneath the Muslim Quarters and the Muslim Quarter has several Roman and Crusader remains. The Muslim Quarter has a lively market or “shuk” where you can find a huge range of goods. The Via Dolorosa runs through the Muslim Quarter and is home to the first seven Stations of the Cross.Armenian QuarterThis is the smallest quarter of the Old City. It is home to Christian Armenians who arrived in Jerusalem in the 4th century AD when Armenia adopted Christianity and Armenian pilgrims came to visit the holy sites and settled here. The Armenian Quarter centers on St. James Monastery and the 4th-century Cathedral of St. James which houses the Jerusalem Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenian Quarter, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin(Pop trivia: This is where Kanye West and Kim Kardashian held their daughter, North’s christening in 2015). The Armenians have their own distinct culture, religious traditions, and language. The Jerusalem Armenians are famed for their distinctive hand-painted tiles, tile murals, and handmade ceramics. You can buy ceramics in several stores in the Armenian Quarter and see street signs made from the brightly painted Armenian tiles.And Now for Something Special in the Old City….Dei res-Sultan Ethiopian Monastery accessed via the 9th Station of the Cross on the roof of a medieval annex in the Christian Quarter.Shopping in the Old City Market.Walking the Ramparts of the Old City walls.The Tower of David (Jerusalem Citadel) at Jaffa Gate, a museum, archaeological site, and sound and light show.Mamilla luxury shopping street – Northwest of Jaffa Gate.Follow the Via Dolorosa retracing Jesus’ route as he carried his cross towards Calvary.Join today our wonderfulJerusalem Old City TourСapers growing on the wall of a house in Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

Shalom Marathon or Dead Sea Half Marathonwhen: Annually in February. February 16th, 2013Where: Starting from the Ein Gedi Spa, Dead Sea, Israel.This annual half marathon is organized by the Tamar Regional Council and has been held for the last 19 years. Each year the road race has grown in importance and in the number of participants. This marathon has the unique statues of being the “Lowest Race on Earth” as the starting line is at the Ein Gedi Spa on the shore of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth. The dramatically dry and hot weather of the Dead Sea region makes this a particularly challenging race although the race is held in February when the weather is relatively mild. The marathon route runs along the shores of the Dead Sea past striking scenery and Mount Masada.Runners can choose to compete in 5 competitions: half marathon, 10km race, 5km race, walking competition, children’s competition or the hand-bike half marathon. The Ein Gedi Marathon is also called the Shalom Marathon as it strives to promote peace and cooperation between the different sectors of society. In 1999 the Palestinian flag was carried during the race as a symbol of peace. Runners come to the Dead Sea from around the world often taking first place. In 1997 Bernard Boiya from Kenya took first place.

Tel Aviv is located in the center of Israel and has highway and public transportation links to cities across the country. Luckily Israel is not that big so you can easily base yourself in Tel Aviv and make day trips to other destinations. Take a look at these day trips from Tel Avivand Israel day tourswhich give you a good variety of top tourist destinations and less obvious day trip choices.Jerusalem Trip from Tel AvivJerusalem is one of the must-see destinations in Israel and is only an hour away (depending on traffic) from Tel Aviv. If you are taking a day trip from Tel Aviv then don’t waste any time and start your trip with a walking tour of the Old City. Most of Jerusalem’s top attractions are in the Old City; here you can see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and Temple Mount where the Dome of the Rock stands. In the Old City, there are many exquisite stores, eateries, museums, and other places of interest.You can go into the “new” city and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the capital or alternatively visit the churches on the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives is home to the beautiful Church of All Nations, the Russian Orthodox Church, Pater Noster Church, the Chapel of the Ascension, and Dominus Flevit Church. Families might like to visit the Biblical Zoo and others might be interested in visiting Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum or the Israel Museum.The Dead Sea and Masada Day Trip from Tel AvivNo trip to Israel is complete without a trip to the Dead Sea which lies 87 km south of Tel Aviv. This unique body of water is the lowest point on Earth. The Dead Sea water is three times as salty as the ocean. The mud that lines the banks and floor of the Dead Sea is rich in minerals that can benefit your general health and specifically your skin. Being the lowest point on Earth it is also the furthest point from the sun and so you can avoid the dangerous sun rays and just get the benefits of the sun. The Dead Sea air is also good for your health as it hashigh levels of oxygen and is pollen-free.While you are in the Dead Sea region you can tour Masada which is only a short drive away. Masada is a “mesa” or flat-topped rock outcrop which rises majestically out of the desert. Masada’s summit was the site of an ancient Roman palace complex and many of the structures have survived. Masada was also the site of a significant event in Jewish history and is a symbol of Jewish devotion to national freedom and faith. Visitors to Masada can take a cable car (or walk up the Snake Path) to the summit and tour the remains of the palace complex.Galilee or Golan Heights Day Tripfrom Tel AvivIf you fancy a day trip to a place with amazing sites to see and unbelievably beautiful views then tours to Galilee or the Golan Heights are a good choice. The North of Israel overflows with natural wonders and biblical sites. It is also the most recommended destination if you want to reconnect with nature and are looking for gorgeous countryside landscapes. Galilee (meaning 'district' in Hebrew) was the source of the English name for the "Sea of Galilee". In Hebrew, the lake is called Kinneret (from kinor - 'harp', describing its shape). The attractions on the way, like Megiddo, Sea of Galilee, Katzrin, or Mount Bentalcombine remarkable scenery with the fascinating historical human story. You can cover many Christian landmarks of Galilee (Nazarethwith itsChurch of Annunciation,Tabgha, Capernaum, etc) in aone day trip to the Sea of Galilee.Petra Day Trip from Tel AvivBelieve it or not, you can even take a day trip from Tel Aviv to Petra in Jordan and be back in Tel Aviv the same evening! There are organized tours that start in Tel Aviv with a short flight down to Eilat Israeli’s southernmost city.From there tours continue across the Israel/Jordan border and on to Petra.Petra is a UNESCO site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city was created about 2300 years ago when the Nabataean people carved Petra’s buildings out of the red-hued desert cliffs. The ancient structures have survived and include temples, tombs, and homes each with intricately carved facades and cavernous interiors.On a tour to Petra, you can learn about the ingenious water gathering system the Nabataeans used to keep Petra’s 20,000 residents supplied with water. Also, learn of the trade routes which passed through Petra and the civilizations which inhabited Petra after the Nabataeans left. At the end of the day, visitors are taken back across the border to Eilat for the return flight to Tel Aviv.The West Bank Day Trip from Tel AvivBethlehem and Jericho are not only the ultimate destination for Christians exploring the Holy Land but also a must-see for the fans of biblical archeology.Regardless of your faith, there are some iconic Christian sites in the West Bank and they are all well worth visiting, especially with a guided Bethlehem tour.Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, has several significant attractions including the top of the to-do list Nativity Church and Shepherds' Field, where angels first announced the birth of Christ. Jericho, the most ancient city on earth, mentioned in the Bible, has lasted through the ages to this day. See the famed sycamore tree that Zacchaeus, the tax collector, climbed to see Jesus entering Jericho, the excavations at Tell es-Sultan, and Mount Temptation where Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness.

Christmas in Israel can be magical and a truly spiritual experience. There are services in local churches (mainly in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem) as well as services held at the locations where Christmas events took place. Many tour buses leave Jerusalem on Christmas Eve to services in Shepherds' Field where an angel appeared to the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The tours continue to the Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and end off at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem for the Midnight Mass.Christmas tree in Bethlehem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockOf all the Christmas celebrations in Israel, perhaps the largest and most moving is at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, where gather in Manger Square to be a part of the celebration of Jesus’ birth on the spot where the events unfolded.Christmas in Bethlehem includes processions through the streets, carol singing, and religious services which can all be an extremely spiritual experience.Roman Catholics celebrate on the 24th of December at Saint Catherine’s Church in Bethlehem, as well as on the 5th and 6th of January when the Epiphany is commemorated. Greek, Coptic, Romanian, and Syriac Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on the 6th of January in Bethlehem. For those belonging to Orthodox denominations, it is customary to join into one of the many religious processions that are held in Bethlehem. Armenians tend to hold their services at the Basilica of the Nativity, although this falls a few weeks later than Protestant/Catholic times (usually the third week of January). These processions always pass through Manger Square, close to the site where it is believed that Jesus was born. For Protestants, it is a different matter.Some of them, of course, will attend evening services in their local churches whilst others will make the trip to the Church of the Nativity or Shepherd’s Field. For Protestants who want to travel to Bethlehem from Jerusalem, the YMCA organizes an evening trip. In Jerusalem, popular Protestant and Anglican churches include the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and St. George’s.Nativity scene, stained glass, Church of St. Catherine, Bethlehem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockChristmas traditions in Bethlehem tend to be in the same vein as those in Europe and North America. A week or two before 25th December lights will be put up, as well as other decorations, and flags will fly. Christians often paint crosses on the doors of their home and traditional Christmas markets are held, selling all kinds of fare associated with the holiday. If you look in the windows of peoples’ houses, you may also see miniature Nativity scenes on display.On 24th December - Christmas Eve - an afternoon parade is held in the center of the town and all of the residents, not to mention pilgrims and tourists, crowd the streets in an attempt to get a bird’s eye view of the celebrations. At the head of the Parade are officers on horses and behind them a man - also on a black horse - carrying a cross. Following him are government and church officials. Once the parade has arrived at the Church of Nativity followed by a man riding over a black steed and carrying a cross. After him comes the churchmen and government officials. After the parade has entered the Church of the Nativity, a statue of the ‘Holy Child’ is placed inside. The honored guests then descend down a long flight of stairs which leads them into a grotto. There can be seen a silver star - this is the place that marks Christ’s birth.In Nazareth, there are Christmas Eve parades and firework displays as well as church services. In all over 90,000 foreign visitors arrive in Israel annually to celebrate Christmas. Christmas is celebrated also in Haifa and in Jaffa. It is important to remember that throughout the rest of Israel you could probably not even notice that it is Christmas in Israel as unlike America and Europe the streets and stores are not decorated, there is no Santa ringing a bell outside shops, and Christmas music cannot be heard in the streets. Book a tour to the Christmas Eve in Jerusalem & midnight mass in BethlehemInside the Church of St. Catherine, Bethlehem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Here are some top tips for saving money if you are visiting Israel on a budget. You can save money in many small ways when you travel to Israel. Make your trip to Israel low-cost using these budget travel tips.The Old City of JerusalemVisit Israel in the Off-Season but not During HolidaysIf you travel to Israel in the off-season you will get cheaper airfares and cheaper hotels. Unlike some countries Israeli attractions do not close down in the winter. You’ll find it is business as usual throughout the country no matter what time of year you visit. Not only that but the weather is hot most of the year so traveling off-season will not mean missing out on outdoor activities. Be careful not to book during one of the Israeli national holidays when prices soar, hotels are booked up and attractions are crowded.Free Attractions in Israel One of the best ways to discover Israel is simply to take a walk through the streets or countryside. You can enjoy many sites for free in Israel like the Old City in Jerusalem where you can see the Wailing Wall, Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre all for free. In Tel Aviv you can enjoy Jaffa and the Bauhaus architecture of Tel Aviv just by going for a walk. The same goes for rural areas where there are well signposted hike trails to follow for free. Israeli beaches are free and there are many beautiful parks to enjoy for free.There are almost no free museums in Israel although some museums are free for those under 18 years. Visitors can tour the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa for free and in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem there are a few free guided walking tours. Some tickets to attractions in Jerusalem can be bought as “bundle tickets” giving you entrance to several places with the same ticket.National Parks CardIf you enjoy the outdoors and if you will be visiting several national parks it could be worthwhile buying a National Park membership. You will need to work out if this is cheaper than paying individual entrance fees depending on the places you want to visit. For example Masada (cable car not included), Bet Guvrin, Caesarea and Ein Gedi are national parks. You can buy the tickets from the entrance of any national park. Available tickets include the Blue Card which allows you entrance to three sites within two weeks for 78 ILS; the Green Card which gives you entrance to six sites within two weeks for 110 ILS and the Orange Card which gives you unlimited visits within two weeks for 150 ILS.Israeli Public TransportIsrael has an excellent public bus system which can get you to most parts of the country. The train system is rather limited yet reasonably priced. You can save money by avoiding taxis and sticking to public transport. There are “sherut” buses, which are shared minibus taxis that travel a set route but will pick up and drop off travelers anywhere along the way. Sherut buses can be useful especially on Shabbat when bus services are limited. If you have chosen to rent a car then shop around for the best gas prices. You’ll find different prices depending on the gas company and depending on whether you fill-up your gas tank by yourself or have the petrol attendant do it for you.Budget Accommodation in IsraelLike other top travel destinations Israel offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury hotels to hostels and even Airbnb. Try the Airbnb options as well as IYHA hostels which are of a high standard and well located for tourists. You can get cheaper hotel accommodation in Israel by traveling in the off-season and shopping around for the lowest price online.Eating in Israel on a BudgetIsrael has some amazing street food; you’ll find humus, shawama and falafel available at very reasonable prices. If you eat mainly from Israeli falafel and shawama “fast food” outlets instead of sit-down restaurants you’ll save a lot of money. For a snack or coffee try Cofix, a chain of coffee shops where all the prices are kept at about 5 ILS. You can also buy your meals at a local market. In Tel Aviv visit Carmel Market and in Jerusalem try Machane Yehuda Market. At Israeli markets you can find low-cost fresh produce, cheese, baked goods and more.Guided Group ToursTo get to some attractions it can be more convenient (and even cheaper) to join a group day tour. Day tours include pick-up and drop-off from a central location, transportation, entrance fees and the services of a knowledgeable guide

The Tiberias Marathon 2018 is one of the most anticipated Israel events. The race is officially called the Tiberias International Winner Marathon. It is also known as the Sea of Galilee Marathon as it takes place on the shores of this famous sea in northern Israel. The Tiberias Marathon 2018 is one of Israel’s top events and constitutes the Israel Open Championship. The 2018 race will be held on the 5th January 2018 and will be the 41st Tiberias Marathon. In addition to the full marathon there is a 10k run and special festive happenings.The Tiberias Marathon 2018 CourseOver 2,000 runners are expected to take place in this major sporting event. The route starts and finishes in the city of Tiberias, the largest city along the shore of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). The marathon course travels around the Kinneret from Tiberias on the western shore, along the southern shore and to Kibbutz Ein Gev on the eastern shore before doubling back and returning to Tiberias. Part of the route takes runners along the recently paved Barniki and Shikmim Beaches, right on the edge of the water. Participants can choose to run the full marathon; a 10 km race or a half marathon of 21 km. The marathon route takes you past breathtaking scenery with the beautiful Sea of Galilee on one side and the mountains, pastures and forests of the Galilee and Golan on the other. The race takes runners through the Jordan Valley past ancient historic landmarks and across the Jordan River.This is a road running marathon but most of the course is through rural landscapes. It is winter in January in Israel and so the weather is cool and perfect for the run.Sea of Galilee Marathon Special EventsIn addition to the run there will be other sporting events and happenings. As with other major sporting events around the world there will be water stations for the participants; music playing in the background and a festive atmosphere.Stalls will be offering a variety of sporting goods and other market-type goods. Participants can enjoy a pasta feast on the night before the race.Practical DetailsIf you would like to participate in the Tiberias Marathon or get additional information then you can check out the Tiberias Marathon website which has a Hebrew and English version. The marathon will take place on 5th January 2018. The full and half marathon will start at 7:30 a.m. and the 10K run will start at 7:55 a.m. The final date for registration is 31 December 2017 and the entrance fee is 285 ILS.

Each year Jews celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah which is often called the “Jewish Christmas” because it occurs in December. If you happen to be in Israel during Hanukkah you will be lucky enough to share in this special celebration. Unlike Christian holidays the date of Hanukkah changes each year because of the Jewish lunar calendar. In Israel Hanukkah is a week-long school holiday but there are no days observed like Shabbat so all top attractions in Jerusalem and other cities as well as stores remain open as usual. There are many special events put on to keep Israeli school kids busy and to entertain locals and visitors alike.Hanukkah menorah against the background of Tanach page. Photo byDiana PolekhinaonUnsplashWhat is Hanukkah?The Hanukkah holiday celebrates an event that took place in the 160 SBC. During that time Palestine was ruled by Greek-Syrians and Jews were persecuted. Jews were forbidden to worship, many were murdered, scrolls were burnt and the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was desecrated. A small group of Jews rose up against their oppressors and fought back in the “Maccabean Revolt.” The Jews were victorious and proceeded to restore the Temple and rededicate it. Part of rededicating the Temple was lighting the Menorah (a seven-lamped candelabra which had to remain lit eternally. When the Maccabees came to light the Temple’s Menorah they found that only a small jug of the required pure olive oil remained. The oil should have been sufficient only to light the lamp for one day. However, a miracle occurred and it remained lit for eight days by which time more oil had been found.To commemorate the events of Hanukkah Jews light candles on an eight-armed candelabra (called a Hanukkia). On the first night of Hanukkah one candle is lit and each successive night an additional candle is lit until all eight are lit. In addition, there is the 9th candle in the middle of the Hanukkiah which is used to light the others. The symbols of Hanukkah are light, oil, the hanukiah, and the dreidel – a spinning top.Two Hanukkah menoras with lit candles. Photo byshraga kopsteinonUnsplashHow is Hanukkah Celebrated in Israel?Bearing in mind the symbols of Hanukkah you will see a lot of fried foods (commemorating the miraculous oil) in Israel during Hanukkah. The most famous Hanukkah food is the doughnut or sufgania. This is a round doughnut with no hole in the middle but instead, it is filled with jam. Every café, restaurant, and kiosk will be selling sufganiot. These days there are many different kinds of sufganiot, from chocolate to alcohol flavored! An estimated 24 million sufganiot are eaten in Israel each Hanukkah. The symbol of light and the hanukkiah can be seen in Israel during Hanukkah. Each Israeli household displays a hanukkiah on the windowsill.Special Events in Israel during HanukkahHanukkah ShowsDuring the Hanukkah holiday in Israel, there is a plethora of theatrical productions, musical shows, concerts, and dance productions geared towards families. The most famous of these Hanukkah shows is the Festigal, a spectacular extravaganza of bright costumes, comedy, music, and dance. Top Israeli performers often appear in the Festigal. The Festigal is held annually in Tel Aviv. A more recent addition is Motek Shel Festival which is the same idea but geared towards a younger audience.Hanukkiah with 5 lit candles. Photo byRobert ThiemannonUnsplashHanukkah ToursSpecial walking tours of Jerusalem and the religious city of Bnei Brak are organized so that you can see the many hanukkiot displayed in the windows of private homes. This kind of Hanukkah tour takes place at night and includes walking through neighborhoods where many hanukkiot are displayed.The lighting of the HanukkiahEach city has a large hanukkiah set up in a public square. The hanukkiah is ceremoniously lit on the first night of Hanukkah. On the subsequent nights of Hanukkah, the city’s hanukkiah is often lit automatically. The most famous candle lighting ceremonies you can see take place next to the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. Each year on the first night of Hanukkah a torch Relay starts in the city of Modi’in and travels to the Western Wall in Jerusalem where the giant hanukkiah is lit.Museums during HanukkahMost museums hold special themed exhibits or workshops during Hanukkah. Science museums often hold demonstrations of light experiments. Other museums display artistic variations on the hanukkiah or hold kids' workshops where they can create their own hanukkiah, spinning top, or candles. Savivon, or dreidel. Photo byTetiana SHYSHKINAonUnsplashYou will definitely find special events and activities relating to Hanukkah at the Children’s Museum in Holon; the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv; the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem; the Israel Museum in Jerusalem; the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and at the Tower of David Museum in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Bloomfield Science Museum holds an annual MakeLight exhibition.In addition, there is the Museum of Edible Oil Products in Haifa which naturally ties in with the Hanukkah theme. The Hasmonean Village recreates the Hanukkah story each year; the Ein Yael Oil Festival is held in Jerusalem.Hanukkah Parties in IsraelOf course, the Israelis party whenever there is a good excuse! And Hanukkah is no exception. You will find bars, pubs, and clubs across the country holding Hanukkah parties throughout the holiday.Holiday of Holidays HaifaThe Haifa municipality holds special events on weekends throughout December. The Holiday of Holidays activities and shows celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Eid al-Fitr.